In which I survive without getting my head ripped off...and Africander research blather

[liz_marcs]

Ahhhh, retail the weekend before Christmas. Oh, how not fun you are.

Customers are cranky.

The lady who interrupts you while you're waiting on another customer because she's only got a "quick question" hands you a list, causing the the current customer and the three customer-ducklings behind him who are following you around like you're their mother to get very annoyed.

And if one more person asks me, "What do you mean March of the Penguins is sold out?!?" they will be beaten within an inch of their lives. I don't care where you live. I will kill you with my brain if I have to.

YAY! The HOLIDAYS!

And only in heathen Massachusetts would customers aggressively great each other with "Happy Holidays!", as if daring the other customer to correct them.

WHEEEEEE! Looks like I'm not the only one who tangled with a "It's Christmas!" sort.

I retreated from the agressive, grit-toothed grins of people wishing any and all comers some holiday goodness by steadfastly wishing everyone a good weekend instead.

I'm pleased to report that everyone was just fine with that.

However, there are some upsides to this bookstore gig.

Like getting access to the travel section which had a pathetic selection of books on travel in Africa. Couldn't find any tour books on Algeria. I guess Algeria isn't exactly Club Med. *pulls out World's Most Dangerous Places guidebook* Whaddya know! Algeria has a huuuuuuge chapter in here. Can't think why Lonely Planet doesn't have anything.

Found an interesting slim volume on cultural norms and manners in various West African countries, which had an chapter on Mali.

And, heh, the Middle Eastern thing about not eating with your left hand...also part of the Mali sharing food tradition and for the same reason. Think: squat toilets. Also, toilet paper is not a common commodity in Mali. These facts are connected.

I should also mention, it's traditional in villages for families and guests to grab food out of a common bowl with their right hand.

Wheeeee!

Of course, the hilarious thing is I got Michael Palin's book, Sahara out of the library (Thanks to mara_sho for the tip. PBS hasn't snapped up Palin's latest armchair travel extravaganza yet, but the book's already in the States), and he keeps making note that while he was in Mali capital of Bamako, there were signs all over the place saying that peeing against this or that wall would result in a fine if the perp was caught. Heh.

But damn, Palin whent to Algeria as well as Mali. Those Monty Python guys must have balls of brass. Palin goes where Lonely Planet fears to tread.

Also in Mali: People being nosy about your personal life? Perfectly okay and it's considered rude if you don't answer. You asking about their personal life? Very rude. And so I learn something new. "Mali" must be Bambara for "Yankee," because, damn if that isn't a Yankee trait from hell.

Also, looking someone in the face is considered rude. Men show their brotherhood by holding hands. Awesome!

And Kola Nuts = Quintiple-shot espresso without the milk! Wheeee!

My poor little OC is going to have a hell of a time in store for her as she searches for Dr. Livingston...ooops! I mean Mr. Harris.

*giggles insanely*

Best score of the day: Michelin Map of North and West Africa. Coolness! I can actually figure out distances now!

Aaaaaaand whoops! Spoke too soon. Actual warning on map: "In Africa distances can rarely be given with absolute accuracy." Oh, goody.

Just added a possible Africander resource: Michael Palin also has a Website detailing his wander-lust ways.

Comments

[bluegreensmoke.livejournal.com]

Also in Mali: People being nosy about your personal life? Perfectly okay and it's considered rude if you don't answer. You asking about their personal life? Very rude. And so I learn something new. "Mali" must be Bambara for "Yankee," because, damn if that isn't a Yankee trait from hell.

Hee! So true, so true. Sahara sounds like an interesting book. I'll have to check it out.

[liz-marcs.livejournal.com]

Palin is an engaging "host," so to speak.

Oh, and here's Palin's travelin' Website: http://www.palinstravels.co.uk/

[invisionary.livejournal.com]

Also in Mali: People being nosy about your personal life? Perfectly okay and it's considered rude if you don't answer. You asking about their personal life? Very rude. And so I learn something new. "Mali" must be Bambara for "Yankee," because, damn if that isn't a Yankee trait from hell.

Wait, how does this work exactly? Does this only apply to foreigners or something? I can't see how it makes sense otherwise....

[liz-marcs.livejournal.com]

I suspect it is a "only applies to foreigners" thing, as there are also cautions against discussing position/possessions/salary to your hosts as it might be construed as bragging.

So, in short: nix discussions about money and religion. Up in the air still about politics.

[uninvitedcat.livejournal.com]

Those Monty Python guys must have balls of brass.

Very probably! Hee!

[4thdixiechick.livejournal.com]

[hugs you & gives you aspirin]

Ah, retail hell! I have a no-mall rule from Thanksgiving to New Years,' because I can't stand how pushy people are to the sales staff & to each other. I hope you make it through the rest of the holiday rush in one piece!

I hope you have a chance to rest up today.

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

Those crazy march of the penguins would-be purchasers -- everything is online! Stores don't have things this time of year!

I applaud you soldiering on to get that discount. Retail is hell this time of year.

[anelith.livejournal.com]

I wonder if Ethiopia is in that "World's Most Dangerous Places" guidebook. My dad is moving there next summer. He says the unrest there is not as bad as it's cracked up to be...

*hollow laugh*

[liz-marcs.livejournal.com]

Ethiopea and Etrea were in the 2nd and 5th editions. It is not in the 5th edition.

Some good news, TAR 6 did go through Ethiopea during one leg of the race. Since TAR does not send people into active African war zones or places of unrest, Ethiopea and neighboring Etrea is probably relatively stable right now.

Eratta...should read before hitting post

[liz-marcs.livejournal.com]

Sorry. I meant the two countries were in the 2nd and 4th editions. It's not in the 5th edition, which is the latest edition of the book. However, it is three years out-of-date.

[anelith.livejournal.com]

Thanks for that news! It does make me feel better.

[lillian13.livejournal.com]

Heh. Did my time working in mall stores. Mostly in various WaldenBooks. This was long before book superstores, and in a smallish town as well. We'd get kids dropped off for hours(and if you remember how cramped those stores were/are, you'll get some idea of what the kids' section looked like afterwards), plus we stayed open until 11:00--well past what was considered "regular" hours back then. So you have my most sincere sympathies.