HanaSF's Guestbook
Comments
Date: 15th July 2008
Le whoa
Hana, that was intense for 10am, but very well written! My only regret is that I was chowing down on a granola bar as I read. However, I appreciate that unlike the poor piggies massive factory-farms of the US, this pig likely lived a decent life and was clearly valued after its death. I appreciate your fortitude in that setting!! Way to put yourself outside your comfort zone. It seems like you tried to understand and appreciate the situation without romanticizing it, which is definitely a tough line to walk. Thanks for sharing!
From Blog: A Grander Purpose
Le whoa
Hana, that was intense for 10am, but very well written! My only regret is that I was chowing down on a granola bar as I read. However, I appreciate that unlike the poor piggies massive factory-farms of the US, this pig likely lived a decent life and was clearly valued after its death. I appreciate your fortitude in that setting!! Way to put yourself outside your comfort zone. It seems like you tried to understand and appreciate the situation without romanticizing it, which is definitely a tough line to walk. Thanks for sharing!
From Blog: A Grander Purpose
Date: 15th July 2008
pics
Hey all, so sorry I haven't published a blog for a while. I was derailed for a bit by illness and lack of internet. Please enjoy this one. I apologize but it looks like the pics didn't upload properly. I'll try to do better on the next one. besos, Hana
From Blog: A Grander Purpose
pics
Hey all, so sorry I haven't published a blog for a while. I was derailed for a bit by illness and lack of internet. Please enjoy this one. I apologize but it looks like the pics didn't upload properly. I'll try to do better on the next one. besos, Hana
From Blog: A Grander Purpose
Date: 7th March 2008
Dang
Now all I wanna do is surf, lady!
From Blog: Channeling Hemingway in Nosara
Dang
Now all I wanna do is surf, lady!
From Blog: Channeling Hemingway in Nosara
Date: 24th January 2008
Enjoyed our talk
Hana, I found your blog with a single google: hana blog coffee kenya; your blog was the first item! Anyway, I wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed our discussion on the flight from Nairobi to London. I feel like I've had an entire education on coffee -- let's see, arabaca is the good stuff or was it the shit (your words, not mine, as I recall)? Yes, folks, I can certify that Hana did make it out of Kenya in one piece. It sounds like things haven't really settled down there even now. I'm heading for Chad in a couple of weeks, and I'm just as happy that it doesn't involve a stop in Nairobi. I look forward to following your blog and seeing your report(s). Good luck and enjoy your trip. dds
From Blog: Is the Future in the Trees?
Enjoyed our talk
Hana, I found your blog with a single google: hana blog coffee kenya; your blog was the first item! Anyway, I wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed our discussion on the flight from Nairobi to London. I feel like I've had an entire education on coffee -- let's see, arabaca is the good stuff or was it the shit (your words, not mine, as I recall)? Yes, folks, I can certify that Hana did make it out of Kenya in one piece. It sounds like things haven't really settled down there even now. I'm heading for Chad in a couple of weeks, and I'm just as happy that it doesn't involve a stop in Nairobi. I look forward to following your blog and seeing your report(s). Good luck and enjoy your trip. dds
From Blog: Is the Future in the Trees?
Date: 14th January 2008
Are you still in Kenya
Hi Hana, i was really looking forward to meeting you during your stay in Kenya. Unfortunately we didnt get to meet due to the political situation. However i wish you all the best on your journey and studies. Thank you.
From Blog: Is the Future in the Trees?
Are you still in Kenya
Hi Hana, i was really looking forward to meeting you during your stay in Kenya. Unfortunately we didnt get to meet due to the political situation. However i wish you all the best on your journey and studies. Thank you.
From Blog: Is the Future in the Trees?
Date: 8th January 2008
ok and safe
Hi all, I am ok and safe in Nairobi. I've been staying with friends in a suburb. I will post an update soon when I time to put something together. A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! besos, Hana
From Blog: Is the Future in the Trees?
ok and safe
Hi all, I am ok and safe in Nairobi. I've been staying with friends in a suburb. I will post an update soon when I time to put something together. A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! besos, Hana
From Blog: Is the Future in the Trees?
