Blogs from Khartoum, North, Sudan, Africa - page 5

May 29, 2007 - Khartoum Well things here are interesting still... I have started my weeke of Military Observer refresher training. I am the only Canadian in the class, with the majority of UNMO's being German. A few UNMO's from Peru, Paraguay, Nigeria and Zambia round out the class. We have covered a lot of information that was passed along last week which reaffirms that everyone is only concerned with their own specific issues and no inter-department communication really occurs. Instruction has come from Croatian, Ukranian, Pakistani, Polish, and jordanian staff. I think that working with the Germans will be a good experience as they seem well-trained, professional, but maybe a touch on the arrogant side.... but really, who can blame them? Their forefathers tried to take over Europe... twice. Kidding... but seriously, they seem ... read more

Well my first week is almost complete in Sudan. Six days ago I stepped off the Lufthansa plane into what felt like a the blast of a hairdryer... 42 degrees. Wow. But it's a dry heat.... seriously. hahaha. Khartoum is like any other city, it has restaurants, corner stores, and traffic lights. That is where the similarities end. There is a constant lingering smell of buring charcoal, dirt, and heat.... to me, it actually smells different when it gets hot outside... weird. My introduction to the United Nations has been interesting to say the least. What I have seen so far indicates a behemoth of an organization, centered around process, paper work and small feifdoms. It seems each department has it's own agenda, and it is the most important agenda, of course. However, the individual departments ... read more

Galib sent this photo of the gym in Khartoum. Imagine working out in 45 degree heat on a rooftop, no cover from the blazing sun rays, but look again at the photo, it's not very busy there is it??? The Inukshuk is the offical emblem of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, CANADA. It is a stone landmark used as a milestone or directional marker by the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic. Inukshuk is a beacon. For travellers in Canada's North, an Inukshuk is a welcome sight. It says, "I've been here before; you're on the right path". To see a photo of the Inukshuk in Khartoum, Sudan, puts a smile on my face. Inukshuk goes international. Galib, you are on the right path. Keep smiling...and stay hydrated in that 45 degree heat :) ... read more

Galib certainly leads the life of adventure. He chooses the path less travelled. It has officially been 5 weeks since he left the fresh rain of Vancouver behind. I have kept myself occupied with wedding plans...though Galib & I planned mostly everything before he left. As a bride-to-be, I could have not have hoped for a more involved fiancé and the utmost supportive friends and family. I will be posting some photos that Galib sends my way for you to view. Some photos make it hard to believe that a place such as this exists and his emails will just make you laugh out loud. Here is an excerpt from one of Galib's emails regarding the culture shock phase of his first 2 weeks in Khartoum: "You wake up at 5 am to the prayers blaring ... read more

Ok.. i think i agree with Pyscho that it may be confusing interjecting past entries.. so i've backdated them.. and when i add in those entries.. i'll send a post up here to inform you guys.. so if you want to read them, pls scroll down.. Added The Ferry Journey to Wadi Halfa (26th March 07 - 27th March 07) The transit town of Wadi Halfa (27th March 06 - 29th March 06) The first day of the journey Day 2 - Abri-Wawa-Kerma-Some village north of Dongola... read more