The essentials

I watched an episode of The West Wing last night. I’ve watched them probably six times before, back to back, but I still enjoy them.

The episode I watched yesterday was the second to last episode that was ever made, and focus on the transition between President Bartlet and President-elect Santos.

C.J. Gregg, the chief of staff, is getting a lot of job offers, and can’t really decide. Enter: Frank Hollis. Multimillionaire ala Bill Gates. He offers her 10 billion US dollar to help the developing world. He suggests fighting malaria or other health initiatives.

C.J. wants to build roads. And boreholes.

All I can say – come to Sudan, C.J.

What is this? Something at home has changed?

A lot of my friends that probably reads this blog have been traveling a bit, and are used to the idea of moving around. And one thing that always struck me is that everything seems to be the same when you go back. Rationally you know it’s not. Someone had a baby, some else got a new job, a couple broke up, another one found each other… But not real significant changes – to your life. You just experienced a lot, learned new stuff and has become somewhat of a different person than when you left. But all those things that happened at home, they happened without you, and therefore don’t really concern you. Until now.

A couple of days ago I got an e-mail from my sister telling me that my parents had bought an apartment and was planning on moving. Which in itself is not so dramatic. But this means that they would have to leave their home of over 30 years. My childhood home. The house I’ve celebrated 26 Christmases in. The house where I used to jump down the stairs at age two. The house where my sister got her (now) deformed finger squashed in the door. The house where I used to sneak-read (if that’s even a word) my books under the blanket. The house where David and Motoko lived with us. The house that is so familiar and holds most of my childhoods memories.

But I realized that this is not my home anymore. And I have no need for it anymore. My home is the general idea of Bodø. The small town, with all it’s fantastic people. And my home is my own apartment in Bodø. When I sit here in Juba, longing for home, it’s my home I want. Not my parents’ home. That house is just that – a memory. And these memories are still here, long after the house stopped having a emotional connection to me. So I’m fine with my parents’ decision. I think it a smart decision, and a sensible one. And it is very exciting that they’re are taking this huge step. I’m happy for them.

But it will be strange to come home and experience a change that affects me as well.

New adventures

I started this blog went I left Norway to go to Cape Town for 6 months. That was back in the beginning of 2006. I was attending University of Cape Town, and thought that blogging might help me tell the stories of my adventures in CT, hence the name. And it did. At first I wrote in Norwegian, I thought that most of my readers would be friends back in Norway, but soon discovered that also my new international friends in CT wanted to read. And especially after my return to Norway, the followers changed. Now it was my South African, German, American, Kenyan, Swiss or Canadian friends that wanted to follow my doings. So I switched to English. And kept it that way. Not long after South Africa, I journeyed on a new adventure. To Kenya to finish up my master thesis, and to spend time with my great friend Christina. But after the two months in Kenya, this blog has been practical dead. With the exceptions of a few cold hearted attempts to write while in Norway.

So, for the sole reason of getting this blog up and running, I’ve venture on a new adventure. I’ve moved to Sudan.

I now live in Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan. I arrived here a couple of weeks ago, and are slowly getting settled in. You know those first few weeks in a new city? You’re trying to figure out where everything is, what the shortest route to work is, where to go for the cheapest bread, or the best coffee? Well, it’s like that down here… times ten. Not only do I need to find out where everything is, but I need to remember it as well. You might think that that’s a stupid thing to say. But here in Juba, everything changes. It a different city by night, or when the dust has settled… And places just don’t, for some strange reason, look them same as they did the last time. But I’m slowing getting into the groove of Juba. I found the best coffee place. Great coffee and air-conditioned! What more can you wish for.

Anyway, I’m down here. And will be for a while. The blog will be updated.

Last day at the office

Today was my last day at the office at the Town Hall in Bodoe. The wonderful people at the department for children, adolescence and culture gave my a small farewell party. And they also said some very nice things about me. Which I really didn’t expect. Not because I’m not nice, but when you work like I do (like most politician) you don’t always get the chance to form great relationship with your “co-workers” so to speak. Your job is for the most part to tell them what to do, via issues debated, discussed and voted over in the Town Council, and to tell them “no” when we don’t have any funding left. But they were surprisingly happy with my work, and even proud of what I’ve, with the help of them, had done in the last year.

Which made me think… Why is it that we always tell people that we are proud of them, or that they’re doing a great job, or that what they’re doing is important, when they leave? Wouldn’t it make more sense to tell them while “it” is happening? I for one am going to try to do that in my next job. And in life in general. Maybe they wouldn’t leave then…?

One year...

This blog has been dead for a year. It's time for some serious CPR.

I started this blog to write about my travels and other exciting adventures. And I will try to do just that. New adventures (and if you stretch the term travel - new travels) will happen soon.

