 Leah Taylor - LeahT | All Comments |
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| 31st July 2006 Duncan | Welcome home - From: Home Sweet Home? Welcome home Leah. The home coming dynamic you are experiencing is very familiar. The culture shock is often greater coming back than the one in going to a new coun try. The questions and experiences hang on but very few people can understand them as they have not had that experience. Otheres have a sense of intrigue in what really happened and regret that they did not decide to or have the opportunity to do the same. Most of us do not even know what questions to ask. Nor do we know how to give a person the time to talk and talk and talk and really thrill in their experience. Welcome home. I look forward to talking with you. |
| 23rd July 2006 B.D. | So many questions ... what are the answers? - From: I love Namibia -- I am a hypocrite Have you fulfilled the Illich prophecy of creating disorder as a result of your presence and work in the community? You have studied, you have travelled ... Ivan Illich said that was the reson to go somewhere, not to help. But is it truly? What you have seen has impacted you. What do you believe will be the greatest legacy of your experience for both yourself and your Namibian friends? Where will you go from here in terms of personal growth and positive interaction as a result of what you have seen, done, and learned? Those are tough questions. The answers may be harder still. |
| 19th July 2006 That other guy in that other place | =o) - From: I love Namibia -- I am a hypocrite oh my, do I sense a hint of optimism? I have to admit, I also like that traditional lifestyle that a lot of countries like Nambia have. Village elders, traditions, sense of human worth. Its nice. |
| 17th July 2006 Jenny | Times a Tickin!!! - From: Ode to the Culture Shock Wave Times a tickin away...saying good bye is always the most difficult. Take lots of kleenex when you say your good byes. Remember to get email addresses and actual addresses for snail mail. That's one way to stay connected! I can wait until you come home and see how you smell! Hee hee hee! Abigail is 4 pounds as of tonight!!! (Sunday, July 16) She is getting quite big and your arm becomes numb when you hold her for too long! Just ask Daddy Ade! I can do it for hours. Also, she is hardly on any oxygen and will probably be off the low flow (nasal prongs in the nostrils) in a few days or so! Less tubes, less contraptions! It's amazing! Anyway, enough about that. Can't wait to see you in just a little over a week. Love ya lots, Jen oxoxoxox |
| 16th July 2006 Sean | Let me tell you about the time... - From: Ode to the Culture Shock Wave ...I was knee deep in the famous Sahara Dessert! It was many moons ago. I spent three years roaming through its vast expanse. It was fantastic - and it is through this experience that I can bestow great wisdom upon you who are now currently in Africa! K, to be fair, it wasn't three years, it was about 45 mins (but it felt like three wonderful years). And as I said, it was the Sahara Dessert - you'll never find a more diverse ice cream dish in all of California's Universal Studios theme park. BUT I still hold that my experience can help you resolve your feelings with regard to leaving/missing Namibia and coming home! I, too, felt the urge to return home. Universal Studios is more often than not a scary place filled with bone crunching rides, endless tours, and more D-list Hollywood celebrities than a party in Lindsey Lohan's pants. What I'm saying is - like you, I missed the comforts of home! It was only at the end of the day that I came across that beautiful, exotic, bowl of ice cream. In that short time we spent together I felt better about myself as a person! I gained a sense of purpose and meaning in a world of Western hypocrisy and confusion. I could never return home after experiencing this!! HOW COULD I LEAVE!? The time did pass though...and my feelings mixed on the issue. One minute I was thinking about my loved ones, the next my dear sweet bowl of ice-cream. I almost stayed, but in the end I knew I must go home. However, a thought did occur to me while saying goodbye to ol' scoopy - I could someday come back! I couldn't believe this idea hadn't occured to me before!! It wasn't goodbye forever, but rather, just for now. And even though I would miss it - the thought of one day perhaps returning...well it helped a whole lot. And with that I was able to come home happy and maybe just a little bit fatter. NOW, while I realize leaving Africa isn't quite as dramatic as leaving behind the single best bowl of ice cream known to California, I think you can still take a little something away from it. Lots of love, Sean |
