We are two weeks into our time in Africa and I am wishing we had a full week - or month - more. Alas, only a few more days.
Being in Africa has spectacular. The landscape. The people. The food. This might go down as the best trip ever. Taking a longer trip has also meant that we are not trying to do it all. It’s meant that we aren’t rushing. And frankly, rushing doesn’t seem to fit in here. Things run on Africa Time.
Africa Time. What is that?
My dear friend how lives in Cape Town was a great example. When we were leaving her house, she said, “we’re only 37 minutes late.”
When we were late for a reservation, “not a problem.”
A three hour dinner? Sure.
Granted - we are on vacation but it’s not about us. It’s about all of us.
This is different. Africa Time has been an adjustment to my time table.
Stateside, I run a tight ship. I am consistently punctual. Growing up, being on time was a big deal. And in my own home, it has been a big deal. Perhaps the greatest bone of contention in my relationship with my husband is that he is always a little bit late.
I’m reminded of my coach adding a simple phrase in moments like this….Up until now.
Up until now, I watched the clock like a hawk. Up until now, I nagged my family about the time. Up until now, I complained about lateness.
Maybe this is something I want to interrogate.
What happens if I wait longer?
While it seems like things are more relaxed on Africa time, it also seems like there are more layers at play. Everyone’s schedules are at play. Schedules are more intertwined. It seems like what I want is not as important.
Maybe what I want is not the most important.
That feels uncomfortable to admit, here in a post and to myself. Looking back over previous posts and morning pages, I realize that’s something I’ve been untangling slowly for quite some time and it is coming into relief more now.
And? What becomes clearer?
Patience. Re-evaluation. Reconsideration. Reprioritization.
Change. Adjustment. Flexibility.
We’ve been talking as a family about what we want to bring home with us from this trip. These qualities of Africa Time should be wrapped carefully, packed up to cross the big world, and held close to my heart.
Love this exploration of how your relationship with time may be changing through this experience. Very exciting!
Travel is the most enriching pastime!!!