As of next month I will start working in Oslo. I'm very excited. I think (hope) the job will prove to be as interesting as it seemed when I accepted the job offer. And I'm really looking forward to moving to Oslo. I'm actually really set for that change. Bodø is a wonderful town, I know probably half the people here. I've had fun times in politics here, and I'll certainly miss it. But it was time to move on now. And if it doesn't work out - well, then I'll either move back or move on. Nothing to loose.

I'll try and keep the readers that hasn't left this blog entirely updated on the big move.

It's been a while

Try and add all of this to an otherwise normal life... finishing up my master thesis, getting a new job, keeping my old job (which means I'm working two jobs at the moment), still in politics with lots of work (unpaid I might add) and trying to go on holidays with friends... and there's the reason why I haven written anything in a while.

I had plans though, if that helps. I always have plans. This time the plan is just to write more. And maybe a little bit more analytical about what's going on around me. But first I still have to finish up my thesis, and maybe quit one job (?).

I'll see you around.

My name is...

Your 1950s Name is:

Thelma Darlene

What's your 1950s Name?

Postponed

So I’ve postponed my thesis. And unlike a lot of other things that I do, this is not a decision that has been influenced be my tendency to procrastinate… But purely the fact that I won’t be able to finish on time. I had a meeting with Mr. Super last week and he gave me one advice. If I could work like crazy for the next three weeks I would be able to hand in the thesis on time. The fact is, I can’t work like crazy. Not that it isn’t physical possible, but I can’t afford to. I need to work as much as possible at my part time job to be able to pay the rent.

But it not a crisis, or a big deal. It just means that I will get some more time to write the thesis, and I will probably be more satisfied by the end. A big part of writing a thesis is the process of writing it, and I don’t want to rush it. I want the paper to be as close to perfect as I can get it. So, I’ll spend some time on it. And I have to admit, that it’s sort of nice as well. The thought of being done is a bit frigthning. Letting go of “my baby”. Well, it has to be done, but I just want the end result to be something that I won’t be embarresed over.

On a different note, I need some change in my life! Any good ideas? That isn’t expensive?

Yes, I know...

I'm lousy at updating. But I am just doing more fun things than blogging:) Yesterday some friends and I hit the slopes, and I came home with half a butt that is now blue... after some not very graceful off piste snowboarding.

And I'm also trying to do things that aren't quite that fun. Finishing my thesis. I'm supposed to have a first draft done by April 15th. Which is like three weeks from today. Crazy, crazy, crazy. So that keeps me occupied. And stressed out. And scared shitless. I means that in two months I'm done. Done with school. And I need to find something interesting to do. I'm working on a plan. Well, actually I'm working on several plans. Some are more realistic, and some are a bit far-fetch, like my Sheryl-plan (which is doable... in theory...). So, I'll keep you updated on that, but I recon that for the next three weeks, you won't hear much from me... Just a heads up. I'm probably still alive at the end of it... Unless the high caffeine intake (from late night working) kills me.

Tag, your it!

So, Eivind, challenged me in a little game of blog-tag.

The rules:
Every player starts of with writing six strange, maybe unknown, facts about themselves. Blog authors that has been "tagged" write these six (interesting?) facts about themselves and pass on the task to six new bloggers, by leaving a comment on their respective blogs.

1. I can't tie my shoes.
Well, I can tie the knot itself, but I can never manage to tie it well enough, so that it'll last for some time... I need serious help.

2. I'm deformed.
I'm extremely plat-footed, and should really have corrective soles in my shoes, but it's not very cool is it?

3. I was once a runway model
It's true! I really was. But I was 10, and it was at the local department store, Koch. I was really good at swinging my demin jacket over my shoulder.

4. I love Harry Potter
I know, so do a lot of people. But I don't know that many people that have read all six books at least four times. AND, I don't really like Harry's character.

5. I thought I knew a lot about American presidential history.
But discovered the other day that I had no idea what Dwight D. Eisenhower middle name was (it's David, by the way)

6. I wish I could be spontaneous.
But I'm really not, and I like to plan ahead. So I try to plan to be spontaneous.

Tag, your it; John; Christina; Sheryl; Liv... and whoever else want to tell embarrassing things about themselves.

10 % of the world

The new thing to do (when you have nothing to do) is to figure out where you've been.

My result: 23 countries visited and that's apperantly 10 % of the worlds countries.

For refrences: Jaran and Eivind

Strange days

I had the strangest day on Tuesday. It was the day I was leaving Kenya to go back to Norway. But it didn't really feel like it. I got up really early to head over to Kasarani and the WSF. I finally got the chance to meet a great woman, Prof Wangari Maathai, and also got my book signed. It was one of those moments that you know you will remember for a long time. Three women Nobel Peace Laureates at the same stage in Nairobi. Unforgettable.

