Reversing the Cultural Exchange

I'm still here in DC. But that doesn't mean I can't get interesting and enlightening cultural exchanges happening.

Every year during this week, there is a big global health conference in DC. People come from all over the world to attend panel discussions, round table events, networking opportunities, and all sorts of professional improvement activities. They also come to shop.

One of my colleagues from when I was in Uganda is here. It's his first time in the US, and boy is he having a good time. We have introduced him to the finer things that the US has to offer, including Best Buy, Payless Shoes, and Chipotle burritos. He really likes the carnitas burritos. In the office we have also introduced him to some very good chocolate cake and iced tea. And yesterday we went shopping at Filene's Basement.

He is a bit overwhelmed by everything, but is embracing it all at the same time. And he has had some very funny observations about Americans. I'll share my favorite commentary:

We were waiting for the metro yesterday and I said to him, "Onesmus, you have experienced the metro system in DC, in New York City and in Boston. You are now an expert!" He laughed and said, "Yes, but no one in Uganda will believe me when I tell them that you travel like rats!"

Yes indeed - they will hear that Americans travel to and from work through a network of underground tunnels. What I am most proud of though, is that I have educated yet another outsider that one should always stand right, walk left on the escalator, and wait until people have exited the train before boarding. If he goes home having learned nothing else, I will still feel that I have been a succesful tour guide.