tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47127435203252495682024-03-25T20:13:07.953+03:00Rich in Africa“Africa has her mysteries and even a wise man cannot understand them. But a wise man respects them.”
~ Miriam MakebaRichardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-30267748862007630972024-03-25T20:12:00.000+03:002024-03-25T20:12:28.499+03:00High-level Visit 2<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">On arrival in
at the airport in Mogadishu, we bid farewell on the tarmac to those who would
continue on to Nairobi. My regional colleague and I would remain in the “green
zone” to attend a function at the British embassy. This area, which is
essentially a military base with an international airport, has changed
radically over the years. It’s basically compounds with high security located
within a massive compound with high security. It sits on a piece of land along the coast. Private contractors drive a
distorted economy and charge huge amounts to UN, foreign governments and
international organizations for rent, food services, security, etc. It’s a big
racket and I’m not sure how the international community will untangle itself
from the whole thing. I’m just glad we’re not a part of it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsLplGdzdJsJw0vOyAK4Ldf6Vd9nDNZIKPkawKKTz7_srpuy0I70PEiZbe4Bx4MVN68l3v_4L0H-DXrB30i3ngzuaoqSaYPe4JpQMLp8d9y9SAx_xrbDf_Fsrr-HPfxGKZbqFlpKLY71CjIgdADU5uH3XqZc-qBauu6DQt3mFB4xAQQRqytKwk8uM/s1019/GAASHAAN%20group%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1019" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsLplGdzdJsJw0vOyAK4Ldf6Vd9nDNZIKPkawKKTz7_srpuy0I70PEiZbe4Bx4MVN68l3v_4L0H-DXrB30i3ngzuaoqSaYPe4JpQMLp8d9y9SAx_xrbDf_Fsrr-HPfxGKZbqFlpKLY71CjIgdADU5uH3XqZc-qBauu6DQt3mFB4xAQQRqytKwk8uM/w400-h268/GAASHAAN%20group%20photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br />After our
event, we made our way outside the “green zone” and to our office/guesthouse.
The previous week or so had put me considerably behind in my work and I was
happy to sit outside on our veranda in solitude and plug away at my emails.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">The next day
we had an all-Mogadishu staff meeting with about 60 or so staff in attendance.
We have about double that in this office but for those who work in clinics
throughout the city, it can be impractical to come all the way to the office.
Afterwards, my colleagues were off to the airport and I would have the
guesthouse to myself for the next couple days. The time would consist of internal and external meetings with little time for anything else. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">On Thursday,
it was time to travel home. It was a relatively stressful couple of weeks and a
long time since I had had a day off. I was looking forward to packing up and heading out. But the day turned out to be rather
strange, even by the strangeness that I’m accustomed to. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">It began as
it normally would. I packed my bag, had breakfast, conducted a brief
last-minute HR meeting and then made my way downstairs just as the armored
vehicle arrived to pick me up. The boom gate lifted, the perimeter gate opened,
and we were off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">The
construction on the main road to the airport was expected. It's supposed to last for several weeks. What I didn’t
anticipate was that as we approached, the driver blew past some police officers
who began yelling at him to stop, reaching for their guns. Eventually the driver did stop
and the yelling between the two parties ensued. We were only about 50 meters from where I would need to
get out anyway, to walk the stretch where the construction was, so I just go out
and started walking. The driver was so engaged in his argument with the police
that he barely noticed. The only problem was that I was supposed to be met by
the security guys who would walk me through the construction area to the
waiting vehicle on the other side. I think it’s the first time I’ve walked
alone on a Mogadishu street and I was hoping to hell the security team would be
waiting on the other end. There was no line of sight so I couldn’t know
for sure.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">I stuffed my
UN badge in my pocket given the reputation the institution has in the country,
particularly among militant groups. I don’t work for the UN but they provide me
an ID to facilitate my ability to get in and out of the “green zone” and access
the UN compounds inside. Having that dangling around my neck would not be a
good thing. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">After walking
up and down the sandy hills of the construction area, my security guy eventually
came into view. I expected him to be agitated that I ventured
out across the construction area on my own without waiting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That didn’t appear to be the case, probably
because he knew the issue was caused by their guy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">As we
approached the vehicle, an elderly woman in a hijab came up to me begging for
money. The security guy held her back and motioned for me to get in. As the
door shut, the woman began tapping on the tinted bulletproof window. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Though I get
approached like this in Kenya, and many other countries, it never happens in
Somalia due to the fact that I am never visible. My security, particularly in
Mogadishu, is so tight that I could never be seen and certainly not approached
like this. Today was an exception. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">The woman
obviously couldn’t see inside but she kept tapping on the window with one hand
and extending the other with her hand cupped. Just as we were pulling away I
told the driver to stop. Before leaving the office, one of my staff had given
me two boxes of baklava as a gift for my family. He’s very kind and he’s done
this before. He said it was a gesture for all that I had gone through the past
couple of weeks. While I was appreciative of his gesture, it occurred to me
that one of the boxes might be more appreciated by this woman. I quickly opened my heavy door, handed her one of the boxes, and then off
we sped. I would have enjoyed seeing her eyes as she saw what was inside the
blue bag.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Getting in
the “green zone” went rather smoothly (by the way, I use quotes since no one here calls it that). Before I had the badge, it was often
long and difficult. We then made our way to the UN compound where I would have
a meeting prior to heading to the airport. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Quick
high-level meetings like this border on pointless. It’s not so much the content
because I think the discussion went pretty well. It’s just that important people
from UN HQs have the challenge of overly ambitious itineraries combined with
the complicated logistics of our context. Conversation was frequently
interrupted by handlers and security people popping in and out, whispering messages in various people’s ears. There are also a lot of people who like to
feel important and/or convey importance during these things. It’s the inflated
view of one’s value-add that I’ve mentioned previously.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">After the
meeting, I found my way back through the labyrinth that is the UN compound to
my waiting vehicle. Upon exiting the gate of the UN compound, you need to get
checked out. My badge was quickly scanned. The driver, on the other hand, had to go inside the guard
station to retrieve his non-UN ID. I sat in the vehicle for about 10-15 minutes
before I got out and went to the guard station to see what was going on. Turns
out that the UN guards had lost his ID. They apparently hold visitor IDs in a blue
wash bucket (?!). There were dozens and dozens of them with tangled lanyards in
a mess that looked from a distance like a colorful bowl of spaghetti. The clock
was ticking and I desperately didn’t want to miss my plane. We finally agreed
that the driver would come back to sort it out after dropping me off at the air
terminal. I don’t think he was keen on the idea of leaving without his ID but
we didn’t have any choice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlP1iGLydSsgU2AmgRlZ-MKFDG9kHaNNzAq7NL0DavGZAI-uLDgygJqLTbK8-efpgJMcsawghVTqb8Oieed4O9DxYRURHZMGC9QBXP0rLUZIFEAd29gz4GV_HB6Fc3yrB8La2D2bNSQU1qfqPT-P55JOckmdT_E7zSRnrKL9iS9_zGTydNyA5dMiC/s1024/20240307_112938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlP1iGLydSsgU2AmgRlZ-MKFDG9kHaNNzAq7NL0DavGZAI-uLDgygJqLTbK8-efpgJMcsawghVTqb8Oieed4O9DxYRURHZMGC9QBXP0rLUZIFEAd29gz4GV_HB6Fc3yrB8La2D2bNSQU1qfqPT-P55JOckmdT_E7zSRnrKL9iS9_zGTydNyA5dMiC/w400-h266/20240307_112938.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br />Off we sped
on the dusty road. If all went well, I would just make it in time to check in.</span><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">As you might
guess, all did not go well. Before reaching the terminal, we hit a massive
queue of SUVs, trucks and armored personal carriers. And nothing was moving.
After about ten minutes of waiting, I gave up. I told the driver (who didn’t
speak a word of English), that I was getting out and walking the rest of the
way. I think he was uncomfortable about me bailing on his ability to carry out
his mandate, but I didn’t have too many options. It was less problematic to do this here than
what I had done earlier in the morning given that we were at least within the
“green zone”. My biggest issue was the intense heat of midday, and, of course,
the possibility of missing my flight. Thankfully I travel lightly. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">I tromped
along the sandy roadside passing the dozens of standing vehicles, eventually
arriving at the terminal. Other than being soaked with sweat, I was happy with
my decision to walk. I was late enough that navigating security was slightly
easier. The first stage of the gauntlet is the first of two sniffer dog checks
(and the usual request for “tip” from airport security guys) and then the
security check as you enter the terminal building. I know one of the guards
quite well and we had our usual, albeit quick, chat about the weather, family,
etc. It’s helpful to have and maintain these connections in case something unpredictable happens. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">I was one of
the last to check in. I arrived too late for the gate sniffer dog bag check
which didn’t seem to bother anyone. As we filed out to walk to the plane, I
knew I was going to make the flight and, though soaked with sweat, I was
feeling a bit relieved. I had had a rather arduous couple of weeks and I didn’t
want to extend it by a day (or more) by missing my flight.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">As I boarded
the airplane there was an elderly Somali woman in my seat in the front row of the
plane. That seemed to follow the pattern of my day thus far. My frustration was
tempered by the fact that the lady didn’t look well at all. The guy next to her,
likely her son, was giving her sips of water. I’m assuming they were trying to
get her to Nairobi for health care. I temporarily sat across the aisle waiting
for the flight attendant to find me another seat. As looked over at her, she
had a haunting, almost desperate look in her eyes. It appeared she needed help
ASAP.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">I was
eventually put in a row behind her. I proceeded to open my laptop to catch up
on my neglected email inbox while I still had internet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Soon the door
of the plane closed and we began to taxi. All of the sudden, the plane stopped.
I looked up and there was some commotion around the sick lady. The door of the
plane opened and within a few minutes paramedics boarded. One of them checked the
woman’s pulse and shook his head. Sadly, and shockingly, she had just died.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">After about
ten minutes, an ambulance arrived. They carried her out of the airplane and lay
her on the gurney and covered her face. There was no yelling and pointing which
seems to accompany most logistics in this country. It was a very methodical and
reasonably quiet process. As the ambulance drove away, it took a bit to collect
my thoughts. The front of the plane was relatively quiet since it was apparent
to most what had just happened. Farther back, it appeared that most were
unaware, other than the fact that a passenger was loaded into an ambulance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWarEqA6GKCS8Aossd4Bk2nOYp9nDKve4YVV8rTGbaB03XsHf-W_bP28TduWir-K6onET0FVNhgCoggpBdrOiMUwHb8fYelMpQOW6dyRAcUVEYW05Ao8cms6f8bWKURzsCV8ySdRccgnQH1Wbfn6rqr31gxMizO9VgxjtgIzWd9ksLi5zJ72V6VQ1m/s1024/20240307_133320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWarEqA6GKCS8Aossd4Bk2nOYp9nDKve4YVV8rTGbaB03XsHf-W_bP28TduWir-K6onET0FVNhgCoggpBdrOiMUwHb8fYelMpQOW6dyRAcUVEYW05Ao8cms6f8bWKURzsCV8ySdRccgnQH1Wbfn6rqr31gxMizO9VgxjtgIzWd9ksLi5zJ72V6VQ1m/w400-h266/20240307_133320.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the ambulance pulling away from the airplane (through a dirty window)</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was a
sobering moment that stuck with me the remainder of the day. Interestingly, the woman’s seat was taken by another woman
with a newborn baby. </span></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-13473021937043261192024-03-18T20:51:00.000+03:002024-03-18T20:51:42.507+03:00High-level Visit 1<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">A</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">fter the
week in Diani, we returned to Nairobi where I would be launched into one of the
busier times of the year. The next week I spent in global meetings,
thankfully hosted in Nairobi just a few blocks from our house. No need to
travel, and in fact I was able to commute by bicycle, my preferred mode of
transportation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The meetings
involved our country leadership from around the globe. It was the first time we
had met as a group (just us) since probably 2019 in Tunis. Some new faces. Some
people I’ve known for over 15 years. Good to connect and discuss some critical
issues. It was the first time in our history that men were in the minority in this group. We’ve
come a long way.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the heels
of the week-long meetings (i.e. at 4am the next morning), I would move on to my next
commitment. We had been asked to host our Senior Vice President, and a small
entourage, for a short visit in Somalia. We had some fairly limiting
parameters. He only had two nights available and he had some specific activities
that he wanted to visit. And I couldn’t return to where we went when he last
visited in January 2018. We ended up deciding on Puntland in northern Somalia
where it appeared we could pull off such a visit. Complicated logistics in the
country can make tight visits unravel in a hurry. Puntland is the safest bet
since travel there tends to be more reliable than other places, largely due to
its stability.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We met at the
Nairobi airport around 4:30am. For me this is a very regular thing. Checking in
for flights to/from Mogadishu can be chaotic. Usually there are lots of massive
bags, partially due to the fact that shipping things in and out of Somalia is
not easy, or cheap. I’ve seen car tires, small appliances, etc. all going in as
checked luggage (but no poorly sealed buckets of raw fish as we experienced in
the interior of Tanzania). There are usually lots of tired children, elderly
needing assistance, issues at immigration, etc. and things that end up making
the process a bit less orderly. You just need to show up early and take it as
it comes. It’s like fighting against an ocean rip tide. Getting frustrated and
pushing against it won’t help. Just be mentally prepared, relax, and know that
you’ll be clear of it eventually.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Garowe</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">T</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">he flight
went directly to Garowe without passing through Mogadishu. That was a big bonus
and we gained considerable time. Immigration in Puntland is more straight
forward than it used to be. As a semi-autonomous part of Somalia, they have at
times created redundant processes as they have navigated their love-hate
relationship with the federal government. Currently there seems to be more love
than hate, though it’s not always rosy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivsdji0zBURNDmGZ6ET-ojI863RvND2YcyKUqQgx1QZf3hHzoVoE2kRvGLVSq5h6xEw9yyWbcHi9_29GvdxSlaw2xj99sGilGqXjRpxWHyDyIiiw81WM7KS-cE3eL7-ojqzM2MTcp9tHbac70FEd1xZV1vUSdxzMet6kWDuOkzjwl3EGcXIkX-Qpm/s1024/IMG_7061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivsdji0zBURNDmGZ6ET-ojI863RvND2YcyKUqQgx1QZf3hHzoVoE2kRvGLVSq5h6xEw9yyWbcHi9_29GvdxSlaw2xj99sGilGqXjRpxWHyDyIiiw81WM7KS-cE3eL7-ojqzM2MTcp9tHbac70FEd1xZV1vUSdxzMet6kWDuOkzjwl3EGcXIkX-Qpm/w400-h300/IMG_7061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsm5QWMEbK99qgkdTHem-P4E9wG6sdwweWQHk9pCQIoKuufjzu2UcARmUCf8SVCTBnzeWr42fg29lpNuPyMS-gqkeNkYQD6p2JtPZ0yPoR_1492pbfDOShQ9AQSxiPA9XjprxKYsYBFG8XAa5kRRpAuDujS9GG-6jic-m0pts-vjIIXX6ABuGxC3U/s1024/20240303_065737.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsm5QWMEbK99qgkdTHem-P4E9wG6sdwweWQHk9pCQIoKuufjzu2UcARmUCf8SVCTBnzeWr42fg29lpNuPyMS-gqkeNkYQD6p2JtPZ0yPoR_1492pbfDOShQ9AQSxiPA9XjprxKYsYBFG8XAa5kRRpAuDujS9GG-6jic-m0pts-vjIIXX6ABuGxC3U/s320/20240303_065737.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">steel door with deadbolt lock (same for the window which didn't open anyway)</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Normally I stay at the office guesthouse when I'm there but because we were such a large group (six altogether), and security is simplified if we don't split up, we all stayed in a hotel. This was a new, and quite pleasant, experience. Though I enjoy being at the guesthouse, I must admit that having AC, satellite TV and a restaurant was nice.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The town of
Garowe has grown significantly over the years. Migration is fed in large part
to the greater security it provides compared to almost every other part of the
country. The roads are good. Buildings are under construction everywhere. I
read that over 80% of the energy being consumed is renewable (solar, wind). I
don’t know if it’s sustainable, but for now it seems to be moving in the right
direction. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first
afternoon we were there we met with staff. It’s the thing I probably enjoy the
most when visiting the field. This team in particular seems to have a lot of
energy and ambition. It’s good for them to have a high-level visit like this in
that it feeds some of that motivation. </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Burtinle</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">T</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">he next day
we were on the road shortly after 7:00am. We had a long day ahead and we needed
to get an early start. We needed to travel in a convoy of five vehicles: three
for our team (plus a couple of Garowe colleagues) and two mandatory security
vehicles at the front and back.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wlkJoF0sjYXklwCxP_cmH1z9XCCZmY1A2_3ezs6RBMjd084U1Pqe0tHCSFEW8CpGJ6lJzGo5kjeFkzmNhhsbFc1_AaXeMHrXeXG7qhZj9shqSrEaWxU2RO_uddpYiZP86NvVV5BHOJUhMiGZOtxAr31GbbfByickKRKOVG2iiG9Ii_EROdkUjX0M/s1024/DSC_0098.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1024" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wlkJoF0sjYXklwCxP_cmH1z9XCCZmY1A2_3ezs6RBMjd084U1Pqe0tHCSFEW8CpGJ6lJzGo5kjeFkzmNhhsbFc1_AaXeMHrXeXG7qhZj9shqSrEaWxU2RO_uddpYiZP86NvVV5BHOJUhMiGZOtxAr31GbbfByickKRKOVG2iiG9Ii_EROdkUjX0M/w400-h250/DSC_0098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived in
the town of Burtinle by mid-morning and proceeded straight to meet with the
mayor. I’ve been to this town a few times and have met with previous mayors.
There is generally a lower level of corruption in this part of Somalia than
elsewhere and the local government had recently moved to general suffrage for
local elections for the first time. It sort of gives hope that this is the
direction the rest of the country might be headed in the future. Maybe.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The visit was
cordial and I think it reflected the good collaboration we have had over the
past several years. It was good to finish up, however, and head out to visit
some activities. The plan for the day was to load up the morning with visits, have lunch
early afternoon and then begin heading back. You don’t want to be on the road
after 5pm.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc5iiYhooMC-xNcnRZxFekY_jTHykHX6E5oub8Mm2r8Iu3n3L6WlDnRw_gITSuR4OOPD4g0SZ9EebjgUayLNHSPBa2f95Gy18y_siWHFf4kk8rTwmkEBE8mypgXV7n2U4RD2zt6soGPT-MFmDYR0SsC-wrfjsQ-Ne3i9KpoyLINj7DR3B3dEvnD_H/s1024/DSC_0058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc5iiYhooMC-xNcnRZxFekY_jTHykHX6E5oub8Mm2r8Iu3n3L6WlDnRw_gITSuR4OOPD4g0SZ9EebjgUayLNHSPBa2f95Gy18y_siWHFf4kk8rTwmkEBE8mypgXV7n2U4RD2zt6soGPT-MFmDYR0SsC-wrfjsQ-Ne3i9KpoyLINj7DR3B3dEvnD_H/w640-h400/DSC_0058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The <span style="font-family: Calibri;">f</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">irst stop
was a safe space for women and girls that we have supported over the years.
They do a lot of skills training (henna tattooing, tie-dye, tailoring, basket
weaving and other classes). These places tend to be very valuable to the
community and it’s good that we can help keep them continue to be operational. I think the
downside is that there just isn’t a big enough economy to support everyone with
a livelihood once they’ve been trained. We need to figure out a way to tap into
new markets such that we can diversify the training a bit more. Regardless, it
plays a vital role in the community.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_lxXUX9QbDRbhVl9WrrOoFTpIDpt_lSmGY_fRkgdVPbWutfqFTIJ3STPhkNQ0ROPzc9C3kKcB9692EHxuoPN3Zbx6DVXBpD3iR4W6QWGmV3J4k9KUaPDthOMwHntU4tSn4fm8-Xyy42TlNAVmujGHXYlUuC6j_ewjDBjybKzxIN8ZoH4k80rZR_Q/s1024/20240303_104238.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_lxXUX9QbDRbhVl9WrrOoFTpIDpt_lSmGY_fRkgdVPbWutfqFTIJ3STPhkNQ0ROPzc9C3kKcB9692EHxuoPN3Zbx6DVXBpD3iR4W6QWGmV3J4k9KUaPDthOMwHntU4tSn4fm8-Xyy42TlNAVmujGHXYlUuC6j_ewjDBjybKzxIN8ZoH4k80rZR_Q/w400-h266/20240303_104238.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">dangling camel strips</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next stop
was at a market in town. We support these women’s savings and loan groups that
turn into small businesses. We were able to visit a couple of these businesses
and hear their stories. Pretty exciting to see that they are able to generate
an income. It’s not huge but they are able to put food on the table.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsYnbUBrTORoFZ-SMpVRjJlRYURGXuwE7wG8aBMwzkb4n9r9ct0mgAQz_yabUq1_xxxxeRQywZm5kD2AeVKD1E5gSSo5eAbgtBGH5EF86WHHk_68qsG1ZTfAfKJixHJiXXaDZ8FAEuF3RS4ESCNi3gamjqtY3qgL0aO_4xZ0ngcsmOMk8WRIIIMQS/s1024/IMG_7153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="907" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsYnbUBrTORoFZ-SMpVRjJlRYURGXuwE7wG8aBMwzkb4n9r9ct0mgAQz_yabUq1_xxxxeRQywZm5kD2AeVKD1E5gSSo5eAbgtBGH5EF86WHHk_68qsG1ZTfAfKJixHJiXXaDZ8FAEuF3RS4ESCNi3gamjqtY3qgL0aO_4xZ0ngcsmOMk8WRIIIMQS/w354-h400/IMG_7153.JPG" width="354" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The third
visit was at a mobile health clinic where we provide malnutrition screening
focused on children under five years of age. This effort is pretty cool in that
it’s a cost-effective way of reaching a lot of people without the cost of a
dedicated facility and without them needed to travel long distances to access
care. Would be great if we had the funds to expand this further but it was good
to see it in action in this community.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzxP5RZck4dO5TTgniupDWEpT2OgSDDZIbb0y9AnmuRwUrmYTtPESV7oViut9higpadFlTLNohsEnqdCI0ebeEGoxdl_J79k4J8yyLUI2gkO2S00Uozotj3hQQNenqDfkmwGn_X9rE-ouGnqtRRQVgmPz6jQ911ZRRrZ2EYRmVPiQ1KvNX-XriVuU/s1024/DSC_0103b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzxP5RZck4dO5TTgniupDWEpT2OgSDDZIbb0y9AnmuRwUrmYTtPESV7oViut9higpadFlTLNohsEnqdCI0ebeEGoxdl_J79k4J8yyLUI2gkO2S00Uozotj3hQQNenqDfkmwGn_X9rE-ouGnqtRRQVgmPz6jQ911ZRRrZ2EYRmVPiQ1KvNX-XriVuU/w640-h426/DSC_0103b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">healthy (and curious) herd</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The final
visit, now early afternoon, was to a borehole that we rehabilitated and
provided with solar panels to support the water pump. Removing the need for a
diesel generator is huge for these communities since they don’t have the means
to obtain diesel fuel nor maintain the generators. I’ve visited these boreholes
throughout the country and the functionality of the water access can be life or death for these people. It’s
always nice to happen upon a pastoralist camel herders passing through. This
time it was not to be, though a herd of goats graced us with their presence.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYM9Q07_AwRZcJ49rxt-SM2i7nNwPGciAE8Nde44M8CWINHBb8w4vOroUQxYzgYGmH0iiPvoG0Fy5j0wYchQtfQRuDKTXslAwbHZOmajgwdlQkSgvLwYcPedkhnTGieT_Lf9oOV4UQgfPpD5ewk3MG5N0cIh5zGCrGYyr0o_lAvcajbdxDFxOfRFu/s1024/IMG_7209.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYM9Q07_AwRZcJ49rxt-SM2i7nNwPGciAE8Nde44M8CWINHBb8w4vOroUQxYzgYGmH0iiPvoG0Fy5j0wYchQtfQRuDKTXslAwbHZOmajgwdlQkSgvLwYcPedkhnTGieT_Lf9oOV4UQgfPpD5ewk3MG5N0cIh5zGCrGYyr0o_lAvcajbdxDFxOfRFu/w400-h300/IMG_7209.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">We did see
lots of camels as we traveled, however. It was fantastic to see that not only
were they putting on weight by they were accompanied by lots of calves. During
the drought it was gut-wrenching to see all of the animal carcasses and
emaciated animals. We don’t know what the future holds, but at least for now
it’s great to see healthy and growing herds. <br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DwAtF1eEzXVhKjwrr6QlIsz67b46HP05m9uCwVDWHNDtwu7K-dgVJvcMhjsQWUIfX0LKnxTZNv06ptERU7nVkbcS4LQ1vz8UG-fJ8UBWUk1GY0pUqYGwUj5S05dVoZuVgHYBB-p74FJsUlzEwsogIXx1PqhYeUoe9w8lC4BTybrTOHBYy27y3o3V/s1024/DSC_0110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1024" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DwAtF1eEzXVhKjwrr6QlIsz67b46HP05m9uCwVDWHNDtwu7K-dgVJvcMhjsQWUIfX0LKnxTZNv06ptERU7nVkbcS4LQ1vz8UG-fJ8UBWUk1GY0pUqYGwUj5S05dVoZuVgHYBB-p74FJsUlzEwsogIXx1PqhYeUoe9w8lC4BTybrTOHBYy27y3o3V/w400-h251/DSC_0110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">a good sign to see healthy calves</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of
camels, after the borehole we headed back up the road to a restaurant. We were
dusty, hot and a bit dehydrated. We had lots of water available to us in the
vehicles but you don’t want to drink too much so as not to be in a situation
when you need a toilet and one is not available. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Towns in
Somalia often have a few restaurants that are equipped with rooms available to
people who need to be less visible. As foreigners, that would include us. It
would also include government officials and anyone else who might have a
particular security risk.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This room was
a bit odd but I’ve seen rooms like this before. There was a sofa and
over-stuffed chairs at one end on what appeared to be some sort of stage. My
guess is that it is one of the main options for local weddings or important
meetings. Good to have something like this in such a remote part of the
country.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffm6tA6uk-YZRIm8fMjsWgeIzncqh9TbKGztBDNKVLlk9DCjQ1SUT1xE71_CD07edFZp9ApeRSvoPIrMHKrQ9efBob39yZeh3mEd2iSeHfY8M5DyNc5s67G8E8t_m2WaeBJSIAeZrWP8YQntL985-3okz50hxNRRMuMHevSNiISYFGhtqRbdzDP5P/s1024/DSC_0113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffm6tA6uk-YZRIm8fMjsWgeIzncqh9TbKGztBDNKVLlk9DCjQ1SUT1xE71_CD07edFZp9ApeRSvoPIrMHKrQ9efBob39yZeh3mEd2iSeHfY8M5DyNc5s67G8E8t_m2WaeBJSIAeZrWP8YQntL985-3okz50hxNRRMuMHevSNiISYFGhtqRbdzDP5P/w400-h266/DSC_0113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no
menu in a place like this, except sometimes in the form of a poster on the
wall. In our case, we didn’t even order. The team had arranged in advance to
save time and everyone was given the same thing: a plastic plate of rice and,
you guessed it, a plastic plate of camel meat. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AR_8v4f1JFLsQtAOJDyNqHMXweUEkMrTFXp41oVFLHOoCn3mjax2xMHzH88_pOa5oLkvWm8eTbyJOZ8Gc5zWqpBel8iT6YDG2DXI6X7RijB9wqnOndN77KqEEKlRjs9__zvYJQ1wkDo6wGrdOED2wU5yJn01mApqCvUv7nVWKKt91ZQ1EiYgJfUK/s1024/20240303_135359.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AR_8v4f1JFLsQtAOJDyNqHMXweUEkMrTFXp41oVFLHOoCn3mjax2xMHzH88_pOa5oLkvWm8eTbyJOZ8Gc5zWqpBel8iT6YDG2DXI6X7RijB9wqnOndN77KqEEKlRjs9__zvYJQ1wkDo6wGrdOED2wU5yJn01mApqCvUv7nVWKKt91ZQ1EiYgJfUK/w400-h266/20240303_135359.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m always
curious how foreigners react to this sort of thing. I thought it was good, but
the portions were huge. I think most of our guests partook though I think one
of them just ate rice. </span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were soon
on our way. I had plenty to do in the vehicle so the drive didn’t seem taxing.
The pavement is basically non-existent half the time and there is lots of
zigzagging, but I managed to avoid motion sickness. We arrived in Garowe around
our targeted time and we all went our separate ways. My Somalia phone doesn’t
work in Puntland since It’s a different network. So being back in the hotel
gave me the opportunity to whittle down some of the messages in my inbox.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would have
another meeting the next morning at 7:30am and then we were off to the airport.
This time we would fly to Mogadishu. Half of the team would carry on back to
Nairobi. Half would disembark and remain in Mogadishu. I was part of the
latter. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkydsaukRXg5EZsou2FzuCy0Y0vkNsm-6_gQbu6GztSup159NlJ8jLPRQAQIQ3Qs3Uzt1u2VDBRA5mjy9NLq1qsE-bxjL6GV0HOshC2mTh4Hb6CMPJQifTxaIuR2uP99SwHcbR48w4fJHZKiyL-maQLsSY5AGiC8EDMHn5h8Z3jRw3_JwPC149coXS/s1024/DSC_0100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkydsaukRXg5EZsou2FzuCy0Y0vkNsm-6_gQbu6GztSup159NlJ8jLPRQAQIQ3Qs3Uzt1u2VDBRA5mjy9NLq1qsE-bxjL6GV0HOshC2mTh4Hb6CMPJQifTxaIuR2uP99SwHcbR48w4fJHZKiyL-maQLsSY5AGiC8EDMHn5h8Z3jRw3_JwPC149coXS/w400-h266/DSC_0100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-59355522267847540052024-03-16T18:46:00.001+03:002024-03-18T20:43:41.220+03:00Diani<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">O</span>nce again,
behind in my updates. Incredibly busy time these past few weeks. Will pick up
where I left off. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">I spent much
of February in Somalia. It limits the amount of things I have to recount that
might have taken place elsewhere and things that don't have to do with work. We were, however, able to squeeze in a trip
to the coast so I’ll start with that. </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">I was last on
the coast last September, so not that long ago. But we hadn’t been as a family
for a long time. May 2022 to be exact. For us that’s the longest stretch of not
traveling to the coast since we’ve lived in Kenya. There have been a number of
reasons. One is we’ve opted to go to other places, including the trip to Paris
last year. We’ve also needed to tighten our belts financially a bit as we were
finishing the building of the house in Idaho. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">So it was at
last time to head to the ocean. The girls were on holiday at the French school
for a couple weeks in February so we used one of those weeks to travel. Still
needing to watch our finances, we opted on taking the train. </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><b>The Train</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">R</span>ail service
to the coast has existed since the late 1800s when British colonialists built
what was then called the Uganda Railway, named after its ultimate destination.
The narrow gauge (or meter gauge) train maintained a certain popularity in the
early 1900s (before the time of the airplane) as it transported tourists from
the port of Mombasa to the interior of Kenya as exotic safari excursions grew
in popularity. Theodore Roosevelt raved about his travels on the train in 1909.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifikz4JvTgWEGPBzcjLyOF3mtHKuHoP_U5LwX69VjIH21pn0cenN_onvSAaIrU_bmz-W2z3z0OoiF-pbdxZk_PSxAnE0iJb-Cp-n2MDm97iiiqSQpni0IsMC5IxP7JJhX413IJQ-Uf1YY3Wt7a8_gwR4ldaJQU-u1tD6SM2VdB62kZWWbh9twjPESf/s1024/20240219_064945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifikz4JvTgWEGPBzcjLyOF3mtHKuHoP_U5LwX69VjIH21pn0cenN_onvSAaIrU_bmz-W2z3z0OoiF-pbdxZk_PSxAnE0iJb-Cp-n2MDm97iiiqSQpni0IsMC5IxP7JJhX413IJQ-Uf1YY3Wt7a8_gwR4ldaJQU-u1tD6SM2VdB62kZWWbh9twjPESf/w400-h268/20240219_064945.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">early morning at the modern-ish train station in Nairobi</span><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />After
independence, however, the railway gradually fell into disrepair and eventually
was dubbed the “Lunatic Express”. In summer 2016, a reporter for <i>The
Economist</i> magazine (someone I knew during my time in Burundi) took the train
from Nairobi to Mombasa. He wrote that the railway was in poor condition,
departing 7 hours late and taking 24 hours for the journey. Its last run was in
April 2017.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><br />The new
standard gauge train began service the following month, in May 2017. The route
runs parallel to the old line and passes through the transportation corridor
between Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. Viaducts and
embankments elevate the track above ground level, with underpasses allowing
wildlife to pass safely underneath (allegedly).<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5YYPo4NjJtPxhLEKxHx5bMdTvU7WfWHRnRWLd7P5DqY9gT3ucl7w0YRQkSXZjrBWwyFdh-1IWOx79gJ9qwckTf_cwvZLtl_GvEiQZuHr8BJLCSQX1ofwfBD2lCwz5_aqKwUO4VriUI7dyT25GhkwZJFqKLdvL6vSDOckwCtUqBDao0QlSF7n9bG0/s1024/20240219_131318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5YYPo4NjJtPxhLEKxHx5bMdTvU7WfWHRnRWLd7P5DqY9gT3ucl7w0YRQkSXZjrBWwyFdh-1IWOx79gJ9qwckTf_cwvZLtl_GvEiQZuHr8BJLCSQX1ofwfBD2lCwz5_aqKwUO4VriUI7dyT25GhkwZJFqKLdvL6vSDOckwCtUqBDao0QlSF7n9bG0/w400-h225/20240219_131318.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYOQ6W6Cu8TLhyphenhyphenm6C7fiPQphAkzDgr-6v-wV_tXdmlJue4lLa3JFwoUTtzrd1uwuFsy20pHICBV1JKKLsBjXTpBGQv3WJgRL1S_iJmB09qyO5qlR2eKCa0EpSdy4gkWXEeBHPIQ0ZSlgIABRouBgu9CbLr6VfS6dtQv5-DGoZDLHCSKjrao4dbtXc/s1024/20240219_132828.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1024" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYOQ6W6Cu8TLhyphenhyphenm6C7fiPQphAkzDgr-6v-wV_tXdmlJue4lLa3JFwoUTtzrd1uwuFsy20pHICBV1JKKLsBjXTpBGQv3WJgRL1S_iJmB09qyO5qlR2eKCa0EpSdy4gkWXEeBHPIQ0ZSlgIABRouBgu9CbLr6VfS6dtQv5-DGoZDLHCSKjrao4dbtXc/w400-h253/20240219_132828.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the ticker says 42 C. (107 F.) outside; it was hot but not that hot</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">We took an
Uber to the train station the morning of our trip. Unfortunately, the station
is a considerable distance from central Nairobi and it’s the same at the other
end in Mombasa. The world, including the US, needs to learn from our European
counterparts and make rail service more user friendly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvZqP_K2bS_A0bYhBHU_oA8HAthqR15SEnyLz3LmO1AYzRE0nG-UiDfPu5Kf0sQDcCUMnNCTqpHUmcDjThBpzyUufM5yoMrqLhvJCRMSj8whlY1jSk59YjndkLGlc1eM6D2yzQ0sfY504A-v82N_YfobQG5ilZyrxWSBy9qZ9j0EUB-eSKj6vwsUJ/s1024/20240219_145411.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvZqP_K2bS_A0bYhBHU_oA8HAthqR15SEnyLz3LmO1AYzRE0nG-UiDfPu5Kf0sQDcCUMnNCTqpHUmcDjThBpzyUufM5yoMrqLhvJCRMSj8whlY1jSk59YjndkLGlc1eM6D2yzQ0sfY504A-v82N_YfobQG5ilZyrxWSBy9qZ9j0EUB-eSKj6vwsUJ/w400-h225/20240219_145411.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">on the ferry in Mombasa</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I will say
that I was impressed with the efficiency of the operation in general. Sadly,
security is super tight and annoying, but I suppose it’s necessary. We were
told that the train leaves exactly on time and it did, both leaving Nairobi and
leaving Mombasa at the end of the week. It was also clean and the service was
good. If you have the time, I think it’s a more enjoyable way to travel than
the plane. And we were able to see some wildlife along the way.<p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZWZmU-PDO35ptFG6LrPU-mmjvPpxD2XleTlLFYb0oSEVVA7IfoNPZAuQvSqOuPP0ygqVjra2zRhU07AetjE6dreSVDO7Iu7glsX48XvmWY_uAsDCOn3_4Eb4pvx1ck1iB_ZCgUsqfMJVfEMM_u9h-riUPh9g8vwQZfthirvColmtBEzKslGgL9Tx/s1024/20240219_115027.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="1024" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZWZmU-PDO35ptFG6LrPU-mmjvPpxD2XleTlLFYb0oSEVVA7IfoNPZAuQvSqOuPP0ygqVjra2zRhU07AetjE6dreSVDO7Iu7glsX48XvmWY_uAsDCOn3_4Eb4pvx1ck1iB_ZCgUsqfMJVfEMM_u9h-riUPh9g8vwQZfthirvColmtBEzKslGgL9Tx/w400-h216/20240219_115027.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">hard to see in the photo but lots of zebras as we sped by</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Unfortunately,
I would be working remotely for the week. I’ve done this before and, to be
honest, it wasn’t a huge problem. It was sad not to be out playing with the
kids at the beach during the day, but it was manageable. There are worse places to
work.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><b>Diani</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">D</span>iani Beach
has been our preferred coastal destination. The beaches are the best that we’ve
experienced on the Kenyan coast and there are loads of child-friendly places to
stay. I will say, however, that we are slowly graduating out of such locations.
