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Tuesday, September 18, 2007 Expats, what do you expect?
Ramadan Kareem!
It's no longer "Good morning" or "Hello", but "Ramadan Kareem". Yes, the Muslim Fasting month has begun and that's how we greet people we meet --- no matter if they are of the same faith or not. This is quite acceptable. Work hours are now from 9am - 1 pm. Anyone complaining?Huh?? All eating places are closed until they break fast in the evening. And even if you are not fasting, you are not to eat or drink in the presence of someone who is. Ahhhh......this requires some sensitivity, self consciousness and a good memory ( you can't just pick a grape from the supermarket to test for sweetness any time of the day; you can't drink your bottled water even if you're dry in the throat from doing a presentation ) Suddenly your life is not your own! It is inconvenient. As I continue to enjoy the challenges of being in this foreign land, I've also met many of my countrymen here --- expats! They are a different breed with a different attitude and mindset. I just want to be careful not to be like 'one of them'. Firstly, they complain a lot! "People here are so slow....so inefficient.....so irresponsible ---- they say 'yes' but never do what they promise." Are we so used to the instant answer, the fast pace, the high productivity required of us back home that we have grown impatient and frustrated in the face of a stress-less life? Secondly, they pine for home! Sure, I understand that we miss our loved ones, our favorite foods, our familiar activities. But hey! What made us choose the 'new' in exchange for the life we have grown up with? It was not only because it was an offer not to be missed --- it was a curiosity to see what another part of the world is like and how other people live and work and enjoy their rest! We wanted to taste their food, shop for their authentic stiff, drive with no thought about petrol price, live in desert conditions ..... So, what are we doing looking for the chicken rice chilli, the roast pork, the dried scallops, etc. at the supermart here? Let's appreciate the Lebanese bread, the Arabian dates, the Indian veal ...... Let's appreciate the local architecture, their changeable rules, their desire for progress...... Thirdly, expats have forgotten that they are here to offer themselves --- their skill, their expertise, their relationship, their committment to contribute to this new land. They should not be here just to see how much they can get out of the country (after all, they are already getting a better salary than back home, or else they wouldn't be here!) They should be engaged with the people, the happenings, the culture. It's not good to look at their life here as 'temporary'. Their life here is to be lived as permanent as if they have no where else to move to. Expats have to embrace the place and establish themselves with the people. That's what I think expats should expect of themselves. At least that's what I expect of ME!!!
link | posted by magnificentmom at 1:18 AM |
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