Date: 8th January 2008
thinking of you...
Hi Hana! Please post again as soon as possible. Scott
From Blog: Is the Future in the Trees?
thinking of you...
Hi Hana! Please post again as soon as possible. Scott
From Blog: Is the Future in the Trees?
Date: 5th December 2007
Welcome to Kenya
Hi Hana, am quiet impressed by your endevours and even more thrilled that you would be visiting our country Kenya (home to the best coffees in the world). Am involved in sustainable coffee production and i would love to meet you when you get here. Kindly get in touch. Sam.
From Blog: The Coffee Forest
Welcome to Kenya
Hi Hana, am quiet impressed by your endevours and even more thrilled that you would be visiting our country Kenya (home to the best coffees in the world). Am involved in sustainable coffee production and i would love to meet you when you get here. Kindly get in touch. Sam.
From Blog: The Coffee Forest
Date: 18th November 2007
Coffee and its close, but ever so dominant, cousin Khat
Hey Scott, So sorry that it has taken me a month to respond to your question. I've been traveling quite a bit around Ethiopia, am now in Kenya, and as a result got a bit behind on my blog updates. I am working on an entry concerning khat, but the short answer is yes I definitely saw the impact. I visit the coffee growers in Harrar and mostly came into contact with Khat farmers. Every household grows khat either for the market or personal consumption. For those who live near the main road, khat is a source of tremendous wealth as they can sell bad khat for 30 birr a kilo and the really good stuff can sell up to 350 birr a kilo. By contrast, in the Harrar area only, coffee sells for 25 birr a kilo. On the other hand, there is a definite negative social and environmental impact. Many people state that society wide khat chewing leads to a cultural addiction to its stimulating properties that eventually leads to a less productive society as people prefer to chew rather than work. I'm unsure of the magnitude of this problem as I was only there for a few days. Some people view khat as vital to efficient productivity and others as a social piranha that drags down the society. The environmental impact is much more obvious. Khat does not benefit from shade, so farmers cut down the trees. They use a combination of chemical and organic fertilizers to achieve optimum production and install irrigation systems to support their production. This leads to a complete lack of trees in the area and contaminated groundwater. Perhaps the worst effect is that the uncontrolled use of irrigation systems caused the lake that was supposed to supply the area's water for the next twenty years to go dry. A lake that used to be full of birds and fish vanished. The entire countryside, including the city of Harrar, now faces massive water shortages. I hope this answers some of your questions. I plan on a more comprehensive post in the coming weeks. best, Hana
From Blog: The Rolling Green Hills of Yirga Cheffe
Coffee and its close, but ever so dominant, cousin Khat
Hey Scott, So sorry that it has taken me a month to respond to your question. I've been traveling quite a bit around Ethiopia, am now in Kenya, and as a result got a bit behind on my blog updates. I am working on an entry concerning khat, but the short answer is yes I definitely saw the impact. I visit the coffee growers in Harrar and mostly came into contact with Khat farmers. Every household grows khat either for the market or personal consumption. For those who live near the main road, khat is a source of tremendous wealth as they can sell bad khat for 30 birr a kilo and the really good stuff can sell up to 350 birr a kilo. By contrast, in the Harrar area only, coffee sells for 25 birr a kilo. On the other hand, there is a definite negative social and environmental impact. Many people state that society wide khat chewing leads to a cultural addiction to its stimulating properties that eventually leads to a less productive society as people prefer to chew rather than work. I'm unsure of the magnitude of this problem as I was only there for a few days. Some people view khat as vital to efficient productivity and others as a social piranha that drags down the society. The environmental impact is much more obvious. Khat does not benefit from shade, so farmers cut down the trees. They use a combination of chemical and organic fertilizers to achieve optimum production and install irrigation systems to support their production. This leads to a complete lack of trees in the area and contaminated groundwater. Perhaps the worst effect is that the uncontrolled use of irrigation systems caused the lake that was supposed to supply the area's water for the next twenty years to go dry. A lake that used to be full of birds and fish vanished. The entire countryside, including the city of Harrar, now faces massive water shortages. I hope this answers some of your questions. I plan on a more comprehensive post in the coming weeks. best, Hana
From Blog: The Rolling Green Hills of Yirga Cheffe
Date: 17th November 2007
you tell those development kids!
