Sunday, February 17, 2008

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....

Monday, February 11, 2008

back in the saddle

So, I'm going to give the whole blogging thing another shot. It's been a while, quite a while, since I shared the goings on of my life on the internet! I actually think part of this is because I have become a bit more private over the past year and a half..or maybe its because I didn't think anyone really looked at my blog or cared about my thoughts, and I didn't feel the need to at least put them out there anymore.

Anyway, now that a blog worthy moment has come in my life I thought I would start again and see where it takes me. I arrived in Khartoum on Saturday night, very VERY tired from my journey. It's been awhile since flying has made me that tired, but I think it was also pent up fatigue from the previous week. Packing up your life and leaving for 3 months is not as easy as I thought it would be, and it really stressted me out! But it's over now, happily, and I'm glad.

I stepped off the plane on Saturday and walked down the steps, inhaling the air of Khartoum. It was dusk, and the sweet smell of burning dung was in the air (you may laugh, but it is very distinct and is not all that unpleasant). Of course, I was the absolutely last person from my flight to clear customs, as well as the last person to pick up their bags. When I finally left the airport all I really wanted was a meal, a shower and a bed.

So, I spent Sunday and Monday working and adjusting. We have one staff member here, so he and I will hang around until I leave next week for my next destination. Khartoum is fine, but really quiet. It will be good for me too, though, because I can get some work done before I fly into the unknown. I wish I had more interesting things to report! :)