I suppose that’s a good thing, in a way, in that it gives you hotel options
that don’t involve kid-specific amenities. But imagining doing these things
without the girls is a sad thought. It has been an important part of their
childhood and has created some of our most precious memories. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiQqEKdI-UWZhZa3onsyiBzG5AwTnPwYGosHYDpRYoPv7vyj0M0HbEMR6nIAozNpol8VVut6VymVViDvKXVDc90oh8n5kUXth85R7JPNjoueFpMmlVmlzoXfI3yS-6Rt5Ucc_SY4tEoqggD0DQniUFuJueJJ-8sm191BF9VjDnJ7BvEFfcXNzvaoS/s1024/20240219_172712.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="574" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiQqEKdI-UWZhZa3onsyiBzG5AwTnPwYGosHYDpRYoPv7vyj0M0HbEMR6nIAozNpol8VVut6VymVViDvKXVDc90oh8n5kUXth85R7JPNjoueFpMmlVmlzoXfI3yS-6Rt5Ucc_SY4tEoqggD0DQniUFuJueJJ-8sm191BF9VjDnJ7BvEFfcXNzvaoS/w224-h400/20240219_172712.jpg" width="224" /></a></i></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">ah, good to be back at the beach...</span><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzPt4V2SA2E1Cc7Jm4Hc2XDeRu5NTtDHG2mG6tLTusXubUD7nggUJTfzUuqTx97XvU6UXndJCgLNuqnnuu1AZY1xWtCaXmStSkIC1Bz8IOEzB6ohKfnvPM9JsDpG9flCYpmBzU6lH6JHmfSjkjcj6UYRgOQD5lp4tBWQ2sIeaGiq2urzvbkchpuib/s1024/20240219_211849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzPt4V2SA2E1Cc7Jm4Hc2XDeRu5NTtDHG2mG6tLTusXubUD7nggUJTfzUuqTx97XvU6UXndJCgLNuqnnuu1AZY1xWtCaXmStSkIC1Bz8IOEzB6ohKfnvPM9JsDpG9flCYpmBzU6lH6JHmfSjkjcj6UYRgOQD5lp4tBWQ2sIeaGiq2urzvbkchpuib/w400-h225/20240219_211849.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4z5TrPGOxql7aVv9zgQp51tT8x0YQjzkq1hE_Vd8VGt8KBCG8HWXJL3_0bKLzaC9WtgcI1niOtdSP93lwZuOvuLNJ9h17DdaV3GbuX6PAS1V4aYijos-VjaQg7VrbT_9lfgIQyNkKsBxVY2zm9CNvBuT5i5R_6EdM7TmI_ormcUSwY9fohQEC2foR/s1024/DSC_0034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4z5TrPGOxql7aVv9zgQp51tT8x0YQjzkq1hE_Vd8VGt8KBCG8HWXJL3_0bKLzaC9WtgcI1niOtdSP93lwZuOvuLNJ9h17DdaV3GbuX6PAS1V4aYijos-VjaQg7VrbT_9lfgIQyNkKsBxVY2zm9CNvBuT5i5R_6EdM7TmI_ormcUSwY9fohQEC2foR/w640-h426/DSC_0034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Given the
need to work during the day, I was obliged to tap into the early morning for my
exercise. Though Priya and I normally do our workouts in parallel (more or less
the same day/time), we don’t normally do the same activities. This week, Priya
decided to join me on the dawn runs on the beach. When we first became a couple
back in the Tanzania days, we would often run together. But running isn’t
everyone’s cup of tea, and over time she migrated to other fitness routines. It
was nice this week, to share the experience, feel the coolness of morning,
watch the sunrise, take a post-run dip in the ocean, etc. I can’t think of a
better way to start the day, especially since I’m unable to sleep in.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rBeMpEY2oHYHtpkTInxSeRfc5qYCV_zuFGr0LoolnCsB5dWgvVjhW-4rs85Hn8CGA6w7Y5qIhWzBxUl24C-MNonqV1-y1GLaylRU-gRGuYU78_YM7HTOfXO6GuNpaRUGef6l7c9ERUmSbSmjsFoEH6G-sd3GwfTDtZrQpgZ4D03FZvkhKd_KcygQ/s1024/20240221_063657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rBeMpEY2oHYHtpkTInxSeRfc5qYCV_zuFGr0LoolnCsB5dWgvVjhW-4rs85Hn8CGA6w7Y5qIhWzBxUl24C-MNonqV1-y1GLaylRU-gRGuYU78_YM7HTOfXO6GuNpaRUGef6l7c9ERUmSbSmjsFoEH6G-sd3GwfTDtZrQpgZ4D03FZvkhKd_KcygQ/w400-h268/20240221_063657.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">running at sunrise</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9K-vaOn_qn0lQJ6f743XBymsZ0k1gQ6zhFo-5jxwN0JyT33YVuDoaxiX2EB-UJsXDtiqaW9K717DoKpHIXHDS6jHpDKVMDRO7kpOgIOVT63C8CeJU4mN2m-3THb_4FJuXiAU2CQgiWNldLv0V1RU9YxW13KuGNmORYyDh1fGmZR4qUZ46TtBjU_s/s1024/20240221_121256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9K-vaOn_qn0lQJ6f743XBymsZ0k1gQ6zhFo-5jxwN0JyT33YVuDoaxiX2EB-UJsXDtiqaW9K717DoKpHIXHDS6jHpDKVMDRO7kpOgIOVT63C8CeJU4mN2m-3THb_4FJuXiAU2CQgiWNldLv0V1RU9YxW13KuGNmORYyDh1fGmZR4qUZ46TtBjU_s/w640-h428/20240221_121256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeRCh0AsHKMHOAHWirC8wByOcJN5bY2ftf9tCl6TXQWSSaQZ0XFqHpkfqbZGpx4mZy3fwLPuzI8LAcqvJY2JDu6x406Qxja_qiVjqlIo_1tWJREoxo7cVQ-Q8F8ZKijrOJUBMlcp8P3q5K9XGqIH-lsYYe8AQyfm0X7Qq87Tg90AIoTU9U5AArHvK/s1024/20240221_182349.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeRCh0AsHKMHOAHWirC8wByOcJN5bY2ftf9tCl6TXQWSSaQZ0XFqHpkfqbZGpx4mZy3fwLPuzI8LAcqvJY2JDu6x406Qxja_qiVjqlIo_1tWJREoxo7cVQ-Q8F8ZKijrOJUBMlcp8P3q5K9XGqIH-lsYYe8AQyfm0X7Qq87Tg90AIoTU9U5AArHvK/w400-h300/20240221_182349.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">yeh, we did that</span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">* * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">One
hesitation before we went was the expected heat. We are at the hottest time of
the year and, according to the BBC, the hottest year on record. But the
excessive heat is more manageable when you’re at the coast. In the end, it was
uncomfortable at times but not a big deal. It was a nice break from Nairobi and
a breather before the subsequent few weeks which would be busy and at times
arduous.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F7gEMYKAwrKiJ3aq39aa1auSc5ZwtuKyfRJJpGwmgq2CdM8ZQ2QJ9mjCDmQKKnWXf_a8H1YJovYPkJ_XkPWKsSWqChF_ct4Z_E52Ct1QG-9biIMpMrQ_mK5l-v0L1J6c6kE7VEZkbIkgtbUhADyPwCS6KQdvqDvfI9AHzyWHN-1qGu1Hgmhled-4/s1024/DSC_0042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F7gEMYKAwrKiJ3aq39aa1auSc5ZwtuKyfRJJpGwmgq2CdM8ZQ2QJ9mjCDmQKKnWXf_a8H1YJovYPkJ_XkPWKsSWqChF_ct4Z_E52Ct1QG-9biIMpMrQ_mK5l-v0L1J6c6kE7VEZkbIkgtbUhADyPwCS6KQdvqDvfI9AHzyWHN-1qGu1Hgmhled-4/w640-h426/DSC_0042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-54099194854030888252024-02-09T16:32:00.003+03:002024-02-09T16:32:35.632+03:00Discs and Ticks<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">January was a busy month. We returned from Nanyuki the day
after New Year’s (Tuesday) and by the following Monday I was back in Mogadishu
and our girls were back and school. It was an easier transition than years past
given that we stayed in East Africa and there was no jet lag to overcome.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We did find time on a weekend to join some friends for a
disk golf birthday party. For starters, I didn’t know it existed in Kenya.
Though I know relatively little about the sport, I do have some history with
it. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Back in the early 1990s when I was living in Switzerland,
some friends of mine and I played what we called frisbee golf, which was, I
think, the type of activity that was an origin of the more sophisticated game
that people play today. At the time, playing at the University of Lausanne, we
identified nine random targets (serving like holes in golf). It was usually a
tree or something easily identifiable. One was a one-meter circular hole in the
side of a concrete wall.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By the mid- to late-90s, when I was at grad school, disc
golf had become a thing and there was a proper course set up at the local
university. It’s a nice low-tech activity to do with some friends, though I
didn’t do it very often.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the birthday, we all met at a wildlife conservancy just
outside Nairobi. It took a while to get there, inching along through congested
suburbia. There wasn’t much signage so we relied on Google. Eventually the sign
appeared and, thankfully, we were clear of the honking horns, exhaust and
crowded streets.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGyYCmS1ZY60AKXamWI1On9JH6hFs3Gd0f0GAvtqoU7F3PUp7a9GTxsl6nPb2Cs2cRRHuBQPpXz04Qd5M-mk1wLF6B2acXrA1kEUcOgjdEo6FzA6myV9DreYf_f7Q5b1OYIemeFok8Vm1QCfIlUwfJQ07QkMnqY8Zsq3V1EtWXXUjyvA1MQqDOBVM/s1024/DSC_1102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGyYCmS1ZY60AKXamWI1On9JH6hFs3Gd0f0GAvtqoU7F3PUp7a9GTxsl6nPb2Cs2cRRHuBQPpXz04Qd5M-mk1wLF6B2acXrA1kEUcOgjdEo6FzA6myV9DreYf_f7Q5b1OYIemeFok8Vm1QCfIlUwfJQ07QkMnqY8Zsq3V1EtWXXUjyvA1MQqDOBVM/w640-h428/DSC_1102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I was curious how you combine a conservancy with disc golf.
We eventually found the guy whose family (by marriage) owns the property. He’s
an American who seems to have settled in Kenya for good. Can’t say I blame him.
It’s an amazing property with loads of wildlife (zebras, impalas, giraffes,
eland, etc.). Even though it’s not connected to Nairobi National Park, there
are apparently animals that make their way between the two. He said that they
have had lions a couple of times. They alert the national park and they come,
sedate them and haul them back. It would be kind of exciting to stroll out on
the patio with your morning coffee and see some lions off in distance. Though I
think they might be disruptive to a disc golf game.<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once we were all there, we had a rather extensive tutorial
by our American host. It’s a good thing since I realized how much I didn’t
know. I had never learned properly and there’s a bit more to it than I was
aware of. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPn97XaDRi-9mYmZKkpsrKh3L-_zO3IYWYWiwse83KxfdxPM6Tc28q162kSmgHo5aA4bSTH-nYnVCnNEQHi02pWwsK2hF9MzswD7FM24UgYEXt2Q-0L4-eMynp5DKOPD-Rxg266VOahpjkZkbvXWt0yyyW_aD4TA4Vbn3oDkUrRuehnx-4ANB63UL/s1024/20240106_140141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPn97XaDRi-9mYmZKkpsrKh3L-_zO3IYWYWiwse83KxfdxPM6Tc28q162kSmgHo5aA4bSTH-nYnVCnNEQHi02pWwsK2hF9MzswD7FM24UgYEXt2Q-0L4-eMynp5DKOPD-Rxg266VOahpjkZkbvXWt0yyyW_aD4TA4Vbn3oDkUrRuehnx-4ANB63UL/w640-h426/20240106_140141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And then there were the local conditions. One good piece of
advice was to wrap double-sided tape around your lower calf to catch any
potential ticks. He said that when he’s out in the brush for a few hours, he
averages about one per day. Some of us had shorts on which increased exposure. I
tend to draw insects to me so I was guessing that I might exceed that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYTxClxCtHpVy_ZZYw1QyZzrVGq7By6FAxI-g5OSqtWbFwwYKWM4M8hwDcHUR0by1qIxu1Mh8GizoJPtOKByfKNPAjPKKHzojO0IzAm-uSNYKZDq9fBt80sU0juI7-7aqt6SRq-elfpu5Ui2Z5fGVs38a3aY3s_iYn7L-uLUFh9lML32KzmiokYrr/s1024/20240106_142821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYTxClxCtHpVy_ZZYw1QyZzrVGq7By6FAxI-g5OSqtWbFwwYKWM4M8hwDcHUR0by1qIxu1Mh8GizoJPtOKByfKNPAjPKKHzojO0IzAm-uSNYKZDq9fBt80sU0juI7-7aqt6SRq-elfpu5Ui2Z5fGVs38a3aY3s_iYn7L-uLUFh9lML32KzmiokYrr/w640-h429/20240106_142821.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Even by the end of the tutorial I had captured a tick on my
tape. He said there isn’t any evidence of lime disease in the area so I was
hoping he was right and they would be just an annoyance. To be safe, I added a
second band of tape a bit farther up my calf prior to heading out for our
9-hole round of play. Turned out to be a good call. By the end of the
afternoon, I would about a half-dozen ticks stuck to the tape. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjox6FbUlxVTvvKNBfRIe15o35UECQkV2GspArDzD9btkrwC7_hpueRdJMPdrUqkUHI9NfNYEz1ghsD45D0IkdkdtYivedNFNhCBnc0IGqhJhBA4Ios9-XNcfaLkhQrGeK37ROfJyFEq87SaDekPY7aYLsuguvMgWa6-ByaIgtVahoB9LdSt8yIzEV9/s1024/20240106_161351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjox6FbUlxVTvvKNBfRIe15o35UECQkV2GspArDzD9btkrwC7_hpueRdJMPdrUqkUHI9NfNYEz1ghsD45D0IkdkdtYivedNFNhCBnc0IGqhJhBA4Ios9-XNcfaLkhQrGeK37ROfJyFEq87SaDekPY7aYLsuguvMgWa6-ByaIgtVahoB9LdSt8yIzEV9/w400-h266/20240106_161351.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Would I go again? Maybe. It’s a nice setting, throwing discs
around with curious zebras gazing at you in the distance. It’s just the
annoying drive there. And the ticks. I’ll give it a maybe.</p>
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<![endif]-->Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-79637208599044308962024-02-02T11:29:00.000+03:002024-02-02T11:29:22.890+03:00Somalia Visit<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">After the brief
holiday period, it was back to work. I spent about half of January in Somalia. In fact, with the exception of one
vacation day, and the recognized holidays, there wasn't much of a break at all. Somalia doesn’t take much time off since they
obviously don’t celebrate Christmas and New Year’s is basically just a long weekend.
With a late trip to Mogadishu in December and an early one in January, there
was very little break in work continuity.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Given my postponed trip to Baidoa (in the southwest)
originally scheduled for December, I needed to fit that in early in the new
year. This area was considered to be the epicenter of the recent severe drought.
As devastated as the population was for the past few years, within weeks of the return of the rains
(finally), flooding ensued. A brutal twist of fate. The flooding was the worst on record, which comes with a caveat in that measurable
records don’t go back very far. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I would be traveling with a colleague from the regional
team. I have mixed feelings about traveling with people. I sometimes like the
interaction and I enjoy showing people what I consider to be one of the most
interesting places I’ve ever been - a place that most people will never
see. But I also
like traveling alone. Decision making is easier and, in an insecure
environment, there’s simply less to worry about.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Taking the UN flight, we were able to make it all the way to
Baidoa from Nairobi on a Sunday, transiting briefly through Mogadishu. It’s an
effective use of time, but with a 3:45am wake-up, it makes for a very packed
day. Sunday is the first day of the week so the plane was full and the airports
were busy. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLzQiUlo0IRbQ6cBZatjWMhnivoGBpki5heMlZoT0TqHUuC71gsi2WX6ltRMXgm3p4BSH8ueiJt1wUpGjRcJ2K6TEKepOkGVwGl3WRe8s2HTzXYpR7yAhk5Q7Ml7MkPW_lmv-UOQI-ubpENj2oboAo-8W1SX7-cuIgKx-GY8kmnXwccbuwplLkW6n/s1024/20240121_092350.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLzQiUlo0IRbQ6cBZatjWMhnivoGBpki5heMlZoT0TqHUuC71gsi2WX6ltRMXgm3p4BSH8ueiJt1wUpGjRcJ2K6TEKepOkGVwGl3WRe8s2HTzXYpR7yAhk5Q7Ml7MkPW_lmv-UOQI-ubpENj2oboAo-8W1SX7-cuIgKx-GY8kmnXwccbuwplLkW6n/w640-h406/20240121_092350.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>waiting lounge</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When I first
arrived in Somalia years ago, almost all international travelers used either UN
or EU flights. For years, it was deemed to be the only “safe” way to get to
Mogadishu. I was one of the first to transition to commercial flights which,
over the years, have become more the norm. There are some organizations that
still require staff to fly UN, but that number is reducing by the year (EU
flights were discontinued a few years ago). <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The transit in Mogadishu with the UN flight leaves a lot to be desired. Having grown accustomed to commercial travel in Somalia
where you enter a proper air terminal with all the basic amenities, returning
to UN travel seems almost farcical. Unnecessarily so, I would add. After the
plane lands, you’re escorted over to a container. A few years ago, you didn’t
even enter a container, but queued up outside for a long wait to go through “immigration”.
It’s usually hot and dusty. We stood outside the container for over 45 minutes: no
seating; no toilet; no water/food; wind gusts blowing sand in your face while waiting
to re-board our plane to continue to Baidoa. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I realize that for short-term UN workers to Somalia, this is
part of the ambiance. Obtaining “street cred” in a relatively brief hardship posting, a lot of
people embrace this sort of thing. As humanitarian work goes, Somalia is the
real deal. A little grit is good for a person's Instagram posts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I cringe when I see
these people. Not only do they enter the context with an inflated perception of
their value-add, they are also very expensive. Most are making decent money with
frequent R&Rs and are not even allowed to leave the green zone. It’s a system
that gradually needs to be dismantled, but there doesn’t seem to be an appetite
to do so. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Alas, I digress. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eventually we boarded our flight to Baidoa and were off.
Upon take-off, for safety reasons, flights immediately bank sharply towards the
ocean. It’s a security protocol to gain altitude over the water before continuing
the flight path over land to minimize the risk of anything being fired from the
ground. Such incidents are highly unlikely but the protocols remain for most aircraft.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoY730fQ5LP8obObDydqgcQ6aj02Inq4hFxB9QV7hoxQpOWoTz-Bpd9hDVcF-2KTQOcwEeGRmCPGqunFal6ys9r8yu5_tkBkkpXsxvdhR9KPL0E9H_mZYMpuMWPRI-xkrBMecik0GKsoF9tGjDJeUFAjrAvqS-TSvdpYTJ2rPc-k6TIhnoXs1vdXa/s1024/20240121_110307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoY730fQ5LP8obObDydqgcQ6aj02Inq4hFxB9QV7hoxQpOWoTz-Bpd9hDVcF-2KTQOcwEeGRmCPGqunFal6ys9r8yu5_tkBkkpXsxvdhR9KPL0E9H_mZYMpuMWPRI-xkrBMecik0GKsoF9tGjDJeUFAjrAvqS-TSvdpYTJ2rPc-k6TIhnoXs1vdXa/w640-h480/20240121_110307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The flight is short – about 45 minutes. I was surprised to
see the greenish landscape below as we approached the town. I have only
traveled to Baidoa during severe drought so it was a nice change. Some fear that the green will soon begin
to fade if the next rainy season fails.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCSsMbZ02pDX3VMSbbSVC72SXL5ssqahawgafw1tW87xf5bQB47O-eELDPk6O6z-LeVyp_EPiCK2hYw1a_cSDcYJ1ByjsIADIE1D21i9MzbG8JsPWVTQHj8ZYWekRzWdqP7dT1YKeccLUGT7Z3bqHy9ydw8R2r7PSwepFkzuioKewOs7_v67YtXP-/s1371/Baidoa.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="1371" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCSsMbZ02pDX3VMSbbSVC72SXL5ssqahawgafw1tW87xf5bQB47O-eELDPk6O6z-LeVyp_EPiCK2hYw1a_cSDcYJ1ByjsIADIE1D21i9MzbG8JsPWVTQHj8ZYWekRzWdqP7dT1YKeccLUGT7Z3bqHy9ydw8R2r7PSwepFkzuioKewOs7_v67YtXP-/w640-h220/Baidoa.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Scattered mostly on the outskirts of the town you see the massive
dome-shaped ramshackle tents of those who have been displaced by drought and
conflict (“IDPs” in our language – internally displaced persons). From the air
they look like small polyps, extending farther and farther as each crisis comes
and goes – people arriving for help, most with no intention of returning to
where they came from, either because of the recurring fear of conflict or the
lack of livelihoods by which they could feed themselves. But also no ability to move beyond the temporary housing which ends up being permanent. Supporting these
people is a big part of what we do in this town.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4tvRrX5_AFkiEToZhnAIeQ1O76GnVPbW2CWtJMZ9qcGLvCw69SCaLOpNmyTpvlXk3WCdqk-LFExCn38VFIlL6qmrwqjUZqF72Jq1JcGJWj049GmtF3bqCrcFuhD-uXiU7SEZ8pB9XjTUXnwLjPrlm62gYivlin93VcMrkZGRm9zY2oZN1GzSUxs9/s1024/20240123_103614.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4tvRrX5_AFkiEToZhnAIeQ1O76GnVPbW2CWtJMZ9qcGLvCw69SCaLOpNmyTpvlXk3WCdqk-LFExCn38VFIlL6qmrwqjUZqF72Jq1JcGJWj049GmtF3bqCrcFuhD-uXiU7SEZ8pB9XjTUXnwLjPrlm62gYivlin93VcMrkZGRm9zY2oZN1GzSUxs9/w640-h408/20240123_103614.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Baidoa town</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I’ve mentioned before, during previous posts of traveling
to Baidoa, the town is completely surrounded by militant groups. There is no
way for us to have access except by plane. You travel more than five kilometers
in any direction and you begin to leave government-controlled territory. It’s a
tough place to work and to bring in resources.<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYat675wrLbDuxP7QxG9o702DvVaFp9fY_sU9qJSdJ5SQO6gBrfT-fnRDBGsdiXA5PuTXPFgtS1kkFRU-mkbTmfEXjhl64Cmqxqh5Nu5C9SwIKXCJrY21kw7m8HHZ9flrnGsu3cbvFpnaW9xbhlTYtJXwuqmWSwik4Ek3KXBtiCwRjANfKvsblvjnd/s1024/20240121_112312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="766" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYat675wrLbDuxP7QxG9o702DvVaFp9fY_sU9qJSdJ5SQO6gBrfT-fnRDBGsdiXA5PuTXPFgtS1kkFRU-mkbTmfEXjhl64Cmqxqh5Nu5C9SwIKXCJrY21kw7m8HHZ9flrnGsu3cbvFpnaW9xbhlTYtJXwuqmWSwik4Ek3KXBtiCwRjANfKvsblvjnd/s320/20240121_112312.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>baggage claim</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We arrived late morning and were whisked off to engagements
with various government officials. After a good meeting with the mayor, a man I have met with a couple of times over the past year or so, we then headed to our
office for a late lunch. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgssJlWyOUD22Nf8eYLTkPhbOxkPm82Wv5NFsHWmcm_OZUsm3HmiOjpLySNfDhJaWJh8kh9qejkebNdZhOI5KVVYd3ArCg4eFtMxcUPVfodLGjY5tOxOiUnhgHgno1UN3B6kFTlbpERNJZ_tbOQLrw7EYs9O6Y8zOoa9LiD0LJrx9r9ziQ0UtKJIQ/s1024/20240121_121950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgssJlWyOUD22Nf8eYLTkPhbOxkPm82Wv5NFsHWmcm_OZUsm3HmiOjpLySNfDhJaWJh8kh9qejkebNdZhOI5KVVYd3ArCg4eFtMxcUPVfodLGjY5tOxOiUnhgHgno1UN3B6kFTlbpERNJZ_tbOQLrw7EYs9O6Y8zOoa9LiD0LJrx9r9ziQ0UtKJIQ/w400-h268/20240121_121950.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sweaty, sleep-deprived, hungry and dehydrated, I was
happy to settle into our guesthouse for a nice meal and some air conditioning. After
a meeting with staff, we proceeded to go back across town to a hotel within Baidoa’s version of a
“green zone”, which encompasses the airstrip. Normally, I would stay in our guesthouse but for reasons I won’t
go into here, it made more sense to be in the hotel.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The evening at the hotel was wonderfully uneventful. We each had
soup, watched a bit of the Africa Cup of Nations and retired early. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next day we would head out to one of the IDP areas to
visit some of our projects and talk to a few of the beneficiaries.
From there we moved back into town to a facility where we provide vaccinations targeting
children under five years of age. It’s good to hear about the great work that
is going on, but it’s usually overshadowed by the gaps and ongoing needs to
either keep these facilities running or expand them to reach more people. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9AKDoE88udxSOAkUopMU2V_pPRKuKlS4hr7mnvCkliZrk3z4M-WHep580H8zuzhUoRyMrnLZ0_RCFtMEwLdRV74YyKdPEeAy0t2rjEohPxUHiTxikzZXPHdLCIPKkHMNpaYXR3YoFB31AshhvK6fRxRMkaG5jsJI_8ip5KHc3bDXNcZefCcJiyO6/s1024/20240122_100013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9AKDoE88udxSOAkUopMU2V_pPRKuKlS4hr7mnvCkliZrk3z4M-WHep580H8zuzhUoRyMrnLZ0_RCFtMEwLdRV74YyKdPEeAy0t2rjEohPxUHiTxikzZXPHdLCIPKkHMNpaYXR3YoFB31AshhvK6fRxRMkaG5jsJI_8ip5KHc3bDXNcZefCcJiyO6/w640-h428/20240122_100013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>endless domed houses of the displaced<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57IDMzzZY71SqcAAcBWYAXY895BB-dfR2y4vpUTkiNrciFBiSGVsqm0c3gqoAzJZmaOF28yUkdEz7dt8vT2JwuslcgE3V6TmIJsLkvsUZTA1uQg_9y0Ojeo4o_uKwe0mPJyX8pFYmmJSXCgf5vLj0O5XyDylCiRC53sqisIED_5RE2P5oJPqZK1hS/s1024/20240122_093530.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57IDMzzZY71SqcAAcBWYAXY895BB-dfR2y4vpUTkiNrciFBiSGVsqm0c3gqoAzJZmaOF28yUkdEz7dt8vT2JwuslcgE3V6TmIJsLkvsUZTA1uQg_9y0Ojeo4o_uKwe0mPJyX8pFYmmJSXCgf5vLj0O5XyDylCiRC53sqisIED_5RE2P5oJPqZK1hS/w640-h480/20240122_093530.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>providing learning while people wait for their turn in the clinic</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuccGyhvkRBokbdv-v0RR07OZuB67Pc3c6HPqv7QeQsPjWxv5VSMpk7muo4EbCxzm9YWTBpjFQI3EMMcEg_495w6Nn4BCLqdenbE1Wgdp_lKe5fVFHJ6cizGkbHC4Elqxgj4LrQovVxqjndPdQflR-gESbQG4Jdcvnbbs0tPSMsCf5GuEEruP7CaCU/s1024/20240122_111453.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuccGyhvkRBokbdv-v0RR07OZuB67Pc3c6HPqv7QeQsPjWxv5VSMpk7muo4EbCxzm9YWTBpjFQI3EMMcEg_495w6Nn4BCLqdenbE1Wgdp_lKe5fVFHJ6cizGkbHC4Elqxgj4LrQovVxqjndPdQflR-gESbQG4Jdcvnbbs0tPSMsCf5GuEEruP7CaCU/w640-h426/20240122_111453.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>IDP housing wedged in between other structures<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />It can be overwhelming to hear people's stories, one after
another. It can also be inspiring to hear about some of the heroics involved in
providing them services under such challenging circumstances. Either way, I find
it emotionally exhausting. Even though I’ve done this sort of thing for nearly
two decades, I never want to be unmoved by it. The unfairness of the situation these
people are in motivates me to get up in the morning and do it all over again,
all the while knowing it’s a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNqQzXxDCCOl0QEzRmztj_uS__eDHEyDlgtgCXMbWaGAQx-u1M4zrEpTjKH8kCobMQ-_wrtT4X_kO3gsoEkoHi8-tKNRdNiLwkLv_1yGVsnIUlsiy4c4beFj7bvQKmEA95kdtoeRmpCN0kF8y4FG4GF1tfRaerlTpziwcfb0FFq5EyjO_ENuTjNoO/s1024/20240122_105950.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNqQzXxDCCOl0QEzRmztj_uS__eDHEyDlgtgCXMbWaGAQx-u1M4zrEpTjKH8kCobMQ-_wrtT4X_kO3gsoEkoHi8-tKNRdNiLwkLv_1yGVsnIUlsiy4c4beFj7bvQKmEA95kdtoeRmpCN0kF8y4FG4GF1tfRaerlTpziwcfb0FFq5EyjO_ENuTjNoO/w640-h426/20240122_105950.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>taking a call while he waits</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The following day we would travel back to Mogadishu. The
local flights are notorious for being delayed and/or cancelled. I was willing
to accept the former. Less so for the latter. Our 9am flight would finally
happen at nearly 1pm. Thankfully, my security guy was on top of things (in contact
with people who could anticipate when we might depart) and we didn’t head to
the airstrip until around 10:30. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I made it to Mogadishu just in time to head to a UN meeting
while my colleague was escorted to our office in town. By early evening I was
back at the office/guesthouse, had some camel stew, worked on a billion emails
and then went to bed.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next day we headed out to visit a health center on the
other side of Mogadishu. It’s an adventure just to get there. With armored vehicle
and armed escort, we plied our way more or less parallel to the coast, past the
port, through the old city, past the fish market and eventually to our destination.
Along the way you can see modern buildings, thousands of tuk-tuks, endless
shops, bombed out buildings from the civil war, etc. It’s a fascinating drive
and one that I like for visitors to see to get an idea of the many contrasts of
the city. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkvkMGBsl970Fyn7odUT6CT3V4zuTQzV4vIj3JUXwEL_e7YpR6JsqHDZBsx70XPtR7dpVcAKTJvIiFP3edRgEVUPh0adLzuFz693HeIYwGMiFQ6APufZmqNJSrVZaV-dVTpudskUfKDTiBGsdxXCVVcq_cQMr4rS4ZfzA4P1xfSFHfUT2NKwY8Xz4/s1024/20240124_141305.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1024" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkvkMGBsl970Fyn7odUT6CT3V4zuTQzV4vIj3JUXwEL_e7YpR6JsqHDZBsx70XPtR7dpVcAKTJvIiFP3edRgEVUPh0adLzuFz693HeIYwGMiFQ6APufZmqNJSrVZaV-dVTpudskUfKDTiBGsdxXCVVcq_cQMr4rS4ZfzA4P1xfSFHfUT2NKwY8Xz4/w640-h498/20240124_141305.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>former Bank of Somalia</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The health center we visited is one that I have been to more
than anyplace we work. It’s well-run and provides a good perspective of the
health and nutrition work that we do. The doctor that runs the place told our
visitor that not only are our staff well acquainted with me, so are some of the
patients. It was an exaggeration, of course, but it is nice that they feel that
support. Access constraints in the country mean that most people working in these facilities feel
isolated from support mechanisms and a lack of engagement by the
international community. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH3sIurdRdejP3iv2Yj_hF80_nuTOj0pBmbK7gpuuMNou_nZf-cQ-kEy1niTu-4sijePWLD4mofHkxmpJ5vxJe28LcYI6IsnAC1izK5TbnQl_i_xJovzLuYoTikzXMuoFRtldGiDPmHnY73N1Su-VLdYi5YVjGffhie4Z9JWggP5HfbQJ6Sv2uboo/s1024/20240124_113810.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH3sIurdRdejP3iv2Yj_hF80_nuTOj0pBmbK7gpuuMNou_nZf-cQ-kEy1niTu-4sijePWLD4mofHkxmpJ5vxJe28LcYI6IsnAC1izK5TbnQl_i_xJovzLuYoTikzXMuoFRtldGiDPmHnY73N1Su-VLdYi5YVjGffhie4Z9JWggP5HfbQJ6Sv2uboo/w400-h266/20240124_113810.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We spent quite a bit of time talking to women who had come
in with their babies. So interesting to hear their perspective and get an idea
as to what their lives are like. No doubt, there are some tough people surviving in difficult circumstances.<br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From the clinic, we headed towards the lido district on the
coast. Security permitting, we like to take visitors to have a meal in a
restaurant overlooking the water. It’s important for the standard narrative about
Somalia to change. It’s not all war and humanitarian disaster (though that is
certainly part of it). It's a rich culture and the country has so much untapped beauty. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMD_rAcdixAC-PNnhfY1TVTh8YORhyET5_5plvUUI9GdHaxDazD__HdboRzXcspDFmWXBX0tF0Eu8BJHEDjAhamljJnF-vgXzTF0noHrHPAF_eOCagRZSiqKpNHa0UO9MAdBUT6fTbuo_9QqEDFEEK0Gf8r-IUdgZ-DTQt6AZmEtNhOtCfDCAeh1X/s1024/20240124_135214.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1024" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMD_rAcdixAC-PNnhfY1TVTh8YORhyET5_5plvUUI9GdHaxDazD__HdboRzXcspDFmWXBX0tF0Eu8BJHEDjAhamljJnF-vgXzTF0noHrHPAF_eOCagRZSiqKpNHa0UO9MAdBUT6fTbuo_9QqEDFEEK0Gf8r-IUdgZ-DTQt6AZmEtNhOtCfDCAeh1X/w640-h368/20240124_135214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">As you enter the restaurant from the parking side, you start
to see the amazing turquoise water and feel the cool sea breeze. That is a treat in and of itself. But that was just the beginning.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Prior to sitting down, we walked out to the beach. Not many
people get to do this for obvious reasons. It’s a rare thing to see a foreigner
on a Somali beach, particularly a Westerner. Generally, when we do this, we take a few photos and make
our way back to the less-visible table within the restaurant. On this occasion,
my security guy proposed something new. I saw him chatting with a ma on the beach
but I wasn’t sure what they were talking about. Unbeknownst to me, the guy was
trying to get us to go out on his boat. When my security guy pitched it to me,
I laughed since I didn’t think he was serious. We’ve never even considered
something like this before. I’ve always felt we were pushing the envelope just
to be out on the beach. After a moment of hesitation, I agreed. I trust my team
and if they were on board with this, so was I.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvIid3uUgJN4RwpxBP9gsyXUjnpDeFBVnTaAiBcMRtm4PSddwWqFCnYodu9Tjim3jD_32gz176NW0SI7sUS-8pzY70xVNf0KQlugPXuOefAoKBX7q_DtSqCZ1dz7L6GUlRLqjVcdHMBoVDmRwbFMF0u1jzqQn9pkfJ75vJDB7e1TXGxuZXEWP_fWE/s1024/20240124_123220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvIid3uUgJN4RwpxBP9gsyXUjnpDeFBVnTaAiBcMRtm4PSddwWqFCnYodu9Tjim3jD_32gz176NW0SI7sUS-8pzY70xVNf0KQlugPXuOefAoKBX7q_DtSqCZ1dz7L6GUlRLqjVcdHMBoVDmRwbFMF0u1jzqQn9pkfJ75vJDB7e1TXGxuZXEWP_fWE/w400-h300/20240124_123220.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Within seconds, we were making our way onto the boat. None of
us had footwear that made this easy but, by timing our loading between waves,
we were able to all get in with limited soaking of our shoes. A few of our
armed guards squeezed in with us. It was all a bit surreal. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Because of the way we boarded close to the beach (about ten people plus a few guns), we were now stuck in the sand and unable to depart. A
bunch of curious onlookers came over and helped push us out into the water.
While I still had my doubts as to whether this was a good idea, there was no
turning back now.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IV2Whd71PMRJ0BbTt49O0prn26foWYILYsnA2k7MWMI8-eO2ECDPBSILBvSarIzrPl4nuqsVk4Y4fe6Ggu9pkiKUhchOYHm-3JuoB2L4h32JMTyOzPvDzWH_Dpzfm2TsdtJrJDzF8yD4HPQi1AdtXjJjtYTdsisnvqTnA2tClaWM8OLlLYbxs75A/s1024/20240124_123727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IV2Whd71PMRJ0BbTt49O0prn26foWYILYsnA2k7MWMI8-eO2ECDPBSILBvSarIzrPl4nuqsVk4Y4fe6Ggu9pkiKUhchOYHm-3JuoB2L4h32JMTyOzPvDzWH_Dpzfm2TsdtJrJDzF8yD4HPQi1AdtXjJjtYTdsisnvqTnA2tClaWM8OLlLYbxs75A/w640-h428/20240124_123727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Soon we were motoring
out into the blue. Because I’ve taken many boats out into the Indian Ocean
while on vacation, there was a part that felt normal and that other part that
felt bizarre. I took some photos and video, trying not to include the security
guys (since they’re normally not to be photographed). It was hard to capture the
experience without them, however. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We weren’t out very long but it was long enough for me to
transition from super-stressed to somewhat stressed. Don’t get me wrong. I did
enjoy it. And I had a smile on my face all the way back to the restaurant.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd9GqzZCppXFFoUVuDp90NMk7YChvMreGojA2rCXWX9qlufI9rOnnl5vw4IQ0MS2j3z_QiaHf4s4faPn30bll-0cb-nAaJhEVEh-gCddO167BcKqen-xuc8NNEnlerwCaCZa3Z42QjP4AF7j9kFKZ7gizA0fmcX-euXWG_jMwsXAzjdTrV-MzNiGW/s1024/20240124_132637.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd9GqzZCppXFFoUVuDp90NMk7YChvMreGojA2rCXWX9qlufI9rOnnl5vw4IQ0MS2j3z_QiaHf4s4faPn30bll-0cb-nAaJhEVEh-gCddO167BcKqen-xuc8NNEnlerwCaCZa3Z42QjP4AF7j9kFKZ7gizA0fmcX-euXWG_jMwsXAzjdTrV-MzNiGW/w400-h268/20240124_132637.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>amazing lunch</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />After lunch, we made our way back to the office. Other than
the normal craziness that is Mogadishu, it was uneventful. Being out and about,
I was desperately behind in my email stuff so I set up shop on the veranda
outside the guesthouse. The outdoor seating is relatively recent, complete with padded outdoor
furniture and artificial grass. In the late afternoon and evening, when it’s
sheltered from the sun, it’s become my go-to place to work. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYNEye_D0b_hws6lZozO61zjoU0OE53E-e4AUN7SobKVo2JogWnWUYzi894tLbipRUylksINcv9Tedxai1r-A7_XFPIrtH92BrnnS5nNMg0bZPrDqtT9tRaC2PueCTd9e40fd2cmPWpjg3DVAAFx3SclHuU5ruo-fftAHmCbtaOS9hc5NrAdwnL4p/s1024/20240124_141350.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYNEye_D0b_hws6lZozO61zjoU0OE53E-e4AUN7SobKVo2JogWnWUYzi894tLbipRUylksINcv9Tedxai1r-A7_XFPIrtH92BrnnS5nNMg0bZPrDqtT9tRaC2PueCTd9e40fd2cmPWpjg3DVAAFx3SclHuU5ruo-fftAHmCbtaOS9hc5NrAdwnL4p/w640-h406/20240124_141350.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>impact of war in the old city<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Around 5pm there was a flurry of gunfire no more than a
block away. Occasional gunfire isn’t abnormal but this lasted for several minutes.
The big concern is stray bullets and our building has been hit before, including
a guesthouse window. So I went inside until it died down. Later I found out
that it was celebratory gunfire from a football match. Seriously? Do we need to
celebrate by firing weapons? In a place like Mogadishu? People are jumpy enough
as it is.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next morning I would accompany my colleague back to
Nairobi. It was a good and full week. Always nice to have successful visits. It’s
good for my team and it’s good for the visitor. I look forward to the day when non-Somalis
are traveling to the country on vacation, not for humanitarian reasons. It may
be some time before that happens, however.</p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-75866309877748590872024-01-27T16:59:00.002+03:002024-01-31T13:59:18.316+03:00Christmas Holiday 2 - Ol Pejeta, Orphanage & Safari Club<p> <b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Ol Pejeta</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We decided that it would be good to frontload the game drive
part of the trip on the first full day we were in Nanyuki. It’s the highlight
for me. Anything that happens besides that is a bonus. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTd-6fjMgllYin9cnveC2guEWQa3S5vHlbiIBmodnX_s_gDW9Ku05nGMJaSRfsaxgLeyL3vawuwvut5wEOeOJxF9lfqhUMD1ZFRn73fwfzjOd4wu5CcE0QR7n_z4gDST8lTbg-i8dq_kaIrCE90fSEz1opCvaktOX0aT5nBfrHZ-X6VzMFiT-54dmg/s1024/DSC_0889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTd-6fjMgllYin9cnveC2guEWQa3S5vHlbiIBmodnX_s_gDW9Ku05nGMJaSRfsaxgLeyL3vawuwvut5wEOeOJxF9lfqhUMD1ZFRn73fwfzjOd4wu5CcE0QR7n_z4gDST8lTbg-i8dq_kaIrCE90fSEz1opCvaktOX0aT5nBfrHZ-X6VzMFiT-54dmg/w400-h266/DSC_0889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />For starters, the “Ol” of Ol Pejeta is not the affectionate
contraction as in “my ol’ truck”. Apparently, the name means “place of
burning”. Hundreds of years ago, the pastoralist communities allegedly gave it
the name because of the practice of burning the grass to kill ticks. I don’t
know if that’s really the case but, since I don’t have any theory to challenge
it, we’ll go with that. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHxmN45ML8_wTtOwtEtsYvkZvCsagh4McSeIK6d3XZkGDx0IeGpkABDcNwnouzSgcXPvW7ZltMIlEOaUt8zUCuXeyFwSHnauzFaMGuv1738E7JZEq0w6qN5S18lAUDieoy7JOeiO1sOIRT57GP4iIJG6Wf3yw-1jfY7HHYoG6qZNEvuiVr_z-H38M/s1024/DSC_0968b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHxmN45ML8_wTtOwtEtsYvkZvCsagh4McSeIK6d3XZkGDx0IeGpkABDcNwnouzSgcXPvW7ZltMIlEOaUt8zUCuXeyFwSHnauzFaMGuv1738E7JZEq0w6qN5S18lAUDieoy7JOeiO1sOIRT57GP4iIJG6Wf3yw-1jfY7HHYoG6qZNEvuiVr_z-H38M/w640-h426/DSC_0968b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As to whether it is old, it isn’t – at least not in the form
of a conservancy. The area has had wildlife for centuries, but it’s path to
becoming an area of protected animals apparently began after decades of cattle
ranching by English settlers. I mentioned Lord Delamere in the previous post.
His family apparently owned the land as Kenya transitioned to becoming an
independent country in 1963. The ranch rangeland (shared by wildlife and
livestock) had several owners until it first became a game reserve in 1988.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4Sk6AgcwcoUc6m616NJnwGojAeNdt8aBgzW0crjJNzOJokq7Ym1DP03R71_utSOAqPMNH4bwzSNHFqhNLT7NqrYEuMfKf3D6hv6o9bWmAK33P7NxMDEigfJ7ohOP93D5GgHHM6qmoE4iS5O_tShWUoKQOUvCL1vQJtb29mctBdWctSNRlW3ySKqY/s1024/DSC_0899.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1024" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4Sk6AgcwcoUc6m616NJnwGojAeNdt8aBgzW0crjJNzOJokq7Ym1DP03R71_utSOAqPMNH4bwzSNHFqhNLT7NqrYEuMfKf3D6hv6o9bWmAK33P7NxMDEigfJ7ohOP93D5GgHHM6qmoE4iS5O_tShWUoKQOUvCL1vQJtb29mctBdWctSNRlW3ySKqY/w400-h269/DSC_0899.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Interestingly, in those ranch years there was an owner by
the name of Adnan Khashoggi. If that name sounds familiar, that’s because it is
(unless you never read the news). Khashoggi was a billionaire arms dealer and
businessman considered one of the richest men in the world in the early 1980s.
