Arrival in Somaliland
Somaliland, 17 November 2006
We four Oxfam GB reps arrived in Hargeisa, Somaliland. This not a misprint of Somalia. We are in the northern region of what we in the West consider to be Somalia. It is a muslim country and we as four western women are obviously expected to respect the traditions and laws as such. We are in long skirts and sleeves and we are expected to cover our hair. This is no easy task when it is nearly 30 degrees outside and would give anything to be in shorts and a vest on the balcony with a nice cold Stella (no such luck as alcohol is prohibited, argh!). I wonder how pubs are replaced in the social life of Hargeisa? Just one of many questions i hope to answer in this blog.
It seems obvious to those around us that we are with an Non goverment organisation (NGO) as all white people in the hotel seem to be us or The UN. Perhaps not? The hotel compound is really the limit of my knowledge so far bar a 20 min car ride through Hargeisa to the hotel. It is a realy buzzing city with markets and colourful buildings all round and in 20 mins i saw at least 20 goats wandering the streets (very unwrapped?) and a few donkeys.
We are due to meet the Oxfam GB office staff who are coming to our hotel for lunch, so stil no adventuring outside the compound (will i do it on my own? Is this wise? I dont know but i will find out!). All 4 of us are wondering if this will include any women? I really hope so. Enough for now considering we haven't really done anything yet! But will be back tomorrow with pictures hopefully and stories from outside Hotel Man-Soor.
Mehatsanid (thank you) is my first word in Somali, tomorrow i will learn please. Perhaps you can do a GCSE in Somali? Let me know X
on November 17, 2006 8:06 AM
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It is amazing to hear tales of this far off land that we in the West have barely heard of.
Jodie | November 23, 2006 1:15 PM