Jaimie -- I love that you talked about my work in your development class. That makes me quite happy in a very nerdy way. I will work to get more updates soon. besos
From Blog: Picking Coffee with the Monkeys
you tell those development kids!
Jaimie -- I love that you talked about my work in your development class. That makes me quite happy in a very nerdy way. I will work to get more updates soon. besos
From Blog: Picking Coffee with the Monkeys
Date: 17th November 2007
Thanks and working on ethiopia
Hey Mary and everyone, Thanks for the reply! I'm working on getting up all my ethiopia entries this weekend. I got quite behind with all the travel around that wonderful country. I'm currently in Nairobi adjusting to a whole new system and working on my swahili! besos, Hana
From Blog: Picking Coffee with the Monkeys
Thanks and working on ethiopia
Hey Mary and everyone, Thanks for the reply! I'm working on getting up all my ethiopia entries this weekend. I got quite behind with all the travel around that wonderful country. I'm currently in Nairobi adjusting to a whole new system and working on my swahili! besos, Hana
From Blog: Picking Coffee with the Monkeys
Date: 15th November 2007
hey!
there are some really interesting insights here about the relationship between the farmer and government (his perception about the role of government and prices etc). i shared some of your stories with my friends in my development class.
From Blog: Picking Coffee with the Monkeys
hey!
there are some really interesting insights here about the relationship between the farmer and government (his perception about the role of government and prices etc). i shared some of your stories with my friends in my development class.
From Blog: Picking Coffee with the Monkeys
Date: 14th November 2007
Alaska to Ethiopia
Hana: I was just ready to call your parents for news of Hana and here comes your fascinating account of becoming a real coffee picker. Thanks for the time it took you to write all the details of that interesting day. I often wish more Americans had the opportunities you are having: to travel in such a diverse culture and to discover how much we can learn and appreciate from people so removed from our own lifestyle. I am drinking Yirga Cheffe coffee and have a new supply of Kenyan for next week. I think you are soon off to neighboring Kenya and another set of amazing experiences. Will keep you much in my thoughts as I drink my java from wherever you are.
From Blog: Picking Coffee with the Monkeys
Alaska to Ethiopia
Hana: I was just ready to call your parents for news of Hana and here comes your fascinating account of becoming a real coffee picker. Thanks for the time it took you to write all the details of that interesting day. I often wish more Americans had the opportunities you are having: to travel in such a diverse culture and to discover how much we can learn and appreciate from people so removed from our own lifestyle. I am drinking Yirga Cheffe coffee and have a new supply of Kenyan for next week. I think you are soon off to neighboring Kenya and another set of amazing experiences. Will keep you much in my thoughts as I drink my java from wherever you are.
