There were many things that I missed when i travelled to Europe; things that I felt may be a bit of it would have made my experience more enjoyable. the warmth, the conversations with strangers, the sense of belonging would are some of the things I took for granted but now i do miss. People in Ghana are used to having a conversation together on the bus or saying hi to each other on the street. But here in the UK, you can life feel more like: Work, home, wake up the next day and repeat.
There is no time for just chit-chatting and everybody is in a hurry most of the times. It is great in terms of work efficiency but it feels lonely at times especiallyif you are living alone, without family. Europe is an organized continent. Things move on time, rules are enforced and system runs smoothly.
Yet in all this structure, there is one crucial thing that is missing: the human touch. Having lived in Africa where relationships are part of life, adjusting to the more individualistic way of life in Europe has been uneasy for me. Everyone generally stays to their homes, and talking to those you do not know, is a rarity unless it must be done. This independence is good in many ways but it also makes life less warm.
The sense of community in Africa is one of its most unique aspects. In many African cultures, people take care of one another. If someone is in distress, neighbors come around to assist. We welcome a visitor with open arms, and no is really alone. This shared sense of belonging enhances the quality of life and infuses it with purpose. What if Europe would just turn to even a fraction of this, it might cause the cities to seem less frosty and people less lonely.
What Africa does well, though, is adapt fast." Everything is organised in most of the European countries that makes day to day life easy. However, when things do hit a snag, strict protocols make it hard to get out of a sticky situation. Africans are accustomed to thinking on their feet.
If, say, a minibus gets a mechanical failure in Ghana, passengers will rush for another vehicle, some will jump in another passing bus, some will share a taxi, some will probably accept a longdistance lift from a stranger. By contrast, however, in Europe, there might be more waiting involved for the authorities to arrange transport, despite simpler alternatives. If European systems had the efficiency of African ones, and a bit of Africa’s flexibility, it would make daily life easier.
Culture of work among significant differences. Productivity is the theme in a lot of Europe. Stressful work hours, perceived social obligation to be always busy. Work is important, yes, but so is taking time to enjoy life, which is the sort of philosophy that you find alive and well in Africa in my experience. In Ghana we celebrate and spend time with our loved ones and keep work in its place. Guess if European countries would be better in finding a balance, burnout would not be this issue.
Africa has its share of challenges and I think Africa also need some of European systems But what makes Africa special community, warmth, and human connection should always remain. I often contemplate how many better components of different continents could easily be combined into one better world. A balance between efficiency and warmth, between structure and flexibility, between independence and community; this could lead to a more humane mode of living. Maybe a little from each continent would help us all to enjoy our world.
