A few years ago, when I was studying Theatre-Making at university, one of my classmates created a short skit called "2 Minutes". It poked fun at the now quite un-politically correct term of AFRICAN TIME. In South Africa, the idea of African Time translates as a total disregard for punctuality and common respect for your fellow man who operates on the Western concept of time-keeping, often resulting in despairing pull-your-hair-out-with-loud-heavy-sighs moments for said punctual person. You were considered lucky if your assurance of 2 minutes manifested in 2 hours.
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to SAUDI TIME! I have been here for a week and a half now, and since I arrived, I have been told "2 days". This 2-days-response is in answer to "When can I move out of this noisy hotel into my apartment?" (An apartment which was promised in the contract signed by both parties.) Please note, "2 days" is the same reply to the same question, every 2 days!
Apparently, it's the company supplying the furniture that is the hold-up. Before that, it was the satellite TV company holding up the satellite dish installation. Before that, it was the delivery of electrical appliances. Before that, the walls must have been to blame, before that? Who knows? The plot of land? On the plus-side, when I eventually get there, I'll be moving into a brand new building. I've heard it said that good things take time! Let's keep our fingers and toes crossed.
So, if African Time means that 2 minutes equal 2 hours, does Saudi Time mean that 2 days actually means 2 weeks? I'll keep you posted....
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to SAUDI TIME! I have been here for a week and a half now, and since I arrived, I have been told "2 days". This 2-days-response is in answer to "When can I move out of this noisy hotel into my apartment?" (An apartment which was promised in the contract signed by both parties.) Please note, "2 days" is the same reply to the same question, every 2 days!
Apparently, it's the company supplying the furniture that is the hold-up. Before that, it was the satellite TV company holding up the satellite dish installation. Before that, it was the delivery of electrical appliances. Before that, the walls must have been to blame, before that? Who knows? The plot of land? On the plus-side, when I eventually get there, I'll be moving into a brand new building. I've heard it said that good things take time! Let's keep our fingers and toes crossed.
So, if African Time means that 2 minutes equal 2 hours, does Saudi Time mean that 2 days actually means 2 weeks? I'll keep you posted....
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