Nonentities stride past famous structures,
Sequestration and tips. These two subjects have preoccupied my mind during my second visit in eight years to Washington.
I have traveled on business to learn the current issues that preoccupy our public diplomacy engagement across the globe religion, human rights, budget cuts, women’s issues, social media e.t.c.- all topical issues in Zimbabwe which has just endorsed a new constitution. I miss being part of this journey, but only just!
More important, and to my delight, i am part of a tour that integrates important elements of American culture. I look at each element museums, rivers, airports, buildings, e.t.c. with eagerness, and always hope each espouses with it values we share. They do. It’s not a surprise to me but i have to cope pleasantly with a few extremes.
“In the US, it is normal to tip,” reads a guide to visitors. I would not have worried a single bit about this nice sounding state of affairs had the prices been those i see in Harare. I may not be privy to the origins of this ritual; nor the rationale for it, but i certainly am here to feel and see it. “Anything between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of the bill is considered acceptable!” Yeah, right!
Coming from Zimbabwe where a meal would cost as little as $1 in a backyard restaurant (i am sure there are such places in Virginia but you will not get sadza), this would not even be an issue. In the places i have visited, i have been shocked at the cost of a bun, let alone a coke. In Zimbabwe, a 300 millilitre coke costs a dollar. Variations would take it up to $2 in other places- but the difference is more on the class. Prepare to double or treble this in Virginia. Add 10- 20 per cent for a tip. Huh! It’s a taste easy to avoid if you can locate Zimbabwe somewhere. I am not naive to think that every American can afford to tip but I sure belong to a class that is expected to. Watch me!
The person in me works with the most affordable offer available. The US wants to reduce cost of conducting business- a notion that forms part of sequestration or the sequester. This refers to cuts on government spending and is legislated. In Zimbabwe, you hear about it in huffing tones and the reality of it all comes when you are about to start a program. And when you encounter such a situation in my country you make a plan. Terms such as “kiya kiya” are exactly what they mean make do with what you have including survival!
In the US, the reality is a little different. I have heard about airline delays and cuts in this and that in various government offices. At one station, we were told that security procedures will take a little longer due to limited personnel. At Congress, a staffer told us that travel and other routines had been changed to reduce costs. Codels no longer fly military but still continue to get business done. Despite the budget challenges, there is no excuse- targets must be met without short cuts. Politicians want to deliver on their pre-election promises. It must be an exciting challenge for the decision makers.
I am travelling to Worcester, Massachusetts and my guide says i have to reserve no less than $35 for tips over five days. No negotiations about the practice and this seemingly challenging minimum. My consolation: it’s part of learning a culture and, a bit of thought and extravagance is necessary to appreciate a people’s way of life. It’s called learning by doing. I will do it!
Technological advances are part of American culture
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Extreme Dimensions 