Chill Out, You're on Arab Time

If you know me, you know that I am a very punctual person. I show up early to everything—parties included. I hate people who aren’t on time or force me to wait. Patience is not my virtue.

This virtue has been through a lot here in Amman. “Arab Time” is not “Laura Time.” “Bisura” (quickly) does equal the same “bisura” as it does to me.

If an Arab tells you we will leave at eight. LIES. We will not leave at 8, we will leave at 8:45. But of course, I will be there at 8, and will wait impatiently until 8:45. How many times has this happened? Countless.

It isn’t just time Jordanians move slowly at. It’s even how they walk! Oh dear god, they lollygag down pathways. The hardly pick up their feet—just tiny tiny tiny steps. And they just stand in the middle of the path. HELLOOOO I’m TRYING to get somewhere. MOVE.

Students stand congregated at the bottom of steps and refuse to move when you want to get past. They just give you dirty looks. There are other places to stand than at the bottom of the stairs. Or in the middle of the sidewalk, or in a doorway. It’s not that difficult people. There are open areas to congregate for a reason