| 14th July 2006 mark | I love you - From: Ode to the Culture Shock Wave ! |
| 10th July 2006 Mom | I love you, too - From: Etosha sha sha sha Gushy family, eh? Wow - sounds wonderful - but you must be very tired to write so little. I'll be waiting for the full written description, in your wonderful style! Can hardly wait until you get home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-) |
| 10th July 2006 Dad | I love you - From: Etosha sha sha sha I'm glad you enjoyed the park. What a wonderful experience. Most people never see it for real. We'll talk when you get home! :-) |
| 10th July 2006 Dan | wow - From: Etosha sha sha sha I want to see!!! take me next time!! |
| 6th July 2006 Mom | Are you reading the responses still? - I need a reply - From: how can we ask for reparations when we are wearing the clothes of the colonizer? Hey there: I went back further in your journals - I missed this one too somehow. So ... now that it is July 6th - can you tell me if your research plan is panning out? Love ya, Mom xoxooxxo |
| 6th July 2006 Mommy | Somehow I missed this journal - and it was great! - From: Ruacana Falls and Angola Hey - I went back to read through your journal and responses - and realized that I had missed this one. It's one of the best - amazing experiences! Thanks for sharing. I do love the way you write. Keep writing! Love ya, Mom xoxooxox |
| 6th July 2006 Sandy & Susan | Happy Birthday Carmen? - From: Who is B.D.? Wow - Happy B-Day Carmen!!!! Are you 24 now? I remember all the times that we went to celebrate your birthday at your home - always a great time. Some time, please stop by or call to say hello. Maybe when Leah gets back you'd like to visit when she's here. Missing you - hope all is well. Love, Sandy & Susan |
| 6th July 2006 Mark | drunken idiots - From: Canada Day in Namibia Oh what fun it is to be a drunken idiot all day HEY!!! The world is full of assholes and idiots babe dont let them get u down. |
| 5th July 2006 B.D. | Wow! - From: Warning: Rant I think that rant should be compulsory reading for anyone studying international development. So often, even in Canada, the twits at the bureaucratic level never have a clue what the master plan is ... let alone in an undeveloped country where poverty determines a person's next move and cultures clash as the left hand tries to understand the right and the right tries to figure out the left. Both are hands, but they are doing different things and their purposes are even different. In the meantime, little of consequence happens, except perhaps that one hand gets cut a bit, which may make it fester, and then be the recipient of a band-aid! Gee, Ria, I miss all those philosophical discussions we used to have in the library years ago, and I think I'm likely ranting now, too, but as I reflect on this I wonder if it isn't just more of the "white man's burden" in a 21st century format ... imperialism in a new cultural/economic cloak where we of the West export our model of the good life and change the recipient's definition of his/her own world ... that ultimately solutions can never be imposed but must come from within. Hope these views don't contaminate your research and expectations. (I expect the elephants to be more enjoyable.) |
| 4th July 2006 Mommo | I can relate - drunkenness is gross - From: Canada Day in Namibia Hey there: So did I tell you that all the girls I grew up with got together June 22 - June 25? Over 20 women! Well, all they could talk about by email for 'months' prior was how big a party it would be - everybody should be ready for lots of drinking - bring their barf bags - needless to say that turned me off going. And me a non-drinker - allergic to it! Anyway, due to the family matters with Aunt Isobel and Uncle Don I was only able to go on Saturday - and that was enough for me. I did have a great time with them, but by Saturday they'd already had two nights of drunkenness so were quite subdued. We played Crib Wars, yakked, laughed, had a great time - and I went home at 1:00 a.m. It was fun and no one was really drunk. They are a wonderful bunch of girls - I love seeing them- just not plastered! I'm just like you, Leah - only I guess I'm 80 in a 48 year old body. Happy Canada Day! Love ya! Mommo xoxoxoox |
