Differences

"You probably don't appreciate the traffic here." It was phrased as a statement, but I knew it was really a question. What do you think of the traffic? My Kenyan driver weaved through traffic, gently pushing his way into intersections and avoiding the pedestrians and motorcycle traffic as they intermingled with cars and trucks.

Actually, I have a great appreciation for how traffic works in Nairobi. It's the truth. I appreciate the skill of drivers there, the way that they watch traffic and respond in accordance with it. I appreciate how everyone moves through roundabouts, getting where they need to go.

Systems are systems. The US system of driving is nice-- you follow the rules of the road and normally things work out fine. But then there's distracted driving. The driver checking Facebook, taking a picture, answering texts, talking on the phone, setting up navigation. It doesn't take long for things to go wrong.

In Nairobi it's a lot harder to be a distracted driver-- cars and other things on the road are constantly merging, turning, etc. It takes a lot of concentration to keep up with everything that's happening.

So while yes, I enjoy driving in the US a lot more than I can see enjoying driving in Nairobi, I have a great appreciation for how their system works.

And really, a lot of intercultural differences are like this. First you see something and think, "Oh, that's awful, it's so messed up," but then you observe how it works. You integrate. You appreciate. And while it may still not be your preferred way of operating, you realize the validity of other ways of operating.

Intercultural. Interpersonal. Getting to know something or someone provides us with many opportunities to reconcile differences and seek understanding.