Many women here marry young and they come at a cost. Men offer cows, goats and money to the potential bride's family. The more education a woman has, the better the offer.
I wondered how much a local would offer to marry a Mzungu (white person) like me. Yesterday I found out.
5 security guards at Barclay's Bank: (wave and blow kisses)
me: Bruce, the guards are blowing kisses at me.
Bruce: Hm, let's see how many cows we can get for you
me: no, no, no! Please, no.
(we walk over)
Bruce: Ngoni! (meaning, how are you?)
Guards: Mamoke (meaning, I'm okay)
Bruce: How many cows for her?
me: (embarrassed)
Guard #1: I'll give more than you can handle.
Bruce: 30?
Guards: (abrupt laughter)
Guard #2: I'll give 4. For most women, it would be 2 (which is a lie. Most people can give around 10 and numerous goats).
Bruce: No way. I have to look out for my sister.
Guards: (more laughter)
Before we left, one of the guards pulled me aside to ask for my phone number. I told him that I don't have a phone (an excuse that is true for once). His solution was to buy me a phone.
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3 years ago
hahaha, I love it. Sounds like some of my experiences in Kenya, only... we never tried to find out how many cows I could get. Rick just tried to give out my number. haha The man with his cell phone held it up in the air waiting for Rick to give him my digits. Thank-goodness we were on the Lorry and we drove away, and... Rick never had any intention of telling (because he does not know my phone number) haha, but it was amusing nonetheless.
ReplyDeletepsshhh 50 cows or nothing for you my muzungu roomie ;)
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