Blending in is just something that's not going to happen for me while I'm here. A white face in a sea of Liberian colleagues, a business casual wardrobe amidst more traditional African dress, a granola bar snack that prompted a man in my office today to look at me quizzically and ask for a bite...these things set me apart. However, I think I might earn some respect and some Liberian "points" if I can master the country's handshake. It's simple, really. A relaxed handshake that ends with a joint snap of the fingers. Men do it more often than women, but it's not uncommon for women to do a light snap as well. My inability to snap using someone else fingers means I've been the source of quite a few smiles in my office these past couple days. Unfortunately it's not something one can really get better at without practice, and I can't practice on my own.
Oh -- but one of the social workers who's in the department I'm working for did bestow a Liberian name on me today (apparently Alexis won't cut it): Korpu. I think it has a nice ring to it. Apparently Korpu is the second highest person in the Gbandi (tribe) women's society. I'm not sure why I have to be second, but that seemed a bit ungrateful to ask at the time.
About Me
- Alexis
- I love trying new things and learning a little about a lot of different topics.
6 comments:
I am a law student at Yale and am looking to spend the summer in Liberia. (Incidentally I would be working with the Ministry of Health.)
I am trying to get a sense of how you feel about your personal safety and what precautions I should insist on in terms of housing, etc. I am sure that you stand out, but do you feel comfortable walking around the city? Do you feel comfortable going out at night? Were you concerned about the trip from the airport?
Perhaps you could post something on this or email me at jonathan.cochran -at- yale.edu. I would appreciate anything you could tell me.
Thanks for your blog.
Your first fan!!!! Angelina who?
I think Courtney will be pleased that "Korbu" sounds kind of like "Abbu."
you're the #1 Korpu in my book lex! although i guess # 1 has a different name...bah, too much responsibility, i choose #2 any day! tee hee!
Korpu-I am thoroughly enjoying this blog. And I really hope you master that handshake!
Yay! I love special handshakes... my obsession dates back to Will and Carlton on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I think you should force your roommates to practice with you. They'll admire you tenacity and dedication.
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