So I'm here in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, for my weekend of "R & R." From the beginning, I didn't want to go. The house is made entirely of tile and echos loudly, the bathrooms are dirty, the beds are uncomfortable, and it's more hot, more humid and all around un-fun there. I think. Until this weekend, my only experience with Juba was a brief stop on my way to Aweil five weeks ago. I was jet lagged and sticky. I went to what felt like too many meetings and finally went to bed about 6 pm only to be wide awake again at 4 am. It wasn't particularly enjoyable and I'm not sure if I can anticipate this weekend to be much better.
So far, my predictions have been accurate. On arrival, we were taken to the office instead of the house. The office has internet so I couldn't complain. But while we were there, someone got into my bag while I was out of the room and stole my local currency and my MSF ID. Great. No money in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Yeah. Surprised? A beer costs nearly $8, a bottle of shampoo is $16, an "inexpensive" dinner out could be nearly $25, and on and on. It's a problem. At least I had stuffed a couple 50 SSP notes in the bottom of my other bag so I have a bit of cash to get me through. I feel like such a rookie though. I have been traveling for years and the one time I let my guard down I get burned. I thought I was safe inside the office. I thought wrong. Well, I hope that they needed it more than I do. I'm pretty sure anyone here does.
After a brief round of feeling sorry for myself, my friends dragged me out to dinner. Thanks to them, I feel better now. Maybe the weekend will be okay after all.
Besides, I need some time and distance to think this weekend. I found out just before I got on the plane that I have been granted an extension from 3 months to 6 months if I want it. Three weeks ago, the answer would have been yes, absolutely! But after the last two weeks, I'm not so sure. It's been unbelievably difficult the last few days especially. Deaths, disputes, politics, hours of pointless meetings. My frustration and exhaustion levels are at an all time high. I need to process all that has happened and consider what I will say carefully. Most of all, I need some sleep.
Lights out.
So far, my predictions have been accurate. On arrival, we were taken to the office instead of the house. The office has internet so I couldn't complain. But while we were there, someone got into my bag while I was out of the room and stole my local currency and my MSF ID. Great. No money in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Yeah. Surprised? A beer costs nearly $8, a bottle of shampoo is $16, an "inexpensive" dinner out could be nearly $25, and on and on. It's a problem. At least I had stuffed a couple 50 SSP notes in the bottom of my other bag so I have a bit of cash to get me through. I feel like such a rookie though. I have been traveling for years and the one time I let my guard down I get burned. I thought I was safe inside the office. I thought wrong. Well, I hope that they needed it more than I do. I'm pretty sure anyone here does.
After a brief round of feeling sorry for myself, my friends dragged me out to dinner. Thanks to them, I feel better now. Maybe the weekend will be okay after all.
Besides, I need some time and distance to think this weekend. I found out just before I got on the plane that I have been granted an extension from 3 months to 6 months if I want it. Three weeks ago, the answer would have been yes, absolutely! But after the last two weeks, I'm not so sure. It's been unbelievably difficult the last few days especially. Deaths, disputes, politics, hours of pointless meetings. My frustration and exhaustion levels are at an all time high. I need to process all that has happened and consider what I will say carefully. Most of all, I need some sleep.
Lights out.
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