Cold Chillin'

I have driven the stretch between HEAL and Maji well over one hundred times, its routine. However today during the “routine” drive back from HEAL I noticed something.

The streets are constantly buzzing over here. People carrying food, holding hands, talking, selling goods etc. But if one looks harder there is also another activity people are taking part in, chillin. Now in the short period of time that I have been able to think about this I have come to the conclusion that it is awesome. There are people out front of stores, kisosks, and other names for places where stuff is sold. Some of these chillers are talking, don't know what about but for the most part it looks very important. Yet majority of those people chillin on the side of the road are taking part in one of my favourite activities, people watching. Groups of people look at you as you drive by with blank stares. They’re just watching, soaking it all in, the car fumes, smells, and the sights that the Goma streets have to offer. I think this needs to be introduced into everyday life back at home.

I understand that my proposition will be met with the excuses, “there is too much to do”, “we don’t have time to just sit.” Although this is true, take a minute and slow down for a second eh. I believe that if everyone just took a moment to relax and watch the day go by for a short period of time during the week everyone would be less stressed. I can be quoted complaining about “Africa time” but I think there is a reason to embrace it and just be.

Any thoughts?