From Blog: Picking Coffee with the Monkeys
Date: 18th October 2007
spaghetti
Hi Hana! Thanks for your observations. Your story about the interview and it's long debates ending in "yes" or "no" made me laugh out loud--I don't usually do that when I'm reading. Also, it's good to hear about the coffee growing in the shade and the Ethiopian respect for their trees. It always upsets me when I think about Central American songbirds dying by the multitude because their trees are cut down to plant more coffee. Personally, I never touch the stuff. Anyway, it's so funny that you mentioned the Italian influence in the food on the Horn (I have to say that my favorite food there was indeed the spaghetti--it was the best I ever had, and I've been to Italy). I was an election observer in the city of Burao in the Togdheer region of Somaliland in June, 2001. They were having a public vote to ratify their constitution--essentially breaking away from Morgadishu and Italian Somaliland. There were many comments from voters like "Morgadishu out" and "goodbye Italians". One elderly gentleman came into the voting station, voted, and then he came up to me and put his hand on my shoulder. He said the funniest and deepest thing I heard while I was there. He said, "No more spaghetti". It's sad to hear about the recent violence in Puntland. I hope Somaliland will be OK. The only country with the guts to officially recognize them is Ethiopia. I have another question, if you have the time. What is the effect of growing and using Kat on the people, the coffee economy, the economy as a whole, etc.? Have fun! Scott
From Blog: The Rolling Green Hills of Yirga Cheffe
spaghetti
Hi Hana! Thanks for your observations. Your story about the interview and it's long debates ending in "yes" or "no" made me laugh out loud--I don't usually do that when I'm reading. Also, it's good to hear about the coffee growing in the shade and the Ethiopian respect for their trees. It always upsets me when I think about Central American songbirds dying by the multitude because their trees are cut down to plant more coffee. Personally, I never touch the stuff. Anyway, it's so funny that you mentioned the Italian influence in the food on the Horn (I have to say that my favorite food there was indeed the spaghetti--it was the best I ever had, and I've been to Italy). I was an election observer in the city of Burao in the Togdheer region of Somaliland in June, 2001. They were having a public vote to ratify their constitution--essentially breaking away from Morgadishu and Italian Somaliland. There were many comments from voters like "Morgadishu out" and "goodbye Italians". One elderly gentleman came into the voting station, voted, and then he came up to me and put his hand on my shoulder. He said the funniest and deepest thing I heard while I was there. He said, "No more spaghetti". It's sad to hear about the recent violence in Puntland. I hope Somaliland will be OK. The only country with the guts to officially recognize them is Ethiopia. I have another question, if you have the time. What is the effect of growing and using Kat on the people, the coffee economy, the economy as a whole, etc.? Have fun! Scott
From Blog: The Rolling Green Hills of Yirga Cheffe
Date: 17th October 2007
Lovely, as always
And a real treat. I'm sitting here trying to figure out if our next document can POSSIBLY be published on time. Hmmmm, would I rather be me or Hana right now??? ;^)
From Blog: The Rolling Green Hills of Yirga Cheffe
Lovely, as always
And a real treat. I'm sitting here trying to figure out if our next document can POSSIBLY be published on time. Hmmmm, would I rather be me or Hana right now??? ;^)
From Blog: The Rolling Green Hills of Yirga Cheffe
Date: 17th October 2007
hey!`
I feel you on the surrealness of a woman in an all-men environment. I'm really proud of you for adapting so amazing in ethopia! Go Hana!
From Blog: The Rolling Green Hills of Yirga Cheffe
hey!`
I feel you on the surrealness of a woman in an all-men environment. I'm really proud of you for adapting so amazing in ethopia! Go Hana!
From Blog: The Rolling Green Hills of Yirga Cheffe
Date: 17th October 2007
The Italians brought the pasta
Hey Scott, Thanks for reading my blog. I can hear the sound of mixed doubles in the AK North dome and I feel an ache for a racket and a good hard court. From my time here I would say that the Italian influence in Ethiopia takes two forms. 1) the plates of spaghetti and red sauce that can be found in even the most remote corners of the country and proliferation of Italian restaurants all over Addis. 2) Piassa -- this is an area of Addis that still contains some remnants of Italian architecture and a few restaurants. When you walk through that area, some of the buildings have arches on the outside and are made of stone. Currently, I would say that the Germans have the greatest presence here through NGOs and other AID organizations.
From Blog: The Initial Impression of Addis and Ethiopia and Coffee
The Italians brought the pasta
Hey Scott, Thanks for reading my blog. I can hear the sound of mixed doubles in the AK North dome and I feel an ache for a racket and a good hard court. From my time here I would say that the Italian influence in Ethiopia takes two forms. 1) the plates of spaghetti and red sauce that can be found in even the most remote corners of the country and proliferation of Italian restaurants all over Addis. 2) Piassa -- this is an area of Addis that still contains some remnants of Italian architecture and a few restaurants. When you walk through that area, some of the buildings have arches on the outside and are made of stone. Currently, I would say that the Germans have the greatest presence here through NGOs and other AID organizations.
From Blog: The Initial Impression of Addis and Ethiopia and Coffee
Date: 17th October 2007
thanks!