He was also the uncle of Dodi Fayed, the boyfriend of Lady Di, who died with
her in the fiery car accident in 1997. Adnan was also paternal uncle to Jamal
Khashoggi, the murdered journalist. And yet another noteworthy fact about is
that his yacht, <i>The Nabila</i>, was the largest in the world for a while and
was used in the James Bond film <i>Never Say Never Again</i>. Needless to say,
with his eventful life I’m guessing he didn’t spend much time on his land in
Kenya – if he ever even went there. Though he did apparently frequent the Mt. Kenya Safari Club (which I'll mention below)<br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The conservancy isn’t huge, but it is about three times the
size of Nairobi National Park. It has a good collection of wildlife for its
size, but it’s most famous for its rhinos – the largest black rhino sanctuary
in East Africa. It’s also home to the last two northern white rhinos, Najin and
Fatu, both of which are female. Sadly, this makes the subspecies functionally
extinct.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>After a short drive into the conservancy, you cross the
equator. Thus, most of the time we were in the park, we were in winter. By late
afternoon when we exited the park, it was back to summer again.<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The day began overcast but by the time we reached the park
it was clear and sunny. Driving without a guide, in a park that I’m not
familiar with, makes for more of a challenge. If you’re familiar with a park,
you tend to have a better idea where the animals hang out. In this case, I sort
of had to just feel my way around, guessing which way to go. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUgJ9vnZqTPBtuJ50CKzGGCnJoDIUXKFrlkr8zdCgbKj4pqUCBlSUyLFR1xxYl1s5QihzWMRI-ROPmKC4TZVdSFveBF3gXWtTBwfeElKKnKTKMDZeJUXxb-k3okYApo8FeqyWk981g64DBshgs9XAR-ktNu0XPx8-Lo6_6lBy-RomT8mxz_n_pwgs/s1024/DSC_1008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUgJ9vnZqTPBtuJ50CKzGGCnJoDIUXKFrlkr8zdCgbKj4pqUCBlSUyLFR1xxYl1s5QihzWMRI-ROPmKC4TZVdSFveBF3gXWtTBwfeElKKnKTKMDZeJUXxb-k3okYApo8FeqyWk981g64DBshgs9XAR-ktNu0XPx8-Lo6_6lBy-RomT8mxz_n_pwgs/w400-h266/DSC_1008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>a topi with a couple of warthogs in the background</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />At one point while we were sitting at a fork in the road, a
guy on a motorcycle pulled up alongside and asked how the morning was going.
Upon closer inspection, I realized that he worked for the conservancy. He
mentioned that he had seen a cheetah a few kilometers to the west of us. I more
or less felt like I understood his directions, and off we went.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bV-tYQgEs5rmlT7_E-wH4sKFG_zMjAC-vFhgWQlh_zYH2OZQw_4vIOZ92ZfqWYMN2K_3S3yLDfjT8tzG5UW-IzBoYIbb3QsXPHqheo1QtkqtyMaxwrubl8-P2bIHMTvroMdujFulyIpGrfA_LxsbNBxG5GNEF81qS6vqNSFNFRm5wuvTdr0OhplF/s1024/DSC_1027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bV-tYQgEs5rmlT7_E-wH4sKFG_zMjAC-vFhgWQlh_zYH2OZQw_4vIOZ92ZfqWYMN2K_3S3yLDfjT8tzG5UW-IzBoYIbb3QsXPHqheo1QtkqtyMaxwrubl8-P2bIHMTvroMdujFulyIpGrfA_LxsbNBxG5GNEF81qS6vqNSFNFRm5wuvTdr0OhplF/w400-h266/DSC_1027.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>one of the coolest animals - the cape buffalo</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />After about a half dozen lefts and rights, I could see,
across the savanna, a small grouping of vehicles. I was beginning to feel as
though I’d understood the nice motorcyclist’s directions correctly.<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The cheetah wasn’t easy to see. In fact we had to ask
someone in an adjacent vehicle where he was. We could just barely see his head
about the level of the top of the grass. You’re required to stay on the roads
so there’s no barreling across the grass to get a closer look. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN_6uXxn8Jo7JEHW23axaKtzPDOu4-ZnXp39kPUAdR1wtYFAO4RBb3i5fLuI4pyzgwUFd1u0Du3kEMJuSMsQ9gZqP7fCeAzwyPz_1uyZIXBeRkbyB3sMYaxlqdhNS8-RXAYX2FrKL09UMKz9IlvyorI06THU8muNQGw3BevkPggKf-qEBQ_i5CA3y/s1024/DSC_0903.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1024" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN_6uXxn8Jo7JEHW23axaKtzPDOu4-ZnXp39kPUAdR1wtYFAO4RBb3i5fLuI4pyzgwUFd1u0Du3kEMJuSMsQ9gZqP7fCeAzwyPz_1uyZIXBeRkbyB3sMYaxlqdhNS8-RXAYX2FrKL09UMKz9IlvyorI06THU8muNQGw3BevkPggKf-qEBQ_i5CA3y/w640-h429/DSC_0903.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>scouting out his potential lunch</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />To the east there was a herd of impalas (with a couple of
gazelles hanging out with them) and the cheetah seemed to maintain a near
constant gaze in their direction. That, and a few other clues, led us to
believe that this was an early stage of a hunt. There was a breeze blowing
gently in the direction of the cheetah which is a second indication that he was
positioning himself for an attack. The breeze would prevent the impalas from
catching his scent. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcSdD0REYyN-IYtNgZeLJiCAnwOVQIibvlIY-y8NbT5bR0dSkv1ljLW_-a5mjKSltCJPlOsbVXWPmy4qswuy1SAzazOz13ZDi7Uph5FIOFnrwkF_bEip_LvNtCwz12XmSKn7ZajZzdRrECzjH8DwqfKH8LcH0SVeyAbOb8qNYGJNypxGDUDLgV6vG/s1024/DSC_0922.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcSdD0REYyN-IYtNgZeLJiCAnwOVQIibvlIY-y8NbT5bR0dSkv1ljLW_-a5mjKSltCJPlOsbVXWPmy4qswuy1SAzazOz13ZDi7Uph5FIOFnrwkF_bEip_LvNtCwz12XmSKn7ZajZzdRrECzjH8DwqfKH8LcH0SVeyAbOb8qNYGJNypxGDUDLgV6vG/w640-h426/DSC_0922.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>making his move</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />These things can sometimes take hours so we weren’t sure
whether or not this would culminate in a kill. But after waiting for about
twenty minutes, the cheetah began inching his way in the direction of the herd.
There was a growing sense that something might happen. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-_j3hFvaGtQ5eRJn7pIb-EPkRDBK0ToEi0lK9Xh1OpEa1qMweV7SMSwi-zmK03j30vSNvKxepqApCu6adcm23pNMFB_AZw8Sp50EzOwZOhDnQsADAUaHTxcOLtQDoyW0N9Hokl86ZjADz8DgWcubsw3XPKq7WTBH32pp5A55E_-BSGURZzUufCqR/s1024/DSC_0930.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-_j3hFvaGtQ5eRJn7pIb-EPkRDBK0ToEi0lK9Xh1OpEa1qMweV7SMSwi-zmK03j30vSNvKxepqApCu6adcm23pNMFB_AZw8Sp50EzOwZOhDnQsADAUaHTxcOLtQDoyW0N9Hokl86ZjADz8DgWcubsw3XPKq7WTBH32pp5A55E_-BSGURZzUufCqR/w640-h426/DSC_0930.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>thinking through his strategy</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the meantime, several other vehicles joined and now we
were approaching twenty altogether. Word was out.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSRSSQmTOCRpn_ZVX-ijf1tNOhnYfysTAINgc7Tb6PS6-8GHhh7HDGURKgfugiLNPdQkyDoMF6Zz4lDsmDvaAHDDV7V_a-VwB9YMNcAMW2Gakj6Xc3_a0PFgFmf_kzGSczIELCwwr7eYNaN8Qm7ICshDgWzxO9iaOw87q-pl0jJMXOqd5OF-cJ-rP/s1024/DSC_0934.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSRSSQmTOCRpn_ZVX-ijf1tNOhnYfysTAINgc7Tb6PS6-8GHhh7HDGURKgfugiLNPdQkyDoMF6Zz4lDsmDvaAHDDV7V_a-VwB9YMNcAMW2Gakj6Xc3_a0PFgFmf_kzGSczIELCwwr7eYNaN8Qm7ICshDgWzxO9iaOw87q-pl0jJMXOqd5OF-cJ-rP/w640-h426/DSC_0934.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>shielded by the vehicles - what a beautiful animal</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Soon the cheetah veered to his right, in our direction,
rather than straight towards the herd. At first it was hard to tell what his
strategy was but very quickly we realized he was going to use the throng of
vehicles as cover and approach them from behind. Moving from left to right in
front of us, as he came around the last vehicle, he was now very close to a
young impala visible on the other side. It was only seconds before he made his
move. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIjJlFq4EdDVj2LrdXmbVif49etFu5V61RobfVAQZM08Facl0wwCYPpdBTITLScVCmkoLE1DKdvyG4-3qodgSkgsqSWynH3pZKScK5PDxrujGepA24FHx_Jd_ahyVCIbsCahyphenhyphenryzzL2pPGjKvwIPUWsesU0Z4SDLb3Xt3Kh0TuLzAKVypjFcJCTQ8/s1024/DSC_0937.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIjJlFq4EdDVj2LrdXmbVif49etFu5V61RobfVAQZM08Facl0wwCYPpdBTITLScVCmkoLE1DKdvyG4-3qodgSkgsqSWynH3pZKScK5PDxrujGepA24FHx_Jd_ahyVCIbsCahyphenhyphenryzzL2pPGjKvwIPUWsesU0Z4SDLb3Xt3Kh0TuLzAKVypjFcJCTQ8/w640-h426/DSC_0937.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>impalas in the distance</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3k_dY-lAAKDI6GgdBw5Ogjbn5V6QsgHKePiKuplt99qO20WnkBnOmwvzlVoXQRn6Vr4mVZl1r8_f66Qw4GY5NUuplJ3Fiwkzvlry7_QcCbjxlzeHScj_DwbBmNqu5gYlkJLivT8vUkc-O3AArqmOsICVRjxlgtcziayKXMX-j8fV4HCw88IY4YsU/s1024/DSC_0939.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3k_dY-lAAKDI6GgdBw5Ogjbn5V6QsgHKePiKuplt99qO20WnkBnOmwvzlVoXQRn6Vr4mVZl1r8_f66Qw4GY5NUuplJ3Fiwkzvlry7_QcCbjxlzeHScj_DwbBmNqu5gYlkJLivT8vUkc-O3AArqmOsICVRjxlgtcziayKXMX-j8fV4HCw88IY4YsU/w640-h426/DSC_0939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the victim, unaware, on the left; the cheetah bolted just after this photo </i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Just as he bolted, the throng of vehicles began to shift
position to catch a better view of the attack. Our view was suddenly blocked. I
started the vehicle and we shifted forward with the others. By the time we saw
the cheetah again, the impala was in its jaws. The hunt was successful. It’s
not a given, however. Cheetah’s often fail for various reasons, including the
fact that impalas, even young ones, are lighting quick. They also have more
endurance than a cheetah, so if the it doesn’t succeed early, it doesn’t
succeed at all.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc_6pGGu_Ty0DP-VeMuw-gPYyUj5EFvpuPqU9YPYLq3TTbf_XWyU_nvEuBiFgOwD0Vj5-knM2l-W-cRJsuSaKQNQbBIU7iicwhkOPHZ-xIvhLwQgTqPAmgGY3naRtuxGm0axNvcjok_OA3TKCOAKFZ_OuM4pctMTWC4vqgCuBEb3wx2c1TV5zoQtv/s1024/DSC_0945.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc_6pGGu_Ty0DP-VeMuw-gPYyUj5EFvpuPqU9YPYLq3TTbf_XWyU_nvEuBiFgOwD0Vj5-knM2l-W-cRJsuSaKQNQbBIU7iicwhkOPHZ-xIvhLwQgTqPAmgGY3naRtuxGm0axNvcjok_OA3TKCOAKFZ_OuM4pctMTWC4vqgCuBEb3wx2c1TV5zoQtv/w640-h426/DSC_0945.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mission accomplished</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Almost immediately he began looking both for shade and
privacy. In this competitive world, if a lion in the area were to be privy to
this event, the cheetah would more than likely have his meal stolen. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before long we decided to move on. It was an exciting event
and we were happy to have been able to be a part of it, but we had more to see.
</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I felt my way back across the park. I had a general idea
where I wanted to go, mostly using a basic map the conservancy had provided at
the entrance as well as some landmarks. Soon we were heading out across the wide-open savanna. Even if there were no animals, it’s a beautiful part of Kenya. On a
clear day you can see Mt. Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain, and the
Aberderes Mountains, both of which were obscured by clouds on this day.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSdCDbLO2WdJSVbIegqaCG0jk6U4Y08j40hj_1FHAdhBW9Bb2B1jBru2Y_A0iDFnhezva5MsxLm97ihIWraCudnMvcEtbzfm1MnkhOUJBN4jND6njkf2EEFwH0HawiB8RVyyKFddyJ-uGz6IAZqUNGRr2x14GxwLBccug3jJsn6sdzOfDssJ7r_or/s1024/DSC_0893.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSdCDbLO2WdJSVbIegqaCG0jk6U4Y08j40hj_1FHAdhBW9Bb2B1jBru2Y_A0iDFnhezva5MsxLm97ihIWraCudnMvcEtbzfm1MnkhOUJBN4jND6njkf2EEFwH0HawiB8RVyyKFddyJ-uGz6IAZqUNGRr2x14GxwLBccug3jJsn6sdzOfDssJ7r_or/w640-h429/DSC_0893.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the latest in impala fashion<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we made our way along the dirt road, I noticed some
conservancy rangers walking in our direction way off in the distance. It
appeared to me that one of them motioned for us to stop. You never know what
these guys want. My first thought was that they were going to say we were
someplace we shouldn’t be, an idea that popped into my head also due to the
fact that there were no other vehicles in sight. It turned out, however, that
they were desperately thirsty. They were out in the middle of nowhere without any
water bottles. I’m not sure what they were thinking. Fortunately, we had plenty
of water. I emptied the cold coffee dregs from my Contigo, rinsed it out and
they each chugged their fill of water.<p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm_URACM-Q3HgN9EM_ZAX9sTB026nX54x5Na6o7LOsPWeFnH2aD4vKdngegC8mAQAyOsUd57xcFcUfgzpkNfJoBDd1b15WKzp9oboPB3tRv5S146wrLOPcrkqmLVa8FN2fIgoWVnC8QDjWktHuLFTM3kcrtUk-gBbFmiC6gl-Chtjq3MtEahBVFJH/s1024/DSC_0996.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm_URACM-Q3HgN9EM_ZAX9sTB026nX54x5Na6o7LOsPWeFnH2aD4vKdngegC8mAQAyOsUd57xcFcUfgzpkNfJoBDd1b15WKzp9oboPB3tRv5S146wrLOPcrkqmLVa8FN2fIgoWVnC8QDjWktHuLFTM3kcrtUk-gBbFmiC6gl-Chtjq3MtEahBVFJH/w640-h428/DSC_0996.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>like being in the presence of dinosaurs</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">We then carried on and soon we spotted four rhinos near the
road. I have to say, they are such cool looking creatures. We spent some time in the quiet watching them,
listening to them munch on grass and enjoying the fact that we had them to ourselves. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We would later see many more. It’s exciting to see that they
are repopulating in the face of continued threats of poaching. I probably
should have given those rangers more than just water.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L1Q4tdMPhRZiRInayPkP-y-skWNA8kYMI2vNSOmABHY_gBLr5dN2igXCDdCamsn4__7t9AdTaDyWkJYFAVXncgisSMA6EruNGBd_1T46Ke_YnEUdfEGfM8xPXhSKhJtjWMO_M-VLDsjtCJ0JG82got-27pPj2t7bhCzla4khpmwokjjq9c3Q2gY7/s1024/DSC_1016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L1Q4tdMPhRZiRInayPkP-y-skWNA8kYMI2vNSOmABHY_gBLr5dN2igXCDdCamsn4__7t9AdTaDyWkJYFAVXncgisSMA6EruNGBd_1T46Ke_YnEUdfEGfM8xPXhSKhJtjWMO_M-VLDsjtCJ0JG82got-27pPj2t7bhCzla4khpmwokjjq9c3Q2gY7/w400-h266/DSC_1016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We stopped for a late lunch at a small place within the
conservancy and then decided to make one more stop before heading back to our
B&B. Ol Pejeta hosts a chimpanzee sanctuary, a place for chimps who don’t
have any other options but to reside under protection. Many are orphans and/or
have some sort of injury or some other reason that would doom them if left in
the wild. As sanctuaries go, it’s quite nice. It’s massive and allows them a
tremendous amount of freedom to roam. It does make viewing them more of a
challenge since there is only a small area where they are visible to visitors.
Thankfully, they generally are curious and seeing people on the other side of
the fence is an attraction for them – or at least some of them. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJnuVYYZ6zS2u9R4kZof_5NULhCYOGkBa1QZuZAEbjDvQgUeBB_NNsyK6X3fh1B8BL2DXyzEw2MtOiZYPcgtEPk2XdniJiqS0TlHz1cPoFA4uuwhV4gX7UFWwJ4Wi2mey5RyWV6RFJWyxqf0MT7Mg1KVVCtkuTwTiDSIjGbBiXSwp_Q7AgiRV3LPm/s1024/DSC_1041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJnuVYYZ6zS2u9R4kZof_5NULhCYOGkBa1QZuZAEbjDvQgUeBB_NNsyK6X3fh1B8BL2DXyzEw2MtOiZYPcgtEPk2XdniJiqS0TlHz1cPoFA4uuwhV4gX7UFWwJ4Wi2mey5RyWV6RFJWyxqf0MT7Mg1KVVCtkuTwTiDSIjGbBiXSwp_Q7AgiRV3LPm/w400-h266/DSC_1041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>It was a bit weird given that Priya and I have seen them in
the wild. I even got to know Jane Goodall many years ago on a flight to Kigoma
in western Tanzania. It was tough knowing that as good as these creatures have
it here, there is no way that they can be re-introduced into the wild. But it
does prolong their lives in a comfortable way, and it provides people with
opportunities to see them and for researchers to study them.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxcPdHSwHpUC3pgQ6HexTE_ZEJROgSRqcaMea6Bcmew-4FcdiKJ4zGV_Zhy3qNsVpcoX1zOPSyZxueUc0C3n9UTqhV5QMsp4WAp_pwsrhAOpZFlepxvKOgFrBExq3H5pQ-ZmDOviINE-e3qknCzL_92WF-uOg_r91wJlziviVGdn0Lqs8-NQqEXYl/s1024/DSC_1043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxcPdHSwHpUC3pgQ6HexTE_ZEJROgSRqcaMea6Bcmew-4FcdiKJ4zGV_Zhy3qNsVpcoX1zOPSyZxueUc0C3n9UTqhV5QMsp4WAp_pwsrhAOpZFlepxvKOgFrBExq3H5pQ-ZmDOviINE-e3qknCzL_92WF-uOg_r91wJlziviVGdn0Lqs8-NQqEXYl/w640-h426/DSC_1043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the divide between two clans of chimps</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After visiting the chimps, we needed to get back to the
B&B. We stopped on the way out for a quick photo as we crossed over into
the Southern Hemisphere. Summer and winter felt about the same.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPiNAKy6ZvfF-MFXa5b2aywzSHuxkPYLKu_J7S_yMeXgyyIIXf9m6GZY_J-clJCKyMTrpjJQqC4HbU6UXtJAr79Ac0s9GKv9B9es-g1MQnW4dZiyJ2A510jr_4rCgRwt91NH1o_aCVIhq81eJF2VSIAi9EfnogJ6tz1g1urT-j8Acaw7S7UkYxtPE/s1024/20231230_162924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPiNAKy6ZvfF-MFXa5b2aywzSHuxkPYLKu_J7S_yMeXgyyIIXf9m6GZY_J-clJCKyMTrpjJQqC4HbU6UXtJAr79Ac0s9GKv9B9es-g1MQnW4dZiyJ2A510jr_4rCgRwt91NH1o_aCVIhq81eJF2VSIAi9EfnogJ6tz1g1urT-j8Acaw7S7UkYxtPE/w640-h360/20231230_162924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Animal Orphanage</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">One other activity was a visit to the Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club and the
adjacent wildlife sanctuary. The Fairmont is an amazing hotel nestled at the
foot of Mt. Kenya. I had stayed there many years ago for some regional meetings
so I had already explored the place. But I thought it would be fun for the
family to see it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Adjacent to the hotel is a massive, tarmac airstrip that
apparently facilitates the arrival of the rich and famous. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1kyLleNYk7LwFD1U9Wou1XGtS55bZXJ_BlY5k3UREJeGut_jJChkTpRnSwfIFmn_XiSw_BH3I_0pHGbol2TvvEWrX6U3r-17jVRiC6UutJAOXJ5ZPmPvIJx7Hlhf6efrOGY2D-_QlYt5RiioR1zw7KC-cGNgiZsKijRtkV2ER3X3yasJe7ngYKwM/s1024/20240101_114259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1kyLleNYk7LwFD1U9Wou1XGtS55bZXJ_BlY5k3UREJeGut_jJChkTpRnSwfIFmn_XiSw_BH3I_0pHGbol2TvvEWrX6U3r-17jVRiC6UutJAOXJ5ZPmPvIJx7Hlhf6efrOGY2D-_QlYt5RiioR1zw7KC-cGNgiZsKijRtkV2ER3X3yasJe7ngYKwM/w400-h300/20240101_114259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We began by visiting the orphanage. Much like the chimps we
had seen in Ol Pejeta, most of these animals had been victims of some sort of
trauma that necessitated them being in protection, trauma that would prevent most
of them from ever being re-introduced into the wild. For some of them, the
impact of their trauma was evident just by looking at them. For others, not so
much. But it’s a strange collection of creatures, either because of their
rarity or because they are animals you don’t normally see in this part of
Africa. In the case of the llama, you don’t normally see them in Africa at all.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ-hqUDAHkkM_qOjTa6WpHSpSnFz8bMKWd5A_EESbfx_23U_7DaoQRmbKqE8HmBC9bNw2eqVZwaQCdDOq0RTJQQZ3Up6u5583HLbUpUxAcPPYBisnttvDVzye8xfRbHpltt2zav9nBr9ofv9Uf_iAx_N0hipbwiagEUnVoJtIkwt7qOz5L70Wk1xw/s1024/20240101_113500b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ-hqUDAHkkM_qOjTa6WpHSpSnFz8bMKWd5A_EESbfx_23U_7DaoQRmbKqE8HmBC9bNw2eqVZwaQCdDOq0RTJQQZ3Up6u5583HLbUpUxAcPPYBisnttvDVzye8xfRbHpltt2zav9nBr9ofv9Uf_iAx_N0hipbwiagEUnVoJtIkwt7qOz5L70Wk1xw/s320/20240101_113500b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>what are you looking at?</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was interesting and somewhat sad at the same time. We’re
spoiled, being able to see animals in the wild for so many years. I will never
be able to visit zoos or places like this in the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrRBwyLrMikSZ992SxOPKtrxxPK0EyiadXvjx8qFeGw7HEHKESymQ7YgNA0Bb78vxiY5b9XVXtMD7CnthfOBxLWO7hOj-BAtgMxje3zvbABog0qE4Juo-lwiXU_6YVFeubG6LKS2OHSTUlug0LIYL1ZldQij7TX2OEc5XmnrKpn9FDHghS3YEfBDs/s1024/20240101_115847.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrRBwyLrMikSZ992SxOPKtrxxPK0EyiadXvjx8qFeGw7HEHKESymQ7YgNA0Bb78vxiY5b9XVXtMD7CnthfOBxLWO7hOj-BAtgMxje3zvbABog0qE4Juo-lwiXU_6YVFeubG6LKS2OHSTUlug0LIYL1ZldQij7TX2OEc5XmnrKpn9FDHghS3YEfBDs/s320/20240101_115847.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>abandoned lion cub</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>The Mt. Kenya Safari Club</b> <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrgPGM-ScCPZR5rFnh1sO6OWxjc4FZxTDn2uXoBRE-fhd_6tNk4B322aM09aeJuZKPpSJoGLq0Rzs_CXvEzP9WesEqZZGtlikndykkCBdY3hL5ow6Z9fiVskG4mG4qMYfIgXN9cKL-oXbxtpMAEEHFsdUuvbT-HbTbKq5VEMdJnFG8AFBmAhTIf08/s1024/20240101_132227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrgPGM-ScCPZR5rFnh1sO6OWxjc4FZxTDn2uXoBRE-fhd_6tNk4B322aM09aeJuZKPpSJoGLq0Rzs_CXvEzP9WesEqZZGtlikndykkCBdY3hL5ow6Z9fiVskG4mG4qMYfIgXN9cKL-oXbxtpMAEEHFsdUuvbT-HbTbKq5VEMdJnFG8AFBmAhTIf08/w640-h429/20240101_132227.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />From the orphanage, we walked the short distance to the hotel. The Mt.
Kenya Safari Club has a storied past. Allegedly, the property changed ownership a
few times over the years before, in the 1950s, winding up in the hands of a guy
named Ray Ryan. Ryan was an oil millionaire and notorious gambler with ties to
the Chicago mafia. By 1959, after renovations and expansion, he and partners
William Holden, the famous actor (I’m a fan; <i>Bridge on the River Kwai</i>, <i>Sunset Boulevard</i>), and Swiss financier Carl
Hirschmann opened the club. Access to the club was reserved only for members
and their guests. Charter members included Sir Winston Churchill, Prince
Bernhard of the Netherlands, Neil Armstrong, the Saudi Arabian royal family, US
President Lydon Johnson, Conrad Hilton, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The orphanage was apparently William Holden’s idea. Although
he was an avid hunter, he understood the need for conservation and it became a
big priority for him over the years. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1OC-bJIAlRfQZtFih6MbpYcJqpd6mq9FpyTxjY7Hcgdun8GpdxscObBqsEpZIGW3LiKyxqB1aH0mkZ0r5KdVf-_2W23-KpCqAtHKrIIabrpFPPswggxoLwaw6iCWghNL2L7mWfCwyeE1T82OSnT89elIZP9XoxNaYbfUMfJ1FZBDNv8w9YXpJ1yQ/s1024/DSC_0202.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1OC-bJIAlRfQZtFih6MbpYcJqpd6mq9FpyTxjY7Hcgdun8GpdxscObBqsEpZIGW3LiKyxqB1aH0mkZ0r5KdVf-_2W23-KpCqAtHKrIIabrpFPPswggxoLwaw6iCWghNL2L7mWfCwyeE1T82OSnT89elIZP9XoxNaYbfUMfJ1FZBDNv8w9YXpJ1yQ/w640-h424/DSC_0202.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the bar/lounge area</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Ryan provided club access to notorious members of the Chicago
Mafia. It’s a long way to go to hide out but it apparently worked for a while. When
the FBI found that that Mafia kingpins were provided free membership to the
club, they began investigating. Ray ended up destroying the membership records and was indicted at a Los Angeles court for criminal contempt. Hirschmann
was also indicted, but the popular actor avoided any implication in the
scandal. <p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCmBqCoQ8d70DHYIj8ZEPoqeeIxNmA8yHy5LOtec350RchYTcJkS8b2sGa1CrTntlLTC_44tyujfFSMYjKSkE58BHU8hniC509IaTiS-T8U6xAqGQNi-T4yRiQf3W1U9EtY4VHRhJB2wsVigvs-wwkv65LtTWffzvxcvoqg4T0msbMuwgSiq137eO/s1024/DSC_0179.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1024" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCmBqCoQ8d70DHYIj8ZEPoqeeIxNmA8yHy5LOtec350RchYTcJkS8b2sGa1CrTntlLTC_44tyujfFSMYjKSkE58BHU8hniC509IaTiS-T8U6xAqGQNi-T4yRiQf3W1U9EtY4VHRhJB2wsVigvs-wwkv65LtTWffzvxcvoqg4T0msbMuwgSiq137eO/w400-h265/DSC_0179.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>photo of my room when I stayed there ten years ago</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When I stayed at the hotel in 2014, I had no idea
how nice it would be. In addition to a massive room with a separate sitting
area, the suite provided a fireplace linking the two rooms. There was a small
sign on the mantle that, when laid down, would indicate to hotel staff to build
the fire in the fireplace while you were away at dinner. There was a view of
the national park from the windows. I didn’t see a lot of wildlife (a waterbuck and an occasional impala) since I was at meetings during most of the daylight hours, but
it was nice nonetheless. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SZN-W3Z0WbYMnkKlZZMxD1OHOpS4pER9U6ZnX9Y3oh59AHM1MQMn6N-yVYwal_P1WjiFkZiXQWL6FQSGsW2M77eWXe0Ss0IN8wQitVJP5f3-b4g4ek1kti1vnwYGc4PxWEsx3bvVum-FJjusBuPhIg3tJCKCyjez-E6NY55vVbCdb8DHTNxSKJqR/s1024/20240101_131459.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SZN-W3Z0WbYMnkKlZZMxD1OHOpS4pER9U6ZnX9Y3oh59AHM1MQMn6N-yVYwal_P1WjiFkZiXQWL6FQSGsW2M77eWXe0Ss0IN8wQitVJP5f3-b4g4ek1kti1vnwYGc4PxWEsx3bvVum-FJjusBuPhIg3tJCKCyjez-E6NY55vVbCdb8DHTNxSKJqR/w400-h300/20240101_131459.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the labyrinth</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />With the family, we would only be stopping in to walk the
ground, enjoy the hedge maze, and have a drink on the terrace. Such a beautiful
place.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpAtHxOGe-YWEJQOckNzGBRpYXy85bXm2dHrYfK3VkMkgbHAMHsiKLWhIZRbhwubPW8sIa3DogK1DIrNbt-_95DsQ0pQrllRoLFO6l02igqJBJW1uQiJL3Ohy97b1H2bsytklzAzUK4OZtfBBYT5bjS5AHiIWG13wPPzwlLU2eFQf5wWrAeHUuGfF/s1024/20240101_134704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpAtHxOGe-YWEJQOckNzGBRpYXy85bXm2dHrYfK3VkMkgbHAMHsiKLWhIZRbhwubPW8sIa3DogK1DIrNbt-_95DsQ0pQrllRoLFO6l02igqJBJW1uQiJL3Ohy97b1H2bsytklzAzUK4OZtfBBYT5bjS5AHiIWG13wPPzwlLU2eFQf5wWrAeHUuGfF/w640-h480/20240101_134704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-13019234812553221482024-01-17T21:34:00.001+03:002024-01-26T15:52:24.961+03:00Christmas Holiday 1 - Nairobi & Nanyuki<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">Unlike most years, we decided not to travel to the US for
the holidays. It’s not an easy decision given that, after almost 29 years as an
expatriate, I’ve only missed two Christmas holidays with family in the States.
