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Khartoum Warmth
I left Geneva at 0430 hrs. I was surprised to meet up with other MSF folk at the airport- Milena, Serge and Maia. They are wonderful people, some of whom had been to Sudan before and are back for another dose. I’m not sure if the details I heard from them are reassuring or concerning but their presents was certainly comforting. Like many other developing countries the Sudan is a wonderland of NGO (non-government organizations). I am greatful and proud to be working with MSF.
At first I thought I was just feeling the exhaust from the jet- but it was indeed one of the cooler temperatures I will being feeling for the next 7 months of 40 degree celcius (over 100 F). My flease jack will not be necessary.
The people of Khartoum are friendly and calm. I guess any intense emotion or movement will make the heat even more difficult. The country (or the capital anyway) has a surprising about of imported material in my opinion. Walls are made of dry wall, air conditioners are sticking out of a few windows, professional looking hydrolines, and coffee!!! thank goodness. I was expecting a more decilate environment but to my surprise there are tropical trees, and some nice gardens. I ate a delicious lemon this am. straight from the tree; my craving must have been indicative of my vitamin C deficiency. I was very timid in my lemon mission… How common are snakes in the tree and the grass. I am more senstive to the heat based on Al Gores award… regardless of the accurance of his inconvient truths, global warming is a political and a peace issue. Movement of people are often based on resources due to climate change. You may have to verify my points for me, because this internet is too slow.
I’m typing from a tiny internet cafe, very slow internet, and the stickiest key board ever. By the time I finish the sentense I forget what I was writing about.
I spoke to a few administrators from the MSF Khartoum office to get the vibe of the project I will be working on. I am more excited then ever to get started. I wish I could explain the political and security information in this blog but I need permission, plus thats not why I’m writing this blog. In addition, the situation is so complex it would be impossible to explain it in a way that is accurate and fair.
I will do my best to put pictures in my next blog. I’m not sure how this population takes to having their picture taken. In addition, I do not want to appear like I am here for the tourism.
Well, I’m going to suck on some more lemons and do some more reading. I hope all is well in Canada, miss you all ready.
October 14th, 2007 at 10:44 am
We all miss you here bud! The temp is now 5 degrees and the leaves are changing colour around me. Keep in touch.
October 17th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
careful with the camera my dear – technically you need a permit there to use one, and even with a permit…. people occasionally lose them.
enjoy khartoum… hit souq omdurman for a real sense of the city
buy some beautiful beads. and don’t forget the juice at the turkish!!
October 21st, 2007 at 10:30 am
Kevin! Your mom called this morning and gave me (Susan) your blog site. Interesting reading. You know I would like to be there along with you. I’m envious! (‘cept for the bugs and snakes part). I’d love to hear about the food, and the predominating illnesses/medical conditions you see there. There is nothing like the camaraderie among the people who work together on such a project, so I know you’ll be well-occupied, entertained, and cared for by the team while you’re there. How long will you be there?
October 22nd, 2007 at 12:31 pm
I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to have a ‘cold one’ before you departed Toronto. I give you a hug. Will keep in touch with you via your blog. Keep your balance my friend..
October 25th, 2007 at 12:45 am
hi there my friend. great to finally make it to your blog…great way to keep in touch. Good idea to comment about your daily life…the softness of tioletpaper, when people get up and when they start working, sport, coping with the heat….i will send you some cold….promise. Having a sunny x-mas….wow!!!!! wellcome to my world.
god i am proud of you!!!!! you have accomplised so much sense those first days in hell!!!! you are brilliant writer…storyteller and i am looking orward to being part of your life in the far far away. do to conditions outsied of my power…i am going back to work in manitoba…yip never thought i would say it ,,,but it is true…not GH but the rest of the communities. Is it not ironic that we both are working in flyin communities with new and different cultures….small world….be carefull my friend…please.
i will keep you updated on my life here and look forward to read yours……thanks for keeping in touch. very political correct writing so far….good for you!!!
I can see you having a great time and now i am beginning to understand your joy in working for msf. they are honoured to have you.
do not take shit from dwarfs/fairies/elves!!!!!
a big hug and remember your sunscreen!!!!!
some cold is on its way.
liefde anel
October 25th, 2007 at 12:46 am
hi there my friend. great to finally make it to your blog…great way to keep in touch. Good idea to comment about your daily life…the softness of tioletpaper, when people get up and when they start working, sport, coping with the heat….i will send you some cold….promise. Having a sunny x-mas….wow!!!!! wellcome to my world.
god i am proud of you!!!!! you have accomplised so much sense those first days in hell!!!! you are brilliant writer…storyteller and i am looking orward to being part of your life in the far far away. do to conditions outsied of my power…i am going back to work in manitoba…yip never thought i would say it ,,,but it is true…not GH but the rest of the communities. Is it not ironic that we both are working in flyin communities with new and different cultures….small world….be carefull my friend…please.
i will keep you updated on my life here and look forward to read yours……thanks for keeping in touch. very political correct writing so far….good for you!!!
I can see you having a great time and now i am beginning to understand your joy in working for msf. they are honoured to have you.
do not take shit from dwarfs/fairies/elves!!!!!
a big hug and remember your sunscreen!!!!!
some cold is on its way.
liefde anel