| 3rd July 2006 Anna | CISEPO intern, Israel - From: Canada Day in Namibia Hi Leah, I just read thru many of your travel posts. I think you have a great style of writing, and that the scenery and the opinions you described really shine through. Mountain climbing would surely make me feel nauscious, at least while being exhausted and thinking that I have no energy to continue. I am glad that you are enjoying the beautiful sights. Also, thanks for telling us about the difficult realities in Namibia. It is often very difficult to filter out the opinions of those in the "west" from the news. About the party, Happy Canada Day! I too do not enjoy drunken parties. So far it's something I've managed to avoid... but my roomate and her friends smoke (not cigarettes), and it's hard to avoid. Do not be frustrated by the pace of your work. I have come to the conclusion that it will be slower than we expect it. The pace in the middle east is too easy going, and issues arise to slow things down. It sounds like you are having an intense learning experience - as we all are. Take care, and keep up the writing. |
| 3rd July 2006 Kate | People are idiots - From: Canada Day in Namibia Its funny that people travel across the world, only to do the same silly things that they do at home. I agree. Alcohol does make people act like idiots. It's too bad that most people around them encourage their stupidness. But I am happy to hear that you celebrated Canada Day! (Too bad it ended on a sour note) I'm looking forward to your return leaping leah and hearing the stories in person. Only a few more weeks left :) |
| 1st July 2006 Mark | wow - From: Ivan Illich's speech that is perhaps one of the most intense people I have heard. |
| 1st July 2006 Mark | :) - From: Warning: Rant Dont get mad, get EVEN! |
| 27th June 2006 Carm | your blogs are blogerific - From: No one wears deodorant in Namibia Leahpeah! I miss you!! sorry I haven't commented on your blogs yet, I've been in BC visiting my mom. You descriptions are wonderful, I wish I was there exploring with you! You are brave and wonderful, I am so proud of you, I tell everyone where you are and what you're doing! I will be back in ON in a few days, and contact you more freaquently then. Be safe! LOVE YOU |
| 24th June 2006 Mommy | Sure - give me heart failure! - From: No one wears deodorant in Namibia Hmmm ... in car with driver who is drinking beer .... better I don't say more. Stay safe, yes that's the goal - and sometimes I guess you have to make the best choice available. I think that reading the blog of a daughter in Africa is definitely a growth experience for a mom! Love ya, Momo xoxoxoxo Take care, little one! I love you! |
| 23rd June 2006 Jenny Poo | Phhewww! I thought I smelt something! - From: No one wears deodorant in Namibia HI boo boo Loving all the blogs but I do have to admit I skim over the long ones...I really take after Dad for that one! I can truly sympathize with you around body odor. As you know, my nose is like a blood hound and when I traveled to Europe, they maximized my senses. I even smelt peoples breath while on the bus! How disgusting is that? Most of your friends will think I am weird now. Anyway, we are missing you dearly but we know you will be travelling all over the place the more you get into your field. This is just a small test run for the rest of your life! Abigail is now 2 lbs, 11 oz and they are talking about transferring her to Scarborough Centenary any day now. It's amazing how she is just 8 weeks old. Oh how time flies! She is doing exceptionally well and God has His hand on her for sure! Or maybe it's the "ape creator"? lol Loving and missing you, Jen, Ade and Abi PS Hows the food? Or did I skim that paragraph? |
| 18th June 2006 Mark | Love - From: this computermakesmelook like i haveno typing orspellingor grammarskills I am sure your having a wonderful time my dear. |
| 17th June 2006 Jerome C. | Best Wishes - From: how can we ask for reparations when we are wearing the clothes of the colonizer? Judging from your entries, I love what you're doing down there. Much respect for your aims and efforts. I'm interested in seeing the new aesthetic and conceptual dimensions these rich experiences add to your writing. Nice lines about the rocks being placed randomly and a sunset on one end and a moon with various colours on the other. Take Care. Best wishes, Jerome. |