This has been the third. That record has been no easy feat given where I’ve
lived, given the expense, given the many weather-related flight cancellations,
etc. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5PXkU2dkdT4k7GzdeR-4dcOL1z56vOMFJ3yWxB9Nrotjqqz4FY48tyEpKMWMjnNhsYPVfPGz3ZYJ7j4UeanL9URd0sNm5qjKuqIXQVvFOp6XIqxYm39AmnKhOjU692SdGqnxrP4NU3E2P38JTbVq3LA3X04Hkt33OQsNTTh1vfvLL-tzjB6M5ll_/s1024/20231209_193657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5PXkU2dkdT4k7GzdeR-4dcOL1z56vOMFJ3yWxB9Nrotjqqz4FY48tyEpKMWMjnNhsYPVfPGz3ZYJ7j4UeanL9URd0sNm5qjKuqIXQVvFOp6XIqxYm39AmnKhOjU692SdGqnxrP4NU3E2P38JTbVq3LA3X04Hkt33OQsNTTh1vfvLL-tzjB6M5ll_/w400-h300/20231209_193657.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>carols at church</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Other than spending copious amounts of time in airports,
driving, packing, unpacking, shopping, etc., I haven’t preserved many
traditions over the years. It’s mostly about getting there, loading up my days
with family, fighting off jet lag, flying back and dealing with jet lag again. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN-GJWTFWu8RqSPDJrjYRA4mEKtklSwRkRF2gTFMvNWb1BOaZ80pDbPXW8-vkmQbGsLn7OkoYLN_JmFOIDc2z9pxVU1_Qzt-Lu1ztDBgQg9jVHBgTskazM_0td47Gr2MbUhLwyRVikjQD8pj03M80_4gl-oLQiOPuLqTCGuFuegJUiJ3T5lSHEMBv/s1024/20231220_123009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN-GJWTFWu8RqSPDJrjYRA4mEKtklSwRkRF2gTFMvNWb1BOaZ80pDbPXW8-vkmQbGsLn7OkoYLN_JmFOIDc2z9pxVU1_Qzt-Lu1ztDBgQg9jVHBgTskazM_0td47Gr2MbUhLwyRVikjQD8pj03M80_4gl-oLQiOPuLqTCGuFuegJUiJ3T5lSHEMBv/w400-h300/20231220_123009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>church services and caroling - only in Africa?<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />So this year the normal build-up of stress coming towards
mid-December was avoided. There was certainly sadness about missing the special
time with family (and missing out on skiing), but it just didn’t make sense
this year, either financially or logistically. We survived.<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Christmas
</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We had a rough plan as to how we would spend our time here
in Kenya. I worked right up until Christmas Day so I didn’t have much time to
think about the holidays prior to them showing up. Having said that, we did
more decorating in the apartment than normal and we were more generous with the
Christmas music. Both can be a bit too much when you travel to the US. We
usually ration holiday stuff until we leave so that we enjoy it more when we
get there. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTaxSXTyjc196Lq5iNcDUsHW6VK8FmpjfFND2ZoQfOssozY5Eyqw6gblmXBdLz3hFBp-rTgUiSqREccFbyeiQI8gaQcJcTtA4GU1uc-La9v2klkMXK9-kWuBg-7saN2hP45Y9HeobVLBPmkcGr6mhOtowWCNmBFsdoI4Tws24QTybSEJmaJPf_WiR/s1024/20231223_190622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTaxSXTyjc196Lq5iNcDUsHW6VK8FmpjfFND2ZoQfOssozY5Eyqw6gblmXBdLz3hFBp-rTgUiSqREccFbyeiQI8gaQcJcTtA4GU1uc-La9v2klkMXK9-kWuBg-7saN2hP45Y9HeobVLBPmkcGr6mhOtowWCNmBFsdoI4Tws24QTybSEJmaJPf_WiR/w400-h300/20231223_190622.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The first event was a dinner that we hosted the day prior to
Christmas Eve. A couple of friends were unable to be with their families for
the holidays, so we welcomed them to ours. It turned out to be a nice evening,
capped off with some cookie decorating, mostly by the grown-ups (the kids had a
previous cookie decorating event). Neither of our visitors had done Christmas
cookies in many years. Brings out your inner 7-year-old.<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Christmas Eve we just spent at home as a family. It’s the
first time we’ve ever done that. We are generally in Indiana with my in-laws. I
missed the cold and the Christmas atmosphere. It’s always a great time but, I
must admit, it was really nice to spend that time with just the four of us. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfcCqH3bBbmkracCPoheantjr2qiyTw2wAC1cWzHNvCNZA2A4n_SkFXmypWio3qog272jLbXBnS2veoZgfIv0JS0sk2Mq3QQzteHeXPq5aTaFjShnkh3SDenkf3pVdbH8cobYAB_1YcKpac_J0BJSrQW_QfxWThRuP0rjR28Tyt_FcbDyjmFLYeLu/s1024/20231224_213623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfcCqH3bBbmkracCPoheantjr2qiyTw2wAC1cWzHNvCNZA2A4n_SkFXmypWio3qog272jLbXBnS2veoZgfIv0JS0sk2Mq3QQzteHeXPq5aTaFjShnkh3SDenkf3pVdbH8cobYAB_1YcKpac_J0BJSrQW_QfxWThRuP0rjR28Tyt_FcbDyjmFLYeLu/w400-h225/20231224_213623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next morning, Christmas Day, we opened gifts and had a
slow morning. In the afternoon, we went to some other friends’ house for dinner,
carols in French, swimming and croquet. A very different experience than a
rural American Christmas. They are an English-French couple and their
respective parents were visiting for the holidays. Super interesting people. No
kids, however, which was unfortunate for our girls. But we would (to our
surprise) provide them with a few days of kids their own age a few days later. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgJSPpxKnkQiis2B7VfjTujAPOgzc4PLZm2TZ3E2iXiA142Ff-d7LMPZzmEbGMfnzfmgXL_KYrGLjSK8ccSK64xgxcn9E4cq-EzadC_mMqtVkR6lgeSrKz9hbeAeATyxNCi_j6IlqUV7J7l2gyDabcLwttNbpbK8zuR-YhAhqBObQ1lxHkXhgKm7x/s1024/20231225_144340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgJSPpxKnkQiis2B7VfjTujAPOgzc4PLZm2TZ3E2iXiA142Ff-d7LMPZzmEbGMfnzfmgXL_KYrGLjSK8ccSK64xgxcn9E4cq-EzadC_mMqtVkR6lgeSrKz9hbeAeATyxNCi_j6IlqUV7J7l2gyDabcLwttNbpbK8zuR-YhAhqBObQ1lxHkXhgKm7x/w400-h225/20231225_144340.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeFrUJHpos_ahMH58ldYb6O52iNwucogrO_DiMhsHwTA4dmgkszJh8XlfCrN6jrnVweV4nBdGvqN4mBw15qIXkL-WllXBAvOYiMGZ6nueVEtFsj5GMyD-I80fiTO7dqNlGwQTCYdIwDVlGy1Jr6R3SCjRUzDD6xCAy7TVV67v6Bn1idkumEQ6qHQ-/s1024/20231225_154212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeFrUJHpos_ahMH58ldYb6O52iNwucogrO_DiMhsHwTA4dmgkszJh8XlfCrN6jrnVweV4nBdGvqN4mBw15qIXkL-WllXBAvOYiMGZ6nueVEtFsj5GMyD-I80fiTO7dqNlGwQTCYdIwDVlGy1Jr6R3SCjRUzDD6xCAy7TVV67v6Bn1idkumEQ6qHQ-/w400-h300/20231225_154212.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After the dust settled on Christmas, we were soon welcomed
by my sister-in-law who arranged for a stopover in Kenya on her way back from a
short visit to the US (heading to Laos). It prevented us from being completely
devoid of family this year. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AW-yUA37w-0DnUF0K-H2-RjKaNSdT9HsqCXfyDiXMjQdFA_8om0PN6yThi_z1onII_jNj_fn5hcXspSjIrIIuzeHZIGkflv5MWMJuLBdumePLTG2etIsevoajsrPqfKJFL10QRDD5y1iudVwoxDagegDqMNzYQIGCauiES-Kq8RPetCjzL71FxA2/s1024/20231228_141223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AW-yUA37w-0DnUF0K-H2-RjKaNSdT9HsqCXfyDiXMjQdFA_8om0PN6yThi_z1onII_jNj_fn5hcXspSjIrIIuzeHZIGkflv5MWMJuLBdumePLTG2etIsevoajsrPqfKJFL10QRDD5y1iudVwoxDagegDqMNzYQIGCauiES-Kq8RPetCjzL71FxA2/w400-h225/20231228_141223.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Nanyuki </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Given that I wasn’t taking much time off (i.e. just one
vacation day), we had to organize whatever we were going to do around the long New
Year’s weekend. We decided on Nanyuki. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nanyuki is a town of about 75,000 located three and a half
hours north of Nairobi, nearly in the geographical center of Kenya. It also
happens to sit almost exactly on the equator. At 6,500 feet/2,000 meters, it is
cool all year round. It is wedged between Mt. Kenya and a wildlife conservancy called
Ol Pejeta making it a rather obvious tourist destination. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The history of the area is quite interesting. After
centuries of being a mixed tribal area, British immigrants began to settle
there in the early 1900s (some of their descendants still around). Probably the
most prominent of these was a man named Hugh Cholmondeley, better known as Lord
Delamere. After obtaining large amounts of land through a grant from the
British Crown, he set out to raise livestock and farm. Delamere represented the
many contradictions of some of these early settlers. While they made
significant contributions to the land and to the conservation of wildlife, they
were unabashedly white supremacists and disposed people of their ancestral
territory – a legacy that shapes this area of Kenya even today.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSGj4B92h-GzE9E79DdBiaHx7N7HQ3uv46nztRX1e8uKvsCp7S5HaDZPdUhSqbGdtG_lK61v0FeC145GCSloP8YUYRsuuIqZ2-ubHnbVu7AMn2wUYtWy3uOOiWfIsVlQff6YN0pBJ_zw0hPW1gqMsspObyJsW5GwIn5oFii3j63HydmEaLqIi7_GZ/s1024/DSC_0887.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSGj4B92h-GzE9E79DdBiaHx7N7HQ3uv46nztRX1e8uKvsCp7S5HaDZPdUhSqbGdtG_lK61v0FeC145GCSloP8YUYRsuuIqZ2-ubHnbVu7AMn2wUYtWy3uOOiWfIsVlQff6YN0pBJ_zw0hPW1gqMsspObyJsW5GwIn5oFii3j63HydmEaLqIi7_GZ/w400-h266/DSC_0887.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mt. Kenya</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Christmas/New Year’s holiday is the busiest time of year
for Kenyan tourist destinations. Bookings need to be made well in advance. As
such, we had made arrangements at a rural B&B outside of town. We were
looking for a place that offered horseback riding and offered loads of things
to do. This place seemed to be a good fit. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I had only been to this area once before and that was to
attend some work meetings. This would be the first time that we would go as a
family. We drove up on the morning of the 28<sup>th</sup>. We opted to have
lunch at a trout farm restaurant near to where we would be staying. An
interesting place, it was built in and around a huge, sacred fig tree. Great
food, unless you don’t care for fish. Anyway, I think it was a worthwhile stop.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRpmJAK5e-pgLTsG4FqyrkyAbrpdJMQMVgOrJCB7E0_FUFj7a_l7hymmHMe4WrECH5m5U7V8jhPVISD9ClCKFrz3CVaR_PGi0xhqugxLcv9Ho-D7Jnl9Dj9k6tfOAnpjzHVlZWEKXUnqU3XitBOUCg8SeNvhM1iqULN4KUa-DoWH5aZYV8KVqhJ-o/s1896/Screen-Shot-2018-04-19-at-3.47.38-PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1896" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRpmJAK5e-pgLTsG4FqyrkyAbrpdJMQMVgOrJCB7E0_FUFj7a_l7hymmHMe4WrECH5m5U7V8jhPVISD9ClCKFrz3CVaR_PGi0xhqugxLcv9Ho-D7Jnl9Dj9k6tfOAnpjzHVlZWEKXUnqU3XitBOUCg8SeNvhM1iqULN4KUa-DoWH5aZYV8KVqhJ-o/w400-h211/Screen-Shot-2018-04-19-at-3.47.38-PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />We then drove the short distance to the B&B and settled
in. To our surprise, our lodging would be in the same house as those who run
the business. It’s close quarters, to be honest, but, thankfully, we all got
along very well and it turned out to be perfectly fine. Though we didn’t have a
view of Mt. Kenya from our side of the house, it wasn’t a huge issue since it
was rarely visible anyway due to persistent clouds. The peak had a tendency to
reveal itself around 6am each morning. So we would get up early, trek downstairs
to a common space with a view, and briefly catch the clear view before it was
subsequently obscured by morning mist.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQlJoWcHTmRnjlHkocDK8QWtVCzX15Mx2Q0w8eJXRdEiUc4RYSyBFxjjfUGjsFq3UHwRq3KDHNFmfpvt45mZ4BqWqnh2DGmioWulyl8zXUy-cMbxWZ6YLLPQgVc0F1t_u051k9tlUmzgg4iz4ZhSOXc1b-2GvTAGOMINIlwu5VhoGsSFdJEt8wUoc/s1024/20231230_071558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQlJoWcHTmRnjlHkocDK8QWtVCzX15Mx2Q0w8eJXRdEiUc4RYSyBFxjjfUGjsFq3UHwRq3KDHNFmfpvt45mZ4BqWqnh2DGmioWulyl8zXUy-cMbxWZ6YLLPQgVc0F1t_u051k9tlUmzgg4iz4ZhSOXc1b-2GvTAGOMINIlwu5VhoGsSFdJEt8wUoc/w640-h360/20231230_071558.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One thing that was hard to picture prior to being there was
the setting. It was indeed one of the highlights. Sitting on about 5 acres, the
property consists of a few houses, shelters and so forth, in addition to a
stable and a couple of animal pens. At the foot of Mt. Kenya, it was idyllic,
particularly at the lush end of the rainy season. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoKmbc_KwUjqBIxBZaJB8LR9O0Jj92yCXdwV2mghHpzzuec3w5GZWQdDddDcCP_Ik0W2yURKLukjOxuu236esSrEZNTQyFx-M7xRXJnMvV6_K9r9fAyFsxjTd-1whAfSBYRuc5F9gFdgtVYSPnw7qNZYY5rsi1MBfkutWPSgIniYUJhFvgEOG6gIR/s1024/DSC_1064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoKmbc_KwUjqBIxBZaJB8LR9O0Jj92yCXdwV2mghHpzzuec3w5GZWQdDddDcCP_Ik0W2yURKLukjOxuu236esSrEZNTQyFx-M7xRXJnMvV6_K9r9fAyFsxjTd-1whAfSBYRuc5F9gFdgtVYSPnw7qNZYY5rsi1MBfkutWPSgIniYUJhFvgEOG6gIR/w400-h266/DSC_1064.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvNHn622Uj_KegFCqC68_T6_aFvcLwRaMb_S89LwV57i-96eQhOZ-23ytkW94EwIUfJpznDCECtoIrH57qzuIUf0xkin0cjB2mnp1k5cNgLN5M-dp2B8d8r378scfjeJLOHOzIVTZbEhUUW3NcpgUzOdP8A0tYq3wzWQ5E-SVnp6Ml-oLPRyiMs-p/s1024/DSC_1058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvNHn622Uj_KegFCqC68_T6_aFvcLwRaMb_S89LwV57i-96eQhOZ-23ytkW94EwIUfJpznDCECtoIrH57qzuIUf0xkin0cjB2mnp1k5cNgLN5M-dp2B8d8r378scfjeJLOHOzIVTZbEhUUW3NcpgUzOdP8A0tYq3wzWQ5E-SVnp6Ml-oLPRyiMs-p/w400-h266/DSC_1058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My angels on horseback.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div>In addition to the beautiful setting, there were plenty of activities
available: table tennis, a pool table, games, etc. There was a swimming pool
that was inoperable and served as a nice place for waterfowl to hang out. There
were stables with eleven horses and plenty of trails to go for hikes. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAHr0S1bFLQpERtRFk-xNJJC7DN35DpuLrCMAkRffAhO0tcZJPMHmBEt6nFFQac7NBDWTX4WjiJPTIUYANovz4WPvjcbGwZCne90AqojC9BBLz7ytZrAzsQ3udS2UurBIfqYO3z-63Pznjzj6xidUeLpyu3C0DQum3l85_neUPZx4I7Xr-pjrDYn2/s1024/20231230_200424.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAHr0S1bFLQpERtRFk-xNJJC7DN35DpuLrCMAkRffAhO0tcZJPMHmBEt6nFFQac7NBDWTX4WjiJPTIUYANovz4WPvjcbGwZCne90AqojC9BBLz7ytZrAzsQ3udS2UurBIfqYO3z-63Pznjzj6xidUeLpyu3C0DQum3l85_neUPZx4I7Xr-pjrDYn2/w400-h225/20231230_200424.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Things got a bit competitive.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlJvgzBdSpeLmfqnjhw7g0P609xv2SuyLxPxUxjS4mfo_YRMjF3CiJ-2nx2zcaakf7ko1Ds68UDIaj8pklLaEnV1vmPZKZssvIca4KlBS31Jf9mXml_4lcm8SPkg4aC_LxTmCyHs8vz5hyphenhypheny_o9WKn88X03krg919LL_rMcqx9SA5Xj3e-y5B7K6jY/s1024/IMG-20231231-WA0020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlJvgzBdSpeLmfqnjhw7g0P609xv2SuyLxPxUxjS4mfo_YRMjF3CiJ-2nx2zcaakf7ko1Ds68UDIaj8pklLaEnV1vmPZKZssvIca4KlBS31Jf9mXml_4lcm8SPkg4aC_LxTmCyHs8vz5hyphenhypheny_o9WKn88X03krg919LL_rMcqx9SA5Xj3e-y5B7K6jY/w640-h360/IMG-20231231-WA0020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some neighbors joined us for a hike to a waterfall. Fun, but not the intimate hike we expected.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4VhWafwi9I9RQmo3bOAKcXbXKbETyGI1mGGN8BaLm8fbExNDO9rhg7hKzrRhzRq9aNzvIHWyXqWqEH_GReC77o3RPzANPO4EKtMTkW1H6c_GQ3UzWfN06zK_Tlh_BxVYu8x86j842fLqRmQWNYasIz1no7xyoyOUgZLVKVoMNhXvxJ9zkkA4YKEh/s1024/20231231_122334.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4VhWafwi9I9RQmo3bOAKcXbXKbETyGI1mGGN8BaLm8fbExNDO9rhg7hKzrRhzRq9aNzvIHWyXqWqEH_GReC77o3RPzANPO4EKtMTkW1H6c_GQ3UzWfN06zK_Tlh_BxVYu8x86j842fLqRmQWNYasIz1no7xyoyOUgZLVKVoMNhXvxJ9zkkA4YKEh/w640-h480/20231231_122334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waterfall behind the gap in the rocks. Icy cold water but yes, I took a dip.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Given that we were there for a few days, we often in and around the stables. Each of us pitched in here and there, brushing horses, filling water buckets, chasing down escaped horses, etc.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjkLyMovkOtDBammxyPGMz4JCcsM92njNIAZiHsdt5lNSK97tzjRIcuQ9vXljcVwxlwPmLH5r4EGI3gueHAZh46eBX7YLBS-wR-4ZiqtMlHCB3Y8Q826MVrgSL9Rv3zfhCGDKrqa8qrNYHO58HuSOmLgnFQZJtiUNFIS7K2RpGk37dH-azp8kf4bj/s1024/20240101_165421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjkLyMovkOtDBammxyPGMz4JCcsM92njNIAZiHsdt5lNSK97tzjRIcuQ9vXljcVwxlwPmLH5r4EGI3gueHAZh46eBX7YLBS-wR-4ZiqtMlHCB3Y8Q826MVrgSL9Rv3zfhCGDKrqa8qrNYHO58HuSOmLgnFQZJtiUNFIS7K2RpGk37dH-azp8kf4bj/w400-h225/20240101_165421.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HrU5ZLCDRlvLH2M-UrngnDzcjSdMDnh4S_x0rRwTODjgexzFRMdyUgxh0hO6Bmd7Vy4NZet44VcKHQ0K_0rJ8dHat0oivsU0kX0bslQWEJgN21ze8Ojh4zNPa3vRLi9keEcKyUpWgqch5VX0yywrMNmAzwl8W8CFwKLZNLLG2LWD88XXt__Fa9eB/s1024/20240101_165300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HrU5ZLCDRlvLH2M-UrngnDzcjSdMDnh4S_x0rRwTODjgexzFRMdyUgxh0hO6Bmd7Vy4NZet44VcKHQ0K_0rJ8dHat0oivsU0kX0bslQWEJgN21ze8Ojh4zNPa3vRLi9keEcKyUpWgqch5VX0yywrMNmAzwl8W8CFwKLZNLLG2LWD88XXt__Fa9eB/w400-h225/20240101_165300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I have to admit, I drew some satisfaction from showing their sons how to hand siphon water. They seemed to only know how to do it by placing their mouths on the end of the hose and sucking. The guy running the stable did it the same way. Drawing from my farming experience, years of using siphon tubes to water fields in Idaho, I showed them how to use his hand to obtain suction more quickly and without sticking your mouth on a muddy hose. It takes practice (which one of the kids impressively committed himself to), but once you get the feel of it, it's a much nicer method.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KaKeu9tWH-LjYmI7NS8U1lzS1PtURLCcHr0lYcWRN7AEU6D5eNqkLXBj5YzOL_r1wtqT-TqVjH0EF9IC_rbf4XQCIICe9YRPxBqhWEOsH0-cpBLMSFJ9uq-goxb17BGUhISRQEBv8ntjy50o2GJ7TQMiBZdF6n6Be5B6E_J9v1lV-SYpyHtdxMeC/s1024/20240102_114437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KaKeu9tWH-LjYmI7NS8U1lzS1PtURLCcHr0lYcWRN7AEU6D5eNqkLXBj5YzOL_r1wtqT-TqVjH0EF9IC_rbf4XQCIICe9YRPxBqhWEOsH0-cpBLMSFJ9uq-goxb17BGUhISRQEBv8ntjy50o2GJ7TQMiBZdF6n6Be5B6E_J9v1lV-SYpyHtdxMeC/w400-h266/20240102_114437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc_FoVFwQDZedXMl8dYPLXKFzvsn3xiCzrM520rLTmRw8XRubHUc4-qOa-PRUsrcfnmbPrbxoH-ENAuwFgFqQkoOIqE8ZuzTDTp_Vrw_vQfRmuY4a8KYEp7CrCyLxoZcGTbq4-CxkceEdX8MIQ0d6KzAaFH9cDg9gpmKW3g8Y1GyEuaszU100ppKu/s1024/DSC_1081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc_FoVFwQDZedXMl8dYPLXKFzvsn3xiCzrM520rLTmRw8XRubHUc4-qOa-PRUsrcfnmbPrbxoH-ENAuwFgFqQkoOIqE8ZuzTDTp_Vrw_vQfRmuY4a8KYEp7CrCyLxoZcGTbq4-CxkceEdX8MIQ0d6KzAaFH9cDg9gpmKW3g8Y1GyEuaszU100ppKu/w640-h426/DSC_1081.JPG" width="640" /></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But the first activity we did was a game drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. </p>
<br /><br />Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-57780450585505752802023-12-27T19:08:00.000+03:002023-12-27T19:08:20.025+03:00Thanksgiving-ish<p>Since my last posting on non-work life, we have ventured
deep into the holiday season. I think I mentioned last year something about how
businesses in Kenya have taken a page from the US and they start marketing
Christmas in October/November. Thankfully, it’s not as in-your-face as it is in
the US. Not yet.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugcXgXFVUj2vCigz_93f3G7NmCHV_4Qmwu2jzEryaGFb2CdWE3vKs5lATHkO4QIY_b4IbC9DblmVHRFSY7-hQAQ3naTVnBlH_SNsQK_697-i1dfSHEV2KZ7nTaTAYAFh77XVixVDLNCyQx9JRKGJW2iFp9I671I9levmEAzcaCWKwsHfetJotUpBB/s800/The_Rangoli_of_Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="800" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugcXgXFVUj2vCigz_93f3G7NmCHV_4Qmwu2jzEryaGFb2CdWE3vKs5lATHkO4QIY_b4IbC9DblmVHRFSY7-hQAQ3naTVnBlH_SNsQK_697-i1dfSHEV2KZ7nTaTAYAFh77XVixVDLNCyQx9JRKGJW2iFp9I671I9levmEAzcaCWKwsHfetJotUpBB/w400-h315/The_Rangoli_of_Lights.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>celebrating Diwali with friends (added to the holiday season)</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH4AX2iz37fZrNm1Vp4KIRsdRp5XZj0ZeaIByS0rPD_vFfLqHgbpyz3EDuSl-4npppMoP5T5LWh_MSt2jBBYUrQBVkcw32Q63jPQw5hZrlDwkqUZlU8zFdXgMM6P3SRnePp1Dq8tQdm5NukVctIWiN29SwEAQzB_3suQ_kUAbMoq1or-SMz5R1YtK/s1024/20231125_222529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1024" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH4AX2iz37fZrNm1Vp4KIRsdRp5XZj0ZeaIByS0rPD_vFfLqHgbpyz3EDuSl-4npppMoP5T5LWh_MSt2jBBYUrQBVkcw32Q63jPQw5hZrlDwkqUZlU8zFdXgMM6P3SRnePp1Dq8tQdm5NukVctIWiN29SwEAQzB_3suQ_kUAbMoq1or-SMz5R1YtK/w400-h251/20231125_222529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />As you might guess, Thanksgiving is not a thing in East
Africa. Within some expat bubbles, it is. Americans, particularly US government
employees, usually find ways to celebrate, typically with other Americans.
Canadians celebrate as well, though for Canada it takes place on the second
Monday in October.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are different views as to whether the holiday
represents something good (taking time to give thanks for blessings) or
something bad (sordid history of the treatment of native Americans). Either
way, the Canadian celebration is intertwined with that of the US. We both share
blessings and some sordid history. We have some Canadian friends and we were
discussing it a few weeks ago.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Though there are several accounts as to where and how the holiday
began, it seems certain that the origins date to a time when North America
didn’t have nation states. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, it’s
likely that the holiday didn’t cross a border. The border crossed the territory
where the holiday was already being recognized, at least in some form. Having
said that, with the American Revolution in the latter part of the 1800s, it
does appear that some customs that were more prevalent in what is now the US
(including some that are now associated with Thanksgiving), moved north with
migrating British loyalists who wanted nothing to do with the newly independent
American states. Both that and the phenomenon of modern marketing make the
Thanksgivings what they are today. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6yBuVlONLEYzDH4q3YCciavZaIjUYWtMlWUxmdBXaybZ2Yi8vQ7eFVl0DpLueG058aorgkGCwMIgcwy6CzegbrUjnjr1Z8hHosJDFwCl-5BV4pMVKVZqmxBObZUJyU1HnKAr2v-o5V-ub8y5Fsqe3rW_SA-ctIoeN9fd3eXIztlCKINxQq2zVYMI/s1024/20231124_185428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6yBuVlONLEYzDH4q3YCciavZaIjUYWtMlWUxmdBXaybZ2Yi8vQ7eFVl0DpLueG058aorgkGCwMIgcwy6CzegbrUjnjr1Z8hHosJDFwCl-5BV4pMVKVZqmxBObZUJyU1HnKAr2v-o5V-ub8y5Fsqe3rW_SA-ctIoeN9fd3eXIztlCKINxQq2zVYMI/w400-h225/20231124_185428.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our half turkey</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Over the nearly three decades of my life outside the US, I
have celebrated about half of the Thanksgivings. It has usually depended on
whether or not I have other Americans around me that are interested in
celebrating it, which hasn’t always been the case. Because it is always
recognized on a weekday, it has necessarily been on a workday for me. That
generally sucks some of the festiveness out of it. One option has been to
celebrate it the following weekend which we have done on occasion.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_ZxfXk5QxTYnot8TWNSesGHrtByEmhmwAouEUBJg4M-iZqiWdpbrDZEwZOSKIePDmJoFamWcYDaID4AEPHf5xT7_ai_9gJx5Nlqfzkh9NqZ_Mevrx_zA6dQqBXNsFvg1ztUj08RyTRRYsdQZKdb3FlgkkCj57oHSqWfUKbSjdvf4XiwICPYibmoZ/s1024/20231124_192626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1024" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_ZxfXk5QxTYnot8TWNSesGHrtByEmhmwAouEUBJg4M-iZqiWdpbrDZEwZOSKIePDmJoFamWcYDaID4AEPHf5xT7_ai_9gJx5Nlqfzkh9NqZ_Mevrx_zA6dQqBXNsFvg1ztUj08RyTRRYsdQZKdb3FlgkkCj57oHSqWfUKbSjdvf4XiwICPYibmoZ/w400-h250/20231124_192626.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>dinner with our friend Linda</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The other challenge is to try to create a traditional dinner
based on what is available wherever I have been. Given that turkey is the traditional
main dish, and much of the world doesn’t have them, it can be complicated. Chicken
is often the modest substitute. Nonetheless, this year we were able to obtain a
half-turkey and our meal ended up being Thanksgiving-ish. </p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-52520072896493225002023-12-14T17:44:00.000+03:002023-12-14T17:44:48.696+03:00Don't Get Khat<p>This always the busiest time of year. For work, we generally
have projects that are finishing at the end of December. As such, there is a
flurry of activity to get things done before budgets need to be closed. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are often loads of visitors between November and
December as technical advisors look to carry out their visits before year’s end.
This year, because the security situation in the country has been relatively
good, we were inundated with visitors from late October until now. These visits
come to a screeching halt by mid-December as much of the world prepares for
travel around Christmas and New Year’s. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We also have loads of reports that are due. Thankfully, I
don’t have to prepare them. But I do have to read and approve many of them. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All this is on top of a flurry of personal obligations.
Holiday parties. End of year school events. And we generally have the monstrous
winter travel awaiting us around the middle of December. It’s stressful for
everyone and, sadly, it can suck much of the enjoyment from the season. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, I still have work travel between now and the
end of the year. Last week I was in Somalia carrying out my routine meetings
and so forth. I like being in Somalia but some of the demands on my time can get
annoying. Thankfully, I like my team and it makes it easier than it would be
otherwise.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over my years of working in Somalia, I have seen glimpses
here and there of the khat trade. At the airport, you see the planes, mostly
from Kenya, unloading thousands of kilos of bulging burlap sacks each day in
a special depot near the terminal. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Khat is a flowering plant native to eastern and southern
Africa that contains a stimulant. Young shoots – easily identifiable by their
red stems – are bundled and wrapped in banana leaves, packed in bags and loaded
onto pickup trucks. Drivers then zip along roads at breakneck speed in an
effort to ensure that the khat is fresh when it reaches consumers. Women generally serve as vendors, while men are predominately consumers. <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaCK2WLOo5IRiB9JU61VRd3nBy5NvnT2E6A3P3uosevhO-v_zZfby7rP_h39zYGmn8cdM7yZKpTFR789mn_cDQ5bu3xcAvatbqJEUpqwZKNHTop-YsLRUHzhHTsYM8fqgu4pbBlqNn_XUZQG5tQPnxpdpvzlmC010oq479Lb4UX6UYUP6q7QJbp2P/s1024/DSC_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1024" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaCK2WLOo5IRiB9JU61VRd3nBy5NvnT2E6A3P3uosevhO-v_zZfby7rP_h39zYGmn8cdM7yZKpTFR789mn_cDQ5bu3xcAvatbqJEUpqwZKNHTop-YsLRUHzhHTsYM8fqgu4pbBlqNn_XUZQG5tQPnxpdpvzlmC010oq479Lb4UX6UYUP6q7QJbp2P/w640-h418/DSC_1732.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>khat seller in Garowe during my visit in 2017</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Khat is usually chewed socially, particularly in the afternoon and early evening at tea shops along the main roads. Depending on how much you chew, it can cause greater
sociability, excitement, loss of appetite and mild euphoria. It is banned, or
at least heavily controlled, in many countries, in others it is not only permitted,
it plays a culturally significant role. In Somalia, it’s consumed by a large
segment of the male population but, according to some of my staff, we have few who
partake regularly (though it’s unlikely they would admit it if they did).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It can have a devastating impact on society. In addition to
sapping productivity (once you begin chewing, you’re more or less done for the
day), it also is a drain on the economy. Because it’s not grown in Somalia,
they import it by the ton and millions of dollars leave the economy each year.
In Yemen, where they are able to grow the crop, it is estimated that 40% of
their fresh water is dedicated to its cultivation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At times in Somalia, it is hotly debated. Imports from Kenya
were banned in 2020 for a couple of years, partly due to Covid and partly due
to some disputes between the two countries. But most knew it wouldn’t last. For
the time being, imports are in full swing and, though there are some prominent
voices who condemn consumption, they seem to be outnumbered. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcvjwnC7utP3br68lBxrlmr1K8WL7z5On-i27KuQ6h7KgJ0F8KATboj2nEVFqSlM6fKQj9JLXZKa_My_qBb36z9vWbkPrUhPX3WcRQEB2DndW9KsQvL_8GuLEwJKDq2-l4HAGMride3qrqCJOe2jWqjb9LBP7fCQ4mRNqLU-Qcun1s5FMvh8NbFWd/s1024/20231207_105334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1024" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcvjwnC7utP3br68lBxrlmr1K8WL7z5On-i27KuQ6h7KgJ0F8KATboj2nEVFqSlM6fKQj9JLXZKa_My_qBb36z9vWbkPrUhPX3WcRQEB2DndW9KsQvL_8GuLEwJKDq2-l4HAGMride3qrqCJOe2jWqjb9LBP7fCQ4mRNqLU-Qcun1s5FMvh8NbFWd/w640-h372/20231207_105334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Racing off to market</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While waiting for my return flight to Nairobi, I was on the
phone standing at a window near the gate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched the bustle of activity around a
newly arrived Qatar flight. To my left, a vehicle pulling a luggage trailer exited
the terminal. As it hit a bump, the load was jostled and two suitcases tumbled
to the tarmac. A man near the Qatar plane waved at the driver and pointed
towards the fallen bags. He slowed, turned around, shrugged his shoulders, and
carried on. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve never checked a bag while flying to Mogadishu. I pack
lightly and make sure it fits into my carry-on each time. All the more reason
to continue doing so. </p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-52190522937490293552023-11-23T10:16:00.000+03:002023-11-23T10:16:31.978+03:00Halloween and Horses<p>Though my days, including much of my weekends, are often
consumed with work, I do like to mix it up in the blog. As I have mentioned
previously, the Somalia work week is Sunday through Thursday. For NY, Kenya and
much of the rest of the world, it’s Monday through Friday. As such, it’s
difficult for me to have a full day off except Saturday. And even then, stuff
happens on Saturdays. It’s hard to ignore critical humanitarian support demands
(approvals that need to come from me that support delivery of aid) just because
they fall on a Saturday. So it’s rare that I would have a full day without any
work at all. Not complaining. Just the way it is. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Halloween</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">To go back a few weeks, we did find some time for the kids
to partake in some Halloween fun. I realize that they are beginning to age out
of this sort of the trick-or-treat thing, but, as when I was young, the <i>treat</i>
part of it keeps it alive longer than you would think. It’s not like in the US
where you can go door-to-door in the dark. There are many reasons that would not
work in Nairobi. I’m quite sure that Americans take for granted how wonderfully
safe it is there compared to most other countries. In any case, we were able to
join some other families for a Halloween party, in spite of the fact that it’s
not a thing in Kenya. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrDTM8zp-GfOKobOxegriksJEgPADwAiXroNrk4td6Y34v5lq3YU3-3CQkqBu2xyyqU-F02_40O0WJwZEVC85nrh8WrKLr3T9VcBsBrYQfkNXDEeZMNNbZpPQ4RGwLnIjt0MyPMNnsWz3UrADS-jM96daBskeLlWuhwejD7b18UFZY7DK3qk89aFf/s1024/20231029_154227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrDTM8zp-GfOKobOxegriksJEgPADwAiXroNrk4td6Y34v5lq3YU3-3CQkqBu2xyyqU-F02_40O0WJwZEVC85nrh8WrKLr3T9VcBsBrYQfkNXDEeZMNNbZpPQ4RGwLnIjt0MyPMNnsWz3UrADS-jM96daBskeLlWuhwejD7b18UFZY7DK3qk89aFf/w400-h225/20231029_154227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Diwali</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">A holiday that <i>is</i> a thing in Kenya is Diwali, largely due to the significant number of people with Indian origin. In case
you’re not familiar with it, Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. It symbolizes
the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and
knowledge over ignorance". Given what I see around the world, I would say
that evil and ignorance seem to be winning. But it was celebrated anyway. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbLrVzdk1kN6OkF7zkgnOdoFaZFDjQKgrC6fO20f-p3i5pliGKA0kbaMNe0EmzrjuSHcR2Y1f_J3SiSOgH4Z8TrbCj4Ag5nDbkc3euKUIz1gXqZ2_Te0s0gjoA91nzn6SHbv8Z8ys6uo3UNpKBloIV19eWjLHR351Mh_cDE_m3JhWKzWnRktxJssU/s1024/20231112_201305.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1024" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbLrVzdk1kN6OkF7zkgnOdoFaZFDjQKgrC6fO20f-p3i5pliGKA0kbaMNe0EmzrjuSHcR2Y1f_J3SiSOgH4Z8TrbCj4Ag5nDbkc3euKUIz1gXqZ2_Te0s0gjoA91nzn6SHbv8Z8ys6uo3UNpKBloIV19eWjLHR351Mh_cDE_m3JhWKzWnRktxJssU/w400-h250/20231112_201305.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fireworks from the roof</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />One thing that accompanies Diwali is an impressive display of fireworks. When the girls were young, it was a
bit frightening since it was so loud and was most active when they were trying to
go to bed. Now, of course, it’s a thrill for them. The last few years we have
gone up to the roof of our building to watch. It was fun scanning the city to catch
the fireworks popping up from various neighborhoods.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPtRQNLDqh5AFt_r8l2m8OiK_v1BeYKfLouKLEELuzvVqKWiy1vsFOETpeZeXrjispz51_uVKbFnoDEyqi6f8NViZGSCP2mI6BUVlPuCqLWEI2NjLQQvcl8qkWUfLv8oRQmUOsE3yxYwG9UmBjNhsnFdMAxhBBt-p40BbHMV9D6dbRik7lqboNFaj/s1024/20231111_123234.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPtRQNLDqh5AFt_r8l2m8OiK_v1BeYKfLouKLEELuzvVqKWiy1vsFOETpeZeXrjispz51_uVKbFnoDEyqi6f8NViZGSCP2mI6BUVlPuCqLWEI2NjLQQvcl8qkWUfLv8oRQmUOsE3yxYwG9UmBjNhsnFdMAxhBBt-p40BbHMV9D6dbRik7lqboNFaj/w400-h225/20231111_123234.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Diwali feast<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Horseback Riding</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">As rainy season is underway, in an El Nino year no less, you
need to weave outdoor activities strategically into your week. Last weekend we
took the girls horseback riding. They don’t have much experience with this
sort of thing but they seemed to be keen on learning. There are a few stables
around Nairobi. There is apparently a long legacy of riding that goes back to colonial
times, but it has been vigorously embraced by Kenyans as well as foreigners. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8mcj3EdrMb1PvFMH6mV3g0cUuupTJdNztCbdOMNUkSWHipv0K_VuRQQJQNkpO9XVMf-gPiCoybaiocdRVKHf88asO6u8Oq7PRex7B_GNJLEim3Rhqu_5yfF90E2UTDrXkv6UbG4Zvh7SyDkSgLDiW0n8l2N_ILonL-mnEGkMTM8hyykBTfJr8g3b/s1024/20190727_103838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1024" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8mcj3EdrMb1PvFMH6mV3g0cUuupTJdNztCbdOMNUkSWHipv0K_VuRQQJQNkpO9XVMf-gPiCoybaiocdRVKHf88asO6u8Oq7PRex7B_GNJLEim3Rhqu_5yfF90E2UTDrXkv6UbG4Zvh7SyDkSgLDiW0n8l2N_ILonL-mnEGkMTM8hyykBTfJr8g3b/w400-h238/20190727_103838.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Riding "western" style in Indiana back in 2019</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The US does a lot of things differently from the rest of the world, including horseback riding where it is usually called “western
riding”. It evolved mostly from utilitarian purposes such as hunting, working
with livestock or engaging in war. Riding for sport or as a leisure activity came
later and has taken shape in the modern rodeo. There are a number of things about western riding that are different from most of the rest of the world but probably the most notable is the saddle.
There is generally a deeper seat and a horn on the front (traditionally used
for attaching a rope tied to a lassoed calf, for example). </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKZ9yti-jXDq1iPz64E516Rwa5pM9ozF-BLHVLUKXOzkkDKF0gyOMfe3z1nKUQQvcbLyVnqoi4LGq8Qk76L95LdwqTuu_LSJQwCUpXY-uryT20hA0blcv2ZMlMpEQ8Qge8edyHJ5B9PkQc9apNe6aVWGunu_WM5V3bR_gYaYyaU4sWmYINc_Ans0E/s1024/20231118_104046b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKZ9yti-jXDq1iPz64E516Rwa5pM9ozF-BLHVLUKXOzkkDKF0gyOMfe3z1nKUQQvcbLyVnqoi4LGq8Qk76L95LdwqTuu_LSJQwCUpXY-uryT20hA0blcv2ZMlMpEQ8Qge8edyHJ5B9PkQc9apNe6aVWGunu_WM5V3bR_gYaYyaU4sWmYINc_Ans0E/w400-h266/20231118_104046b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">English, or classical riding, also has roots in hunting (ex.
fox hunts) but was adapted for less aggressive sports such as show jumping and
dressage. Helmets are generally worn rather than cowboy hats, often required,
as in our case.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKK_0fG9lBXH059KpYzM36G3Qf7rBjQdYwrV60TVATEAf_WfV0c-fmaPfMK1KNWog3jke7vGY6Zspakrf8Lq5kBlENJNbbxGT2vxO_zojkuAFkaqbUxDuEe250qOx3j5Q9aPfXNO5Ikvme5BLaoyMY6D1ZbjTORpqMfwN5BsPM8WBGh4wSJLY6fcl/s1024/20231118_104140b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKK_0fG9lBXH059KpYzM36G3Qf7rBjQdYwrV60TVATEAf_WfV0c-fmaPfMK1KNWog3jke7vGY6Zspakrf8Lq5kBlENJNbbxGT2vxO_zojkuAFkaqbUxDuEe250qOx3j5Q9aPfXNO5Ikvme5BLaoyMY6D1ZbjTORpqMfwN5BsPM8WBGh4wSJLY6fcl/w400-h266/20231118_104140b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was a considerable amount of rain the night before so
we were hoping that precipitation wouldn’t scuttle our morning ride. But the
morning was mostly sunny and, with the exception of copious amounts of mud, the
ride went off without a hitch. The girls loved it. Could it be a new hobby? We’ll
see. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF78UtFKi8uue9vcFF8zZLZRt-6tTgH5uzWSFhsBmveEe0eGflTwKjXaGkfmJKfxuLAEqiaAaxCtj6vIUERQ-gc4JoWcIZOZISMmbvzKXTPGL4vwK3ftK6ExQ_hK5ZWCcZ7SR80ahdy6atiBS3xh8EZ74dPusl2QXLd7lU7CN7W_3WzNBtDfaFB8TN/s1024/20231118_104018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF78UtFKi8uue9vcFF8zZLZRt-6tTgH5uzWSFhsBmveEe0eGflTwKjXaGkfmJKfxuLAEqiaAaxCtj6vIUERQ-gc4JoWcIZOZISMmbvzKXTPGL4vwK3ftK6ExQ_hK5ZWCcZ7SR80ahdy6atiBS3xh8EZ74dPusl2QXLd7lU7CN7W_3WzNBtDfaFB8TN/w400-h268/20231118_104018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal">As we head towards the holiday season, there is evidence of it in Nairobi. It's not colder temperatures. We're in the southern hemisphere so we're headed in the opposite direction. Usually, the visible manifestation has something to do with marketing. One somewhat humorous example is a billboard I saw the other day announcing a Black Friday sale. In a country without Thanksgiving. I'm quite sure most people in Nairobi don't know what Black Friday is but someone saw fit to copy the American marketing ploy anyway. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhSNAKk5ZIF-aa2E8H-6_hg52D8Aah-8nlZCyQQjSFeuu9PDLRYN3zT_zCz_i_OYAYA8fczZkgA5hu2DbhKpLW0PVg_5Y4s55sNy-ps2_j8GjDCA0hsNXXmuz9XiecWgoq3wNUdWUbTfzE_ArHJrhhRBA9tXgZatsyenZRhFSW8Y-WABXBLziELsd/s1024/20231113_105603.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1024" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhSNAKk5ZIF-aa2E8H-6_hg52D8Aah-8nlZCyQQjSFeuu9PDLRYN3zT_zCz_i_OYAYA8fczZkgA5hu2DbhKpLW0PVg_5Y4s55sNy-ps2_j8GjDCA0hsNXXmuz9XiecWgoq3wNUdWUbTfzE_ArHJrhhRBA9tXgZatsyenZRhFSW8Y-WABXBLziELsd/w400-h250/20231113_105603.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sitting in a coffee shop noticing a meat delivery truck. Meat? delivery.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-37909803684649168552023-11-20T16:03:00.000+03:002023-11-20T16:03:25.602+03:00Mogadishu<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">I’m back in Mogadishu. Solid week of meetings. I would say
that it’s an interesting time to work in Somalia but I suppose that would apply
all the time. You cannot be bored, particularly if you work outside the “green
zone”. I suppose that for those who are relegated to life and work within the
fortified walls, life could become repetitive. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No so for me. I arrived on Monday after my routine of a
3:50am wake up, taxi, 6:30 flight. It’s an hour and a half flight. If all went
well, I would make my 9am meeting near the airport in plenty of time. There
would be a hiccup, of course. After getting through immigration, I found no
driver waiting for me. I was initially annoyed since there have been some
issues of late with our private security and some of the logistics. But I soon
found out that the situation wasn’t entirely their fault. The main gate that we
use to move in and out of the “green zone” was not operational that morning
causing a number of issues, one of which was funneling most of the traffic
through a single entrance. With the extensive and time-consuming security
checks, this was causing massive delays. This issue was compounded by an
accident not far outside the usable gate. Apparently a truck collided with a
police vehicle on the road leading towards the airport. An accident involving a
police vehicle is not an ideal situation in any country but even more so here. It
appeared that level heads prevailed, though I would not have wanted to be the
driver of the truck. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dagWwR1a6MUTne-ZNQdPmTWuWPCbgJYN2OPr8mrVZ7Ri1vBcOrudj3d1Jc5QDK_7UiriHYmFBa-KK5mzZm9W2ya3vRfbcwwWvuyM9Ag7PNBWZKLgGeS_JBuSGK4gXEXvmOwH_XTJa2a0aXf-bB0MBipm5ly9HgbHWuStCrH2jJbI6cOiBqApUrVg/s1024/20231106_085613.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="767" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dagWwR1a6MUTne-ZNQdPmTWuWPCbgJYN2OPr8mrVZ7Ri1vBcOrudj3d1Jc5QDK_7UiriHYmFBa-KK5mzZm9W2ya3vRfbcwwWvuyM9Ag7PNBWZKLgGeS_JBuSGK4gXEXvmOwH_XTJa2a0aXf-bB0MBipm5ly9HgbHWuStCrH2jJbI6cOiBqApUrVg/w300-h400/20231106_085613.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bad way to start the day</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The frustrating part was that my meeting destination was
less than a hundred meters from the closed gate and yet it took almost an hour
to get there. It would have been far faster to walk but that’s obviously not
allowed. <p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the course of the week, I would have meetings with
government officials, a peer international organization, UN, a donor and
several internal meetings. Topics varied from flood response, women’s
protection and empowerment, human rights, ethics and compliance, security, data
collection and monitoring. Meetings were stacked closely together to try to fit
everything in. I do like the variety, but I sometimes feel that things move so
fast that I don’t get a chance to give any of the engagements the preparation
and attention they deserve. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0utJLP2K9Glt1XXGgfa9Tq7Ih6kHQfsJiJ93LSSbaatS4bHoQpNqhg2wYTPJm7knTNDbXINzXqvf0Y1SRYQjytt00jr5Js28fN84w1vALnHpFknV3n3H5i2Z19f80W7tRkQ0VI-BddMqMU7dZQfIyLImI_djz9CbVqFa3pA4Ampj5hxZ0_Ny4Bq9v/s1024/20231107_130825.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1024" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0utJLP2K9Glt1XXGgfa9Tq7Ih6kHQfsJiJ93LSSbaatS4bHoQpNqhg2wYTPJm7knTNDbXINzXqvf0Y1SRYQjytt00jr5Js28fN84w1vALnHpFknV3n3H5i2Z19f80W7tRkQ0VI-BddMqMU7dZQfIyLImI_djz9CbVqFa3pA4Ampj5hxZ0_Ny4Bq9v/w400-h249/20231107_130825.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our drinking water delivered by donkey</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />In a couple of meetings with staff, I was thinking how much
I have built a certain comfort level with my team. People are surprisingly open
in spite of me being an outsider. I’ve had staff who have shared sensitive
marital issues, health issues (including female issues), etc. In a conservative
environment, this is rare. Though someone told me a while back that being the
outsider is the very reason they trust me with some of these things. I’m
grateful that I have that level of trust with them, but there are times when it
borders on too much information.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was talking to a male staff the other day who told me that
in Somalia, “Ladies love drivers and armed men.” When I asked him to elaborate,
he went on to say how vehicles and weapons represent a seductive form of power.
When I suggested a pen might do the same, he laughed dismissively and continued
with his train of thought.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Wednesday I had a meeting with one of the government
ministries. Those are always a bit more intense than others, partly because you
always want to make sure that you are in good graces with the leadership, but
also because it can be a logistical and security challenge just to get there
and return to the office safely. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m aware that even my Somali colleagues feel the same way.
I also realize that my presence makes things trickier than it would be
otherwise. Though they like having me participate in these engagements,
admittedly it does raise the stakes for them from a security standpoint. As we
left our compound, one of my team voiced a short prayer. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I should say that public prayers are rather normal in
Somalia. Most larger meetings that I’m in, including internal ones, begin with a
“<i>dua</i>” where someone in the room is designated, usually by whoever is
chairing the meeting, to offer the prayer in Arabic. Such was the case for the
meeting that we were attending that day. During the short prayer, a couple of
the government staff across the table from me glanced in my direction, likely
to see my reaction as an outsider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
should say, it’s not super common for a Westerner to attend these ministry
meetings outside the “green zone”. Most in the international community do not
have security authorization to venture into the city and attend these types of
engagements sometimes it can be sort of a novelty.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jXJ40_1JGkgkYBFlQZeSCDY2SzXwoLFMcREIHPEhXZN4Pa19cxd2Ae0m3JAtwYyJ2RjKGH_zN1EonduCVIi7OCVlAiYduWglr8RorF780kHbvPSUcyCduM3nCAa4FvbwYAt6IGqYwJIBlqA1LjJzq5Nw2IhZSlpmYKAMhoUQ-mEREMWg_KgGXWb-/s1024/20231107_155541.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1024" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jXJ40_1JGkgkYBFlQZeSCDY2SzXwoLFMcREIHPEhXZN4Pa19cxd2Ae0m3JAtwYyJ2RjKGH_zN1EonduCVIi7OCVlAiYduWglr8RorF780kHbvPSUcyCduM3nCAa4FvbwYAt6IGqYwJIBlqA1LjJzq5Nw2IhZSlpmYKAMhoUQ-mEREMWg_KgGXWb-/w640-h398/20231107_155541.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Darkening skies</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />On the way to the meeting, it was raining, lightly at first
and then the skies opened up. Not far from our office, you need to go through a
major security checkpoint. It’s located at a rather low point and a huge amount
of water was collecting around the boom gates and security barriers. By the
time we reached the other side, the water was completely flooding the streets.
