Top 5 Questions I get/HATE from Mozambicans

#1 "Where are you from?"
** This question usually precedes several guesses at my country of origin. "Angola? No, no, Brazil? Oh I know, South Africa?" Surprisingly, most people don't even throw Mozambique into the mix.

This leads us to...

#2 "You're American!?! I didn't know there were black people in America"
** My natural response is to ask them where they think Lil Wayne and Jay-Z are from and then remind them that President Obama is Black. <-- THIS is why we need more Black PCVs

#3 "But where are your parents/grandparents/great grandparents from?"
**I have gotten this not only from Mozambican's who don't have a good grasp of the African Slave trade or of American history/pop culture, but also from what I mistakenly guessed where educated Europeans. I am so tired of having to enumerate my family tree. This question has however, made me very interested in doing a genealogy test when I get back home.

#4 "Are you married?" *slash* "Do you have kids?"
**In Mozambican culture, a person -woman or man- isn't considered an adult until they have a household to care for. This means that since I live alone without a husband or children that I am, in their eyes, still a "menina"+ little girl. When I first got here I was vigilant about telling people that I am a woman, because I have ___ years on the Earth and have this or that degree and pay my own bills. After a year in, I know that they aren't trying to disrespect me. That's just they way it is here.

#5 "Will you marry me?" *back-slash* "Can I go to America with you?"
**Self explanatory.

 Bonus Question!!

#5a "Can I have your phone number?"

**My best friends will tell you that is question plagued me even in the United States. Mozambique and Mozambican men are just the same. Men everywhere are getting hip to the fake number thing. They call you while they're still in your face to make sure the number is real!! ::Creeper alert::

*** I have picked up a few tips to combat the creeper call epidemic:

•  "Oh sorry, my phone is only for work."
• "How about you give me your number instead"
• And when that doesn't work and they insist on taking mine, I store their number as "DO NOT ANSWER"
• When I'm really getting the creeper vibe and just don't wanna deal I give them the "NO!" and walk away. 

::Disclaimer:: I really do try to be open and honest in the name of cultural exchange but if I hear any of these questions ONE MORE TIME!!!!! ...but I digress

Peace & Love

~Mama J in Moz~