2004-08-08 - 12:52 p.m.

Finally got to load the "add a new entry" page after waiting literally 33 minutes!!!!

I am hoping this will work...

While waiting and observing my internal thoughts and ramblings, I started reflecting on the concept of "time" and how it can be perceived very differently from people of different cultures.

To my Western self, these long and torturing 33 minutes were a total and complete, frustrating waste of time... BUT in the local culture, one would not become frustrated nor feel like it was a complete waste.

Time here is not necessarily "money" as many Americans say day in and day out. Time, like all other things, is subject to God's willing and is taken as a gift to be used and shared with friends and family (most likely enjoying tea and chatting!).

It is very uncommon to find a MAuritanian here in Kaedi wearing a watch... and dinner or lunch are never served at the same time of the day... It seems to me that time and routine are set based on the movement and strength of the sun and the timing of the five daily prayers. Time flows in a very fluid manner, just as the sun and shade do... as they determine when one should move the matela from one spot to the other to escape from the sun into the shade, or start cooking lunch after they finished eating their morning snack...

I'm just rambling right now... as the end of my "internet" hour approaches and I have yet to be able to open one of the 133 new email messages waiting in my inbox... inshallah I will have more luck next time I come to the Internet cafe'!

Thanks again to allof you for your guestbook messages, letters, packages, emails... I send you a tight tight hug,

Jordy

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