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Switter’s World's avatar

I spent my working life living in countries other than where I had citizenship. Most were troubled places and were difficult to live in while accomplishing a job.

Once, while escorting a Scandinavian delegation to visit a project deep in the desert northwest of Sudan, we saw a sandstorm (haboob) rising in west and the temperature was at least 50C. The air conditioning in our Landcruiser was straining to up with the heat, and our guests were going off about how international staff didn’t understand the living conditions of local people because of air conditioning, washing machines, and other “luxuries “ we provided to our staff.

As they explored the idea of how cushy our lives were, I glanced at my colleague who was driving and nodded my head. He reached over and shut off the A/C. A short time later, a rear tyre went flat just as we were at the leading edge of the haboob. My colleague and I exited the vehicle and changed the tyre in the heat and blowing sand. When we resumed our journey, I noticed our guests’ faces were bright red and they were sweating profusely.

After a long period of silence, one meekly asked if the A/C could be turned on “a little.” We took the opportunity to explain to our guest that our job in Sudan was not to prove we could endure the hardships like a local must, but to complete our work as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

“Now we understand,” said one our guests.

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Andrei Atanasov's avatar

This was one of the first essays I read from you, and an eyeopening experience. It still is that one year later.

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