But the strange part was when I got home later. I ate lunch with Christina's family, and then I stood on the steps saying, and later waving, goodbye to them as they left to go to India. I was left... in their house. Very strange. But Tash entertained me for the remainder of my stay. I didn't leave until midnight, so there was no reason to get stressed. Which was also strange. Normally the day you are to travel would be spent getting ready, packing, and well, actually doing the travelling. But I just went about as normal. Except that after dinner, I went to the airport and jumped on a flight to Brussels.

So, I arrived in Bodø last evening. The weather is terrible; cold, wet snow and cold, cold wind. And, as always, coming home is also strange. And I never know why. I mean, I wanted to go home, I was ready for a little bit more stability and normality, but it does appear to be just a little bit... well, boring. Not the people, it's great to meet up with all my friends, but I think that during my 7 weeks away I grew used to that new things happened to me. Meeting new people, tasting new food, seeing new places, learning new words (ero kamano!), and not knowing much, but being allowed not to. Now, this of course didn't happen all the time, but from time to time. And the frequency of new things in Bodø is not as high as it was in Kenya. So I just have to adjust to the new old rhythm of life.

But first, chapatties and skuma for lunch:) I have to hold on to some of the "old".

I'm Okay!

A few days ago I got a text from Erik where he asked if I was still alive. Which I am.

and I'm soon leaving nairobi and Kenya. On Tuesday night I fly back home to Norway, and I will arrive in Bodoe on Wednesday afternoon. Hopefully then i will have some more time to write, and tell you all about my stay in Kisumu and my last days here in nairobi. I just wanted you to know that I am all right, and soon on the move again.

And, I'm very excited that both Sam and Sheryl have informed me that they are coming to Norway this summer. I can't wait to see them again! I've missed them so much. It should be great fun.

Happy New Year!

So, I was completely wrong. As you assumed, Sheryl. I wasn’t bored at all. South Coast was great. We went down on the 28th, and after some delays, Christina’s family (including me) and her realtives from Tanzania, were all at the cottage. It was a beatiful cottage, three round houses that surronded the communal living area, that was open (but with a roof). A beatiful place. The pool was just a short walk away from our cottage, but still far enough away so that we couldn’t hear the noise.

Anyway, because the South Coast is so hot and humid I felt like I couldn’t do anything but soke in the pool. But we did do other things as well. We went swimming with dolphins. Not the captured kind, but the wild kind. We weren't sure if we would even be able to spot them, but our guides knew excatly were to lokk for them. And all of a sudden the guides says "who want to try and jump in the water with them?" Christina and I were of course up for that, and minutes (or rather seconds) later we were in the water - swimming with dolphins. They were just beautiful and very playful. A great experience.

We also spendt some time on the beach. And I have to say, the Indian Ocean does not hold the same temperature as the coast of Norway. It was so warm and nice. Even Christina's two year old cousin Ayanna would not get out of the water. All in all a perfect new year celebration.

Now I'm back in Nairobi, getting ready to leave again. On Sunday I'll go to Kisumu. A city just on the shores of Lake Victoria. This trip has been in the makings since before I arrived in Kenya, and I'm very happy that I'm finally going. The research that I will be doing there will be a large part of my thesis. I just need to get everything sorted out. I need a hotel most of all:) Well, I have to get on with my planing and organizing.

Much love


Btw, I had planned to put up some pictures, but it seems that the internet connection is too slow for that... Hopefully there will be some later.

Mombasa

Tomorrow Christina, her family and I leave for Mombasa to celebrate New Years. I'm looking forward to some nice beaches, and I can't wait to see, hear and smell the sea again. I've missed it.

The only thing I am unsure of how to handle is my restlessness. I'm not a beach vacation type of person. Just laying by the pool, or on the beach for hours after hours is just plain boring to me. But I'm bringing five books along. That's almost a book a day. And there is a plan to go swim with wild dolphins (if we can find them) on one of the days. That will be a dream come true:) But besides from that one day, I will have to come up with something not to get bored. Or maybe just rely on it to be too warm to do anything. But, ideas are welcomed! Send me a text if you come up with a good idea or two:)

Anyway, beaches - here I come!

I will probably not be able to send e-mails, chat on msn or post anything here for the time we are down at the coast, but I will be back, with an update, on January the 3rd. Until then; Happy New Year!

