Standing in line (called the queue in Kenya) is something we Americans are getting away from with internet shopping, bill paying online, express lines at the grocery store, etc. When we must stand in line we are familiar with “personal space” issues. Don’t stand too close or you’ll get the evil eye or even a reprimand (‘back off weird-o!’). If you’ve never traveled outside the United States you may not know different countries have different ideas of personal space while standing in line:
- United States – roughly 4 feet
- Europe – roughly 2-3 feet
- Kenya – non-existent!
I can speak on this from experience when I stood in line at the bank in Tala, Kenya. There are no checks or credit cards so all transactions are done either in cash or, if the vendor trusts you, they will let you transfer the amount you owe them directly into their account. While we were doing several projects last year in Tala Chuck had to visit the bank almost daily. Usually I would stay at Nice View, but one time I went with him…big mistake!
We walk into the bank and say hello to Michael, the bank guard (always good to know the guy who runs security!) Then I see the Kenyan queue with about 20 or so people and think 1) how long is this going to take and 2) why did I agree to come. I like being at the end of the line because no one is behind me, but that doesn’t last long and before I know it I’ve got a Kenyan on my back. There is literally no space between me and the person behind me. Chuck is in front of me and I’m staying roughly 2 feet behind him (after all he is my husband so I can stand a bit closer!) but I’m hoping the person behind me sees that and will think “hmmm, she must not like to be too close to people so I’ll step back a few steps” – no such luck!
As I take a step forward I keep looking over my shoulder, you know, the universal sign for ‘back off’, but they don’t take the hint. The person behind me takes a step along with me and stays attached to me until finally I am about ready to slap someone! That, I’m sure, would have caused a commotion – “look at that crazy white woman!” So instead I step outside the line and wait next to Chuck not behind.
I understand there are differences in culture and I’m really trying (Lord please help me!), but this may be one aspect that will take me a bit longer to get used to. So I continue happily on the outside of the line until we reach the bank teller and promise myself and Chuck to stay as far away from the Kenyan queue as I can!