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EvolSyawla wrote:I love being here, and I love our people. But there are just a few things that I still need to get use to:

1. People who are having a conversation with you who will snort or pick their nose mid-sentence, sometimes while still looking you in the eye.
A respectful and natural thing in fact. Would you rather the plain sight of a chunk of booger lodged on the edge of your interlocutor's nostril? How about the discomfort of a thick loogie getting in the way of your conversation? This person honors you by cleansing himself/herself because they think that highly of you.

2. Qat everywhere. No, I will never want to get use to this.
The blessed leaf...As was revealed in the old book of the Israelites, in Isaiah 11:7 "...And lions will eat grass"

3. Being served before others because of your complexion/outsider 'look', only to be snaked and charged extra.
You smooth skins are always about preferential treatment. Well, said treatment comes at a premium.

4. Relatives calling you/visiting to say hi, but you know they want money.
Allah swt says in surah Baqarah "Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it]...will have their reward with their Lord". And let us remember, my dear sister that charity starts at home so spend freely on your family and do not advertise your benevolence.

5. Having some of these extended relatives 'hanging out' with you in your room and the second you leave, you realize they dug through your things and you notice the next day that there is a large amount of cash missing, and being told to treat it as sadaqa to avoid shaming the thief. DURING RAMADAN.
See above....Besides, hoarding money is wickedness...they are only relieving you of its corruption and tidying up your room in the process. Be thankful and appreciative walaal

6. Knowing I will not sit and relax in a hot bubble bath until I get back to my beloved Toronto lol (unless I check into a hotel that MAY have baths. Which I have not yet seen?)
A waste of water. Be green huuno.

Good ol Hargeisa.
Indeed

EvolSyawla wrote: I am saving for something important

EvolSyawla wrote:I love being here, and I love our people. But there are just a few things that I still need to get use to:

1. People who are having a conversation with you who will snort or pick their nose mid-sentence, sometimes while still looking you in the eye.
leave your middle class sensibilities at the door, you're in africa, heck even in the west when dealing with working class you notice something you have been shielded from your whole life, that is, people with no manners.
2. Qat everywhere. No, I will never want to get use to this.
Just stay away from it.
3. Being served before others because of your complexion/outsider 'look', only to be snaked and charged extra.
As long as it balances out I see no problem.
4. Relatives calling you/visiting to say hi, but you know they want money.
Never outright give money to relatives, I always give gifts, and if there is need for money I do it through my parents, it is less embarrassing for them, let them hassle your parents.
5. Having some of these extended relatives 'hanging out' with you in your room and the second you leave, you realize they dug through your things and you notice the next day that there is a large amount of cash missing, and being told to treat it as sadaqa to avoid shaming the thief. DURING RAMADAN.
Just like anywhere, defend yourself, let them know it is bang out of order to steal from you, but when telling them off make sure to end it on a positive note.
6. Knowing I will not sit and relax in a hot bubble bath until I get back to my beloved Toronto lol (unless I check into a hotel that MAY have baths. Which I have not yet seen?)
Buy one and enjoy your life like a boss.

Good ol Hargeisa.