I should know, because, in fact, I am one. This afternoon, the president and all the officials of the largest artisan association in town waited one and a half hours for me to show up at the Chamber of Artisans before commencing the certificate ceremony (for some event that I and my high status can’t be bothered knowing the details). The regional director of the Chamber of Artisans was there too, and yeah, we shot the sh*t one afternoon earlier this week.
Why was I late? I didn’t realize I was a celebrity, so I didn’t think the invitation to attend and my appearance were that important to those at the craft fair event. Thought I’d pop into Maroc Telecom-located just across the street-and pay my phone/internet bill first.
Any PCV with home internet can tell you horror stories about Maroc Telecom, a company that basks in its monopoly status and fails in almost everything it does. Even though I was supposed to be the next customer “in line,” I ended up waiting more than half an hour as the man before me debated which cell phone to buy. The employees in the back drank tea. (don’t mess with a tea break). Another employee directed all customers away from her, except for two loud kids whom she greeted warmly and gave money too. It’s fabulous that the employees put family before work—some American companies can take note. There’s a machine that prints numbered tickets so you know when it’s your turn for “assistance.” I had #44, but the screen flashed #48…As I waited, however, a few of my fans greeted me—one even yelling “Zenab! La bes?!” from outside the store.
So, celebrity status has no perks at Maroc Telecom. I also was carrying a wooden plank (to make a spice rack at my house), and that had no intimidating effects on the MT employees either.
Have to admit though, I think I’m too modest to be a celebrity. I don’t like the paparazzi and forced photo shoots. Nor the employees who hang photos of me on their office walls. Nor the kids who give me candy. Nor the shout-outs as I pass people by. Nor the people fighting over me to come to couscous at their house. Nope, not at all.
*There were so many different levels of sarcasm and irony in this entry. I kind of confused myself. Long story short, Maroc Telecom sucks. And this Det Norske Veritas company that certified MT's quality...I don't trust their consulting!