| 14th June 2006 Mommy | Wow again - From: Oshakati and the SBDC It was so great to talk to you on the phone again. When Dad and I read your blog, we both chucked at the 'vascillate'. Dad says you are very articulate like your father - hahahaha. Truly - it's great to read what you've written - sounds like you are soon going to be in to the nitty gritty of your work - which you love! Take care - have fun - stay safe - you know the drill. Oh yeah, and learn lots, eh? Love ya, Mommy xoxoox |
| 5th June 2006 Lucas | Mama Leah, Mark is ...ouch meow!!!! - From: A murdered man, Leo DiCaprio, torturous Meow meow meow! Missin you...Mark is doing an okay job of taking care of me! But I miss you rubbing and petting me as I sit on your lap while you are on the computer!! I hope you are not petting other cats out there or I would be very jealous!!!! Love, Pucas aka Lucas |
| 5th June 2006 The Middle Sister | The longest blog Message I have ever read! - From: no one is happy on a 20 hour bus ride Hi BooBoo Missing you terribly but knowing you are having an adventure you can only have once in your lifetime. Thanks for sharing your stories, a little winded, but I know that if you were actually talking, it would only take no less than 2 minutes to explain and Dad would be telling you to SLOW DOWN as you describe everything. Love you lots, Jen PS Abigail is now 1 kg (2.2lbs.) and she is looking great! |
| 5th June 2006 Mommy | Wow - From: no one is happy on a 20 hour bus ride Again - wow - it's hard to even imagine what it is like to be where you are doing what you are doing - even with your amazing descriptions. The bus ride sounds worse to me than the climb up the mountain actually - I don't think I could sit for so long. :-) Bravo for trying all these new things, Leah. A lot of people would love to be you right now. I'm enjoying your personal emails - keep sending - and remember Dad and I love you so much. Stay safe! Love, Mom xoxooxox |
| 4th June 2006 dnad | RAPELLING??? - From: no one is happy on a 20 hour bus ride I'm so jealous. it's been years since I've rappelled... and I totally know that feeeling. it allmost tickles. those first few steps out into nothingness is terrifying... but then it becomes very relaxed once you catch your balance on the wall. I can do an angle dive. basically you run and jump head first off the rock. feet together and arms stretched out with your line in one hand to slow you down. and you float all the way to the bottom without ever touching the ground. Imagine being a bad guy seeing a bunch of guys with big guns doing that out of a helicopter to get you. thats scary stuff. hahaahaaa |
| 1st June 2006 Eryn | Missing You! - From: A murdered man, Leo DiCaprio, torturous Hey you, Wow, how amazing your trip has already started. You are an inspiration to us all. So glad to hear your safe, and where you need to be! As soon as you can pass along an address, let me know Sidd is waiting for you. Missing you Tons Leah! All My Love: Eryn |
| 30th May 2006 Mark | I love you baby! - From: A murdered man, Leo DiCaprio, torturous You are fantastic my dear, I am in love with you and I miss you! Im so glad you are having a good time. I wish you the best of luck and have a good time. |
| 30th May 2006 Mom & Dad | Wow - From: A murdered man, Leo DiCaprio, torturous Thanks for sending us the link to the blog. Wow - are you really our daughter!?!?!? Amazing to read what you've written. I wonder if you will have the same ideas for your graduate work after you've been there nine weeks - or your ideas will evolve to something much different?! We love you, Leah. And a comment from Dad: Love ya! So proud! Talk to you soon - keep sending us this link! Mom & Dad xoxoxoxoxo |
| 7th May 2006 Sara - CISEPO (Amman) | - From: Expect the Unexpected Hi Leah, I agree with the others, perhaps option 2 is the best way to go as it is the closest to your original plan. Im sure SBDC would support your research interest to focus on elderly caregivers. Is there any way you can divide your time between Windhoek and Oshakati in order to have both an urban and rural dimension? Good luck and it will all work out in the end. |