Visibility was poor as we weaved our way around stalled vehicles. Donkeys with
their carts were standing in the median or on the roadside. I have seen
flooding in Mogadishu but never anything like this. The streets had essentially
become streams that were knee-deep. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipAigCaaiQ4dySGZetXXEyIIMP9HL5NATgaS6mO5wJd_jm_JIfQDT-aoxuV2qUr5ZTLnl0NI90N6RA-u3OvIX-g6ONnmNg7xSzguc-Rl8UUQQssZYtxbPYmq1rAvmfYY9s4PySa9-UAQKP47926BjLGGauEppc7mTz_p-oD_r2wYll3u-pmvOYwOy/s1024/20231108_153831.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="916" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipAigCaaiQ4dySGZetXXEyIIMP9HL5NATgaS6mO5wJd_jm_JIfQDT-aoxuV2qUr5ZTLnl0NI90N6RA-u3OvIX-g6ONnmNg7xSzguc-Rl8UUQQssZYtxbPYmq1rAvmfYY9s4PySa9-UAQKP47926BjLGGauEppc7mTz_p-oD_r2wYll3u-pmvOYwOy/w358-h400/20231108_153831.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flooded roads</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we arrived at the ministry compound, I was thinking that
this is probably the best time to have a visit like this, at least from a
security standpoint. There is no record of terrorist attack during flooding. Rightly
so. Would certainly dampen the intended impact. <p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For now, the rain persists in many parts of the country.
Communities that had suffered a couple of years of drought are now inundated
with water. I continue to campaign for massive investments in capital watershed
management projects that would contribute to leveling off the impact of these
extremes in weather. In the long run, it would be cheaper than rushing in with
humanitarian response each time. But so far, there’s a lack of interest in
these types of projects. Until then, we are at the mercy of the ever-increasing
impacts of climate change. And as people continue to make war around the globe,
valuable resources will be diverted away natural disasters. It’s the shaping of
a bleak future. </p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-83858856026482773752023-10-27T17:00:00.000+03:002023-10-27T17:00:41.403+03:00Longonot<p>Our daughters are on a two-week school break. It’s more or
less the midpoint between "summer" break and Christmas/New Year’s. Growing up it
seems that we used to have a week in the fall and it had historically been
timed to allow kids to participate in the harvest. No such harvest here, even
more so because we’re in the southern hemisphere. Technically that would make
this a <i>spring </i>break.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whatever it's called, we kicked it off with a long weekend (Friday was
a holiday) excursion outside of Nairobi. My oldest daughter had a weekend
church retreat at a place about an hour north of Nairobi. The plan was leave on
Thursday after school, take her to her retreat and then the rest of the family
would continue on for another hour to a place where we had a small cottage booked
near the base of Mt. Longonot. We were targeting a Friday morning hike, relax
for a couple days, return to the retreat on Sunday to retrieve our daughter and
then head home. That’s pretty much how it worked out.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe45lK5T4vcpYfJ3qVoll8EHq3S8WhSxrKDbRaBZmeb13Ga2z-t-RDLVEy0JdNwSYUp4fgHRZqI6v1Ib_iHw1MnyNN_XMVUSvj9w7Wbd9Ymkw6ofTItTQeuhFzYyMBzuXqrooZ_YngLzdv1FI9MALnFfc1OeCy5c5KyzNYo9x3wL9nPeXThq-T4eHD/s1024/20231019_174555.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe45lK5T4vcpYfJ3qVoll8EHq3S8WhSxrKDbRaBZmeb13Ga2z-t-RDLVEy0JdNwSYUp4fgHRZqI6v1Ib_iHw1MnyNN_XMVUSvj9w7Wbd9Ymkw6ofTItTQeuhFzYyMBzuXqrooZ_YngLzdv1FI9MALnFfc1OeCy5c5KyzNYo9x3wL9nPeXThq-T4eHD/w640-h426/20231019_174555.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Low sun on the countryside, white goats and rain clouds<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table></i></td></tr></tbody></table>There were a couple of variables we were concerned about.
One was the possibility of rain. Light rain would be manageable but, due to the
fact that parts of the proposed trail serve as drainage (some sections quite steep),
they would be impassible with loads of water flowing down. The other variable
is people. It’s a well-known hike, not too far from Nairobi and it was a
three-day weekend. With a high chance of crowds, we figured that there may be a bit fewer people on Friday
compared to Saturday, even less if we got an early start.<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRPNQ5EBOwM3o_uMhLOQvxteHlnJYsMOCpDyw8NzNbJwxkGdOD41YmLm4zE4ctZrsedj5DJCvXB4VZ7CuNMEpXpDfd4wFQKwsSTGpd6UeGxMgb6EjvtVfBynqN-VAVAdZPnZWgqM5Op7tCzGNVBnI3eE-MUe8M6JHsUqI8Mcaii0H8bVVtg6ZelU9/s1024/20231019_165926.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRPNQ5EBOwM3o_uMhLOQvxteHlnJYsMOCpDyw8NzNbJwxkGdOD41YmLm4zE4ctZrsedj5DJCvXB4VZ7CuNMEpXpDfd4wFQKwsSTGpd6UeGxMgb6EjvtVfBynqN-VAVAdZPnZWgqM5Op7tCzGNVBnI3eE-MUe8M6JHsUqI8Mcaii0H8bVVtg6ZelU9/w400-h266/20231019_165926.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kiran being checked in. Younger sister making sure all will be well.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">We dropped off Kiran at her retreat. She hasn’t really spent
much time sleeping away from family. She’s had a few overnight stays with
friends but that’s about it. Plus, I’m not sure how well she knows this group.
Some more than others. Anyway, we left her a phone (not a smart phone) and had
the contacts of the people that were overseeing the weekend. Good experience for her to do this sort of thing.<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqp6Xqjn_UsRhTlk_MKixeOpy_4L-WvxEQS2jPUo1BC5SDtXkT-56LV2iw55mqCYhxFcEtEDt-Paf7XSYimS0jX-0K7Kqyf0dVSsqyV8UiDdW_YIX-8vJEY0p8IBVVxoQwklzQybCtNACUatFnQqovPcvqp5Qxz76DnBNKkCrNZKin3AJKz0qj5tS/s1024/20231019_193531.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqp6Xqjn_UsRhTlk_MKixeOpy_4L-WvxEQS2jPUo1BC5SDtXkT-56LV2iw55mqCYhxFcEtEDt-Paf7XSYimS0jX-0K7Kqyf0dVSsqyV8UiDdW_YIX-8vJEY0p8IBVVxoQwklzQybCtNACUatFnQqovPcvqp5Qxz76DnBNKkCrNZKin3AJKz0qj5tS/w400-h300/20231019_193531.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By the time we arrived at our cottage, it was dark. We had a
couple of take-out pizzas with us that we had for dinner outside by a fire. The air was cool and, with the exception of dogs barking in the distance, it was pleasantly quiet. We
went to bed fairly early, looking to get to decent start the next morning.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> <br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a short drive to the entrance. We made it a bit
longer given that we had a hard time finding the turnoff. It’s not well marked. One
would think it would be more prominent given how many people climb it each
year. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8XBmWxheQLKGB-ODT0ShHmZ6kkTktDnZN_ltraqRBdvRXvyhFA7xkGIZAk4JmrBZ0ZyiQaORlL42oO3mu2RmhhuA02wqwwxiCZOQKvWTm47DeX4U8lYBTSld1XyuSCEZsQxExHQ_wz5jkGRROaBLR6ge_gCB05Szs4RCnORjhWDVGUrr3rquslAy/s1024/20231020_071606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8XBmWxheQLKGB-ODT0ShHmZ6kkTktDnZN_ltraqRBdvRXvyhFA7xkGIZAk4JmrBZ0ZyiQaORlL42oO3mu2RmhhuA02wqwwxiCZOQKvWTm47DeX4U8lYBTSld1XyuSCEZsQxExHQ_wz5jkGRROaBLR6ge_gCB05Szs4RCnORjhWDVGUrr3rquslAy/w640-h480/20231020_071606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We arrived at the gate just before 7am. There was only one
other vehicle which is a good sign. I’m obviously not a fan of crowds, particularly on
hikes. We were checked in rather quickly and soon we were off. Within
the first few minutes we saw a lone gazelle to our right and shortly after that,
some zebras in the distance off to the left. We would see some giraffes later
in the day. Wildlife on a hike is always a bonus. <p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Kenya National Park Service website mistakenly refers to
Longonot as an extinct volcano, one that no longer has a lava supply and is no
longer near an active geological hot spot. In fact, the Kenyan Rift Valley sits
on a shifting tectonic plate resulting in Africa’s most active geothermal
zone. It powers about half of Kenya’s electricity grid and has made the country
the 8<sup>th</sup> largest geothermal power user in the world (soon to be 4<sup>th</sup>).
It has more geothermal power capacity under construction than any country in
the world. So indeed, this area had a lot going on underground. According to Maasai
accounts, Longonot last erupted in the 1860s. But there is more recent evidence
of activity. Geodetic monitoring recorded at Longonot between 2004-2006
demonstrated the presence of active magmatic systems beneath the surface. During
the hike we saw an active steam vent on the wall of the crater (there are
apparently several) and there are massive steam vents just a few kilometers
away. Maybe the park service says that it’s extinct to avoid scaring people. I
don’t know but it’s certainly not extinct.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInp_qutmetco3X6L08w1RWGyKehtcLGiAuV_SI_-C5Ms5HJhN7iSGTNzdQrZJzjSYoJx4tjArqT6fpNRI8d-80WBFchsjl74AHcdm1x3YIrE7dV0l3qr16O2I9VaLPTfxWTij9eTMo1s-KuXJiFA9MGV8iFVx_4v2VXQ_F1JM8y1_LZoUKH2lCrV4/s1024/DSC_0725.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInp_qutmetco3X6L08w1RWGyKehtcLGiAuV_SI_-C5Ms5HJhN7iSGTNzdQrZJzjSYoJx4tjArqT6fpNRI8d-80WBFchsjl74AHcdm1x3YIrE7dV0l3qr16O2I9VaLPTfxWTij9eTMo1s-KuXJiFA9MGV8iFVx_4v2VXQ_F1JM8y1_LZoUKH2lCrV4/w640-h426/DSC_0725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The trail to the crater rim is about 3.1 km. (a bit less than
2 miles). We did come across other hikers on the way but not many. It was a
rather peaceful and beautiful morning. Arriving at the rim and peering into the
massive crater was a thrill. It’s about 1.8 km. across (a little over a mile)
and the crater floor is covered by a forest of small trees. Supposedly it is
home to various species of wildlife (zebra, giraffe, Thomson's gazelle,
buffaloes and hartebeest), but we didn’t see any of them. I'm assuming they were in the trees someplace. The walls of the
crater are rather steep so I’m not sure how they get in our out. We did see scat
on the rim trail so there must be paths for them to move up and down.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PUB_ccth-W2nO3LOddyLeKYtVuGwxzC5bER7mmN6tlIPlrEghv701o9vGQxgWeBqsbHvUgiybm0FTwyOSMtd4AbULcdmBczCoHJib01F82G7eHm-WiVIG-3nc2347pgdM2HzQ80K9YyltN0tqYzmZII9kWLEH5hq-kgfBsCuM_l2H-dm-rAyqaFZ/s1024/DSC_0644.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PUB_ccth-W2nO3LOddyLeKYtVuGwxzC5bER7mmN6tlIPlrEghv701o9vGQxgWeBqsbHvUgiybm0FTwyOSMtd4AbULcdmBczCoHJib01F82G7eHm-WiVIG-3nc2347pgdM2HzQ80K9YyltN0tqYzmZII9kWLEH5hq-kgfBsCuM_l2H-dm-rAyqaFZ/w640-h426/DSC_0644.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The crater. Small steam vent on the right, halfway down the edge of the shadowed area.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />For many, arriving at the rim is the extent of the hike and
they turn around and head back down. Admittedly, it’s a decent amount of hiking just to get to that point, provides a
great view and a good sense of accomplishment. However, we had decided that if the
weather was good, we would make our way counterclockwise around the rim to the
actual summit, and then complete the 7.2 km (4.5 mile) loop encircling the
crater. And that's what we did.<br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Following the trail around the rim was quite enjoyable. You
have constant views on both sides of the trail. The day was clear so we could
see all the way to the horizon. As we made our way around, we could see Lake
Naivasha and the plumes of the geothermal steam nearby. Distant mountain ranges. Incredible views.
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwchm-J3xvd9DKT-TRiND2svGK50SJGLGDnoWE4NTeqTc9dwYRXiluKF9Q7mbEy24gD8W2rXbGdsuwOeJM2LKA_yi18H1u8b451IS1b4WH7PyWHhZ8L6CoB8o-4eUoWy8LRJc7a1k4nkwLVtnXsWRf4h4oFCWpPiwoYd1dob5teYsz8u2PVGq6nEpq/s1024/DSC_0662.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwchm-J3xvd9DKT-TRiND2svGK50SJGLGDnoWE4NTeqTc9dwYRXiluKF9Q7mbEy24gD8W2rXbGdsuwOeJM2LKA_yi18H1u8b451IS1b4WH7PyWHhZ8L6CoB8o-4eUoWy8LRJc7a1k4nkwLVtnXsWRf4h4oFCWpPiwoYd1dob5teYsz8u2PVGq6nEpq/w640-h426/DSC_0662.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The rim trail as it begins to climb to the summit.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we approached the section of the rim near the summit, the
trail grew steep and involved some scrambling. There were sections with loose
gravel where you had to be a bit more careful but it was nothing that was
treacherous. Kinaya was in high spirits the entire time. As we neared the top, she accelerated her pace and made sure she was the first to the summit. It warmed my heart
to see her hike so easily and joyfully. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2vyGfYWcABUE161uw48ed_Xl2hBafL1c8XVcEYTDrF1B2eZFL2T27E4Dq-yZTMxJlAu3EuWfFlSZOY_sbBV53ufnNAEiMf0N2YDEnkVWnI8qhsPbWR91Wa8MYxkPtYRhM4dpZf9ppTBFcRCP1977yyOqQxaKWPRr05rGNxr9wuWTFGfOdbIMQ0JP/s1024/DSC_0668b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2vyGfYWcABUE161uw48ed_Xl2hBafL1c8XVcEYTDrF1B2eZFL2T27E4Dq-yZTMxJlAu3EuWfFlSZOY_sbBV53ufnNAEiMf0N2YDEnkVWnI8qhsPbWR91Wa8MYxkPtYRhM4dpZf9ppTBFcRCP1977yyOqQxaKWPRr05rGNxr9wuWTFGfOdbIMQ0JP/w640-h429/DSC_0668b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Interesting trail.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The altitude at the summit is 2,776 m. (9,018 ft.). Except
for a couple Filipino hikers that came through, we had the place to ourselves.
We took our time, hydrated and had some snacks before continuing on. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN_30n8HsuhTpKee5h22f9dlDxzFqUFJCK7ABa4O-YjuO7aKSA048ZlfBiRleKI5SM6ukMi1bhyphenhyphenIVQKvO0xiRXQ2Y857gFDW-MIcLS9YnBDCkP__Xo621WvRiH4tCOBnL2Kl9zsigMnA410jYd-RJsr-iD698ll7rVfxEkz84SK9cGw_Tyhk37kKM/s1024/DSC_0672.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN_30n8HsuhTpKee5h22f9dlDxzFqUFJCK7ABa4O-YjuO7aKSA048ZlfBiRleKI5SM6ukMi1bhyphenhyphenIVQKvO0xiRXQ2Y857gFDW-MIcLS9YnBDCkP__Xo621WvRiH4tCOBnL2Kl9zsigMnA410jYd-RJsr-iD698ll7rVfxEkz84SK9cGw_Tyhk37kKM/w400-h266/DSC_0672.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>High point of the hike.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ANj5kgGp3rT5ny1F0PMPwVj5telzF6fh14ESNjRrv2RJbmf5StR42xEu8HF3QBtERFCVn-3_qMETz_gTR6UpJ75aay3aP1R4fErsalGyrxfXxdvONKzgKR7qB0RpmDxYq1XgyQNsKGZDMoZaA0nKi4X0gnTCWY2v2onjS-rEWd3OgMklagdgFwLE/s1024/20231020_095358.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ANj5kgGp3rT5ny1F0PMPwVj5telzF6fh14ESNjRrv2RJbmf5StR42xEu8HF3QBtERFCVn-3_qMETz_gTR6UpJ75aay3aP1R4fErsalGyrxfXxdvONKzgKR7qB0RpmDxYq1XgyQNsKGZDMoZaA0nKi4X0gnTCWY2v2onjS-rEWd3OgMklagdgFwLE/w640-h360/20231020_095358.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The crater.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Up to that point, we had come across very few hikers, but
this was about to change. The rest of the way around the rim we saw an
increasing number of people. At narrow sections, we frequently had to stop to
allow people to pass. Later we came across school groups, some in school
uniforms and most without water. One important piece of advice we received
before embarking on our hike was to take lots of water. I would have anyway,
but we put extra bottles in our backpacks just in case. To see so many people hiking without
any water at all was painful to watch. I would think that would be beyond
uncomfortable to the point of dangerous. The trail is very exposed and on a sunny
day like this, I can imagine a lot of people suffered. Bear in mind, the
mountain’s latitude is 0<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">°</span>55 south. In other words, sitting just slightly below the equator. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When we arrived at the point on the rim where the trail
begins its descent towards the park entrance, it was unrecognizable. When we were
there in the morning, we were alone. Now, there were hundreds of people, many
of them students, talking loudly, taking selfies, and scrolling through their
social media accounts, most with no intention of taking on the crater loop. I was
happy that we began the hike when we did but I almost wish we would have begun
even earlier. I suppose the upside was that we noticed that most of the people
were Kenyan. Years ago in Tanzania, doing something like this (and I did a lot)
you would mostly encounter foreigners. It’s wonderful to see Kenyans embracing
this sort of thing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8phRofSOdjHn5bOm2496pfnRq5BydRrIgXuYC6V0uAdPmfHXpDc2kgMExwPdK_7_jF579HelGjB7QAi-uafKH_G47uB_cJ1U3-y8HDSS2732TAPpF-KzZoNOqattODbDHncIPI1qtiucjd45FJwwiJFmt4nU6kbMhVA5caO1Fvqw6gtoZVi6Q36Ik/s1024/DSC_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8phRofSOdjHn5bOm2496pfnRq5BydRrIgXuYC6V0uAdPmfHXpDc2kgMExwPdK_7_jF579HelGjB7QAi-uafKH_G47uB_cJ1U3-y8HDSS2732TAPpF-KzZoNOqattODbDHncIPI1qtiucjd45FJwwiJFmt4nU6kbMhVA5caO1Fvqw6gtoZVi6Q36Ik/w640-h426/DSC_0724.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Interesting view of Longonot from the west. Shows the rim from the outside, <br />the peak in the sun as well as two smaller craters on the left.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The last stretch wasn’t as enjoyable as it could have been.
The trail was packed with people heading in both directions. As the ground
leveled off, the park entrance came into view. The entire hike (gate-around the
rim-gate) of 13.5 km (almost 8.5 miles) took us a little over five hours allowing for a few rest
breaks. We bought some cold drinks at the gate, spent a few minutes resting and
enjoying the moment before making our way back to our cottage.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcXGOZO4jziHnK8troXKAyyApwi4QEYwBJUaPHZdMZr7NMh8UMRHb-2hRzCG-PwFLDxnlzQuki7KmYoYfiriStgXhAxl7bVET7G0oRkiBNQbMEX3Gt8_DSt5pw6MOG8LaoNOs5Osm2kJbmFCG3jCOjruvIpd0zWhIpteUoBn2CtcM1qBvpK1erSOP/s1024/20231020_145249.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcXGOZO4jziHnK8troXKAyyApwi4QEYwBJUaPHZdMZr7NMh8UMRHb-2hRzCG-PwFLDxnlzQuki7KmYoYfiriStgXhAxl7bVET7G0oRkiBNQbMEX3Gt8_DSt5pw6MOG8LaoNOs5Osm2kJbmFCG3jCOjruvIpd0zWhIpteUoBn2CtcM1qBvpK1erSOP/w640-h360/20231020_145249.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Having a soak after the hike.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were a few sunburn patches where the sunscreen
application was faulty or rubbed off. Our legs were tired and we were all a bit
too dehydrated, but overall we fared pretty well. The plan for the remainder of
the day was to relax. It was nice to frontload the hike and have two full days
to chill before returning to pick up Kiran and make our way back to Nairobi. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next day we took it easy in the morning. It was nice to
take our time, have breakfast and not rush anywhere. Eventually we loaded up
and headed to the town of Naivasha. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Naivasha was about 15 minutes from where we were
staying. We’ve been there several times and every time we’re there, we feel
that we should go more often. It’s only about an hour from Nairobi and there’s
so much to see and do. It also has an interesting history. The area was primarily Maasai for several centuries before
the arrival of the European settlers in the 1800’s. The area was one of the first
parts of Kenya to be settled by Brits (after the coastal areas) and became popular
for big game hunting and hedonistic behavior of the rich between the 1920s and
1940s. Though many of their descendants are still around, for the most part, WWII
more or less put an end to this rather seamy phase of the area’s history. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Interestingly, the lake began serving as the country’s first
international airport in 1932. Passenger planes known as “flying boats” transported
people and mail back and forth to England, eventually also serving as a stopover
for flights continuing on to South Africa. It wasn’t until 1958, when Mau Mau
prisoners finished the construction of Embakasi Airport (predecessor to the
current international airport), that the center of gravity for the colonialists
shifted towards Nairobi. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnmljFns-AF-wO9rwLHoI1JwRMpARSMiIZ3qyrJHNumJGl5u2QYuHTdSw5EtoEMW194Lm-6LXmAAaKlhzYuY2DAbuAL88hoNOKmz7aK_W_wbFl7OlnV9Q0Lvt7so5GzdVov1iUONztuRZowjQIWJrHE3wM89spYgQwymZIIhn74XOv4xn1-21Ow9F/s1024/DSC_0750.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnmljFns-AF-wO9rwLHoI1JwRMpARSMiIZ3qyrJHNumJGl5u2QYuHTdSw5EtoEMW194Lm-6LXmAAaKlhzYuY2DAbuAL88hoNOKmz7aK_W_wbFl7OlnV9Q0Lvt7so5GzdVov1iUONztuRZowjQIWJrHE3wM89spYgQwymZIIhn74XOv4xn1-21Ow9F/w640-h426/DSC_0750.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kinaya bonding with zebras.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />We've been to several places on the lake. There is this one location that was quite nice, had a good restaurant and was an enjoyable place
to hang out and camp. Flooding a few years ago killed many of the trees and the
restaurant closed. There are still animals around and a few tourist activities,
but it’s a shadow of its former self. I would rather there be nothing at all
than a few things that are run down. In any case, we had brought some sandwiches
and had a picnic while we were hanging out with the animals. There’s something
magical about being in a place where zebras, impalas, wildebeest, waterbucks
and giraffes are roaming on all sides of you. They were relaxed too since they
don’t have any predators around. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tZmvWS18GsM2BO3AEZfM6L140a0hAfoci5r-6Zs7kou0jvAKM-eJEFj80Wfd5SCl-gJNn2wRW9lt0N9XxHHigFEu2BsFWudtrkwxBqPvK1JhbgEUsYHEObssFWmMGz7fnDarupJ5d-Gc2mslGP8HMLQLFljEcDg9JOgn_yy_GNVnWe8qO3MLcrLO/s1024/DSC_0753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tZmvWS18GsM2BO3AEZfM6L140a0hAfoci5r-6Zs7kou0jvAKM-eJEFj80Wfd5SCl-gJNn2wRW9lt0N9XxHHigFEu2BsFWudtrkwxBqPvK1JhbgEUsYHEObssFWmMGz7fnDarupJ5d-Gc2mslGP8HMLQLFljEcDg9JOgn_yy_GNVnWe8qO3MLcrLO/w400-h266/DSC_0753.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XcQQkA8jMlLMhUm_SiOmnP7c0gP8qQ6ysjX5NyL6uXQx3mMRI4eGMaL3XzLOmuUEQMpDm__q1SIq25276z_GFkzZWwIIjzemNPsUiqLXa0oplfQcsgkS3YfhHid-Rvbe8ZSnb7XRPTz3d0WRJqdF0BkMHpj0vVlp_jMT1m1stjNu7X9ZXqd9jqzp/s1024/DSC_0765.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XcQQkA8jMlLMhUm_SiOmnP7c0gP8qQ6ysjX5NyL6uXQx3mMRI4eGMaL3XzLOmuUEQMpDm__q1SIq25276z_GFkzZWwIIjzemNPsUiqLXa0oplfQcsgkS3YfhHid-Rvbe8ZSnb7XRPTz3d0WRJqdF0BkMHpj0vVlp_jMT1m1stjNu7X9ZXqd9jqzp/w640-h426/DSC_0765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Giraffe with Longonot as a backdrop.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Alas, on Sunday it was time to return to our noisy urban
home. I tolerate life in the city. Weekends like this help to preserve my
sanity. Already planning the next one. In the meantime, work beckons. <br /></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-12544711851284808312023-10-24T10:07:00.003+03:002023-10-24T10:07:41.792+03:00Diani for Work<p>Every year, except during the pandemic, we have regional
meetings somewhere in East Africa. Many years ago, when my regional director was
based in NY, and the region I was in stretched from Haiti to the Horn of Africa,
it actually made sense (sort of) to have the meetings in NY. As such, there
were a few years where I was making a couple of trips there per year. Other
than the time away from family and the extra travel time, it was fun to get to
know NY and have a break from my day-to-day duties.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now that the current region is all based in the Horn and
East Africa, we always have our meetings in the region. We’ve had them in
Uganda, Zimbabwe and Tanzania (Zanzibar), but most frequently they are held in
Kenya. It’s the most convenient for the regional team organizers who are almost
entirely based in Nairobi and it’s full of venue options for hosting (in the
city, at a lake, on the coast). This year we returned to the coast.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I should say that I didn’t protest much when it was
suggested that we would be relegated to an Indian Ocean venue. There are lots
of pluses. Other than the obvious proximity to a beach, it’s a one-hour flight
from home. I’m so tired of travel that the idea of going anywhere farther away was
a painful thought. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk0KMsACH8mWNzhjJXzvWMY6WBH9V1TiIzh6Y-KnHoeihvQQT3iSfIjMuOAKJdT6L3OB4ni7rOen8Ka0-oR9SqH6gSKRX__LauQsuNS2Pw1MeVS04S8Jr2bxfcIpNsXr6wvjtSaTydmZOjIWu-V4YV4koYiaD3a9sHa5YeHTXdqzIu3pfY_q98swp/s1024/20230925_121650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk0KMsACH8mWNzhjJXzvWMY6WBH9V1TiIzh6Y-KnHoeihvQQT3iSfIjMuOAKJdT6L3OB4ni7rOen8Ka0-oR9SqH6gSKRX__LauQsuNS2Pw1MeVS04S8Jr2bxfcIpNsXr6wvjtSaTydmZOjIWu-V4YV4koYiaD3a9sHa5YeHTXdqzIu3pfY_q98swp/w640-h426/20230925_121650.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from my room. Could be worse...</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />So Diani it was. I’m not sure how many times I’ve been to
this particular town over the years but it’s probably around ten. Very cool to
have a direct flight to such a small town, albeit loaded with resorts. <p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The meetings were kept to three days, for the most part,
Tuesday through Thursday. There was some overlapping into a fourth day but, generally
speaking, three full days of intense meetings is about the extent of which a brain,
or at least MY brain, can handle. I have a hard time focusing on any one thing
for very long. The nature of my job is incredibly diverse, bouncing throughout
the day from HR, to nutrition, to supply chain, to water and sanitation, finance,
to media, and on and on. It suits me since I have the attention span of a four-year-old.
Three days is about all I can handle. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYPb5ccBOaaCYEYjmTRMBiLU4rPVesOPyprNesdVLJ_C1_wwGujWnV0DmNgaHUIuhdAWemWgfrZYypMJp47lVRvSrl6G0xfXrDgS2Is8ll9qacreMDO3OXf6Lrz1vmc0G6SbFK2tDWfkrlm_R8e3Yn4AZS-r3Rqu9FJtxgQiQLOY0K8M2OUJrWEqZ/s1024/20230927_185211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYPb5ccBOaaCYEYjmTRMBiLU4rPVesOPyprNesdVLJ_C1_wwGujWnV0DmNgaHUIuhdAWemWgfrZYypMJp47lVRvSrl6G0xfXrDgS2Is8ll9qacreMDO3OXf6Lrz1vmc0G6SbFK2tDWfkrlm_R8e3Yn4AZS-r3Rqu9FJtxgQiQLOY0K8M2OUJrWEqZ/w400-h300/20230927_185211.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Evening out at an Italian restaurant. <br />One way to show off your wine cellar.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Several of us were on the same flight from Nairobi. I would guess
that we made up about a third of the forty or so passengers on the plane. It
was nice to be on the coast again though I am at the coast a lot, just a bit
more to the northwest in Mogadishu. Though there is a similar tropical feel in
Diani, it considerably more humid than in Somalia.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I downed my complimentary fresh juice as I checked in, and
then proceeded to my room. I have to say, this was, by far, the nicest room I’ve
ever had while staying on the coast. In fact, I assumed it was a mistake. When I
arrived at the door, it was propped open by the lock latch so I hadn’t tried my
key card. To confirm I was in the right room, I stepped back out, closed the door
and tried the key card. Indeed, it was my room. Nice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpRxd9yDTBgW9FwUGkYokmAs0VSxQnY6EO7XLAy_bdU-lZELwRJ7MS6avL2gbc6XVp-GvJc6HuljZqsJOZzrv5RhAKBh1QIxeQmadHxI5xR6Uve4TcjoqxNG5wNbjsVbr34SB7aeTN6gozue_HS1q8d1M0uxFSeCMuyC-1scJadmAszN0hcUvCw3Z/s1024/20230925_121817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpRxd9yDTBgW9FwUGkYokmAs0VSxQnY6EO7XLAy_bdU-lZELwRJ7MS6avL2gbc6XVp-GvJc6HuljZqsJOZzrv5RhAKBh1QIxeQmadHxI5xR6Uve4TcjoqxNG5wNbjsVbr34SB7aeTN6gozue_HS1q8d1M0uxFSeCMuyC-1scJadmAszN0hcUvCw3Z/w400-h268/20230925_121817.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice room, but didn't spend much time there</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The hotel had some good attributes. A nice beach, cleaned of
seaweed every morning. A gym (always a plus for me). Clean pools. Decent food. The
downside was the loud music each night until 11 or 12pm and the fact that the
pools were closed by 6pm. It’s not uncommon in these hotels but it’s annoying,
particularly for people who are in meetings all day. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXB0tz0M3jVz_CMheccoIqq0YedonyK2juqVupxnPEPoR3gIj9TwX6SYibyvLjduqeqm2dH-eB38nl_NfUj4TEPmWp6-pgEa7i3_XqBxWsAhVvHBn8oiB5SRXUvnNEhgyOarszrIEeLrUyFYscFttZUiSTGTuwFCa9SqTtkGMqvea4kRr51tBn4RI/s1024/20230928_194321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1024" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXB0tz0M3jVz_CMheccoIqq0YedonyK2juqVupxnPEPoR3gIj9TwX6SYibyvLjduqeqm2dH-eB38nl_NfUj4TEPmWp6-pgEa7i3_XqBxWsAhVvHBn8oiB5SRXUvnNEhgyOarszrIEeLrUyFYscFttZUiSTGTuwFCa9SqTtkGMqvea4kRr51tBn4RI/w640-h430/20230928_194321.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After a night swim in the ocean under the moon, dinner on the beach.<br />The moon always looks small in photos compared to what it looks like in real life.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />One evening we opted on
taking a dip in the ocean after the sun set. The hotel security guys even tried
to keep us from doing that but gave up after passive resistance on our part.
Something very cool about swimming in the warm ocean under a full moon. Colleagues
are great but they’re not as much fun as my family would have been.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6W4ndzbXz_Dz3bJa_Ih0dkep5GMQg8rur_KE1tuohipCAu8l0Tf9jvaAbSz0xholb_2aSwrvPirqJ2inKtEp7C8IDmPedkRFwTT8t2CTLVpS5bzjTP3Ezc5ioqz6z8nUiJh5gx5MhslMYtNZ8UJy_cfMV3-F7YiHfLE5xdWuS1bNRJNSPGkdGp5i/s1024/20230929_105134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1024" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6W4ndzbXz_Dz3bJa_Ih0dkep5GMQg8rur_KE1tuohipCAu8l0Tf9jvaAbSz0xholb_2aSwrvPirqJ2inKtEp7C8IDmPedkRFwTT8t2CTLVpS5bzjTP3Ezc5ioqz6z8nUiJh5gx5MhslMYtNZ8UJy_cfMV3-F7YiHfLE5xdWuS1bNRJNSPGkdGp5i/w640-h430/20230929_105134.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From the flight back to Nairobi, Mt. Kilimanjaro with Mt. Meru on the horizon to the left</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>* * *</p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-56010527025053299952023-10-10T14:35:00.000+03:002023-10-10T14:35:15.981+03:00Mogadishu<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">I’m sitting in the Mogadishu airport lounge getting ready to head back to Nairobi. As is our
security protocol, I don’t post anything while in country. I know people who
work in the “green zone” that don’t have any such restrictions, but for those
of us on the outside, this, and many other things, is different. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An observation that I have made over several decades of
travel is that there seems to be a correlation between the size and quantity of
peoples’ luggage and their inability to carry it. Younger, fitter people tend
to travel light. Frail and/or unfit people tend to have suitcases the size of
studio apartments. Nowhere is this truer than in Somalia. Maybe it’s because
they travel less so they need to carry everything in one go? I don’t know (I’ll
avoid unpacking that here). I do end up volunteering my services quite
regularly to hoist bags on conveyor belts and stuffing massive bags in overhead
compartments. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the years I’ve been mistaken for a few different
nationalities, but I’m told I generally look American. Today, as I was walking
towards the airport between the first two security checks, a guy looked at me
and said, “Bosnian?” He said it two or three times. Anyway, that’s a first. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Across from me, a couple of Somali guys, dressed as if they
stepped off a tacky hip-hop video set, sauntered up to some chairs near the
window where a Somali woman was sitting. With no words exchanged, she looked up
at them, grabbed her phone, got up and moved to an adjacent table farther from
the window. Without ordering anything (you need to pay for food/drink in this
lounge), they proceeded to take a series of selfies. Me with my shades. Me with
airplanes as a backdrop. Me looking serious. Me smiling. Me looking back over
my shoulder. Now both of us. And on it went. When they had uploaded it all to
the outside world, seemingly satisfied that their peers would be duly impressed
by their barrage of pics, they slowly sauntered off. The women then got up and
proceeded to return to her seat near the window.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Interestingly, these were all people in their twenties and
not people reflecting behavior from days gone by. In some parts of the world,
this sort of thing is perfectly normal, including this country obviously. What I
also find interesting, and somewhat bewildering, is that there is also a courtesy
towards women (and the elderly) that exceeds what you find in most Western countries.
