Watch the Walk

A ladies' music group. "If you carry two bags, that's jealousy ." "Put your purchases in a black bag so no one can see it. You don't want jealousy ." "When you travel, don't forget to bring back gifts for your friends. Otherwise there will be jealousy . Next time you travel, it won't go well." "Don't wear your island wrap inside out, people will think you're jealous ." "Cover the top of your market bag, otherwise your neighbors will have jealousy ." Why do islanders strive so much to avoid jealousy? I've decided that it's another incarnation of the Evil Eye. According to Wikipedia "The evil eye is a curse believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, usually given to a person when they are unaware." Here on my island people fear what they call " jealousy ", not because envy is sin, but because they fear an accidental curse. Just because someone loves you doesn't mean they might ...

Let me ask you a question: how often do you check your email? In technology-saturated America-and-beyond, I'm guessing the answer would be "several times a day." Well, this story features an American (me) and a Tanzanian (undisclosed). One of them certainly does not check their email several times a day. Shall I begin? It all started with a plane ticket. In order to exit this island of mine I must deal with airports, security, capricious restrictions, unpredictable schedules, and language barriers... but all of that is precipitated by a plane ticket. Would you buy a plane ticket from a company that only accepts cash and wire transfers? Well, I did. I made the reservation online, set up the wire transfer with my bank, and waited confidently for the confirmation and official ticket. It never came. How long would you wait after sending money before worrying about not receiving a plane ticket? I was on vacation, so, after calling the company shortly after sending the transfer...