You may not consider yourself a "businessman"/"businesswoman," in the usual sense, you are entering the Congo with an [exciting and positive] agenda and you will have work to do. That being said, you should know that work and play [business life and personal life] are not separated as they are in the United States. Americans tend to be most comfortable drawing distinct lines between the public and private realms of life. This is uncommon in the Congo and you should be prepared to make friends before you make business partners.
 |
| Mud Brick Hut, Congolese Village, Kivu Province |
Visiting is very important to in the Congo. This most often will occur in the home, and you should expect very hospitable hosts regardless of wealth or status. Don't be surprised if you are offered very much from your friends who may have very little. You should be accepting and do your best not to seem visibly uncomfortable with this, as it would be considered offensive.The following information is here to provide you with a basic idea of what things might look like during your travels, and general knowledge of what to expect when you're visiting.
In rural areas:
- housing is typically a one-room hut built of mud bricks
- people live in village communities
- no access to electricity
- water needed for washing and cooking is collected from nearby streams or wells
- water can be filled with bacteria and disease, an issue known to many developing countries in the world
- often it is the women and children who retrieve the water for the family, sometimes walking miles both ways
In urban areas:
- many buildings were constructed during the colonial era, and are often in a great deal of disrepair
- sometimes up to three generations of a family will live in one dwelling
- almost all neighborhoods have electricity, but be prepared for unexpected blackouts
In refugee camps:
- some will look similar to villages, but with huts incredibly close
- sometimes the United Nations or other international aid groups allowed in the DRC will provide tents, and you can expect the situation to consist of similarly close quarters with very little living space or provisions for families
 |
| UN Refugee Camp "Mugungu 2," Goma |
You will likely be making connections with individuals that come from each of these areas. Be prepared for anything, and most importantly be flexible with the conditions you face. Take this opportunity to see the world differently and focus on the people you are with, not the circumstances around you.About visits...
- While you are still developing your friendship, be sure that plans to visit have been made ahead of time.
- do not drop by unannounced - this is reserved for very close friends and family
- sometimes it is customary in America to bring a gift when you are invited over for the first time - as a first-time visitor in the congo you should not do this
- HOWEVER, after you have built rapport with your new friends, it will be acceptable to bring a small gift of a food item or item for display in the home
- When you arrive, do not enter the home until you are invited in.
- Ask before taking a seat.
- it is likely that your host will offer you a seat almost immediately upon entering the home
- if there is not a seat readily available, they will make one for you!
- In most cases children are not present during adult social time in urban areas, however it is more likely to be the exception rather than the rule in rural villages.
- During a visit it is common to share a meal.
Sharing a meal...
** Remember **
Leave you entitlement at the door. This is a situation where it is absolutely crucial to be considerate of your new friend [host] and be open minded about the meal they are offering you. This is a developing country and most of the population survives on very little wealth, so it is an honor and privilege that you have been invited to share a meal with them. Be willing to try new things and you will be received very well!
- When should you expect a meal?
- a light breakfast is eaten in the morning
- the largest meal of the day is typically eaten in the late afternoon or early evening
- if the family readily has access to food, there is a light snack eaten later on at night
- If you are not hungry, you should still attempt to eat the food out of consideration for the time and effort taken to prepare it for you.
- Be careful how you eat - the Congolese will be watching to judge your sincerity and appreciation
- if you think you cannot eat a lot, try to take just a little more than you are comfortable with eating
- if you are offered food, show some reluctance at first - this is considered respectful - but ultimately you should accept what you are given!
- Remember the gender roles that were addressed earlier? You will see these displayed when sharing a meal, as men and women use separate communal bowls
- observe what your Congolese friends are doing and mirror this behavior, that is the safest way to be respectful if you cannot remember what is and isn't appropriate!
- Most of the population will eat their meal with the fingers of their right hand, unless you are dining in an urban area with a new friend from a wealthier background
- as noted before, this is one of those times where you MUST NOT use your left hand
- if you are eating with utensils...
- the right hand holds the knife
- the left hand holds the fork
- Your hosts will wash their hands both before and after the meal - be sure to follow their example!
- Meat is a rare dish for most households and as part of a high regard for the elderly, they are the ones who will distribute the meat.
- you may find yourself inclined to help distribute dishes, but be sure not to do so in such a case as this!
The Congolese Diet...
- fufu - made with yams/plantain and is similar to mashed potatoes in consistency; it is often eaten with sauce
- fish - eaten in three different ways: salted, smoked, or dried
- plantain - green banana
- beans
- corn
- vegetables
- rice
- fruit
Most of their shopping is done in open-air markets and you will not see supermarkets as we have in the United States.
No comments:
Post a Comment