Thanks so much for the comment Mary. the Clinton Foundation is making quite the splash in Ethiopia. Plus, it is wonderful to have an expat community in the middle of addis.
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
thanks!
Thanks so much for the comment Mary. the Clinton Foundation is making quite the splash in Ethiopia. Plus, it is wonderful to have an expat community in the middle of addis.
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
Date: 17th October 2007
Hermit Crabs are delightful creatures
They truly are. we had some in my preschool water creatures tank. thanks for the post kranade. I will be sure to keep you updated on all the random acts of kindness so as to add some more pixels to that map. besos
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
Hermit Crabs are delightful creatures
They truly are. we had some in my preschool water creatures tank. thanks for the post kranade. I will be sure to keep you updated on all the random acts of kindness so as to add some more pixels to that map. besos
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
Date: 11th October 2007
Happy to see your posts
Hi Hana--We have never met... I played mixed doubles with your mom the other day and attended the Alaska Diva's benefit your mother put together the night before--you and your journey are the talk of the town! I am very interested in Ethiopia (I had a chance to visit there while on a trip to Somaliland in 2001). If you get a chance, could you describe any remaining Italian influences you might see? I just finished a short book called "The Rape of Ethiopia" about the Italian invasion in 1935/36. I understand you are a very good tennis player (I saw your ranking in the Anchorage Grand Prix standings). If you make it to Hargeisa, Somaliland, there is a fairly decent court at the Maan-Soor hotel (soltelco (253-22)-3638-3639). Bye for now! Scott
From Blog: The Initial Impression of Addis and Ethiopia and Coffee
Happy to see your posts
Hi Hana--We have never met... I played mixed doubles with your mom the other day and attended the Alaska Diva's benefit your mother put together the night before--you and your journey are the talk of the town! I am very interested in Ethiopia (I had a chance to visit there while on a trip to Somaliland in 2001). If you get a chance, could you describe any remaining Italian influences you might see? I just finished a short book called "The Rape of Ethiopia" about the Italian invasion in 1935/36. I understand you are a very good tennis player (I saw your ranking in the Anchorage Grand Prix standings). If you make it to Hargeisa, Somaliland, there is a fairly decent court at the Maan-Soor hotel (soltelco (253-22)-3638-3639). Bye for now! Scott
From Blog: The Initial Impression of Addis and Ethiopia and Coffee
Date: 1st October 2007
Wow
Your trip sounds amazing and it sounds like you have also met some amazing people and cultures. How is the coffee study? THe boys and I will have to look up more maps to see where you are. That is Jordan's favorite part when we talk about your adventure.
From Blog: The Lights of Meskel and Lake of Awassa
Wow
Your trip sounds amazing and it sounds like you have also met some amazing people and cultures. How is the coffee study? THe boys and I will have to look up more maps to see where you are. That is Jordan's favorite part when we talk about your adventure.
From Blog: The Lights of Meskel and Lake of Awassa
Date: 29th September 2007
photos
Oh Jules, you would be in Texas. Ethiopian internet is extremely slow, so no photos to a) I either have copious amounts of time with broadband in Addis or b) am in Kenya. I promise they will be worth the wait though.
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
photos
Oh Jules, you would be in Texas. Ethiopian internet is extremely slow, so no photos to a) I either have copious amounts of time with broadband in Addis or b) am in Kenya. I promise they will be worth the wait though.
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
Date: 21st September 2007
Hi
It sounds like you have had an interesting start. It is fun reading about your adventures. Enjoy yourself and be careful.
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
Hi
It sounds like you have had an interesting start. It is fun reading about your adventures. Enjoy yourself and be careful.
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
Date: 18th September 2007
yay travelblog!
but the point is to show us pictures! :) glad you made it safely... i'm in McAllen, TX, also known as the butt crack of America. seriously. haha. love you!
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
yay travelblog!
but the point is to show us pictures! :) glad you made it safely... i'm in McAllen, TX, also known as the butt crack of America. seriously. haha. love you!
From Blog: The Kindness of Strangers
irafao
non-member comment
bajawa sungguh indah!
From Blog: Bajawa