Cultural comparisons

Two random events in the last day or so reminded me how naturally I compare my culture to others. Most of the time I prefer my own culture. I don't know that it is bad to have preferences or prejudices as long as I am aware of them and know when to switch them off.

First, I am frustrated that everything in Egypt revolves around just in time communication. It is similar to just in time delivery or construction in American. With this method the order and delivery of goods and services is timed so that is arrives exactly when it is needed. The benefit is you save on interest costs and storage costs. We love it in America and most businesses use it in one form or another. Well in Egypt, they do this with communication. Why call when you can just swing by and ring the door bell? Why use email when you can just call people on their mobile (everyone must have one and it must ALWAYS be available)? Why make specific plans a day or two in advance when you can call a few hours before and finalize everything? This all works fine enough when people are there and you can connect. Otherwise, it is a mess and things drag on forever as re-calls and re-visits happen randomly until you do connect with each other.

Second, ... okay, I don't remember the second one anymore, but it was an equally good observation.

So in the end I am reminded of the warning I received from my wife before we left for Egypt...

"You will experience culture shock. You will love Egypt, and then hate it, and then love it again. People who have been there for decades say that culture shock never really goes away." Since I know intellectually that one culture is not "better" than another, I feel the challenge to look for the good in both my home culture and my current culture. Honestly, I still find I am short with people when I am having an "I hate (insert culture)" moment. I will try to keep this in mind when I get home and see some Somali lady looking pissed off. [the leader photo is of a cultural trait that I HATE about America: two people talking to each other and on the phone to other people at the same time.]