In about an hour, we will be boarding the flight and invariably, women and elderly
will always board first. But that courtesy didn’t apply to that woman sitting
alone in the lounge. A Somali colleague of mine, when we were discussing this
subject, confirmed to me that there is a definitely a hierarchy, as you find in
any country, but the one in this country is particularly complex. After more
than seven years working in Somalia, I have a pretty good idea what it looks
like. But I’m not sure I could explain it.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I haven’t spent a full week in Nairobi since the first half
of July. There has been a lot to do in Somalia connecting with staff,
government officials, international community counterparts, etc. With some much
turnover in this context, building and maintaining relationships is a
never-ending task. But it’s critical in this context more than anywhere else I’ve
worked. It tires me though. And then there was the week in regional meetings. I’m
quite ready to spend a few days without travel. </p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-34046079283105132032023-09-16T17:41:00.000+03:002023-09-16T17:55:59.331+03:00Idaho 5 - The End of the Journey<p>With a sigh of relief, we packed up the tools from our
building project, put them in our new storage, and prepared to return to my
sister Cheryl’s place. But before calling it a day, we decided to go to a local
hot spring for a swim and soak our tired muscles, or at least <b>my</b> tired
muscles. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabGCHxSLkvNj_7iwaoyhGOfxEUqeOH9T7O_4LRVvE69rQzKBU46oeYbePDg5r80WPI493mvWza5kgmZikHwNSXPkL3hXzYdP41_jxcn828uUbC6XVPmI9ITip2jLz8eEqJDcUkwf5DKb2H0eBPONQavKu9B9UTt8fkp9C0jW_gjvU_-wGeceKwnP5/s1024/20230823_192532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabGCHxSLkvNj_7iwaoyhGOfxEUqeOH9T7O_4LRVvE69rQzKBU46oeYbePDg5r80WPI493mvWza5kgmZikHwNSXPkL3hXzYdP41_jxcn828uUbC6XVPmI9ITip2jLz8eEqJDcUkwf5DKb2H0eBPONQavKu9B9UTt8fkp9C0jW_gjvU_-wGeceKwnP5/w400-h266/20230823_192532.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Idaho is blessed with many hot springs – some are more exploited
for commercial purposes and some are just large holes full of hot water. Though
I love the latter, this one sort of fits into the former category. It’s pretty
basic but I sort of like it that way. It has a large and small pool pools sourced
from natural mineral water fed by an artesian well and is cooled by the waters
of the Little Salmon River. The small pool apparently averages around 104-105
degrees F. (around 40 degrees C.). It’s open year-round and we’ve been there
mid-winter when you have to walk across snow to get in. Very cool.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbONLQ6sLkf5W6KdGpmB1F-0shIo8wP2ow-Simsq5qONzoXfaw3Sq0GWE9GyCrLAXFLKGfSrFGZ6JL3bkUnrKz4hEuunciqkfVRzWf80ozwma6CMlMR4QhgbqNeauIZM5vCSsTtM69DPFAlz28jsnIOs57ltSojeYXOTgVHh2KmD8m-uY0b2xFFrI/s1024/20230823_185552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1024" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbONLQ6sLkf5W6KdGpmB1F-0shIo8wP2ow-Simsq5qONzoXfaw3Sq0GWE9GyCrLAXFLKGfSrFGZ6JL3bkUnrKz4hEuunciqkfVRzWf80ozwma6CMlMR4QhgbqNeauIZM5vCSsTtM69DPFAlz28jsnIOs57ltSojeYXOTgVHh2KmD8m-uY0b2xFFrI/w400-h285/20230823_185552.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />One interesting fact is that they, and our property, are
located within the Nez Perce Tribe’s (Nimiipuu) native territory once referred to as
Chinook Meadows. The area holds historical and cultural significance for the
tribe. The Nez Perce people used the hot springs for survival in the harsh
winters but also for ceremonial and spiritual purposes. They were also used to
fashion bows from the horns of bighorn sheep where the hot water softened the
horn and made it easier to work and shape. Even today, the Nez Perce consider
the waters to have significant spiritual, cultural and medicinal values.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn0ovFtcU9XHx6KFmL3WHMBqSuS4p6MnHtbqD5lvCmRkPPunMPqt1W2612fYh3OAkzpanQV6QpQvP06Q2uRo1iltv_xroMbr-NFO7GravjpTwoC2CA_4UpwsSDd-ErQY2q8-Ebn8eyS0BCF7Q0vvmBIM0SIkmIfK5Q4JfIECaL9Z4M4GD3z1WVMQx/s1024/20230823_192508.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn0ovFtcU9XHx6KFmL3WHMBqSuS4p6MnHtbqD5lvCmRkPPunMPqt1W2612fYh3OAkzpanQV6QpQvP06Q2uRo1iltv_xroMbr-NFO7GravjpTwoC2CA_4UpwsSDd-ErQY2q8-Ebn8eyS0BCF7Q0vvmBIM0SIkmIfK5Q4JfIECaL9Z4M4GD3z1WVMQx/w640-h426/20230823_192508.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from the hot springs.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />While we were speaking with the neighbors we have adjacent to our
property, they told us that many arrowheads have been found on our land and that the
place had fire rings that possibly dated back to the days when the Nez Perce
were the occupants of the area. Cool thought (and yet a very sad thought).<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next day, our last in the mountains, we spent the
day/night in McCall at my sister’s other house. We took an early evening
pontoon boat ride on the Payette Lake and then went to a nearby restaurant for dinner. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhlMsDrAx1zgqrAL9DW0P0sBzKOrvOKoXapeSyWHekB3E-y_i29B-YPK86BxGYg2x47duR72wP__DuzQFPWfCoqStbMX0Cg3yt-IAG8MKtyNJ6HLbgXCLaOi8MqiXrxZZkj8kXSRxh4gvsvLq2DdlfbmVDjhCdVdv0-fG9Wp_un5x3ycVZ2AxTIeV/s1024/20230824_195504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhlMsDrAx1zgqrAL9DW0P0sBzKOrvOKoXapeSyWHekB3E-y_i29B-YPK86BxGYg2x47duR72wP__DuzQFPWfCoqStbMX0Cg3yt-IAG8MKtyNJ6HLbgXCLaOi8MqiXrxZZkj8kXSRxh4gvsvLq2DdlfbmVDjhCdVdv0-fG9Wp_un5x3ycVZ2AxTIeV/w640-h360/20230824_195504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We were able to get an early start the next day, Friday, to
make our way back to Boise where we would stay at my other sister CJ’s house
again. We would have several errands to run before catching our flight Tuesday
morning. In between the errands, we were able to catch some of the air show on
Saturday and then again on Sunday. <p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw21Ld6Qebd9BYm5FJ-QKviJcWqINn_SYpmZ_U1MbiWbv8iRQmKH9GX2nINtNNwL3kzujt7JneU4kHfUEt82_avHVenFstjroiuYjOLRJQw2b-qWVr8QJolIbh9bFt1bTzKxEO0smF2SENAuZcte4J76QIR_owMX9G-_-hDL0vEA174Pqs9wSp4TF/s1024/20230827_150345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw21Ld6Qebd9BYm5FJ-QKviJcWqINn_SYpmZ_U1MbiWbv8iRQmKH9GX2nINtNNwL3kzujt7JneU4kHfUEt82_avHVenFstjroiuYjOLRJQw2b-qWVr8QJolIbh9bFt1bTzKxEO0smF2SENAuZcte4J76QIR_owMX9G-_-hDL0vEA174Pqs9wSp4TF/w400-h225/20230827_150345.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our last hurrah was dinner at my other sister, Lisa’s. It’s
where we/I normally stay when we’re in Boise so we feel quite at home there. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGRhctZ1lNUeCk_764oChBkHBrJ4iTsIKMX3-JjP6msKBKQgbJcEN5D-rBKE6vPcsU_J0fC86SUKXszYF5vAJ4Kw4NqLsVEx1tnbYGDbag8WPQpFAps-6qQ0Iyaiu8LhLs5hCyXFoh5QBai844AdMc8O4G1pjzVuzMuIcy7pWf8ywK1yB3Ot1LL-d/s1024/20230827_191051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGRhctZ1lNUeCk_764oChBkHBrJ4iTsIKMX3-JjP6msKBKQgbJcEN5D-rBKE6vPcsU_J0fC86SUKXszYF5vAJ4Kw4NqLsVEx1tnbYGDbag8WPQpFAps-6qQ0Iyaiu8LhLs5hCyXFoh5QBai844AdMc8O4G1pjzVuzMuIcy7pWf8ywK1yB3Ot1LL-d/w640-h426/20230827_191051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCC7adI4RwKQ2jBT_jU4JE9fl4E-94gU4LkLr4_yE0xkdk58-MHWVJ8DLL76wSZnLmEAyLitNUDKKhNznD1ISAwSnpjPNZODdF9qHbJoWSmFuq8Ae7kDO2ukuw5DtWYXFhbVtQ3980VDplwGifARvgNY-XSTcAYuX8aowJninvAl3s8aDtcHotJP7/s1024/20230827_184743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCC7adI4RwKQ2jBT_jU4JE9fl4E-94gU4LkLr4_yE0xkdk58-MHWVJ8DLL76wSZnLmEAyLitNUDKKhNznD1ISAwSnpjPNZODdF9qHbJoWSmFuq8Ae7kDO2ukuw5DtWYXFhbVtQ3980VDplwGifARvgNY-XSTcAYuX8aowJninvAl3s8aDtcHotJP7/w400-h300/20230827_184743.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the end, I think we were all happy to get on the plane
and return to our routines. The girls were subjected to too many weeks away
from kids their own age. It’s important at this period in their lives. They do
well with smaller children and grown-ups, but it’s obviously not the same.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsUsQdudx9mhJgDIGKVuTPwmpFnrYr0-JFfl2uCrTVCxawcn-Q1uB0AhpGbwdaBuXnR94NVcolcL8sru5VQh36AO_wIuPe4xK1uz4J_4IUg--OP4HBaPyfVx0iZWhvPntbJz3VtDyla5MmTc506vsZpsuQFyQQay3aHwsdmjbSm58vDbZ0CFvGurU/s1024/20230826_092603.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1013" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsUsQdudx9mhJgDIGKVuTPwmpFnrYr0-JFfl2uCrTVCxawcn-Q1uB0AhpGbwdaBuXnR94NVcolcL8sru5VQh36AO_wIuPe4xK1uz4J_4IUg--OP4HBaPyfVx0iZWhvPntbJz3VtDyla5MmTc506vsZpsuQFyQQay3aHwsdmjbSm58vDbZ0CFvGurU/w396-h400/20230826_092603.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Summer in Boise.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <br /></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-39566743526386855392023-09-16T12:46:00.000+03:002023-09-16T12:46:50.031+03:00Idaho 4 - The Shed<p>The idea of building a shed came up a few years ago. I have some things that I've kept aside for when/if we set up residence in the US. I also have several boxes of books, photo albums, some clothes, etc. I also have more recent items like bikes, camping gear, winter gear, etc. For various reasons, my
belongings are scattered among several locations. One reason is the lack of capacity to store them in one location. It hasn’t been
ideal and I have a tendency to lose track of what is where and even what I own. For example, it’s happened that in preparation for backpacking that we have
repurchased things that we already had. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So there has been a need to remove the burden of storage
from my family members, organize and consolidate my stuff. Our property in Adams County seemed like the logical place for it. The family has
been shifting in that direction for several years and over time, that’s likely
where we will be the majority of the time when we’re in Idaho. It will be
particularly useful as the house will be rented out for a few years. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I realize that there are few things more boring to read than someone recounting the building of a shed (sounds boring even to type it), but it was kind of a big deal to me and the project carries some significance beyond the structure itself. <br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Prep Work</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">The build would be relatively straightforward. There was already
a shell of a garage (supposedly built in 2017) and my idea was to create a
storage space in the interior. The building is large enough to accommodate a
decent-sized storage (24ft. x 10ft.) all the while leaving plenty of room to accommodate a
couple of vehicles if need be. It's pretty well built and doesn't appear to have any leaks. The task was to build a 10-foot
partition wall with a door and a ceiling above to assist in keeping out
animals, bugs and so forth. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">First, however, the garage needed a concrete floor. As
mentioned before, it’s not easy getting this sort of thing done given the number
of construction projects underway in the area. But it was a prerequisite to us
being able to build the storage. No floor. No build. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeTSS0XpNYaBKiHsuhrXRQRqooJZlorfnlwm7L0SelgLqkjVqy3cqb8oXpGmbDku-DIT8pzDtVU32URXxj2J1nRQ-ssk1noEb6jCzD-D_SI1vrAptJCBCzoakGpmL7Z8XBPz39gTBShGYYFg0VlCfXI_wS4rN0TTIEvgRus0ozMaUJ3iH3q0SZoO5/s4624/20230805_154446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeTSS0XpNYaBKiHsuhrXRQRqooJZlorfnlwm7L0SelgLqkjVqy3cqb8oXpGmbDku-DIT8pzDtVU32URXxj2J1nRQ-ssk1noEb6jCzD-D_SI1vrAptJCBCzoakGpmL7Z8XBPz39gTBShGYYFg0VlCfXI_wS4rN0TTIEvgRus0ozMaUJ3iH3q0SZoO5/w400-h300/20230805_154446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />On the first of August, I received word that the floor was done, I was elated.
We would have our project and we could do this as a family, all of us learning
as we go.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next step was to order the materials and have them
delivered to the garage. In the end, that was relatively easy given that there
is a building supply place just up the road. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The last piece, which I discussed with my brother, was to
make sure we had all the basic tools we needed. The tools I was able to get
a hold of were basic and old. Most had not been used in years. But they were functional and that’s all that
mattered. My brother had some newer tools that ended up being crucial
to the success of the project. Someday, if/when I do more projects like this, I'll do some upgrading.<br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Build</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p>The morning after returning from our backpack trip, we were
at the shed and ready to go. The massive storm that was predicted finally
arrived and would pummel the valley off and on for a couple of days.
Thankfully, we were sheltered and it would have no bearing on our work. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBONRJJBGJPRBOY5SnbplCZ2e5Ej7YG373u5WieDtYKNwpPm2DMO3lx8mOkCdbjxSVu3YPKphTn-Bou-j_6ym0PLU-cmdVZe3YxdvVO0RyN41KuLOuKvHJcAvs5KsnmtEy6s3yB5aOVERAWnoF2GovkEGK4xmFEijb1j9FBUyqxjyA07IwB41MWN9/s1024/20230821_121345.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBONRJJBGJPRBOY5SnbplCZ2e5Ej7YG373u5WieDtYKNwpPm2DMO3lx8mOkCdbjxSVu3YPKphTn-Bou-j_6ym0PLU-cmdVZe3YxdvVO0RyN41KuLOuKvHJcAvs5KsnmtEy6s3yB5aOVERAWnoF2GovkEGK4xmFEijb1j9FBUyqxjyA07IwB41MWN9/w400-h225/20230821_121345.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The wall.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVouD4CL4Qcpi4x11qKNXWioglWt6ECOtYUN9wD6_7P66u_6qTeMXThQ1Pse4w7nMdkttpm8aqvYstd5KVTGs5ue__Buqz99scRQoibqBtc2OzZPR2jG3t9s1R8FhjFuD6xIVqe2QZMKRjIVA1zy2x9Ymw7tGN6X0qDYgQWLjv2UOI5HqGeMV4h3dW/s1024/20230821_130957.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVouD4CL4Qcpi4x11qKNXWioglWt6ECOtYUN9wD6_7P66u_6qTeMXThQ1Pse4w7nMdkttpm8aqvYstd5KVTGs5ue__Buqz99scRQoibqBtc2OzZPR2jG3t9s1R8FhjFuD6xIVqe2QZMKRjIVA1zy2x9Ymw7tGN6X0qDYgQWLjv2UOI5HqGeMV4h3dW/w400-h300/20230821_130957.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Coffee break.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">To be honest, I thought we could do it in two days. For
various reasons this was not to be. It ended up using most of three. Given all
the challenges we faced along the way, I’m not complaining. It was a lot of
work and all the family contributed. For a bunch of rookies who had never
really done something like this, there was some satisfaction that we pulled it
off. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53iL4ioqImKhGm8xYjojguOPAKQ192JM3liu7VUeS4sSk84R-ULenpc7v0-nzEzVEa5ei2k5MOkvuIjDc3cazwHxC1LeO5MoxOkILonNztR8eqeYMMsD4Pgiatak5-ZRpZuMLh4DZzNwQpX8x0hG_fCrH2Ii4UTlrFXeJtwm3YJID1_pE-z5Qzlen/s1024/20230822_161343.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53iL4ioqImKhGm8xYjojguOPAKQ192JM3liu7VUeS4sSk84R-ULenpc7v0-nzEzVEa5ei2k5MOkvuIjDc3cazwHxC1LeO5MoxOkILonNztR8eqeYMMsD4Pgiatak5-ZRpZuMLh4DZzNwQpX8x0hG_fCrH2Ii4UTlrFXeJtwm3YJID1_pE-z5Qzlen/w400-h225/20230822_161343.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The sheathing and the ceiling.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The electrical work on the property isn't done. There is no power to the garage so we had to run an extension cable about 120 feet for lighting and to power the electrical tools. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDd7vMYoMt_LZ1yPajlxLVN8qi6IyEVVw_q6vzG4vWBB4iCWy6_vywkH6VuJbw4S67yXYraNDfLJKq7boYM-K1AfA7-EXFObvas1QKZw-NTd8Q_8X4s9l1BldChf1mdP_iFMKiNEByUnoe3s-ha7KRTVNyTsiLpcq2yt_01ETRk7_XXy0oxvgapsf/s1024/20230822_154630.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="574" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDd7vMYoMt_LZ1yPajlxLVN8qi6IyEVVw_q6vzG4vWBB4iCWy6_vywkH6VuJbw4S67yXYraNDfLJKq7boYM-K1AfA7-EXFObvas1QKZw-NTd8Q_8X4s9l1BldChf1mdP_iFMKiNEByUnoe3s-ha7KRTVNyTsiLpcq2yt_01ETRk7_XXy0oxvgapsf/w224-h400/20230822_154630.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That's my girl.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYE0clV__2UaX-FZ8XGOvxVHWt3F8ij3hWqK1OEWsNwgUywOUPm7Ky5ySeSKk5Ue9WYAA28fzD7bliCwckqmXp7xvRVpITL1YrsXdqqFZ-qH0Hm8mm3t9GXbbIICrvNOsRAjZFbVXF9tJGtfXt1eANaGOSCL3DwO62K-OBouN8k1GFkZrKif2RB2N/s1024/20230823_144935.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="732" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYE0clV__2UaX-FZ8XGOvxVHWt3F8ij3hWqK1OEWsNwgUywOUPm7Ky5ySeSKk5Ue9WYAA28fzD7bliCwckqmXp7xvRVpITL1YrsXdqqFZ-qH0Hm8mm3t9GXbbIICrvNOsRAjZFbVXF9tJGtfXt1eANaGOSCL3DwO62K-OBouN8k1GFkZrKif2RB2N/w229-h320/20230823_144935.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sealing the cracks.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was hard to know how this was going to work with the kids. We wanted them to be involved and learn some things. But we knew they would get bored after a while. In the end it was a bit of a balance between pulling them into things, teaching them how to use tools and understand a something about basic construction, but let them run around and do other things to make sure everyone maintained their sanity.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J8XXHb5cpJhFhgzauazghHCS2wajO9B4-igR0lAsqKGgdoa66Ve5Y982Sgd_jBHBRkv-YXYdltjddCKBEaXsqe-Z_EBpmZiROhoS_TNFeVRp_qS0EPN10U-jv0RjoLjreq7ktv0T-vzSOkvJnCH-u77rJPzqA7uqa_6bcqdWUrQzLsc1jVPjelVk/s1024/20230821_125648.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J8XXHb5cpJhFhgzauazghHCS2wajO9B4-igR0lAsqKGgdoa66Ve5Y982Sgd_jBHBRkv-YXYdltjddCKBEaXsqe-Z_EBpmZiROhoS_TNFeVRp_qS0EPN10U-jv0RjoLjreq7ktv0T-vzSOkvJnCH-u77rJPzqA7uqa_6bcqdWUrQzLsc1jVPjelVk/w400-h225/20230821_125648.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lunch at the work site.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3yM0uBYmWoBOiMlYUnwkxDuUFYMvnnCHVfSxuyoCWBmePk1usb0-_tWHhPRi6tEB1upYMF2sSpBo7-hpIUKVmMS3BHh5PuQI6Vw-ftaSwKL3Bu7cJjQmcD573rdEMeI0B_Tb-SQuLltsIMmeBJWa8AdJtv57DZMgCSKQCp-FvDyt37pEEcFw0ZKy/s1024/20230823_165313.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1024" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3yM0uBYmWoBOiMlYUnwkxDuUFYMvnnCHVfSxuyoCWBmePk1usb0-_tWHhPRi6tEB1upYMF2sSpBo7-hpIUKVmMS3BHh5PuQI6Vw-ftaSwKL3Bu7cJjQmcD573rdEMeI0B_Tb-SQuLltsIMmeBJWa8AdJtv57DZMgCSKQCp-FvDyt37pEEcFw0ZKy/w640-h478/20230823_165313.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Done.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">* * * <br /></p><p>I suppose one question was whether something like this
inspired me to want to do more DIY projects in the future or whether it was one
and done. I can easily say it’s the former. Part of it is that I enjoy working
with my hands. Part of it is that we did this project without some things that
would have made it far easier and far faster (ex. nail guns, electricity in the
garage, etc.). We probably should have had some music going as well. </p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have all sorts of ideas for future projects. But most of
them will likely need to wait until I retire, whenever that is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-10037514192721087312023-09-16T11:16:00.002+03:002023-09-16T17:41:59.357+03:00Idaho 3 - Deep Lake<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">For many years, my wife and I have been doing backpack trips
in central Idaho. The first one we did as a couple was a place called Baker
Lake back in 2008. Though we haven’t hiked ever year (took a break for a few
years when we had infants, plus another break due to the pandemic), we have
been fairly consistent otherwise. In all we’ve been to about a dozen different mountain
lakes and there are plenty more to be explored.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This year we made the unprecedented decision to re-visit a
lake that we went to last year. There were a number of reasons for this. One
was that my sister, niece and husband (and two dogs) were going to join us. For
my sister, having had a knee replacement not long ago, I really didn’t want any
surprises. It was kind of a big deal for her to commit to this and I wanted it
to be a good experience. Given that the hike last year was a success, we
thought we’d remove the risk of venturing into the unknown and just return to a
place called Deep Lake.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLufsvGZbp5-eYhBCV3gNu3f3utciKlpdd5mOCpN2S9mhwcQaSZZaQ2Q6Hx643srGdvMg0RpYK5GfwbtK4pupxF9FJpLlJ7DJmqkkr2M3pOMX69FM2KKddGwN5M5nfqcfcRp4KpQNIU3827aWL8cYM5GWNhNQNU7jrk7OlGeOw2xlRqar9rf_hMPK/s1024/DSC_0623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLufsvGZbp5-eYhBCV3gNu3f3utciKlpdd5mOCpN2S9mhwcQaSZZaQ2Q6Hx643srGdvMg0RpYK5GfwbtK4pupxF9FJpLlJ7DJmqkkr2M3pOMX69FM2KKddGwN5M5nfqcfcRp4KpQNIU3827aWL8cYM5GWNhNQNU7jrk7OlGeOw2xlRqar9rf_hMPK/w640-h426/DSC_0623.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Deep Lake rests in a glaciated bowl at an elevation of 7,300
feet (2,225m). There are two unnamed granite peaks looming over the lake along
Diamond Ridge, the highest one clocking in at 8,618 feet (2,627m). Although a
1994 fire burned most of the forest, the area is well on its way to recovery.
It still offers unobstructed views of massive granite mountainsides which, I
think, make the views rather striking.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru5-a26lVMn1zaLjrEd72c8JywAsIzj28haI9U5M_r31PJpVkkQI3F2GAmJ4xmc8n38eYUHBNsQ5mRjYMPRvLwYZbSGH7L27hCz-FLmF-SWTqWlKs6GeRTmFOfh7L4bAEKMsbp3dRCbby1IRDQ0PsmcCJHkpUzlQBCh-iDRhhHXrb1d2PLTu89786/s1024/20230819_105651b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1024" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru5-a26lVMn1zaLjrEd72c8JywAsIzj28haI9U5M_r31PJpVkkQI3F2GAmJ4xmc8n38eYUHBNsQ5mRjYMPRvLwYZbSGH7L27hCz-FLmF-SWTqWlKs6GeRTmFOfh7L4bAEKMsbp3dRCbby1IRDQ0PsmcCJHkpUzlQBCh-iDRhhHXrb1d2PLTu89786/w400-h285/20230819_105651b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We drove straight up from Boise and met at the trailhead.
The hike up is relatively easy though it does have some steep pitches here and
there. After less than a mile, you come over the lip of the bowl and you begin
to see the clear blue water of the lake. There are only a few options where you
can pitch tents on the edge of the lake. We went directly to the place where we
camped the previous year.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl-VElLud35q_Fvrjr1FJBovmWFzmI9PnX5R21vD2bxSEXFneaBxDzMKLUKlN4YaaqWVaUgTfy4rGOA6aqLJ0FsUYUBkzlG-dRtohlknUx6YecTzGzmXSPbyxlP_Cmi3K0Go0UnFgiTiGb2duJAkh6lk0O4awu3zizSKCh8m_yYxbCpar_l7EGkMu/s1024/20230818_173508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1024" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl-VElLud35q_Fvrjr1FJBovmWFzmI9PnX5R21vD2bxSEXFneaBxDzMKLUKlN4YaaqWVaUgTfy4rGOA6aqLJ0FsUYUBkzlG-dRtohlknUx6YecTzGzmXSPbyxlP_Cmi3K0Go0UnFgiTiGb2duJAkh6lk0O4awu3zizSKCh8m_yYxbCpar_l7EGkMu/w400-h286/20230818_173508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We arrived at the lake in the late afternoon and proceeded
to pitch our tents straight way. Interestingly, this year the girls took to
pitching their own tent, something they’ve never done. And they were able to do
so with very minimal support. Very cool. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OLHM2I-PvgnHj-wJuaaWLcWP7mZwwOENdcibnulaWYmDQEEOhs1wl3XNWrMebcIl6TUeiat6BbDqy_FVuJyDlZDJGn7Nt-4BR_MiXkyM_KPMwxmCpxI9PZHoH0ECIStPlm8vTI32ZXW_XXRQXnMIbjPcC9iai3Tg79fINCyRYZxEB79FbhGByIdV/s1024/20230819_155811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OLHM2I-PvgnHj-wJuaaWLcWP7mZwwOENdcibnulaWYmDQEEOhs1wl3XNWrMebcIl6TUeiat6BbDqy_FVuJyDlZDJGn7Nt-4BR_MiXkyM_KPMwxmCpxI9PZHoH0ECIStPlm8vTI32ZXW_XXRQXnMIbjPcC9iai3Tg79fINCyRYZxEB79FbhGByIdV/w400-h266/20230819_155811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Because they’ve done this several times, they’re getting
quite good at it and it takes a burden off their parents. Quite literally, in
fact. I divided up the camping gear such that each person carried their own
bags, pillows, ground pads, etc. They even took a small share of the food as
well, making my job much easier than in years’ past.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkCxJzbVUfSej-en2eiozeEk2CgJAy-tzAej6kqF9epiAIJS-6ejKzR9PWYmA741oILn1rWWr5W5Ti1BHN6fxtyJnWiurtoTgqKnPFBvTUTOBE8X7qMhcJQY2kFnptHMF0NiAwaPG02itLr4Hd_CfYYNUB9Psj0GB_CrYu7Y6sZBZNQWbHTL9OAFA/s1024/20230818_191935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkCxJzbVUfSej-en2eiozeEk2CgJAy-tzAej6kqF9epiAIJS-6ejKzR9PWYmA741oILn1rWWr5W5Ti1BHN6fxtyJnWiurtoTgqKnPFBvTUTOBE8X7qMhcJQY2kFnptHMF0NiAwaPG02itLr4Hd_CfYYNUB9Psj0GB_CrYu7Y6sZBZNQWbHTL9OAFA/w426-h640/20230818_191935.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />With the sweat of the hike still on my brow, I saw fit to
make a quick dip in the lake prior to starting the campfire. The water, while
quite frigid, was manageable and it felt good to rinse off. There were no other
takers, though I was anticipating that there would be the next day.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LtSa61jXoutE48UhaO4aszZ0n26bJTBhhiJUlZZZKYEGfgVTI_4ZcPwnFWdXAqVZ8GGv6gxprBijJaZlAKz2QT9wVAwxX0WcTAXEdyOn8YLo_9EMGhwtT8nyEl-bPSCxiCFV9LQeVnPumCS0JELYwGdl9Npn71VT6NkT3X6J4dxjbA5CXpFONK0v/s1024/DSC_0563.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LtSa61jXoutE48UhaO4aszZ0n26bJTBhhiJUlZZZKYEGfgVTI_4ZcPwnFWdXAqVZ8GGv6gxprBijJaZlAKz2QT9wVAwxX0WcTAXEdyOn8YLo_9EMGhwtT8nyEl-bPSCxiCFV9LQeVnPumCS0JELYwGdl9Npn71VT6NkT3X6J4dxjbA5CXpFONK0v/w640-h426/DSC_0563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />One thing that would be different this year is that we would
stay two nights instead of one. We had said last year that that was one thing
about the trip that we would change. Staying one night really doesn’t give you
the chance to relax much. You spend most of your time setting up camp,
preparing meals and then breaking camp the next morning. My sister, niece and
husband would need to head down after one night but it was so wonderful to have
them for the first day. <p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3SYgzFVvMEiMTVMjfkTYLLCYFJJbtEmQPHcAzn45EPWfshrYvmFgO2juwvcNPlC1gik2NvXF8ZS3Ybd0e3Wr7igMR6mzuaMf3ZkHkA-miQxtzdyQWR9eG6BBBmaZpPJ-jgdnitB0eY2Zk4cavwcoXno_vs-Rr0_2QLFB31oeiW0Hgf1-Hrzicsf8/s1024/DSC_0566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3SYgzFVvMEiMTVMjfkTYLLCYFJJbtEmQPHcAzn45EPWfshrYvmFgO2juwvcNPlC1gik2NvXF8ZS3Ybd0e3Wr7igMR6mzuaMf3ZkHkA-miQxtzdyQWR9eG6BBBmaZpPJ-jgdnitB0eY2Zk4cavwcoXno_vs-Rr0_2QLFB31oeiW0Hgf1-Hrzicsf8/w400-h266/DSC_0566.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">The lake gets a few visitors during the day, particularly on
weekends (as this was), but in the two years that we’ve done it, we’ve never
seen anyone else spend the night. By late afternoon, you have the whole lake to
yourself. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfH0W7VK_y5DPNJR-he_y5aOcsXBYVyQCHYL4HHW3lDP6qyYHY5I_k4NEURXnlkCzHOHBbNK6VAvFYoaECQ6L-bzm-UTo2TOOe0eEozFLeyTIFJ99N-gdJvqIaf2ONmRcwGi-4HM5AGzuhaxR6oJ9Pq2QPRcTbQdrbxXCoAzdu18Lhy7_Ao0lmDMF/s1024/20230818_200950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfH0W7VK_y5DPNJR-he_y5aOcsXBYVyQCHYL4HHW3lDP6qyYHY5I_k4NEURXnlkCzHOHBbNK6VAvFYoaECQ6L-bzm-UTo2TOOe0eEozFLeyTIFJ99N-gdJvqIaf2ONmRcwGi-4HM5AGzuhaxR6oJ9Pq2QPRcTbQdrbxXCoAzdu18Lhy7_Ao0lmDMF/w640-h480/20230818_200950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">After dinner, we made s’mores and the gang began making their
way to their tents. It still wasn’t fully dark and one of the challenges for me
is to stay awake as long as possible to see the night sky. Most of the clouds
had cleared and, by the time I was fully ready for bed, Priya and I opted to go
lie on our backs on a large, flat rock and stare at the heavens. That alone is
worth all the effort to do a backpack trip. So stunning to see the night sky
with so little ambient light. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlYtU_7TnHJkULJ7yrjtOVCavWaCqO2M6XVNi28RSm6vGaC-DzXYwMxJCiOtmC9h00bpdtnA2Pc4pctevZLlioOJn68sG7IQcmX3Fty4yTScN9P9vkhgIAl2C0x-tR5BeRwYM63NZPloDCBK2rB9al5TsZOkWFWp0Ui5RlU0RAn9eIkWBWTb1E5im/s1024/20230818_211931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlYtU_7TnHJkULJ7yrjtOVCavWaCqO2M6XVNi28RSm6vGaC-DzXYwMxJCiOtmC9h00bpdtnA2Pc4pctevZLlioOJn68sG7IQcmX3Fty4yTScN9P9vkhgIAl2C0x-tR5BeRwYM63NZPloDCBK2rB9al5TsZOkWFWp0Ui5RlU0RAn9eIkWBWTb1E5im/w400-h266/20230818_211931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal">The next day, the threesome headed out. I worried a bit
about my sister’s knee given that the downhill is often more difficult than the
up, but she told us later that she had no problems. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRpwJJCwKK2lax2nDOtoYijwclgMU_-x5yhZbZml3nx7RMvzssmE6gR8MPYAteqH0yWdyn9bVNB7a8CfNt1YQCVz3qGnsYgEiIm5osM16QGICj0Ex4qvSFMXmu_OwBaWRDruoMoKVFkAgaJTg7Mg6pS9zmTXwA8UXffh66GIMcjNmwddSM-YDB4dd/s1024/DSC_0622.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRpwJJCwKK2lax2nDOtoYijwclgMU_-x5yhZbZml3nx7RMvzssmE6gR8MPYAteqH0yWdyn9bVNB7a8CfNt1YQCVz3qGnsYgEiIm5osM16QGICj0Ex4qvSFMXmu_OwBaWRDruoMoKVFkAgaJTg7Mg6pS9zmTXwA8UXffh66GIMcjNmwddSM-YDB4dd/w400-h266/DSC_0622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We would spend the day relaxing. We did take a short hike
partway around the lake but it was tough going with all the fallen trees from
the ’94 fire. After getting a bit scratched up, we turned around and headed
back to camp. It was a bit noisy for a few hours due to a few groups of day
hikers that cycled through, but by late afternoon they were all gone.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_jKqac-PgmUnF41K48s48qpdxf1ZAAXZcwctfb0TW8Ltj6RDs0N2XafUdBDkasPsA9-4P7VoyTwZ4wx6gBRxi63nc-gdxQl7IIikJmAEAPwXa_xERwbmmV5VDdvY1N0Wvv3x9qyuwDJsX-N81wRwpGcoUwAhyN1B9ZYcEt0O2TZL2ql8q3Y9jNRn/s1024/20230819_153724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1024" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_jKqac-PgmUnF41K48s48qpdxf1ZAAXZcwctfb0TW8Ltj6RDs0N2XafUdBDkasPsA9-4P7VoyTwZ4wx6gBRxi63nc-gdxQl7IIikJmAEAPwXa_xERwbmmV5VDdvY1N0Wvv3x9qyuwDJsX-N81wRwpGcoUwAhyN1B9ZYcEt0O2TZL2ql8q3Y9jNRn/w640-h456/20230819_153724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We went for a swim and everyone managed to brave the
cold water. Then I upped the ante and went over to a large rock. Diving off a
hunk of granite extending out into the lake sounded like more fun. The family
eventually followed suit, maybe not diving but at least jumping. <p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before we left for Deep Lake, we had heard that a massive
storm was approaching but would likely not reach the area until Sunday
afternoon, the day we were planning on hiking out. So we had some degree of
confidence that we would be able to avoid it. This was confirmed by a
conversation we had with a couple of day hikers. But by early evening, we began
to hear the rumble of thunder. I generally like that sound and I don’t mind if
a small storm passes through. The concern in the mountains, particularly when forecasters use adjectives like “massive”, is that you are quite vulnerable to the elements
when you are backpacking. While doing a backpack trip when I was in college,
some friends and I were hit with a massive thunderstorm during the night. The
wind and rain left no tent standing. We ended up being awake much of the night.
Eventually we fell asleep and woke up a couple hours later outside our collapsed,
soaked tents. We ended up having a pretty good laugh about it but it’s nothing
I want to experience with my children. I’m not sure they would laugh about it. </p><p class="MsoNormal">On this occasion, the thunder did indeed turn to rain. It never rained heavily,
thankfully, and eventually stopped, but we knew that we were literally, and
figuratively, not out of the woods. The sky remained dark and the thunder
continued to rumble in the distance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There would be no star gazing this night. In fact, we
decided it would be best to begin packing our packs and preparing for the next
morning. The reason was two-fold. If we needed to make a quick departure early
morning due to the onset of a tempest, we would be able to do so more easily.
The other reason was that we needed to keep everything as dry as possible and
prevent things from blowing away given that there were some decent wind gusts. The
unsettled weather in a remote location is part thrill and part concern.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the early morning, I began to hear the wind picking up
again. The sky was dark with clouds. Though there was moisture in the air, it
wasn’t raining. Without access to cell reception, we didn’t really have any
information as to what to expect. The only news we had was at least 24 hours
old and a lot can change in that span of time. We decided to wake the girls up
and start getting ready to descend. Fortunately we had mostly packed up the
night before. We only had to deal with the tents, bags and sleeping mats. There
would be no warming fire, no coffee/hot chocolate and no breakfast. We would
snack on the way to the car and then stop in McCall for breakfast.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the end, the weather didn’t worsen during the hike down.
The sky remained dark but the wind died down and it didn’t rain. It was a
bummer not to enjoy a slower start and breakfast at the lake. In retrospect we
probably could have. But you never know. It could have gone the other way. The
protective dad in me wasn’t willing to take any chances.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The upside was that we had much more of the day available to
us than we had planned. We would have a nice breakfast in McCall as planned,
carry on to my sister’s place near New Meadows, chill and do a few loads of
laundry. Some rest was in order given that work on the shed would begin the
next morning.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-14693853365386322932023-09-16T08:53:00.001+03:002023-09-16T08:55:17.451+03:00Idaho 2 - Magic Vally-Boise<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">Soon after greeting my parents and settling in, it was off
to my chores. I pruned trees, extracted stumps, trimmed vines, swept, cleaned
gutters, etc. The weather was rather hot so the plan was to get a relatively
early start and then do activities with the family in the afternoon and
evening. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYtsm4WIKyvz0ZtopD6AfiM5qBoKkI6yiSVZcZw9EZcpfQbk9qFKatIPlniJzHddKzFoJk5K4BfjSK_BTLkOcNIi7IVmew4I7PvsSSU_tB62JDglrqaHXV3UqwpvRCQu_JTqgBaQd6UizX_tPNJePW0wH-PSpECcp2N-NhaZc6IUjAMhFfXIq5LsD/s1024/20230812_091246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="732" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYtsm4WIKyvz0ZtopD6AfiM5qBoKkI6yiSVZcZw9EZcpfQbk9qFKatIPlniJzHddKzFoJk5K4BfjSK_BTLkOcNIi7IVmew4I7PvsSSU_tB62JDglrqaHXV3UqwpvRCQu_JTqgBaQd6UizX_tPNJePW0wH-PSpECcp2N-NhaZc6IUjAMhFfXIq5LsD/w286-h400/20230812_091246.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br />One of my favorite things to do is go to a place called
Dierkes Lake. A few miles away from my parents’ place is the Snake River
canyon, an amazing place filled with loads of things to see and do. Located
near the famous Shoshone Falls, the lake is an inexpensive and fun way to
spend an afternoon. It’s a bit more organized than it was when I was a kid, but
there’s still a roughness to it that makes it far more fun than a public swimming pool. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIl-b9ybMPuNHYQIEsLW12Kp4JhRc9ds89Hj1kBPuad--Ppc8SkOVgEyZ1MsXBkfXL2Ch9FFNbvmm2igrf9mJnnj9oZrPQQ7Kw2hQNqA2u6IA6VtRvRwFqATLNtZdoywLckxVgfvo-v2fUDMefynPTWCGc4ppCm69qxvRa5qpaLACJVBBdz6xnsf37/s1024/20230811_133732.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="729" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIl-b9ybMPuNHYQIEsLW12Kp4JhRc9ds89Hj1kBPuad--Ppc8SkOVgEyZ1MsXBkfXL2Ch9FFNbvmm2igrf9mJnnj9oZrPQQ7Kw2hQNqA2u6IA6VtRvRwFqATLNtZdoywLckxVgfvo-v2fUDMefynPTWCGc4ppCm69qxvRa5qpaLACJVBBdz6xnsf37/w456-h640/20230811_133732.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kiran pondering the jump.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHVh6OJjF3ZEiVh6xf8JpOsKvqlIT3i11hpOqxaUXPTLhsdGujRyrK9J30ASdX3uiW5iquHkaobkiXsr7a73r8AQ-R0bU8MCW4Ur3zO9U6EurSfEfKwQbZS80H267N_rtPqfrm91N7YsekRzi3sbdKxugSp8E0LSD-xhMBG_MRmFbfOzq7d3uui7n/s1024/20230811_140741.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHVh6OJjF3ZEiVh6xf8JpOsKvqlIT3i11hpOqxaUXPTLhsdGujRyrK9J30ASdX3uiW5iquHkaobkiXsr7a73r8AQ-R0bU8MCW4Ur3zO9U6EurSfEfKwQbZS80H267N_rtPqfrm91N7YsekRzi3sbdKxugSp8E0LSD-xhMBG_MRmFbfOzq7d3uui7n/w266-h400/20230811_140741.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Never grow up.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We couldn’t resist the temptation to make our way to the
rocky bluffs and plunge into the clear water below. One would think that I’ve
aged out of this sort of thing but, alas, no. Besides, I needed coax my girls
into doing it as well. Kiran doesn’t need much coaxing for this sort of thing.
She’s had a penchant for risk since she was born. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXoq7keYESGLcukTPBoduwGpe0tY8VoOUJFd6t8KuJ8GeT0fRyju-NYQ5Czw2KdGSJTWgbHPg7MThbemeOVkfa0bnHwxPAfHu4kETNN9Z8YHa1kgaGFT33vStr8lt92K3dtPwtPRXXErz4v5tycSCUHmq0NEQBOoMWpYAGRq0f4sv2y8oqy2BZUjr/s1024/20230811_150332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXoq7keYESGLcukTPBoduwGpe0tY8VoOUJFd6t8KuJ8GeT0fRyju-NYQ5Czw2KdGSJTWgbHPg7MThbemeOVkfa0bnHwxPAfHu4kETNN9Z8YHa1kgaGFT33vStr8lt92K3dtPwtPRXXErz4v5tycSCUHmq0NEQBOoMWpYAGRq0f4sv2y8oqy2BZUjr/w400-h300/20230811_150332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />After our time in the lake, we decided to have a look at the
falls. An impressive year of precipitation has meant that more water than usual
was coming over. In the spring, the place is quite spectacular. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Another thing we did near, and in, the canyon was celebrate Priya's birthday. She has the misfortune of having a birthday at what is normally a very busy time of year. Thankfully, with some support from my family, we were able to pull together people to give her a rather nice evening. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3JZWa8h7q992tOkScelBPuLH1Hut3DaXKGE0wcsEV-biVlx3Ex5Y98srgWeSs4B01f344oI9G4eiA5pomNc8TQQUKPQ9R31nWGqIkjVvbfShGdtf-QKiuYIENbG-SJbbA2GyRiEApKoHOHPBhs52rHX-wEJe5lHuoi8G3CbkNf8AjxnqSqbYOENI/s1024/20230811_191501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3JZWa8h7q992tOkScelBPuLH1Hut3DaXKGE0wcsEV-biVlx3Ex5Y98srgWeSs4B01f344oI9G4eiA5pomNc8TQQUKPQ9R31nWGqIkjVvbfShGdtf-QKiuYIENbG-SJbbA2GyRiEApKoHOHPBhs52rHX-wEJe5lHuoi8G3CbkNf8AjxnqSqbYOENI/w640-h480/20230811_191501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqeBz01ZAtL0Vv8qxHkSl5kF9h5R8rV9vzWFz08oRbiims-1RokgEqn7odShtVz2Mwib2wf5lUu4lcBbdgXZ6uMRLPO1F5en2hRly2LsWD7gacCQL2kXdYjcfW-GrL7V-hE7XXJWc-8CXSJltge38IlRyMoBJfmufUa5g-7x6trDHeVVX1LJuce9p/s1024/20230811_195334.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqeBz01ZAtL0Vv8qxHkSl5kF9h5R8rV9vzWFz08oRbiims-1RokgEqn7odShtVz2Mwib2wf5lUu4lcBbdgXZ6uMRLPO1F5en2hRly2LsWD7gacCQL2kXdYjcfW-GrL7V-hE7XXJWc-8CXSJltge38IlRyMoBJfmufUa5g-7x6trDHeVVX1LJuce9p/w400-h268/20230811_195334.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The twins, not impressed.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93HaiwKPUswzlHHJ1-Zfsv6XF1ZtLwhYIAp8WYWYNIghVcb1HQqLj2iTkoI4zYGNF0Lf1RQ1iS272Y_AthRTj5eZtW9iYfODFszPIRGN2JOiLAu4V8LzLXs8xD8Un6HwL92yCLTa8133hq1RaciVUTcRGsYI5FruehWBXcthEy7sorjanqBabZnJX/s1024/20230810_164551.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93HaiwKPUswzlHHJ1-Zfsv6XF1ZtLwhYIAp8WYWYNIghVcb1HQqLj2iTkoI4zYGNF0Lf1RQ1iS272Y_AthRTj5eZtW9iYfODFszPIRGN2JOiLAu4V8LzLXs8xD8Un6HwL92yCLTa8133hq1RaciVUTcRGsYI5FruehWBXcthEy7sorjanqBabZnJX/w400-h266/20230810_164551.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Girls hard at work.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Other than working in the yard, we also found some time for
the girls to swim with their cousins and a lot of other things to keep them occupied.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL_zGl_7EhqYZq2_IyrNyNY_AYzQIOIjjzv5FrZVCnQZPJW0ecfCCXKDNUkwhWa0RO7fqj9WVMDFyfIfqmGvR5zrAd07yjdkBOGh6o7g79RxRdG2YOkAWa8LyOAEmhKGg9zIwMQiZbbdWUXDQ7u2NCoTkNZlSInpcBZTLCCv-TyPqi46F2muAOQYO/s1024/20230815_195337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL_zGl_7EhqYZq2_IyrNyNY_AYzQIOIjjzv5FrZVCnQZPJW0ecfCCXKDNUkwhWa0RO7fqj9WVMDFyfIfqmGvR5zrAd07yjdkBOGh6o7g79RxRdG2YOkAWa8LyOAEmhKGg9zIwMQiZbbdWUXDQ7u2NCoTkNZlSInpcBZTLCCv-TyPqi46F2muAOQYO/w400-h300/20230815_195337.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_efP4OQ2UeuBbMSApdQfVFl_LKBGEJdvKA9TRTtmYftzUBxyjpC_qpeGs0NYRuU9diAQyIQS0YvQi4mB3qfGt4u7MlSKnSOnN5IstZAEM7y8sTwVyYwpfOfzyKwXtb_HoL34PeUokZRjtEF7HyKpb3gbg_9KMd96DaWbt_5SspA8bDDk8HGvwF-Ub/s1024/20230814_201837.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1024" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_efP4OQ2UeuBbMSApdQfVFl_LKBGEJdvKA9TRTtmYftzUBxyjpC_qpeGs0NYRuU9diAQyIQS0YvQi4mB3qfGt4u7MlSKnSOnN5IstZAEM7y8sTwVyYwpfOfzyKwXtb_HoL34PeUokZRjtEF7HyKpb3gbg_9KMd96DaWbt_5SspA8bDDk8HGvwF-Ub/w400-h286/20230814_201837.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dinner with mom.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeGM1gAMBIFmS2N6VljW4CiBUd-8q-BqUJYlJRg2KUNkqeFS7-vo7g6cIaiRy4v0ViABADVPE-PkMk72zqsCN9d1vzB_x4HnFKIcNgkz5iOhoSWddwWUuTVGj82fae2Xfz8wnjWw1XSFB-3OXMNH3o45yGb7uyFWLgi50VWS6jfECZCXNFnp3gLjF/s1024/20230812_162614.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1024" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeGM1gAMBIFmS2N6VljW4CiBUd-8q-BqUJYlJRg2KUNkqeFS7-vo7g6cIaiRy4v0ViABADVPE-PkMk72zqsCN9d1vzB_x4HnFKIcNgkz5iOhoSWddwWUuTVGj82fae2Xfz8wnjWw1XSFB-3OXMNH3o45yGb7uyFWLgi50VWS6jfECZCXNFnp3gLjF/w400-h286/20230812_162614.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pool time with the cousins.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> Having reached the end of our time in the Magic Valley, we
headed back to Boise</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The time in Boise allowed for a break in the manual labor.
