You may have noticed that not only have my last few blog posts had nothing whatsoever to with Sudan, or me for that matter, but also that they are very close together in posting times. Usually there is a nice long break between posts because I am busy and don't have time to write.
There are reasons for these observations. Three reasons in fact.
1) I was fired
2) I have suddenly realised how much I am going to miss Sudan
3)I am still trying to process the above.
If you read the post named 'Its been a while...', well, that is basically why I was fired. I don't think its fair. Certainly not reason for instant dismissal. But there is nothing I can do about it here. Lovely Sudanese law. So I have chosen not to dwell on it, and to move on to the next thing. Not sure what that will be yet, but it should be fun finding my next adventure.
In the mean time, I am leaving Sudan and going back to Kenya next week, and I have suddenly realised how much I am going miss some things here.
The craziness, although exhausting, has been amusing. I have had some truly amazing experiences, and learned more about my continent than I ever thought I would (did I ever mention anywhere in here that I am South African? I don't think I have).
And I am going to really really miss the people. Not the locals. The people working here. I love the people I live with. The crazy young business man who never stops working except to party once a week; the dance and sex obsessed construction manager who will happily dance all by himself to a tune he loves; his girlfriend who works crazy hours for an NGO distributing condoms, mosquito nets and water treatments and has a wicked sense of humour; the new young pilot who keeps me company on long evenings and likes ALL the same music I do; the crazy ex military guys who come and go and have stories that make even me blush.
I am going to miss the hodge podge of people from all over the world I have met in Juba. My crazy French/Kenyan/American friend who spends weeks trying to fix my computer and wont even let me buy him lunch; the brazilian guys who couldnt be more stereotypical if they tried; the Irish that have to keep trying to convince people they arent terrorists, the Scandinavians that wont let you into their camp unless you speak a Scandinavian language. Basically Juba is a mix of Missionaries, Mercenaries and Misfits. I love them.
I am going to miss the adventure of a windstorm in a tent, and a rain storm on the drive home. Avoiding the goats in the road, and boat trips on the Nile. Dinner in the open air, and a cold shower after a sweaty day, by moonlight because there is no roof on the ablution block. The fact that on a clear night you can see the most amazing stars because the only lights nearby are oil lanterns.
Dont get me wrong, I am glad to leave, and I am looking forward to the luxuries in life again. But, I am going to miss Sudan. I have found a little piece of me here.
11 comments:
*hugs*
It has been an amazing part of your life and you definitely have found yourself again and learnt so much more.
But as you say - time for the next adventure!
Remember the state you were in when you went there, and think about what you can do next time, when you're better prepared. From darkness came light and all that..
It appears you got a lot more from the Sudan than the Sudan got from you. :)
I did wonder what the laws were there on internet and blogs etc. Well now we know.
I don't know you personally, but, I am very proud of you. It didn't endp perfectly, very little in life does. But how you react and exit is the legacy you leave behind. :)
Enjoy the soon coming home comforts!
P.S. Find a small bottle. Put some of that Sudan dirt/dust/mud in it. Take it with you. Just a tiny peace of the earth you walked on and shared adventures with in the 5th world.
I say you try somewhere cold after being somewhere hot.
Try Canada. We have FANTASTIC labour laws.
Also, have you ever played in snow up to your crotch? It can be fun!!
Miss M: As much as I hate the whole term 'finding yourself' in some ways it applies. Maybe a better term would be 'reconnected with myself'
Tom: Next time would be interesting...
Malicious: It didnt actually have anything to do with my blog or my postings. I havent named the company, myself or any of my clients so I am in no breach. Rather, it was the events themselves that I wrote about that led to my dismissal. I would be tempted to do the bottle thing, except I would be worried about the contagion of what I was carrying!
Mike: 25*C feels freezing to me these days... crotch deep snow is likely to actually kill me!
Nice plans lady! That you've managed to stay so long is amazing... I think I've mentioned how I think I'd have been out faster than the speed of light given what you've told us all. I am in awe and envious of a number of things you've gotten to do though, and I suppose it's your perspective (and hence attitude) which makes some it seem almost glamorous in a "5th world" kinda way!
Keep smiling... and looking forward to the next adventure... in many ways it can only get better, and perhaps in some, perhaps it's peaked already. Looking forward to your 'adventuring' down south! *bounce*
Don't blame you Miss P.
25 degree's C is HOT HOT HOT for me. If I do any physical work in that head I wilt quickly.
At 0 C I can work hard outside all day. Perfect ;)
You were fired because of those idiot guards and the incompetent security chief? No, that isn’t fair! I’m so sorry you job turned out that way and I understand how much you are feeling the loss. May the future bring you some better!
How are things going? You have been a bit quiet. I hope it is because you are traveling away from the Sudan.
I best not see you on CNN anytime soon!
Shivs, yeah it has been a fantastic experience. I thought I was getting sick of Juba, turns out I just hated my job. I think the service industry will always be my passion I think..
Mike: About all I can do at 0 degrees is lie in bed and shiver...
Nick: No it isnt fair. Its politics really. Personal, not governmental. People can be stupid.
Malicious: I have been reveling in my friends while I have them here still. I am really going to miss them!
Hey Miss P, just read this post now - can't believe you got fired over other people's incompetencies!
In a way maybe it's a good thing; perhaps it's all karmic and shizz and this is the universe's way of ushering you into the next phase of your life. I'm not sure if I personally believe all that, but it sounds good and makes sense somehow ;-P
Good luck hun, I look forward to reading where you go from here.
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