They take a very carefree attitude towards time. Srilankans don't get annoyed at you for being late because there is no such thing as late. People are quite happy for you to arrive when you arrive. This has its advantages. Stress is virtually non-existant. People don't get worked up if you don't turn up. You can take things easy, do things at your own pace - even slower if you so wish. But it also has its disadvantages. It takes longer to get things done. Efficient business is difficult to operate (just ask Pampi!) You have to be extremely flexible - plans can change at any moment. But I found that if you're cool with that and are happy to just let things happen the way they happen then it can be an extremely refreshing contrast to the Western notion of time.
Dodgy logic
- A Srilankan takes twice as long to go shopping as a Brit
- A Srilankan takes twice as long to get ready to go out as a Brit
- A Srilankan takes twice as long to make tea as a Brit
- A Srilankan takes twice as long to wash as a Brit...
But a SriLankan still accomplishes everything a Brit does
Deduction - A Srilankan lives for twice as long as a Brit
Ok so that logic is a bit messed up, but I like the deduction cause it implies that you can improve the quality of your life a little by slowing down a bit. A valuable lesson for us Brits to learn methinks.
No comments:
Post a Comment