From working at our house in New Meadows, to working at my parents’ place, it
had been almost non-stop since I arrived in Idaho. The focus now would be on
spending time with family prior to heading north to go backpacking and build
our shed – both of which would involve a fair amount of physical exertion. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZO3QJ5FeyjiZSFQHL9QqSkuCgYYuedRvdNZpCzKxTyztIj44fVXEE6gTgIg62WJK9ic_AXH9IVQ5-Himm7Q4q9UAaR-W_02tCeXcL-RL3fcpWwpiXi3Z9Fnwq9f0QVxPHUo7N-2T4HrrAgeicZxxetRsGkW_G_6CzdFV7tfvkbXUkdioiWeuy8q4/s1024/20230816_113439.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZO3QJ5FeyjiZSFQHL9QqSkuCgYYuedRvdNZpCzKxTyztIj44fVXEE6gTgIg62WJK9ic_AXH9IVQ5-Himm7Q4q9UAaR-W_02tCeXcL-RL3fcpWwpiXi3Z9Fnwq9f0QVxPHUo7N-2T4HrrAgeicZxxetRsGkW_G_6CzdFV7tfvkbXUkdioiWeuy8q4/w640-h480/20230816_113439.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Short visit to the state capital.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOblNpZfnIAMIVxTRdXbHocolIYNex8OUQjNrzyOqCIskq6Fidv_QTnyvVxh4mDBLJQP6Fol-xIwulq_-QKl7odnO-5587DY90WaJCPKOvukc_c587YXZ16cPS1-x4WZKPZgs2UzN6bbVxD9K3O8GsCgXKOYDcfcwLcWBFj3AxtBaqw-7LQfEIEibW/s1024/20230809_195355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOblNpZfnIAMIVxTRdXbHocolIYNex8OUQjNrzyOqCIskq6Fidv_QTnyvVxh4mDBLJQP6Fol-xIwulq_-QKl7odnO-5587DY90WaJCPKOvukc_c587YXZ16cPS1-x4WZKPZgs2UzN6bbVxD9K3O8GsCgXKOYDcfcwLcWBFj3AxtBaqw-7LQfEIEibW/w400-h300/20230809_195355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />As sort of a birthday gift for the girls from my sisters, we
went to the outdoor Shakespeare theater to <i>watch Natasha, Pierre, and the
Great Comet of 1812</i>. People that are in the know about theater are well
acquainted with <i>The Great Comet</i> as it is more commonly known. I,
unfortunately, do not fit in that category. I love theater whenever I have a
chance to go, I just don’t get that many chances. Given that both of our girls
have enjoyed participating in some theater, it was great for them to get this
chance to go. <p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oFMFCCbkbfj-HnD7dX81vZ5PvwBHkeDcUOHDd7QtTKAoBcnRj3e3Q8C568gd5Y1PQU251T1GJtO6Jf-Fw0jd4JstG0dJBvulHZ67AbFmlIxhCCVFWeKjyvlxxk9fKuFa0CacR2jQs-yoeAF2N2mMdHHhHUf0407tPHKXqqLb0x0Ua9T7FBgweuA5/s1024/20230809_211632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oFMFCCbkbfj-HnD7dX81vZ5PvwBHkeDcUOHDd7QtTKAoBcnRj3e3Q8C568gd5Y1PQU251T1GJtO6Jf-Fw0jd4JstG0dJBvulHZ67AbFmlIxhCCVFWeKjyvlxxk9fKuFa0CacR2jQs-yoeAF2N2mMdHHhHUf0407tPHKXqqLb0x0Ua9T7FBgweuA5/w400-h300/20230809_211632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">The description of the play was intriguing: “an electropop
opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s <i>War and Peace”</i>. It’s
definitely not <i>Macbeth</i>, but the reviews were good and interesting to
explore some newish theater (came out in 2012). As a more modern production, it
proved to be easier for the girls to understand. When we watched the <i>Two
Gentlemen of Verona</i> in Louisville, I could tell that the old English was a bit of a
challenge. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideI4UfJqBMg9DqD5hcmB0lmN0T3YxS5Ro6ns2Du33pi2EiJMqsehhE-Y-3FU5hnLLnIy4drPxhOIqs6GlOiRPDTCGLWg19x3q29Euut5XDEulyxSpFOu9nY1FR12-lqHRNjprI0XAZYEgxhgcdexwgaNdvXeVYLSfjtA4k7PvVNxyovBmw_L_sJGj/s1024/20230817_205649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideI4UfJqBMg9DqD5hcmB0lmN0T3YxS5Ro6ns2Du33pi2EiJMqsehhE-Y-3FU5hnLLnIy4drPxhOIqs6GlOiRPDTCGLWg19x3q29Euut5XDEulyxSpFOu9nY1FR12-lqHRNjprI0XAZYEgxhgcdexwgaNdvXeVYLSfjtA4k7PvVNxyovBmw_L_sJGj/w400-h300/20230817_205649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The other big event of the days we were there was a family
gathering at my niece’s nice house in the Boise foothills. It ended up being a
mix of cousins, my aunt and uncle and a rare gathering of all my nieces and
nephews from this side of the family. Really nice to catch up with family I
hadn’t seen in years. Precious opportunities that seem to be more and more
challenging to make happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-81298536927759121992023-09-15T13:33:00.001+03:002023-09-15T13:33:24.512+03:00Idaho 1 - Preparation<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">I left for Idaho in advance of the family. The plan was for
me to focus on the house we are finishing as well as do some prep work for the
building of our shed – an activity that would come later in the trip.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My sister picked me up at the airport. I’m not accustomed to
my family picking me up at the airport. Several decades ago, when I first began
traveling internationally, it was a bigger deal. You could also come all the
way to the gate with welcome signs and balloons (okay, my family never did
that). </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was good to be back. The weather was sunny but not too
hot. My newly retired sister would be my host and transportation over the next
few days, both in Boise and as we headed north to our activities in Adams
County. Great opportunity to hang out and catch up with her after so much
transition in her life (grieving the loss of a spouse and retirement).</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />After one night in Boise, we were off to the mountains. I
was keen to get up there and have a look at the house. The work has been agonizingly
slow. When we purchased it, there was already a foundation, a roof and much of
the interior framing. At the time, we anticipated that it shouldn’t take too
long to complete the build and have it rental ready. Two full years later, we
realize how naïve we were. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Early on, I had plans to do much of the work myself. In
fact, my flight was booked and I was going to use some vacation time in late
March 2020 to finish the framing as well as some other tasks. Then the pandemic
hit. Most of the planning I had done was for not and it was clear that we
needed to move to plan B. My DIY plans would need to be for a future project.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In October 2021, I traveled to the US given that my
pandemic-canceled ticket, still valid, was going to expire at the end of the
year. My 80-ish-year-old mother-in-law had been visiting us in Nairobi and I
decided that, in order to avoid losing the ticket, it would make sense to
accompany her (she’s more than capable of traveling on her own but it was
easier with me – and she could get lounge access), carry on to Idaho and see if
I could kick-start the work on the house. </p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRpTWdiOF8LcNe0qbmdq1z8VQZWD2AIWD29lKTt5byb0BBFMaI5AvDcBPiXWPWGBxjDt-BkCbSrGeTy9pDYSqVj0vH5k5pM0aaBTnNcsmU7db8YZNTwQYUtlbT9OlFg_D2prQPXKSENGTaRf5ECh-6gxvvaixcZ2n3gTBGovoNVuJOIh3wgzNjgMr/s1024/20230805_150851.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRpTWdiOF8LcNe0qbmdq1z8VQZWD2AIWD29lKTt5byb0BBFMaI5AvDcBPiXWPWGBxjDt-BkCbSrGeTy9pDYSqVj0vH5k5pM0aaBTnNcsmU7db8YZNTwQYUtlbT9OlFg_D2prQPXKSENGTaRf5ECh-6gxvvaixcZ2n3gTBGovoNVuJOIh3wgzNjgMr/w400-h300/20230805_150851.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taking shape, but so much still to be done.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">With contractors in short supply, and few willing to take on
a project as small as ours, it wasn’t easy to find someone. But I found a
contractor to take on the project while I was there. Construction in Idaho, as
well as real estate, was booming. Pandemic-induced supply chain issues
exacerbated the challenges and, after I returned to Kenya, the project moved
forward at a glacial pace. Trying to support from Africa made it more
complicated, particularly as so many in that area still rely on phone and text
messaging as opposed to technologies that are friendlier to those who are ten
time zones away (e.g. email, WhatsApp). </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43GmY4wawd5lIBbA96LEzsIPJaHeKO2Up77J8KEj10DWBDxt3oFdUkxcRJP_mWQp1M4ghUqvlcc0ioSto7hWIj_UU_O63OJcFXxCzZilZr7kTnpi25RbSGzSfK4fJ_kKb-rw1evrVHXAS7Jbm5ki7N7fcrSOw3w_-yly0E4ltmN33EsVyPZ2rcCOX/s1024/20230806_131300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43GmY4wawd5lIBbA96LEzsIPJaHeKO2Up77J8KEj10DWBDxt3oFdUkxcRJP_mWQp1M4ghUqvlcc0ioSto7hWIj_UU_O63OJcFXxCzZilZr7kTnpi25RbSGzSfK4fJ_kKb-rw1evrVHXAS7Jbm5ki7N7fcrSOw3w_-yly0E4ltmN33EsVyPZ2rcCOX/w400-h268/20230806_131300.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hard at work.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Little by little, things began taking shape. The septic was
done. The initial wiring and plumbing followed. Drywall. Counters. Flooring. Cupboards.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8f5CJyVTFkbpvskB1VDhmV4hXHC7FvCgkjijcsue7g0ijuQdMfpvtBEYYuKgLS6gs4dHOed_Nfu08Z11EFNuvpKDmNtvH6qIkxHJkGHdBl0NeYq7ujl8xBWsth-N3H5LDlUnmol0gvYwMtfBTheK7jPziHdoz0Cnu8KB9dvQiq7jGHFupiS8CnoL/s1024/20230805_173449.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8f5CJyVTFkbpvskB1VDhmV4hXHC7FvCgkjijcsue7g0ijuQdMfpvtBEYYuKgLS6gs4dHOed_Nfu08Z11EFNuvpKDmNtvH6qIkxHJkGHdBl0NeYq7ujl8xBWsth-N3H5LDlUnmol0gvYwMtfBTheK7jPziHdoz0Cnu8KB9dvQiq7jGHFupiS8CnoL/w400-h300/20230805_173449.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dinner in New Meadows.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We arrived and focused on the exterior. My brother cleared
weeds. My sister cut branches and thinned brush. I alternated between working
with the contractor and hauling stuff into the shed after the concrete flooring
was done. Building materials were ready for the shed. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVaKMChqY0qviDQWOIYYpe983SiBG8GEa9z67MQ8aWiN2xZNNyZJLPCPXMonrJJF6PW2E3jpkwQW6hcjXBOUba4xWDKZUSYyXvEuBTVIelVYUzo224lfeT4Gl3DMXYXqgeQcIQaw6xZ_quqayv-HRgL1KG8VWnYkmvDgc4BxG_69JQHTzmum23-Ko/s1024/20230806_150927.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVaKMChqY0qviDQWOIYYpe983SiBG8GEa9z67MQ8aWiN2xZNNyZJLPCPXMonrJJF6PW2E3jpkwQW6hcjXBOUba4xWDKZUSYyXvEuBTVIelVYUzo224lfeT4Gl3DMXYXqgeQcIQaw6xZ_quqayv-HRgL1KG8VWnYkmvDgc4BxG_69JQHTzmum23-Ko/w400-h300/20230806_150927.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taking a break on the lake.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When we were done, we
headed back to Boise where I would retrieve my family at the airport. Once
reunited, the focus would change and we would be off to see my parents and to
the many tasks that awaited us at their place.<p></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-1709976908074706592023-09-14T17:57:00.002+03:002023-09-14T17:57:32.211+03:00Chicago<p>Before moving on to Idaho, I forgot to mention a brief
stopover we made between our time in Minnesota and Indiana. When we were setting
up the trip, we found that we could save a considerable amount on our airline tickets
by driving from St. Paul to Scottsburg. After thinking about it, we
figured that we could take advantage of this to stop at a midway point and see
some friends of ours in Chicago.</p><p>I visited Chicago a few times when I was living in Switzerland.
My brother had moved there for work and my travels back and forth allowed me to
book layovers in the Windy City. I wouldn’t say I knew it well, but I did get a
general familiarization with the area in the late 1980s. Now, traveling there over
thirty years later, I was curious to see what was recognizable to me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our friends live in Evanston, a suburb on the north side of
the city, located on the shores of Lake Michigan. They leave near Northwestern University, a beautiful campus surrounded by massive and beautiful
historic homes. Being from the northwestern part of the US, I remember being
puzzled by a university (with a terrible football team) of the name being located in the <b>eastern </b>half of the
continent. But as you might guess, at its founding in the mid-19<sup>th</sup>
century, the area was considered the northwestern part of the country (it was also the Northwest Territory up to 1803). Probably too much
trouble to rebrand now to Northcentral U.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Having done the drive from St. Paul to Scottsburg in a single
day last year, the drive to Chicago seemed relatively easy in comparison. Never
having lived in the US as a family, we’re not as accustomed to long drives as Americans
generally are. But we are accustomed to long-haul flights so I guess it is
comparable (except there are no toilets, no one serves you food and you don't have to sit by someone you don't know). </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkoL0BL1wk3es3cb806xm_SonYmfhJEkBZ-GrzBn0utducfp-rebZp2nnYQhT9ToJMWhOt4oqodJMib-wWRWNIGGDbA7jloEsmAm-n2kPbBemPUCfvuNqR5CbLmpMF18Jm5MXXy3kpCiIuMx1VEJLwnz_OumRD7E4zc-pldMvWuk2i2DGP4kaSMNJ/s1024/20230721_105055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkoL0BL1wk3es3cb806xm_SonYmfhJEkBZ-GrzBn0utducfp-rebZp2nnYQhT9ToJMWhOt4oqodJMib-wWRWNIGGDbA7jloEsmAm-n2kPbBemPUCfvuNqR5CbLmpMF18Jm5MXXy3kpCiIuMx1VEJLwnz_OumRD7E4zc-pldMvWuk2i2DGP4kaSMNJ/w400-h300/20230721_105055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />After settling in, we proceeded to catch up with each other’s
lives. We knew them in Burundi roughly ten years ago and have been in touch off
and on since. Interestingly, Priya knew Courtney many years prior when they both worked
in Washington DC. It was only a coincidence that they would reconnect in
Bujumbura. The coincidence goes even further in that my oldest niece would
marry one of her close childhood friends who had moved to Idaho to play
football (and their fathers are still close friends today). Crazy. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvkE4JFwYoEDG0HWi7dIdJv5bFW_16ZL-KhzHPa-ordb-wzb1OQ74gqeIrdejOTLtsfg_BR5nM4qAN-FK2TeXHi01RHYsh_IgC0f7fgebaK42VJAmmvm_QX0gec0VD_QowQmIZ0kgiNFmV9jugs29yOAnfAXjZMHGWA7K37YQnBDBPzhhMKad8gL2/s1024/20230720_214009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvkE4JFwYoEDG0HWi7dIdJv5bFW_16ZL-KhzHPa-ordb-wzb1OQ74gqeIrdejOTLtsfg_BR5nM4qAN-FK2TeXHi01RHYsh_IgC0f7fgebaK42VJAmmvm_QX0gec0VD_QowQmIZ0kgiNFmV9jugs29yOAnfAXjZMHGWA7K37YQnBDBPzhhMKad8gL2/w400-h268/20230720_214009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking back. Easier than busting out the slide projector.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We pulled out photos showing our children, now as tall as
their mothers, running around as toddlers in Bujumbura. It was certainly a
different chapter in our lives, more so for them given that they have been
settled in the US for some time now. So interesting to see them in such a different
context. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM466AMGFMAT2iZi4XoRBjge-QThI6yG4riKnSF3Q6ukzNAP4uGqOds6x0dgeUzYTioEO2EmaTbaqEstNKMlw8xoosfnx4e0lyAt8gVner7ULRcdCfAXZzi1LKajpTGOGY-PwOw0nMHzW8SQyV5zZ8xDJAnUR9dwAUv9kg7UL4mhfQIkrLGDSMMH1A/s1024/20230720_190607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM466AMGFMAT2iZi4XoRBjge-QThI6yG4riKnSF3Q6ukzNAP4uGqOds6x0dgeUzYTioEO2EmaTbaqEstNKMlw8xoosfnx4e0lyAt8gVner7ULRcdCfAXZzi1LKajpTGOGY-PwOw0nMHzW8SQyV5zZ8xDJAnUR9dwAUv9kg7UL4mhfQIkrLGDSMMH1A/w400-h268/20230720_190607.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>In the evening, we headed to the lake. It’s so massive that
it feels like a freshwater sea stretching to the horizon. We had pizza on the beach
and the kids played in the chilly water. As the sun set, we loaded up and
headed back to their house. As we drove through the streets of Evanston, I was
trying to picture myself (or ourselves) living in suburban America. To be
honest, it’s hard to imagine. It’s not that we couldn’t make it happen. We
could. It just seems so vastly different. Not better or worse. Just different.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxOMQXSlI5wGPB7RnL501cyWC_r2SA6IipO6F3Lf_0gziCK6DcN3DKT0p9QfaZxzBAXuMmwdG847Yzg4JxCQmAZngIfiWdzP8HW-sOKDa3l67oUYbRTqM3JofABHP0jmYfltCspwdlf98shGoUlbtxEaR_AleJvz5-VBRyRlSRnc2RYVMOpZpNO5g/s1024/20230720_191706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxOMQXSlI5wGPB7RnL501cyWC_r2SA6IipO6F3Lf_0gziCK6DcN3DKT0p9QfaZxzBAXuMmwdG847Yzg4JxCQmAZngIfiWdzP8HW-sOKDa3l67oUYbRTqM3JofABHP0jmYfltCspwdlf98shGoUlbtxEaR_AleJvz5-VBRyRlSRnc2RYVMOpZpNO5g/w400-h268/20230720_191706.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal">The next day, we had breakfast and headed south towards downtown
Chicago. Given that we had the whole day to get to Scottsburg, I decided to
drive through the middle of the city, find a place to park and explore a bit. I
opted on a road that would morph into Lakeshore Drive which provides a rather
stunning entrance into the city center. We passed Oak Street Beach, crossed the
Chicago River and exited at Millennium Park. We found 3-hour parking for the
price of what would have been a cheap hotel room back in the day. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSETXdSs6IxpW2yhe259FdZXwAKEoU7aCoGJhdgDY5XvDBv7_6WWPCgk7ilbpyup_2W8lsSVWa7O-tPBqQMP8Si8o_9EkwjSJRlAFkuskCaaWNLC2wPQUY-x7ybPaqqWOzNVYFFFyQ9o342p27KH8PqDIu_UkNJkPOZWXggUHX_49e2YbuMlmIT3k/s1024/20230721_115055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSETXdSs6IxpW2yhe259FdZXwAKEoU7aCoGJhdgDY5XvDBv7_6WWPCgk7ilbpyup_2W8lsSVWa7O-tPBqQMP8Si8o_9EkwjSJRlAFkuskCaaWNLC2wPQUY-x7ybPaqqWOzNVYFFFyQ9o342p27KH8PqDIu_UkNJkPOZWXggUHX_49e2YbuMlmIT3k/w640-h480/20230721_115055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIgxP7yTnr7ruFsdOuGuOUsXb0f1Th8yBtCZkLmEnr-62oWPthFfk0qpy7nEsCJfB8rNIRfwSvi6EAIEF2gB3etcHco6-Pb2EXZ7ofADCa_yJ0fqNeglG7MXMoY0Bb2OJohT8_Gc_T1YOxjj5s5VdBx1hmbbYczRMAo1yD_LsNcDYsEH_wDN0m1t1/s1024/20230721_115205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIgxP7yTnr7ruFsdOuGuOUsXb0f1Th8yBtCZkLmEnr-62oWPthFfk0qpy7nEsCJfB8rNIRfwSvi6EAIEF2gB3etcHco6-Pb2EXZ7ofADCa_yJ0fqNeglG7MXMoY0Bb2OJohT8_Gc_T1YOxjj5s5VdBx1hmbbYczRMAo1yD_LsNcDYsEH_wDN0m1t1/w400-h300/20230721_115205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The area was rail yards and parking lots when I was there
last so it was happenstance that my more or less random exit from the highway
took us there. I hardly recognized anything. Turns out that the park is one of the top ten tourist
destinations in the US. It was midweek and certainly crowded so I’m not entirely
surprised.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciEbrEJwTqdkZPANjFSgu_pTjqB9npBBPUrPsjZmBDB6-bkwpQHS9OzpHE6mmzDA9UTfQfwdQ1X2e4KlcYwIecXvbaDu3fRgCHchrU4z7Kn-cFsrCEkjCvyzBJYaUOYxf2Khs1OvCnQVpk3SXRiDWDRF_7mhaEMVqEawjqRiwHrOzuAieuGwL8oEQ/s1024/20230721_120618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciEbrEJwTqdkZPANjFSgu_pTjqB9npBBPUrPsjZmBDB6-bkwpQHS9OzpHE6mmzDA9UTfQfwdQ1X2e4KlcYwIecXvbaDu3fRgCHchrU4z7Kn-cFsrCEkjCvyzBJYaUOYxf2Khs1OvCnQVpk3SXRiDWDRF_7mhaEMVqEawjqRiwHrOzuAieuGwL8oEQ/w640-h480/20230721_120618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The park is full of fountains, sculptures, play areas, food
stands, etc. We came upon a massive bandshell called Jay Pritzker Pavilion and
an orchestra was rehearsing. Having just waded through the chaos of crowds and
so forth, it was an oasis - stunningly pleasing to the senses. We eventually had to
extract ourselves from the venue to continue our visit, but I could have remained there the rest of the afternoon.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eventually we made it to the lake shore where we followed a
pedestrian path past the Chicago Yacht Club. Made me think back to the time
that I joined my brother's sailing team on a night race across the lake to St. Joseph,
Michigan. If I remember correctly, they had the second fastest boat in its
category in Chicago at the time (but not the second fastest on the night). I was basically useless, serving more or less as ballast since I don’t
know anything about sailing. But it was a memorable experience. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLbhqw8Q9cjB-Qd00aRAdeYH5xMGl-X9O-gw0JTz0FueaLqAkuXooR_pRv3g4qzxUf52SI2UTTZGDGt36zTMedvHbmBd18JkNnyhYe5t1Q0XwwQ3nWv3DcJaQUTu49r-hqSdgm3pxeSKgcPnhkXZ_DPEuRQZEp_h1uU2bzu9tbwBPKR4kuN3LExjM/s1024/20230721_124528.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLbhqw8Q9cjB-Qd00aRAdeYH5xMGl-X9O-gw0JTz0FueaLqAkuXooR_pRv3g4qzxUf52SI2UTTZGDGt36zTMedvHbmBd18JkNnyhYe5t1Q0XwwQ3nWv3DcJaQUTu49r-hqSdgm3pxeSKgcPnhkXZ_DPEuRQZEp_h1uU2bzu9tbwBPKR4kuN3LExjM/w400-h300/20230721_124528.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Buildings appear smaller than they are...</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />After reaching the Yacht Club, we bought some ice cream,
took some selfies with the gorgeous skyline backdrop, and headed back toward the car. We
stopped briefly on the way for a Chicago-style hot dog (had to) and that was
pretty much it. On to Indiana.<p></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-7429609088766423072023-09-13T18:47:00.000+03:002023-09-13T18:47:21.997+03:00Indiana<p>The first week of the vacation included the Netherlands and
St. Paul, plus travel time. The second week would begin in southern Indiana and
it would need to be a week of remote work. It was impossible for me to be away
this long without some work along the way. While I have a tendency to track
work emails while on vacation (mostly just reading and following what’s going on), this week would
consist of very early mornings (to connect with East Africa time) and
occasional online meetings. In the end, it actually wasn’t that bad since I don’t sleep
well anyway and I was able to balance the work time and time with family. The
plan was to hit it hard until about noon and then do the family thing. Then find
pockets in the day here and there to supplement what I accomplished in the
morning. I wouldn’t want to do it long term, but for a few days it’s not bad. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHHG0y2Hos2mdiNMUiX4w2h76pidZUjYwdM2SS4QeBO9DGNfuKru0creL_3nU3a_ynm6SLSqQHNpNFU10OtfLOQ2kGwJli_BvS51Wnvd0p78wWzMKMwIpfXc3HNtspGqMfhwpL7EJX_WkrZVRoSannu9QQ3iZwg11bN6CpWDF91cI-WvSOZTFkXzy/s1024/20230722_172557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHHG0y2Hos2mdiNMUiX4w2h76pidZUjYwdM2SS4QeBO9DGNfuKru0creL_3nU3a_ynm6SLSqQHNpNFU10OtfLOQ2kGwJli_BvS51Wnvd0p78wWzMKMwIpfXc3HNtspGqMfhwpL7EJX_WkrZVRoSannu9QQ3iZwg11bN6CpWDF91cI-WvSOZTFkXzy/w640-h426/20230722_172557.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We do a lot of this.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-GhAfRBSMq_bFbij50GCZTZRGDrM_x7DE85jHEQ0LWivC99weEuyjf17rmYRb0AWWsEdeQ8dhtbr5p0y1efcF0SGCOgm3I0viXn0mwwRKdoef3REpfyHXH0rUquyLbS5A9W5Q6wLWT5lxEzlmBxMauws8N2IRrZtOpJHFWrgBQn7ApDulurOCwpP/s1024/20230726_162751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-GhAfRBSMq_bFbij50GCZTZRGDrM_x7DE85jHEQ0LWivC99weEuyjf17rmYRb0AWWsEdeQ8dhtbr5p0y1efcF0SGCOgm3I0viXn0mwwRKdoef3REpfyHXH0rUquyLbS5A9W5Q6wLWT5lxEzlmBxMauws8N2IRrZtOpJHFWrgBQn7ApDulurOCwpP/w400-h225/20230726_162751.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Speed Museum. The only person who would listen to me.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Nearly each day we had some sort of activity for the kids.
Sometimes it was just hanging out with the cousins. Another time the local
pool. We went to the Speed Museum in Louisville, wonderful place that we've been to many times). We went bowling, the first time for me in more than a decade. We had birthdays for both Kiran (again) and Kinaya. After lunch in a
park in Louisville, we stopped by Mohamed Ali’s grave site (not sure why, but I
suppose it was an opportunity to explain to my daughters who he was and his
significance over the course of his lifetime). We played football (soccer) at
the local school. And so forth. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL30X5aK14E76WOXK2LYWcl0CggvyWZIsBHOClVhJQ-ul360zofraW_N9xkn9oryL5Wp-kUR5FriNohBhIZtNiG2Ppzr8sCLKF7AZdXNb8CVHL_0Il1MnKPpHYa_1Sc6H-m22iTlUXJsdmATwOOX1Vh_7Y_NL8QWlK6AC-wn1tDroBLBwxIIrZhpN/s1024/20230805_110757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL30X5aK14E76WOXK2LYWcl0CggvyWZIsBHOClVhJQ-ul360zofraW_N9xkn9oryL5Wp-kUR5FriNohBhIZtNiG2Ppzr8sCLKF7AZdXNb8CVHL_0Il1MnKPpHYa_1Sc6H-m22iTlUXJsdmATwOOX1Vh_7Y_NL8QWlK6AC-wn1tDroBLBwxIIrZhpN/w400-h225/20230805_110757.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1w1E8kd5p3n0fuJ0ejviMCsoyuGEoxMWtT1jRAc1CO30H8DCLDcAGvqz_gm25NFSz8kwQQo5U_I0Ob0Gu75gWeYjzoJZVE7kBy87fdnJlMxvVcAzmMh0hDlBg_3y2JPMRuDouBnWfGAadBhy5WAQj9qMkcdKudgcJ08uh0zEwpv6XW7xcXjbSKmG/s1024/20230725_112640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1w1E8kd5p3n0fuJ0ejviMCsoyuGEoxMWtT1jRAc1CO30H8DCLDcAGvqz_gm25NFSz8kwQQo5U_I0Ob0Gu75gWeYjzoJZVE7kBy87fdnJlMxvVcAzmMh0hDlBg_3y2JPMRuDouBnWfGAadBhy5WAQj9qMkcdKudgcJ08uh0zEwpv6XW7xcXjbSKmG/w400-h225/20230725_112640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the pool with the cousins.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBXu4Kx3H1_xGnxGQvrdjU-kdMLOUqUnhGs5mnfTNStyvDdy2zoWIvbYeJUUoLg1ImNULa_2XTUkhDAwRt74rnE9VAhV0tGZRIWowCapktly_MQPgjfFmjXV3sO_YdVQyAjzhtJwZxXzh8VPdpqrSIvYE2YRHGZJ8c7EaII1F6qEkn4CFbVc2fENt/s1024/20230728_112851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBXu4Kx3H1_xGnxGQvrdjU-kdMLOUqUnhGs5mnfTNStyvDdy2zoWIvbYeJUUoLg1ImNULa_2XTUkhDAwRt74rnE9VAhV0tGZRIWowCapktly_MQPgjfFmjXV3sO_YdVQyAjzhtJwZxXzh8VPdpqrSIvYE2YRHGZJ8c7EaII1F6qEkn4CFbVc2fENt/w400-h300/20230728_112851.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal">One activity was to go see a Shakespeare performance in a Louisville park. I've loved going to Shakespeare events for many years in various venues. Boise, Lake Tahoe and Monterey come to mind. The play was <i>The Two Gentlemen of Verona </i>which I think I've seen once before. The cast, however, wasn't the seasoned actors that I'm accustomed to. In fact, it was a group of young actors from a professional training program, students from area high schools who underwent a five-week training program. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesMZNN6GuyS5zmxmzixSY2DN3r1l5gNry3tMuEM6eoSbGkYQO4IIEFIfHqCpzFFBWDS0N0g2QXZKlJmlAb7mi_I7Ieybm8rh1s6xlfE65PFOMiVNEbMHNXEe6aZ9UAp-95gDV5RYHSDZNohJtWXM9xwQ3eI3lajHw0g-YmHRT_Mv8rYk1pFMfXhQY/s1024/20230726_203610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesMZNN6GuyS5zmxmzixSY2DN3r1l5gNry3tMuEM6eoSbGkYQO4IIEFIfHqCpzFFBWDS0N0g2QXZKlJmlAb7mi_I7Ieybm8rh1s6xlfE65PFOMiVNEbMHNXEe6aZ9UAp-95gDV5RYHSDZNohJtWXM9xwQ3eI3lajHw0g-YmHRT_Mv8rYk1pFMfXhQY/w400-h300/20230726_203610.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not exactly a packed house. Too bad since they were so good.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I have to say, they were seriously talented. I would not have been able to pull that off as a high school student. However, prior to the stellar performance, they had a couple of other groups of students who each did some song and dance. In spite of, what appeared to be some self-confidence in wielding that microphone, it was a bit painful on the ears. But I suppose that's how you learn. Kudos to them for the courage to take the stage (and I think they had fun).<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal">One day we drove to Madison (IN) for lunch and to take in
the historic town. I’ve mentioned Madison in the past. It’s located on the Ohio
River not far from my mother-in-law’s town. It was founded in the early
1800s and served as an entry point into what was then the Indiana Territory. It’s
location, across the river from the slave state of Kentucky, made it a
strategic location on the Underground Railroad. Around the middle of the century,
it was the third largest city in the state thanks largely to its position where
the railroad crossed the river. It was during this period as trade hub that many
of the amazing buildings that you see today were built. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWgPZ0hPm6G5-KAYQZ3FBp6Vixx8K2iWLfqSXiH4Lik5cvZ06jY7k5zrws-HUrV18_hayqIsED2lwhtj_P_DXaW-mwIYibYTFO1iBNq9QN_YKLB-zva2i38mtW4KgYf4ePD8yBqiC536K4_0K5GiOvzT4RWz5x4nHFmrX2ixz23umAmL-V-OxDwJE/s1024/20230803_112654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWgPZ0hPm6G5-KAYQZ3FBp6Vixx8K2iWLfqSXiH4Lik5cvZ06jY7k5zrws-HUrV18_hayqIsED2lwhtj_P_DXaW-mwIYibYTFO1iBNq9QN_YKLB-zva2i38mtW4KgYf4ePD8yBqiC536K4_0K5GiOvzT4RWz5x4nHFmrX2ixz23umAmL-V-OxDwJE/w640-h480/20230803_112654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />But the city’s time in the limelight would not survive the
creation of a network of railroads farther down the river through the growing
city of Louisville. By the end of the Civil War, the center of gravity had
shifted. Much of the wealth had shifted or was shifting. Thankfully, many of
the historic structures have been preserved under the National Landmark Historic
District. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p><p class="MsoNormal">Another activity of interest was a place called Activate. I’d
never heard of it before, but the cousins had been before and they, and the birthday
girl, Kinaya, decided it would be a great activity. Indeed, it was. It’s a bit
hard to describe but it, in short, it’s a dozen or so rooms, each with a game
to be played by 2-4 players. You go from room to room playing these games as
you wish and as the room is available. Each game involves some sort of timed physical
activity (shooting basketballs, climbing on a wall, jumping back and forth on
moving floor lights, throwing balls at moving targets, etc.) in a relatively
high-tech setting. One interesting game, and one where I was particularly incompetent,
required you to dodge laser lights (basically the security lasers that you see
in movies to detect movement). Rather than being competitive, the group works as
a team to achieve the highest score possible. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcJviaSEqx72NzbtAkm4NfNIw8fjcfOvGNCTlOblmCGeX5XGfz7vPzzC0tDmrHgoOzodHYBN6_ho2HoOzinO5YOMa1c3P-J5zwR4Ly72ZYrIRrUbyg0Gm90C6yyLW8b5SVyxHi1cWFxtFHcBMtCJn9TKYC_WH7qxkkHRCgvwKhDSjoZJChQngYUv2/s1322/123051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1322" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcJviaSEqx72NzbtAkm4NfNIw8fjcfOvGNCTlOblmCGeX5XGfz7vPzzC0tDmrHgoOzodHYBN6_ho2HoOzinO5YOMa1c3P-J5zwR4Ly72ZYrIRrUbyg0Gm90C6yyLW8b5SVyxHi1cWFxtFHcBMtCJn9TKYC_WH7qxkkHRCgvwKhDSjoZJChQngYUv2/w400-h286/123051.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No gender balance.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Supposedly the place is part of a chain and is expanding in
various parts of North America. The concept is attractive. Kids seem to enjoy
the interaction with technology. The fact that participants work as a team seems
to avoid any issues of ill will that can happen compared with games where there
are necessarily winners and losers. But as a parent, in a world where
technology often breeds inactivity, seeing the kids drenched with sweat as we
made our way back to the car was certainly one of the most pleasing aspects.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * * <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Throughout our time in Indiana
was the women’s Word Cup. Super entertaining. Also, being a girl-dad, I was
happy to see the excitement generated by the event and seeing the enthusiasm in
my kids was wonderful. There’s no question that it makes a difference to have role
models of the same gender. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16uwz3ujg7ZgbZAldE9pGZufXUusbnTZF8WSfzqExhzwtb30n1f21hZu8-aRepjlC5NgcGC2P9ZkKqH-ENq5ajxL8kQmigyWEEL2Vbw72-aBq3Po6nBT10-0H3HkRxAVrlxrE2tOjhJCqe-lhuWRWf6gHXl5kW_nYbBP7PoWsK5rjYXRIm7fJAg0-/s1024/20230729_110130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16uwz3ujg7ZgbZAldE9pGZufXUusbnTZF8WSfzqExhzwtb30n1f21hZu8-aRepjlC5NgcGC2P9ZkKqH-ENq5ajxL8kQmigyWEEL2Vbw72-aBq3Po6nBT10-0H3HkRxAVrlxrE2tOjhJCqe-lhuWRWf6gHXl5kW_nYbBP7PoWsK5rjYXRIm7fJAg0-/w400-h300/20230729_110130.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>World Cup!</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a backdrop to our time in Indiana, in addition to the time
I needed to dedicate to work, I was also pushing hard to push to remotely coordinate
with our contractor to try to complete the construction of our house in Idaho,
a project which has been dragging on and on since 2019. I was also in the midst
of navigating the waters of setting up a mortgage as well as putting in place
tools and materials to build a shed during out time out west. Thus, the margins
of my days were far too full for what was supposed to be vacation. Nonetheless, we had a great visit and the foundation was laid for our trip out west.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-33695783559642595882023-09-09T17:28:00.002+03:002023-09-09T17:28:55.295+03:00St. Paul<p>From the Hague, we arrived in St. Paul, Minnesota. As I’ve
mentioned, this is another regular stop that we make to visit our friend Kathy
and at the same time, get acquainted with this part of the US. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">St. Paul is one of the twin cities alongside Minneapolis,
making up Minnesota’s only true urban area. I was a baseball fan as a kid and
for some reason I never stopped to ponder the odd mascot of the Minnesota Twins
baseball team. It was just a name. I didn’t think much about the Lakers either,
for that matter, another strange mascot originating from Minnesota.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In spite of their weak efforts to name sports teams, the
Twin Cities has really grown on me over the years. I would say it’s a livable
part of the world except there are no mountains. I can tolerate boring
landscapes for some time but it’s not where I would want to be long term. Yes,
it’s nice to have 10,000 lakes, but, apologies to my aquaphile friends, it
still leaves me wanting.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGj_VFGNDEEEuZbe_dx1AQS2nBNiOAUHb4vLkTNlSyBmqcAvUWf_IvATPv5no1HFChAfpbxIz8dqQn_K9MyQ5Gh_8NULFqUtnHGwUPeHl3yX1_RAVnoGP7o7dQRPRq91fsX8XOLhLrv8f82F8hGfzldT6PgVXGdLR_MdfH-Y3NYSEnPgj83F4DNs7/s1024/20230719_144826.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGj_VFGNDEEEuZbe_dx1AQS2nBNiOAUHb4vLkTNlSyBmqcAvUWf_IvATPv5no1HFChAfpbxIz8dqQn_K9MyQ5Gh_8NULFqUtnHGwUPeHl3yX1_RAVnoGP7o7dQRPRq91fsX8XOLhLrv8f82F8hGfzldT6PgVXGdLR_MdfH-Y3NYSEnPgj83F4DNs7/w400-h300/20230719_144826.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>not an aquaphile but who doesn't enjoy a drink overlooking the Mississippi<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our friend Kathy has been a wonderful host to us over the
years. I met her in India back in October 2008. She’s known our daughters since
they were born. Like the Netherlands, she lives in a place that is strategic
for us from a travel standpoint. Amsterdam and Minneapolis/St. Paul are hubs
for the airlines we generally fly back and forth from Africa to the US. Her
strong ties with my in-laws laid the foundation for a wonderful friendship that
has lasted fifteen years.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoOkwvC_N_hR07LrSBh8sM7LaJoNZqXrgj4vuQKfPxvuTBe99rRqMD3s6oAEjF_2yDhD-CqCUfWjrtdzrlgBXh8fs5KGguk8DiuACHyyMn94y1YBsHlb_BsltGwfY1B6UBx6H5DzSrpON7LyMie9ZF4dTpG64RV8nX8H6fi4RqdGPCYdEL3zmn0MG/s1024/20230717_152556.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoOkwvC_N_hR07LrSBh8sM7LaJoNZqXrgj4vuQKfPxvuTBe99rRqMD3s6oAEjF_2yDhD-CqCUfWjrtdzrlgBXh8fs5KGguk8DiuACHyyMn94y1YBsHlb_BsltGwfY1B6UBx6H5DzSrpON7LyMie9ZF4dTpG64RV8nX8H6fi4RqdGPCYdEL3zmn0MG/w400-h300/20230717_152556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6NZS5Kp7-d2r7NgOnx83a0WGs7sUt7aLNZ8fN4znfECc1kW2n0jxIp76kmXtn4vXKpCfD6_Pcd3E6e39TqEWf3GqmvrzPg3HgDRzJ5sZGx_V_iqPp-QpmEUqcucfsd4hcyI8CR-Ai0bYoea7RUI4Z1jAVGKi7oiJnZa_V3HJiN2eIV8LhRd7qzh5/s1024/20230719_170741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6NZS5Kp7-d2r7NgOnx83a0WGs7sUt7aLNZ8fN4znfECc1kW2n0jxIp76kmXtn4vXKpCfD6_Pcd3E6e39TqEWf3GqmvrzPg3HgDRzJ5sZGx_V_iqPp-QpmEUqcucfsd4hcyI8CR-Ai0bYoea7RUI4Z1jAVGKi7oiJnZa_V3HJiN2eIV8LhRd7qzh5/w400-h300/20230719_170741.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Though Kathy always racks her brain to try to find ways to
entertain us while we’re there. It’s nice but we really don’t need to be
entertained. We sort of figure things out as we go. In any case, she had
croquet and cornhole for the girls (and me) to play in the margins of our day.
