Back in Uganda, men did not wear shorts unless they were working in the field or washing cars or something like that. Shorts were for schoolboys, laborers at work, or tourists. Men, especially professional men, would never be seen in shorts. I became so accustomed to wearing slacks that Krista would chide me at home when I'd complain about the heat - I would forget that I could just put on shorts in the privacy of our apartment and be much more comfortable! But only after our housekeeper had gone home for the day - I wasn't comfortable wearing shorts in front of her. I became so accustomed to slacks that even when we returned to the States for Krista's sister's wedding I was still uncomfortable in shorts! It was August in Wisconsin and I assure you, everyone was wearing shorts except me. I just felt exposed in those shorts!
But Tanzania has proven to be unlike Uganda in a few important ways. Every Wednesday afternoon here at language school we spend some time in a cultural orientation lesson. Today, after almost two months here in Tanzania, I find out that it is socially acceptable for men to wear shorts. I've been here almost TWO MONTHS and I'm a big sweaty white guy faithfully wearing slacks every day and no one thought to mention it to me! I even mumbled a bit under my breath at the scandalous sight of the language school director wearing shorts as he passed our place one evening. Now, of course, I understand. Sigh. Glad I brought a few pairs. Now if I can just get over that feeling of being exposed when I wear them!
-Shauen