travelin tomorrow

Well, I am leaving Khartoum tomorrow on a jet plane. Actually, no, on a propeller plane. If everything goes according to plan it will be my last trip for a bit and I will get settled into my new place fine.

The last week has seemed both long and short at the same time. Part of that may be because there is so little to distinguish one day from the next that it is easy to lose track of the date and day of the week. I have been able to keep myself sort of busy, trying to wrap up some things I didn't finish before I left and trying to prepare some things in advance of my arrival in the field. But it can be difficult to break up the monotony.

Going out to eat at the same places and watching whatever random English language film that may be on at any given time (or football aka soccer), can only be entertaining for so long. Needless to say, I have found a few diversions. Hanging out with Tony can be quite an experience, especially while driving. Traffic here is not nearly as voluminous as in other places I have been, but there are no rules to Sudanese traffic...leading to many interesting moments on the road. Thankfully, we have a very large vehicle and can dominate in most traffic situations. Unfortunately, that means pushing our way through traffic in our NGO vehicle with the white girl in the front seat. Somehow I don't think that is building as many bridges as one would hope.

I have had moderate success with branching out food choices here. Our solitary staff member in Sudan eats out for practically every meal everyday, and he goes mostly to the same places. He has been a good sport with my desire to branch out, including going to a place I spotted on the road the other day. It's a cute coffee shop that is a place I would hang out in quite a bit, but the food selection was so-so (it IS a coffee shop) and Tony wasn't that impressed. We'll go someplace of his choosing tonight.

I did spend some time with a couple I know this week, former colleague from Baltimore and his wife are now working here with a different agency. We met at a snazzy place for a light dinner and ice cream one night, and last night I went to their agencies house for dinner and a game of Settlers of Catan (which I have never played and very nearly won!). It was great to talk to them and feel a little social in this place where for the most part I have felt pretty alone.

It's been hard not to spend this week stewing on the weight of what I am doing, and where I am going. If only I could be one of those people who truly grasps what they are doing before they actually do it! I became hesitant when I went to India as we flew over its well lit border with Pakistan, and I had that same feeling as my plane descended into Sudan. What are you doing! :)

I'm not afraid, but I do have apprehensions...I would hope anyone would be hesitant to do what I am going to do. What will this time hold for me and what will my reaction be? It's a mystery even to me....