There was a bit more pressure this time since Kiran’s birthday happened while
we were there. In addition to cake and so forth, and as nerds do, we opted on
the Minnesota Science Museum.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2giJ5LXZdylA1nRb8nuYmIzCcGy2oFqy80poYv7jhWpvZtHHAD3fVxeBBV2KzxsnghnOFJa1kxLrbwbj0zrd3U69u1wcjTH6-oihzPkPwEG9zMta8hTrgrKliQdMJ8H3U9dyD1-vWk5CrQZmBk3hWk9onyJJBu4JxJ3PWig1YrKNYgIflEQfdyh9q/s1024/20230719_114221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2giJ5LXZdylA1nRb8nuYmIzCcGy2oFqy80poYv7jhWpvZtHHAD3fVxeBBV2KzxsnghnOFJa1kxLrbwbj0zrd3U69u1wcjTH6-oihzPkPwEG9zMta8hTrgrKliQdMJ8H3U9dyD1-vWk5CrQZmBk3hWk9onyJJBu4JxJ3PWig1YrKNYgIflEQfdyh9q/w400-h300/20230719_114221.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I sense an eyeroll from most people when entertaining
thoughts of a science museum. But it could be because you haven’t been to one
recently. People that design these things nowadays are pretty amazing. We’ve
been to a few in various cities and they really are impressive, particularly if
you have children. It’s sort of like watching some of the animated movies. It’s
an excuse to do something fun that you might not have done without kids in tow.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7jT5r1MVb9AFqZIzAkLg1QP89f-PNf1f9UjV58_c4jTReHC1Nb68hwp-YRVONsk5qkQS8mlVnFmIMoPO4-_v3fJvo40uhbUDWRrgFfugLX3qnn2ifjFJtHz-yvjGcJ4eXRjdZ7o2Dc9Q--bby47vUQaaubBcUpCFnpO3ersTRY3Ex_hUGle1QPXn/s1024/20230719_115609.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7jT5r1MVb9AFqZIzAkLg1QP89f-PNf1f9UjV58_c4jTReHC1Nb68hwp-YRVONsk5qkQS8mlVnFmIMoPO4-_v3fJvo40uhbUDWRrgFfugLX3qnn2ifjFJtHz-yvjGcJ4eXRjdZ7o2Dc9Q--bby47vUQaaubBcUpCFnpO3ersTRY3Ex_hUGle1QPXn/w400-h300/20230719_115609.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>this is probably more impressive when you see it in person<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The one deterrent is that often the cost of entry for these
things is steep. I’m guessing they must be mostly self-funded in order to
charge so much for entry. My fear is that they have already priced out the families
on the lower end of the economic spectrum. A sad phenomenon where the rich are
given educational opportunities and the poor are left out. I assume they have
arrangements for schools, which would give access to some. Otherwise, it’s not
accessible.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8JF6lbGHSd-GgjeKKltJWx1TRRMPLZ75MBckWdQzm8dMF8PyY7xpfQFztlxb-QkeC2ZGzvj75mV4Ja29AQu30VjJ-o2OaA3ZBebolUqv1z3gxQjfTij8dYoVXnEdlqiEsklF6Wr793F_tCYAFiafPeP5w6rc8wD6bWWxOTWZnPctcpDhVM2iD0sd/s1024/20230719_114958.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8JF6lbGHSd-GgjeKKltJWx1TRRMPLZ75MBckWdQzm8dMF8PyY7xpfQFztlxb-QkeC2ZGzvj75mV4Ja29AQu30VjJ-o2OaA3ZBebolUqv1z3gxQjfTij8dYoVXnEdlqiEsklF6Wr793F_tCYAFiafPeP5w6rc8wD6bWWxOTWZnPctcpDhVM2iD0sd/w400-h300/20230719_114958.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>future newscasters</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-EohX3MxWfplmY1eiHaa6qyN677erPFMQce2fZCnNNX2lOZnOCtRBITerXFtlseNP6iP6y8VHR8n7dtKRinNlwC1XuVU4y5ur7YLUwD0fK7B-rOzAz0NJt05UHVB2vUjR34z8xWQOOUZhlyMPPrZj5lEGhc54PeEoEdiUR0MBWCyBZ-YlXM-QNx-/s1024/20230719_125355.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="766" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-EohX3MxWfplmY1eiHaa6qyN677erPFMQce2fZCnNNX2lOZnOCtRBITerXFtlseNP6iP6y8VHR8n7dtKRinNlwC1XuVU4y5ur7YLUwD0fK7B-rOzAz0NJt05UHVB2vUjR34z8xWQOOUZhlyMPPrZj5lEGhc54PeEoEdiUR0MBWCyBZ-YlXM-QNx-/s320/20230719_125355.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>old ad promoting tape worms for weight loss...</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />But yes, it’s a really interesting museum. I will refrain
from describing it all here, but we ended up spending far more time there than
we anticipated. We could have even spent longer to see and/or experience all
that there was. It also had a nice view overlooking the Mississippi River. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRNKnNNX4j-cc1cyKobE9bMUr8aRULG57gr0zdS54xyAYAb3gL0D5oeAzWqOBfnDEJFE3IGojy51aQGXxIk7CDVXhgW7Dlhm8bD-wMNyj-3dQruxaVgueos04_Ucj1kkh1nOGbNNAQfZjJTCB4nbNTUozhUCYPiCRXRn5XzVgDwQN76sf0p7Nu8yJ/s1024/20230719_113957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRNKnNNX4j-cc1cyKobE9bMUr8aRULG57gr0zdS54xyAYAb3gL0D5oeAzWqOBfnDEJFE3IGojy51aQGXxIk7CDVXhgW7Dlhm8bD-wMNyj-3dQruxaVgueos04_Ucj1kkh1nOGbNNAQfZjJTCB4nbNTUozhUCYPiCRXRn5XzVgDwQN76sf0p7Nu8yJ/w400-h300/20230719_113957.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One other thing of note that we did was an outdoor concert at
the Minnesota History Center. While the music itself wasn’t that interesting (I’ll
refrain from naming the group), it was a nice evening out. There were food
trucks supporting the event, one providing Greek and Egyptian food, the other
French (crepes). We tapped into both, obviously. For the latter one, I chatted
with the lady serving up the crepes. She had a thick accent and she
seemed rather pleased when I spoke to her in French. I admit that I was happy that she asked
me what part of France I was from. I realize that she’s lived outside France
for nine years and Minnesota is not awash with francophones, so her judgment of
good French is probably not what it was. But I’ll take it.</p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-10278761478552918422023-09-08T11:25:00.005+03:002023-09-08T11:28:20.124+03:00The Hague<p> Need to get this blog going again. Lots going on and no time to write...</p><p style="text-align: center;">* * *<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">Summer vacation is over. We’re back in Nairobi and back to
the routines. Jet lag wasn’t too bad
this time and we’re all adjusted to East Africa time. I would have liked to
begin writing this up as we traveled but there just wasn’t time. You'll understand as you get a better idea of what all happened. So I’ll catch up,
chapter by chapter of what was a long journey.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJj39KL8hGwocLwnvFVEptUxYN6rXMW_F1BXGODgUQ-U98ieeV1c-4a4BBWBb3cIr8w5Tk4wh-x0n9tcd5xByKJnAEpPPYNnmJQ_3-9UgZbhbnc9rK0u3ngyetKdZ74u_fN7m5NYVaszkjy2EGX2PtQm2DQprCHsyjx-XFIUzMjR9V9Lxm5-t1fjP/s1024/20230715_000549.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJj39KL8hGwocLwnvFVEptUxYN6rXMW_F1BXGODgUQ-U98ieeV1c-4a4BBWBb3cIr8w5Tk4wh-x0n9tcd5xByKJnAEpPPYNnmJQ_3-9UgZbhbnc9rK0u3ngyetKdZ74u_fN7m5NYVaszkjy2EGX2PtQm2DQprCHsyjx-XFIUzMjR9V9Lxm5-t1fjP/w400-h268/20230715_000549.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>and we're off on the long journey...</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We began by flying to the Netherlands as we have often done
in the past. We have friends there that we met during our days in Burundi.
Traveling through Amsterdam was beneficial when the girls were little in that it broke up the
trip, getting out of the plane after one long-haul flight. Two long-haul
back-to-back flights is a lot for kids who can’t watch movies yet and/or don’t
want to sleep. It's a lot for parents too.<br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We arrived at Schiphol Airport, a place we know very well, a bit bleary-eyed after the night flight. But
it’s a similar time zone so no jet lag. Our friend Anne picked us up and we drove to The Hague. The last time we were there was
pre-pandemic so there was much to discuss. We’re big fans of Holland so it was
good just to be back and hang out. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the years, with this life I’ve led, I’ve met hundreds
and hundreds of people, some of whom are friends who end up in my inner
circle.
Though there is often a will to stay in touch and/or eventually meet up
again
at some point, in spite of the best intentions, it almost never happens.
Living in many countries and traveling
to dozens more, it’s just not tenable, even with the benefit of the
internet, to stay connected to so many people. For whatever reason, our
friends in The
Hague (whom we met in Bujumbura) have remained close. Admittedly, the
staying power of the friendships benefits from the fact that we
frequently fly through the Netherlands on our way to the US.
Nonetheless, it does take some commitment to dedicate precious vacation
days when it's a zero sum situation: days in Holland mean fewer days
with family.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPma-9iJtbUiOB3Nv-WrVx-MMOJqteDtaiZVKFsmjgp1UZ7JgvbmLMbiq36Fe_RFdeFpkTVAkqE59RtCXBznpfHEZbewsxIxIvm1-5fSmKCq9PfmAj2DduXOp0GmuKa_j_cm-v1G0eZPRZ3DOSBe2E_mQCuHiNylPzsyBMPEatI2b7F6fDQqOQDLq/s1024/20230715_210210b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1024" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPma-9iJtbUiOB3Nv-WrVx-MMOJqteDtaiZVKFsmjgp1UZ7JgvbmLMbiq36Fe_RFdeFpkTVAkqE59RtCXBznpfHEZbewsxIxIvm1-5fSmKCq9PfmAj2DduXOp0GmuKa_j_cm-v1G0eZPRZ3DOSBe2E_mQCuHiNylPzsyBMPEatI2b7F6fDQqOQDLq/w400-h265/20230715_210210b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Much of our time was spent either at their house or out at a
nearby park playing football (soccer). Given that they are Dutch, they have a
bevy of bicycles which enabled all of us, as we have done in the past, to smoothly
move about the city. Though Europe had been suffering through a heat wave, we
were blessed with perfect weather throughout the time we were there. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWki7hNVvccFGqnwKFwKPvg_AhafaYf8nDiQrK6_fimNeGH9wMj3Z-jY8891b0FO74uQUurryItVZIaeSZxrJJsDQliAB7VXsorDwtJJIBN3gP_Q3HC3THh4KjQHhltrbiimXR5qETZ2iKL4IRPbiIHzkk0tUVdu4wn39rphKUsWQ03iyT4Us8Mt2/s1024/20230716_121502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWki7hNVvccFGqnwKFwKPvg_AhafaYf8nDiQrK6_fimNeGH9wMj3Z-jY8891b0FO74uQUurryItVZIaeSZxrJJsDQliAB7VXsorDwtJJIBN3gP_Q3HC3THh4KjQHhltrbiimXR5qETZ2iKL4IRPbiIHzkk0tUVdu4wn39rphKUsWQ03iyT4Us8Mt2/w400-h266/20230716_121502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />One excursion we made was to the somewhat well-known city of Delft. I’m a bit
surprised, after dozens of trips to the Netherlands, that I had never been
there before. Delft is a bike ride of about 9 km. (a little over 5 /12 miles)
from the Hague – a scenic ride, most of the time along various canals and
always on wide bike paths. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Pdvpl92FLg8DJIvj7EqMDKfNFpAzXR8wkNAH1JKCOuwEFqC2p47vTUhtjlHBxdPVW1Fo1HtnQ9zkmihwtKEtoGNde5RDUc2n23ELDFKoKujGGm0MsbDQRSZlK0y5uX9ohpsZiBoqRGuSiol3jDDWMpYErOy_J7p_Jf0rqtbhO3vTNze_G1r3JOGB/s1024/20230716_125248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Pdvpl92FLg8DJIvj7EqMDKfNFpAzXR8wkNAH1JKCOuwEFqC2p47vTUhtjlHBxdPVW1Fo1HtnQ9zkmihwtKEtoGNde5RDUc2n23ELDFKoKujGGm0MsbDQRSZlK0y5uX9ohpsZiBoqRGuSiol3jDDWMpYErOy_J7p_Jf0rqtbhO3vTNze_G1r3JOGB/w640-h426/20230716_125248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The city has a rich history and is loaded with historic
buildings. It played a highly influential role in the Dutch Golden Age (late
1500s to the late 1600s), when Dutch trade, science, art and colonization
were among the most prominent in Europe. During this time, it was home for
the famous Dutch East India Company. It’s also a well-known university town and
renowned for the Delft ceramic pottery (styled on the imported Chinese
porcelain of the 17<sup>th</sup> century).<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z39deP3B1b7fsVvShQ7uf8CguGQlgoZj4SXSwYKj2HW62XN6I0x1i1OIIqe-IHFiSTB5w641ubffLV-T1ws0HRhv6KobvjVNd7XGPkOPVTW0PRHm8hIW5aJd6Q3hMAMbeb8yZcA_80i-R82u4_h-igvl0ErH1UjYDh-yJPW39O1NyHjLtxlnvB4n/s1024/20230716_140622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z39deP3B1b7fsVvShQ7uf8CguGQlgoZj4SXSwYKj2HW62XN6I0x1i1OIIqe-IHFiSTB5w641ubffLV-T1ws0HRhv6KobvjVNd7XGPkOPVTW0PRHm8hIW5aJd6Q3hMAMbeb8yZcA_80i-R82u4_h-igvl0ErH1UjYDh-yJPW39O1NyHjLtxlnvB4n/w400-h266/20230716_140622.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Our hosts had organized a boat trip through the canals of
the city. I realize that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I genuinely enjoy
this sort of thing. I’ve done boat tours in various cities including San
Antonio (TX), St. Paul (MN), Venice, London and Paris. Maybe others
that I’m not remembering right now. In most cases, it’s the guide that can make
it worthwhile. On this day we had a surprisingly entertaining university student
with a dry sense of humor. The canals are narrow at times, often with limited
clearance beneath centuries old bridges. She was quite talented at navigating
these obstacles, all the while holding a microphone in her left hand and steering
with the right, likely out late the night before. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispA57SN34SPguaUrSL8etiCmiARIG8ywxZej1OSrqua0LsaA2Z9T97HbwdHR39-FFzaBP2B2jpyLglaN5EQy0VENLPZZIK8rHIf5zHmioruWzwT4h7oy-16mIHKTqXRlpX8utFU45NlJ-K7WPldNEWS4LsKC2OBg_R6IZdbUYq4-T0Ujge2Guu8I8/s1024/20230716_131655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispA57SN34SPguaUrSL8etiCmiARIG8ywxZej1OSrqua0LsaA2Z9T97HbwdHR39-FFzaBP2B2jpyLglaN5EQy0VENLPZZIK8rHIf5zHmioruWzwT4h7oy-16mIHKTqXRlpX8utFU45NlJ-K7WPldNEWS4LsKC2OBg_R6IZdbUYq4-T0Ujge2Guu8I8/w640-h480/20230716_131655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After walking around, having lunch in a large square teeming
with people enjoying the sunny afternoon, we made our way back to the bicycles
for the ride back to The Hague. I remain a huge fan of the Netherlands.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHcQuWZfVZJDfhy1JYGzDtcTEptxOH3fWLuXhbj8pvzLHv8GO6Ep6O_y4KVETRKTL6sAGVRiJrUmgcM_gxPKiG3ECxxkd5Cbej5p7ZX6iFGazmdOWv_hCNKuLA4u61UIzlsmHtJ-3S3VgNYJsQd26d3YxDPSrWBgksz1IQ8lJr5Zb8SNe4tSP2vDd/s1024/20230716_153003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHcQuWZfVZJDfhy1JYGzDtcTEptxOH3fWLuXhbj8pvzLHv8GO6Ep6O_y4KVETRKTL6sAGVRiJrUmgcM_gxPKiG3ECxxkd5Cbej5p7ZX6iFGazmdOWv_hCNKuLA4u61UIzlsmHtJ-3S3VgNYJsQd26d3YxDPSrWBgksz1IQ8lJr5Zb8SNe4tSP2vDd/w400-h300/20230716_153003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The next day we caught a train back to Amsterdam to catch
out flight. A great first leg of our trip under our belts. <p></p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-87689037313863937312023-08-09T02:49:00.003+03:002023-08-09T02:49:34.501+03:00National Events in Mogadishu<p>Catching up again…</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Given that I was preparing to go on leave by mid-July, I was
doing my best to invest in as much time as possible in my responsibilities on
the Somali side of the border. There’s always a demand on my time coming from
multiple directions. I seem to never be able to devote enough time to my
obligations in Somalia – meeting with staff, government, the field, donors,
partner organizations, local leaders, and of course the population we serve. On
the other hand, there are responsibilities on the Nairobi side. There are
regional colleagues, other donors, other organizations, etc. This is not
counting all the personal demands on my time, family being the most important
of all. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It's an age-old dilemma. There is no way to meet all of the
demands. It’s a relentless task of prioritizing each day the best that I can,
accepting that people are going to be disappointed along the way.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With all of the commitment to being in Mogadishu, it’s never
enough, of course. But I was able to get a lot done during June and early July,
in spite of the fact that I was in West Africa part of the time.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During my last week in Mogadishu before going on leave, I
happened to hit a couple of important functions. Early in the week I received
an email from our CEO, connecting me with the new UK ambassador for Somalia. I
knew his predecessor quite well but hadn’t had a chance to meet him yet. After
a brief exchange, he alerted me to the fact that King’s Day was two days away
and they were hosting their annual event. In fact, I have been a regular
attendee of the Queen’s Day event in the past, both in Nairobi and Mogadishu,
but for some reason this year my name had dropped of the list. Until now.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">King’s Day is the celebration of the King’s birthday. Like
the other national day events that I attend, there are usually loads of
important people and culinary offerings that are particular to the hosting country.
As was the case last year, fish and chips where were sort of the main snack.
They would need to be served without a cold beer (unlike in the UK) given that,
out of respect for the Somali counterparts that would be attending, no alcohol
would be present. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqicFRCjMDj5v0eeSpOuNmEf1Lr8mKb4sw2tId1X6jqAA4aGv0hWoK8Bpogh_13lvHDDkww1GrK4454p3rO8ExB6M5NBeKIqGqSBbH7od2Zxub-6qcsSnU7zej7nAqsEGjf_f28PJH_Pf324-f7kBe2Pg2F7lwIrTQ0qKzI2LX0LFh_dngSi3RBazN/s1024/20230705_153715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1024" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqicFRCjMDj5v0eeSpOuNmEf1Lr8mKb4sw2tId1X6jqAA4aGv0hWoK8Bpogh_13lvHDDkww1GrK4454p3rO8ExB6M5NBeKIqGqSBbH7od2Zxub-6qcsSnU7zej7nAqsEGjf_f28PJH_Pf324-f7kBe2Pg2F7lwIrTQ0qKzI2LX0LFh_dngSi3RBazN/w640-h378/20230705_153715.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>not sure why I think an armored vehicle with a "Learner" sticker on it is funny, but it is</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Technically, alcohol is illegal in Somalia. But it doesn’t
mean it doesn’t exist, like illegal things in every country. In the “green
zone”, it’s not that it’s complete lawlessness but normal Somali jurisdiction
doesn’t seem to apply. Though the government officially oversees the area, it’s
more like an international military base distinct from the rest of Mogadishu. A
lot goes on that wouldn’t be allowed outside. It’s a different world from my life
on the outside. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTN-rUPaC6ifjUjSWrIn501PezCfzwh1nHCWbhnFC2lIGmF5VI19tM4ByBBTJSf2qYNAdutS1SLDwFJk-bM18caoNfFgqFhxF3kfQ8hCLwQMgiHL3WWo8QPtiPSxTM_O5n5tWSiA6C2TdgEfV5ozV5aZb8hmqrMq0tNKI5Q3a45l7_-MJT3egxz2q/s1024/20230705_164016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTN-rUPaC6ifjUjSWrIn501PezCfzwh1nHCWbhnFC2lIGmF5VI19tM4ByBBTJSf2qYNAdutS1SLDwFJk-bM18caoNfFgqFhxF3kfQ8hCLwQMgiHL3WWo8QPtiPSxTM_O5n5tWSiA6C2TdgEfV5ozV5aZb8hmqrMq0tNKI5Q3a45l7_-MJT3egxz2q/w400-h300/20230705_164016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The event unfolded as anticipated. Mingling in suits in hot,
humid weather. Then speeches. Then national anthems. When it was time for God Save
the King, it was hard not to laugh when we began feeling the pitter patter of
rain. It was not only the Brits who found humor in the famously English phenomenon
of precipitation commencing with the national song.<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After a day of meetings, the next evening’s event would
bring me back into the green zone for the US national day. Though I work for a
US organization, and we do receive US government funding for some of our work,
I don’t have much connection with the US mission. It’s a challenge since they
aren’t allowed to leave the green zone and I don’t normally spend much time
inside (except this particular week).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjBGUUg_nLtw2Jcu_3eWAO9VqXBr0KJ8MJHKe3Xa7UqNyayK6qfz9z_41SBRclyg27jgJA9Mds7ijFQ-ch7cc4sd4qT8LYV5lfa9W55fD6gBjZEDtmn6WP0-hP_O92ZYtHo36zo6oEzaC1DvgFE_OOJL-mJBroHlNMTJKa0-nDi7C1dYMpNgCcrv6/s1024/20230704_180449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1024" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjBGUUg_nLtw2Jcu_3eWAO9VqXBr0KJ8MJHKe3Xa7UqNyayK6qfz9z_41SBRclyg27jgJA9Mds7ijFQ-ch7cc4sd4qT8LYV5lfa9W55fD6gBjZEDtmn6WP0-hP_O92ZYtHo36zo6oEzaC1DvgFE_OOJL-mJBroHlNMTJKa0-nDi7C1dYMpNgCcrv6/w400-h384/20230704_180449.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The event was somewhat low-key, though there were a lot of
stout military guys (and some women), mostly young-ish, milling about and doing
some drinking. I ended up spending most of the evening up on a deck with a wonderful
view of the ocean, only about a hundred feet or so away.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMnmsn1PT34PDP_7lmOwgt1UOl5VlZjCl1qVIrJjy6VBeFPpZKwmeFyKVvSV3n8Ka3dkuIax4ltuRz1aW4ZF_j2Cx46wE4WttGhp86_t9lpID5T3xr0P6R3mnN4DMdSm4jK_7qP9xeHM6KcZBKnQ0vp6nIABVeZAnA9NeymJ-VhHjfcakqAEJJWMV/s1024/20230704_191305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1024" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMnmsn1PT34PDP_7lmOwgt1UOl5VlZjCl1qVIrJjy6VBeFPpZKwmeFyKVvSV3n8Ka3dkuIax4ltuRz1aW4ZF_j2Cx46wE4WttGhp86_t9lpID5T3xr0P6R3mnN4DMdSm4jK_7qP9xeHM6KcZBKnQ0vp6nIABVeZAnA9NeymJ-VhHjfcakqAEJJWMV/w400-h304/20230704_191305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">I never heard a national anthem, though there was a guy walking
around in a bald eagle outfit. Not only did I find it funny, I found it courageous
given the sweltering heat.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjhjxynAzzdrBBaDL4U_QX5YTZ_UJwgbbDW2kw_ZofbkAApiKFpVougpiwwhBM4rvJawv6NsOLgWXbc1cmV-cFLR3IHhedP21PWmgFqQZFxlF4YbJT2L9nRacodu7Db6ctOxHZOHERlns4ayinlai3XJ93cBxw93ejvEYc9bFK23OATr6i7oxx73L/s1024/20230704_181239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjhjxynAzzdrBBaDL4U_QX5YTZ_UJwgbbDW2kw_ZofbkAApiKFpVougpiwwhBM4rvJawv6NsOLgWXbc1cmV-cFLR3IHhedP21PWmgFqQZFxlF4YbJT2L9nRacodu7Db6ctOxHZOHERlns4ayinlai3XJ93cBxw93ejvEYc9bFK23OATr6i7oxx73L/w640-h386/20230704_181239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />One other thing that was a bit funny was the “fireworks”
display. In fact, fireworks obviously aren’t allowed in an environment such as
this, so the substitute would be a few of the military guys firing seven or
eight flares. They lasted for a few seconds and then would fade into the dark. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FLu9-JW6o8EpHK3e4Cv6HsJhSnbkUrOx7p8LtDpivbV6j8ySZHCeEvTRf6ffRs0jBQV1Cjp1XchWmLfuQ4LJBXaWccjZZUy5BUfKTwTxhCM7uc4-M0-yEmSxqeUEED7enPTruiycuxbgsMd-mTOqO01LDyy-0JWSWLcbToJCgwmPd6K1X2qbqRWg/s1024/20230704_190501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FLu9-JW6o8EpHK3e4Cv6HsJhSnbkUrOx7p8LtDpivbV6j8ySZHCeEvTRf6ffRs0jBQV1Cjp1XchWmLfuQ4LJBXaWccjZZUy5BUfKTwTxhCM7uc4-M0-yEmSxqeUEED7enPTruiycuxbgsMd-mTOqO01LDyy-0JWSWLcbToJCgwmPd6K1X2qbqRWg/w640-h480/20230704_190501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After munching on a burger and fries, I would make my way to
my awaiting vehicle/driver and we would (exceptionally) return to my residence
in the dark of night – something I’m normally not allowed to do. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next morning, I would catch my flight to Nairobi and
begin the countdown until my July-August vacation. Finally. </p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4712743520325249568.post-899366815781905812023-07-09T21:04:00.001+03:002023-07-10T13:11:06.848+03:00Dakar<p>The idea of traveling across the massive continent of Africa
was not attractive to me after so much travel recently. But when the time came
to go, I lugged my carry-on to the taxi early on a Sunday evening and headed to Dakar. </p><p>Interestingly, Somalia contains mainland Africa's easternmost point and Senegal contains mainland Africa's westernmost point. The distance across is only slightly less than the distance across the Atlantic between mainland US and mainland Europe. <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My flight departed late evening and I would arrive (after
stopping in Accra, Ghana) in the wee hours of Monday morning. On arrival I discovered
that there were two others traveling to these meetings that were on the same
flight. We eventually located our driver and soon we were heading out in the
4am darkness in the Senegalese countryside. It’s unfortunate that my arrival was
in the dark, which limited what I could see of the country’s coastal area. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyccv7cIyvDxIADxLuMEOrG3ypaY1MlbbiffrG2IdyTEWV63VVhW82fETqkbbFLCrBGM5oQd6dsoADGNKzdOQG_rkb0Ktj4DG5qEoyn-SkWLEhX5RKIipCXtVlQJY57OkYGIjy9EWeskveax5zavQfe8ENTbZ0l5jkO-djI7sVawp48ttBFqe-cmFK/s1024/20230621_125941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="1024" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyccv7cIyvDxIADxLuMEOrG3ypaY1MlbbiffrG2IdyTEWV63VVhW82fETqkbbFLCrBGM5oQd6dsoADGNKzdOQG_rkb0Ktj4DG5qEoyn-SkWLEhX5RKIipCXtVlQJY57OkYGIjy9EWeskveax5zavQfe8ENTbZ0l5jkO-djI7sVawp48ttBFqe-cmFK/w640-h334/20230621_125941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Initially, the meetings were supposed to be held on Gor<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">é</span>e
Island, famous as a destination for people interested in the Atlantic slave
trade. The island’s real role in the slave trade is disputed (it may not have
been as significant as was previously thought). Nonetheless, the island is
designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Either way, the place has a rich
history, is beautiful, and would have been an interesting place to have our
meetings. The trade-off would have been that attendees would have needed to
stay in B&Bs and not have large hotel amenities like pools and so forth.
But we would have been in a beautiful and historic location.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLV1uuUE6LkqrVQWpTw6C-X4Sc6PccWmDdHFQMfgSHKJIicWitEceRe5Ek20LyQtpJBI5qPTNGpjggCV8V42EHbdl-Bv1csF8xw-ihC3QaetfaR8a0PqjBvRC3O5qzzXh3bH8lgk21QN8n_n-7zivAsnkF1HBZr9c0Qo0ufMA4GXSmONR1XkTUti2/s1024/20230619_191302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1024" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLV1uuUE6LkqrVQWpTw6C-X4Sc6PccWmDdHFQMfgSHKJIicWitEceRe5Ek20LyQtpJBI5qPTNGpjggCV8V42EHbdl-Bv1csF8xw-ihC3QaetfaR8a0PqjBvRC3O5qzzXh3bH8lgk21QN8n_n-7zivAsnkF1HBZr9c0Qo0ufMA4GXSmONR1XkTUti2/w640-h376/20230619_191302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In the end, there were some rather violent protests in Dakar
so they opted on moving us to a resort about a half hour south of the city. <p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Senegal is the westernmost country of mainland Africa. It’s
located north of the equator on the transition from the Saharan desert climate
of northern Africa and the tropical climate band that runs across central
Africa. That’s about what it felt like. It was hot and dry but there was still
an abundance of tropical vegetation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNyzdCN5Ie9QWf8NYZxHgBvXCiUbu8QBCdWpoO7GaxGGjgoW8DWNxLaTXrAobWxHmTHa0nRt3Qjhv902wj9wAgKvLuvI-3uM-cmVF0sbIrmJBWh2ZBdInWZ5VeMJL0y4iDUpDa1WDzPaa1Jnt9_njQgSXuAMesge1Pg4adeoywEK3PykNuOEbAZsv/s1024/20230619_113203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNyzdCN5Ie9QWf8NYZxHgBvXCiUbu8QBCdWpoO7GaxGGjgoW8DWNxLaTXrAobWxHmTHa0nRt3Qjhv902wj9wAgKvLuvI-3uM-cmVF0sbIrmJBWh2ZBdInWZ5VeMJL0y4iDUpDa1WDzPaa1Jnt9_njQgSXuAMesge1Pg4adeoywEK3PykNuOEbAZsv/w480-h640/20230619_113203.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>watching me work<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Senegal as a country was formed as part of the independence
of French West Africa from French colonial rule. As a result, French is the
official language. But, like many former French or Belgian colonies,
proficiency is limited to only the population who have had a decent education
and/or who work in tourist areas. Where we stayed, most people spoke French
quite well but between themselves they tended to speak Wolof (spoken by about
80% of the country). However, over 30 languages are spoken in Senegal. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Like Burundi, where we lived prior to Kenya, English is very
limited. The country’s resorts tend to be frequented by francophone Europeans
(predominantly French) while East Africa seems to host more English and Germans
(unlike Burundi, Senegal receives tourists). For those who attended the
meetings that didn’t speak French, communicating was a bit frustrating (outside
of the meetings themselves where we had simultaneous translation). Though I
don’t use as much French as I used to, I still feel comfortable in the language
and the week sharpened it up a bit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQbZZpy7Thv6Vxc44yctfIm8WD1YTRO4cr2wlyFKss-E_sSgh_HJCsQ7An0S7V1HPtW5OFCU8pHz8pk95gJ4_8JEC9x4cB0Q36ISifgxTIuCF603PUbUAZUfTTDCcHtrcnNtAvVskJDd6OypRezG10EKu4GvrovqYPz62Gb9pfaNOWom4amPAjKw1/s1024/20230619_205331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQbZZpy7Thv6Vxc44yctfIm8WD1YTRO4cr2wlyFKss-E_sSgh_HJCsQ7An0S7V1HPtW5OFCU8pHz8pk95gJ4_8JEC9x4cB0Q36ISifgxTIuCF603PUbUAZUfTTDCcHtrcnNtAvVskJDd6OypRezG10EKu4GvrovqYPz62Gb9pfaNOWom4amPAjKw1/w640-h426/20230619_205331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Senegal is officially a secular state though Islam is
practiced by 97% of the population. It was introduced from northern Africa in
the 11 century and has remained the primary religion in spite of European
colonization, particularly of the Portuguese and French. I do find it
interesting how little impact the French had on indigenous beliefs compared to
their East African counterparts (i.e. the Brits and Germans) who were quite
intentional about bringing Christianity to the masses. Apparently it was due to
a combination of things. One was the resistance of the Senegalese to colonial
influence. They ended up accepting the language as sort of a lingua franca
among the elites/educated, but otherwise maintained a history of resisting
French influence on society. Another reason that Islam remained the predominant
religion was that the focus of colonizers was more on the coastal areas. Missionaries
did make some headway in the 19<sup>th</sup> century, but it was limited in its
long-term impact. Moreover, the French were not as aggressive in their
proselytizing as their British and German counterparts on the other side of the
continent. Trade, including slave trade until abolition in the 19<sup>th</sup>
century – making the colonies pay for themselves – was more a focus of their
efforts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNzeigTsiJe9e-Js4bT0PkP0Dd-9dSkOhwqyzTfK83SuZRpQahZNkCXwx7XYyf6gXjF-2nRrGtK6K9OPT9tEOjxn52EE06nPxGuTACLFhfZxkPszZ7BPy5cgC7Nj7HaOGxRbDiHKRj_T6Umrb83ddC5kY55mnXP_u4SIL1mRtLsG_AyFEUecTTXXJ/s1024/20230622_092832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1024" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNzeigTsiJe9e-Js4bT0PkP0Dd-9dSkOhwqyzTfK83SuZRpQahZNkCXwx7XYyf6gXjF-2nRrGtK6K9OPT9tEOjxn52EE06nPxGuTACLFhfZxkPszZ7BPy5cgC7Nj7HaOGxRbDiHKRj_T6Umrb83ddC5kY55mnXP_u4SIL1mRtLsG_AyFEUecTTXXJ/w640-h384/20230622_092832.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />By the 1950s, independence movements across Africa were
gaining momentum. In 1960, Senegal became fully independent.<p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My days were generally full of meetings in our conference
room or online meetings hosted back in Somalia. In the gaps, I hammered out
emails as effectively as I could. Admittedly, my focus was split between
nutrition discussions in Senegal and pressing issues in the Horn of Africa.
It’s not ideal. It would have been better to be able to focus solely on the
interactions with the group gathered in Dakar, but, unlike most of the others,
I just didn’t have that luxury.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDnx8r683KCqSOP6NktqJZxGbKngUC3Pd37YatkS7GK36QQpPBy5G-r9_mMqmvVZixQtXYCNgK5c4QhAilP0PIEmjaa7SSvZn6-ZPEiD1KVKynbcxGMnY8mRqhgozmXmPZab48Gm2cVyd8CIG3Z4IHw8kDuIucX01YXzVR1kmb_PhUZLp3p3sISEK/s1024/20230621_185033.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDnx8r683KCqSOP6NktqJZxGbKngUC3Pd37YatkS7GK36QQpPBy5G-r9_mMqmvVZixQtXYCNgK5c4QhAilP0PIEmjaa7SSvZn6-ZPEiD1KVKynbcxGMnY8mRqhgozmXmPZab48Gm2cVyd8CIG3Z4IHw8kDuIucX01YXzVR1kmb_PhUZLp3p3sISEK/w400-h300/20230621_185033.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>not a bad workstation</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The other thing I neglected was the resort. Though I was
able to get a couple of early morning runs in, I didn’t spend as much time as I
would have wanted in the great outdoors. Too bad since it was such a beautiful
setting. I only managed to get one swim in, a horrible admission given how
wonderful the pools were. Working against me was the fact that they didn’t allow
swimming before 9am. An insane rule if you ask me. They closed them at 7pm as
well, not leaving much time for those who are at the resort for professional
reasons. They may want to rethink that if they plan to further expand their
clientele beyond French retirees. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The other notable fail was the lack of internet access in
the rooms. I debated getting a SIM card (to have local smart phone access) but
I decided that it wasn’t necessary given that I would be at a hotel the whole
time and could just tap into the hotel internet. Probably ended up being a
mistake given the shoddy Wi-Fi connectivity. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-MpDJHsXZn8e0r5WC6nJjhyPyh_Grd2X0BaVi2S_kZ1I3wz4XWm3ZNtF1i--XgqwsWHDM2RnANAB2aiygfDUCPh66B2phw1LYWE083t54MrkXIiwwOzTQ36G-8Ycw3HkcGVWoEPZ0B5dZPA8njHokjg5SmaicpujnCTPwKroTj8ik5WzRmg7IPDL/s1024/20230623_094608.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1024" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-MpDJHsXZn8e0r5WC6nJjhyPyh_Grd2X0BaVi2S_kZ1I3wz4XWm3ZNtF1i--XgqwsWHDM2RnANAB2aiygfDUCPh66B2phw1LYWE083t54MrkXIiwwOzTQ36G-8Ycw3HkcGVWoEPZ0B5dZPA8njHokjg5SmaicpujnCTPwKroTj8ik5WzRmg7IPDL/w640-h442/20230623_094608.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>baobab trees</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />One thing I did particularly enjoy was the buffet. One of
the best buffets I’ve experienced in my decades of doing this sort of thing.
I’m attributing it to their French legacy. The Senegalese may not have taken to
their religion, but they seemed to have embraced their cuisine. <p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Friday, I was scheduled to leave the hotel at 4am (the
same time as my regular, punishing trips to Somalia). I did my best to make my
way to bed early so as to avoid being entirely sleep-deprived prior to
departure. I was just falling asleep at 11pm when I heard a pounding at the
door. Always disturbing to have pounding on your door late at night,
particularly in a foreign country. As I turned on the light and made my way to
the door, I eventually heard my name. I opened the door to find one of the
meeting organizers and someone from the hotel. They were informing me that my
flight had been massively delayed (by 8 hours) and that my 4am shuttle to the
airport wouldn’t be happening. They had to make their rounds to the rooms of
those departing since, given that we had no internet and the communication
wasn’t sent until 10:30 at night, none of us would have been aware. The only
reason we found out was that one of the guys on my fight, obviously more
carefree than I, happened to be still at the bar when the message came in.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFGgpvXFKQyKbKS8Y1B3-yoMBNjHGQKwfdSOcmB9AIlHJUpm2AwkO73Bt4p0WojRYVEPxgbuiK9jLqs2OlXR5zQ92cpBwjX8f_sp7vjT2CGPe7aB24X5v_LAzvQHutuNEiwLgwpRLNDZibDydqFgXWpwVZtwj0w-qeMXGwWlsyJKZOpx1dFNOW06M/s998/20230621_065357%20b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="998" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFGgpvXFKQyKbKS8Y1B3-yoMBNjHGQKwfdSOcmB9AIlHJUpm2AwkO73Bt4p0WojRYVEPxgbuiK9jLqs2OlXR5zQ92cpBwjX8f_sp7vjT2CGPe7aB24X5v_LAzvQHutuNEiwLgwpRLNDZibDydqFgXWpwVZtwj0w-qeMXGwWlsyJKZOpx1dFNOW06M/w640-h426/20230621_065357%20b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sunrise run</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I had mixed feelings as I returned to bed. Good that I would
be able to sleep longer, have breakfast and leave gracefully mid-morning. Bummer
that I would not arrive in Nairobi until about 3am. It seems that there was a
necessary price to pay either at one end or the other. <p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eventually, I made it home. I crawled into bed at about 4am
Saturday morning. There was a school function for the girls starting at 9am
that I couldn’t miss. After about 3 ½ hours of sleep, I pulled my toxic self
out of bed and, powered by coffee, would make it happen.</p>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994133248337080895noreply@blogger.com0