No Sense of Urgency

One of the things that I have noticed about Tunisia is that no one is in a hurry. That's really not correct... people rush around in taxis and walk hurriedly down the street. There are folks who have places to be and people to see.

It's more accurate to say that waitstaff is not in a hurry.

When you sit down to have a meal at a table in a cafe in Tunis, you are allowed to loll around, visit, smoke and drink the night away. There is no expectation of you clearing out and freeing up that table for the next guest to sit in. None whatsoever. It's like they are used to only seating a table once during the evening. You're expected to really stretch dinner out for hours and take your time.

I guess I'm a little high strung for Tunisia. We sit down, eat a meal and look around, expecting the waiter to bring us the check so we can settle the bill and be on our way. That's not exactly how things work.

Here, they serve an appetizer to hold you over while your order is being prepared. No one stops by to top off your tea or water because there's no refills on any drink. They bring the main entree and bus away the appetizer plates. Then you are left on your own... for as long as it takes. If you manage to catch the waiter's eye, you might get a second round of drinks. If not, you can expect to be there a while.

There's no sense of urgency here. Everyone is very laid back. I don't think we've had a single meal where the check was placed on our table before we asked for it specifically. That is just 'not done'.

We've eaten in a few establishments where alcoholic beverages were served. When they are charging you per bottle of wine, they are very quick to refill your wine glass and offer you another bottle. That service is provided and is timely. When you're drinking water in a cafe, they leave the bottle on the table and never come back to offer you another one.

I wonder if Tunisians traveling in the US think the waiters are intrusive and hover around? I wonder if they take offense when the check is left 'oh so casually' on the table while the guests are still eating? I guess they think the Americans have somewhat frenetic behavior. We must seem like we are in a rush all the time.

I'm having to readjust my internal clock. Take a deep breath. Slow down and sit. It's been a challenge.

--Sandee Wagner