Bahia Time
Last Thursday, my computer crashed on the eve of the official start of St. Joao Festival. I was unable to fix it on my own, so I had to take it to a computer repair shop, not realizing that I was entering a time warp called “Bahia Time”. This is another good VUCA example from my life - I couldn’t control the situation and was dealing with lots of uncertainty and ambiguity. I needed my files for a client project; the presentation was scheduled for Tuesday morning. Needless to say, I was in a panic and was hoping that I could get the situation resolved quickly.
Welcome to Bahia, a place where the clocks seem to tick slower, deadlines are optional, and punctuality is a foreign concept. While this Brazilian paradise is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, there’s one aspect of life here that can drive even the most patient individuals up the wall: Bahia Time. Join me in this adventure through the inconveniences of living in the laid-back, slow-paced, tropical state of Bahia.
The Myth of Soon: In Bahia, “soon” is a vague term that holds no concrete meaning. Need a handyman to fix your leaky faucet? They will promise to be there soon. Translation: Maybe next week, maybe next month or possibly never but definitely NOT the same day.
Appointments are a Fictional Concept: In other parts of the world and (even other parts of Brazil like Sao Paulo or Brasilia), an appointment means showing up at a designated time, preferably a few minutes early. In Bahia, an appointment is a general suggestion. If you arrive on time, be prepared to wait for a while, perhaps a couple of hours while the person you are meeting with casually strolls in at their leisure. Time is a flexible construct in Bahia.
The Struggle for Speed: For people accustomed to the fast-paced bustle of city life, Bahia can feel like being trapped in a slow-motion movie. Even in a large city like Salvador, people move at their own slow pace - waiters in restaurants, traffic on the road, and people working in shops. Trying to speed things up or expressing your sense of urgency is met with bemused smiles and a reminder to “relax and enjoy the moment.” Great advice but not when you need your computer files for an important presentation! If you’re thinking that offering extra money would help, it doesn’t make a difference here.
The Art of Procrastination: It seems that Bahia is a place where procrastination is not just a habit, but a way of life. Need something done urgently? Don’t count on it. Many people here have perfected the art of putting things off until the last possible moment. It is not uncommon to hear phrases like “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Or “Let’s worry about that later.” The laid back attitude can be charming when you are on vacation, but when you need results, it will drive you crazy.
Time Warp Zone: Living in Bahia often feels like you’ve entered a different time dimension altogether. When you are expecting a package to arrive in three days, it might take a few weeks. In my case, I was waiting for a courier to deliver a hard drive with my computer files that arrived a day and a half after it was promised. So, remember that in Bahia, the concept of next week can stretch into the following month without warning. Patience becomes your best friend, and a sense of humor your most valuable survival tool.
Living in Salvador, Bahia is an adventure filled with beautiful landscapes, warm-hearted people, and a way of life that embraces relaxation. However, if you are a fast-paced person used to a world where time is money and punctuality is key, prepare to have your patience tested. In many cases, I’ve found that it is better to embrace the unpredictable nature of Bahia Time, laugh at the inconveniences, and learn to go with the flow. After all, what’s the rush when you live in a tropical paradise?
So next time you find yourself in Bahia, take a deep breath, slow down and savor the moment. And remember, if someone tells you they’ll be there soon, take it with a grain of salt and find something else to do so you can enjoy the wait.