| 4th May 2006 Ashwini - Arizona Intern | It seems to me... - From: Expect the Unexpected From what I've read, it seems to me that your primary research interest is in the social impacts more than the economic ones, although the two are connected. In that case, your modified version of Option #2 would be the best way to go. True, it is in urban Windhoek, but at least you will still be able to focus on the impacts of HIV/AIDS on the family unit and on the social conditions. Also, I know Helen and I'm sure that she'll be willing to work with you on this. Who knows, maybe you both can spend a week doing interviews in the rural areas? This would give your research an added dimension, and you could compare and contrast the rural vs. urban experiences for your paper. And working with someone else makes it easier to bounce ideas off each other, so conducting interviews together would certainly give rise to new avenues for investigation and thought. But whatever you decide, make sure that it will be something that stays as close to your original goals as possible! Hope this helps. Cheers, Ashwini =) |
| 4th May 2006 Chantal - Ottawa | - From: Expect the Unexpected I also think option 2 is the best. Talk to Helen to see if you two can work something out. Good luck! |
| 2nd May 2006 Mery | - From: Expect the Unexpected Hi there Leah; well, it seems to me that option 2 (specially the second paragraph) is the best compromise. you would be focusing things according to what you are looking for. Having a companion might also prove to be to your advantage. good luck and keep us posted ok. |
| 2nd May 2006 Kate | - From: For Abigail Having seen the rest of the Taylor clan, I'm sure Abigail is also the best looking :P Leaping Leah you are a couragouse woman for participating in this internship. Whatever option you choose, I'm sure you will pursue it with the passion that it deserves and that i am enviouse of. Looking foward to reading the updates of your blogs...very cool lady ; |
| 1st May 2006 Anna | CISEPO Intern - From: Expect the Unexpected Hi Leah, I like two of your ideas. Option #2: To work with SBDC about economic status and finances of families in Oshakati. In the interviews you can always use that time to focus on other aspects like the grandparents' feelings or views on raising their grandchildren, and on HIV/AIDS. If this is the city you really want to work in, then try to balance SBDC's interests with your own. Considering HIV/AIDS is connected with poverty and nutricion, I do not think they will strongly discorage you from your research. If you are willing to move to Windhoek and work there, then collaborating with Helen will be interesting. Discuss it with her, and maybe it will save you both time to do interviews together. Even if you end up with different research topics and papers, you can still share notes and opinions. The topics will likely have some area of overlap. Good luck! |
| 30th April 2006 Hana | Got the word - From: For Abigail Hey there! I got your comment tonight and I am really glad things are going good! I am also very excited that you liked Snow Patrol. They really put me in a relaxed state...best when cruising by the beach. I wonder if you've heard of Blonde Redhead, Poe, Imogen Heap, Emiliana Torrini or Stina Nordenstam. If not, check them out--all of them. Definitely different spectrums of the musical world but worth the listen. Namibia sounds like an adventure! Take care though! I might be going to Ireland next summer to study abroad with SDSU (not exactly the same thing you're doing, but still going overseas!) I'm majoring in English which I thought was interesting because you're a creative writing major. We have a lot more in common than I'd thought. It was most definitely wonderful hearing from you! Here's my email: digitaldinanie@sbcglobal.net Keep in touch : ) |
| 30th April 2006 I am the Shadow That Walks | I wish I had the worlds smallest sunglasses. - From: For Abigail I WANT PICS!! haha. but that seems to be an exciting jumpstart in life. I was nearly 3 years old by the time I first flew in a plane... what am I doing in life?!?!?! I need to focus, some of these things I've never done. I'm going to go find an incubator right now. |
| 29th April 2006 Jesse Taylor | Abigail - From: For Abigail Abigail Ariyo the littlest yet lovliest member of the taylor clan we love you . |
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