Its always nice to get visitors. Two days ago I a volunteer came by for the day, and then yesterday three volunteers came to town. Its nice to speak english, and to not be the only American in town, but they invariably do a little damage to the image I’ve been working so hard to create. Perhaps its impossible to come across as not being incredibly more well off than everyone else, simply because I am American, but I purposely try to stay away from the more expensive things because I don’t want to fit that patron image. But when other volunteers come we tend to end up being a little luxurious, which might mean drinking cokes and eating ice cream, which doesn’t seem like a lot but which is a whole days worth of food for many people. And we didn’t just buy ice cream, we each got the largest ice cream possible, and then promptly ate it and went back to order a second one.
As you can see, I’m still struggling to define the boundary line between how much I want to (and how much its possible) to come across as just another person here, and how much I want to sacrifice to accomplish that. Even without visitors this question pops up. Every time I buy anything I have to consider how much I want to argue with merchants, and at what point I am willing to pay a little more than a Guinean would, and at what point I will walk away. Or take what I eat, which generally consists of eggs, tomatoes, onions, oranges, bananas, bread, bouille, and maybe a rice bowl (not all in one day). Thats a lot more variety than most Guineans eat. But the line there is fairly clear, as I’m not willing to give up the variety and health of what I eat so that I can appear more Guinean. It gets more difficult with clothes, where I have to wear something at least a little business casual, but I don’t want to wear rich patron clothes. The line seems pretty thin there, and I haven’t been able to really find a balance yet. And when other volunteers arrive, all hope of seeming like a normal Guinean goes out the window.
Not that its really expected that I live like a vrai Guinean. Indeed, Guineans themselves, thinking me to be rich, expect me to be living like a patron, and might think I’m a little stingy when I don’t. Its just interesting to think about, and, especially in these beginning months, I want to keep as low a profile as possible. Perhaps after the city knows me a little better I will be more comfortable spending a little more money.
Mail should come tonight!