A Nice Day

Yesterday was a very, very nice day. Me and Christina decided to really do all the tourist things I should do while I’m in Nairobi. So first we went to the Giraffe Center. This is a place is just outside Nairobi, so we drove up there yesterday around noon. There is one thing to do there, and only one thing. See the giraffes. But, the thing is, they've build this little platform-hut. It’s a small round house, where on the first floor (not the same as the ground floor) there is a little room where you can walk around and learn about the giraffes. Outside however, it is like a veranda. And over the little banister the giraffes stick their heads, tongue out, hoping to be fed. So, we actually fed the giraffes:) The were big, magnificent and a bit scary. Apparently they headbutt you if you don’t feed them. So we just kept on putting food on there enormous tongue. Quite funny.

Next stop were Kazuri, a factory that produces lovely handcrafted bead works and ceramics. All the employers are single mothers from the area. Both me and Christina bought some nice stuff, what I bought are presents that will go home with me. So, someone will be surprised. We then headed over to Karen Blixen house. We didn't go in, but it was nice to see the building, and the surrounding area, and try to imagine what it was like in her days. After there very touristy start of the day, we did what we always do... Went shopping. We found this great place called House of Treasures. And it really was that. Lots of treasures:) This place calls for another visit. We ended our little trip with a late lunch at Java House, the cafes with the best coffee in Nairobi (and that says a lot!).

All in all – a perfect day!

Bad day

Yesterday I heard on the radio that the song ”Bad Day” was the most downloaded song of 2006 in Kenya. It couldn't have fitted better. It really was a bad day. Actually there have been several bad days, not only yesterday. For a number of reasons.

But at the same time, it has been a couple of nice days as well. I've realized that I have a lot of people that care about me. That can make me laugh, and that will make my day just a little bit brighter. And I got a new “old” friend. That’s not bad.

And with everything that happened, I did feel that the yes-girl I want to be started to disappear. But I’m working on bringing her back. So I just sent a text message to a man I met on Wednesday to tell him if he wants to to something this week I up for it. I met him, and his friend while I was having lunch next to the UN offices. I wasn't really hungry, but I couldn't get in to the area because all my contacts were out to lunch, and the security was heighten because of all the Heads of States that were coming for the Great Lakes Conference. So, I had one hour to kill. I went to a nearby restaurant to wait. Just as I sat down these two men asked if they could join me. And, since all the tables were taken, it would have been very rude to say no. There were both from Somalia and worked with UNICEF, and one of them also works with MDGs (which is what my thesis is about). So it became a very interesting lunch, and we exchanged contact information. He has tried to call me both yesterday and early today, and I haven’t answer. But now I've decided that the yes-girl is back so I sent him a text. Which reminds me, I also met a man at the Treasury when I went there to do a interview, that I haven’t answered... I’ll do that as well. Done! I just asked him if he wanted to have lunch with me on Monday. This fellow also work on the MDGs so I might learn something that could benefit my thesis.

I feel good about myself now. And I’m gonna use that feeling to get some work done!

Much love, me.

I'm here.

Finally I'm here, here in Kenya. With Christina, whose Birthdays it is today - so Happy Birthday, Christina!

I arrived a few days ago, and have spent most of my days trying to get organized, hanging out with Christina and trying to get to know the city. Which isn't easy... It's a big city. Yesterday I tok a taxi home, alone for the first time. And I have to admit, I was not quite sure neither me or the driver knew where we were going. But me and Patrick (the driver) made a good team and mangage to get home.

Anyways, I'm trying to organize interview and meeting this week, but everybody seem to be busy and things have a habit of taking some time... African time??? But yesterday I met some interesting people, both from the UN system and from NGOs. And so far it looks like they can help me out quite a bit. But it almost a weekend allready, and I feel I'm getting a bit stressed about everything I need to do before I go home. Which is still far away, but at the same time close.

Okay, this was just a short update. I'll write more later. Much love!

Ready. Set. Go!

Yellow Fever - check!
Hepatitis A - check!
Cholera - check!
Typhiod - check!
Meningitis - check!
Malaria pills - check!

I'm ready! (and poor...)

Weekend

So this weekend just flew by. Friday was my "off-day". No parties, no alcohol, no late night. I had a good sleep-in and spent most of Saturday at Cafè Kafka with Erik and Christian. I think we sat there for a good three hours. Breakfast/Lunch with all the newspapers talking about nothing and everything. Oh, and I bought the new Thomas Dypdahl cd - jury is still out on the verdict.

Saturday night was spent at Astris playing video games. We tried out a new game - Futurama - but is was complete shit. Grade - F! It's a shame the game represent that great show, but that's how it is. Anyway, it was a late night, with beer and an occasional strawberry daiquiri. So today I had to catch up on some sleep. Didn't do much more.

Except, I had a great 3-way with Christina and Sheryl. No, nothing sexual, but we did have a 3-way conference call on skype. It was great. I miss my girls. And the three of us talking together just made my Sunday. I walked around with a smile the rest of the evening. Perfect:)