Who knows where?

The last time I wrote was in October when I returned to the UK for the first time in 2 years. We are now 3 months on and yet another year has passed. How did that happen? I thought little had changed during the last quarter (work speak!)  then I look at a few pics and just for a change I have lots to say!

Sorry!

Two weeks rest and recuperation means I have been able to dowmload the photos - not possible in the lost country of CAR (know where it is?) and added a few words. 

The last 3 months has been more about goodbye than hello. I have worked with some remarkable people at Mercy Corps and it has been difficult to say goodbye to them, The NGO world is however very small and I know some of these guys will reappear in different countries and organisations (gis' a job)

Bodega Bar - Rafa's last day

 All the above have moved on - Emily, Colleen, Jobe. Moustapha and Rafa. This bar however was a bit of a find. Swanky menu with cinnamon flavoured Sangria, Probably the smartest place in Bangui! The seats even have cushions.

Kate's last night with everyone

Perfect example of team building.  Too many meetings followed by relaxation (beer) and the world is a better place. Moustapha, Jacques, Colleen, Christine, Oswald , Emily, Jean Emile and Kate. 

Girls Power

Bangui had become calmer and our curfew was extended until 10pm - yippee! Sadly one of our colleagues was car jacked that night but she is OK just a few pounds lighter. We were a few pounds heavier that night given that chips go so well with beer!

Motley Crew

So yes, I know a few guys as well outside of the NGO circuit. These lot have been in Bangui for about 100 years between them. Paolo on the left can tell us stories about when there was a cinema and the best night clubs are in what is now our no go zone. Oh and they all fly to the dangerous parts of CAR and have hair raising stories about their narrow escapes

Lilloth and Alfred for lunch

 You have to look hard but there are a few luxuries around. I was invited for a swim in a friend's pool and lunch one Sunday. It would have been rude to say no!

My sterling team in Bangui

We had a Mercy Corps Christmas party one Friday afternoon and danced in the dirt to trendy Congolese music. These are some of my team who are doing a good job of looking cool. As you can see I am the only one looking happy - something to do with them looking serious when the boss is around?

I live in a cosy 2 bedroom house tuckd safely away out of site. We have a day guard and 2 night guards who are there to protect us from 'intruders ie amed rebel groups and looters'. In terms of job description there seems to be a small issue however, I complained when next door's cockerel jumped over our wall and crowed loudly at 5.00 am under my bedroom window. The guard told me he was not able to do anything  After several rude awakenings it appears that the guard became equally fed up with either me or the cockerel and there was an unfortunate accident and it disappeared.
In terms of security, in addition to our own guards, next door (who used to have a cockerel) have a large, old bad tempered goose. I have now learnt that when on foot a large handbag is a good defensive measure. One of our guards was new and when my flatmate Louisa asked him to escort her past the goose,yes you know what happened!. I have no photos but this bird is now locked in its shed most of the day but if properly tormented will still try and attack you through the wire mesh. See above

Christmas Cheer

 This is the veranda where my flatmate and I put the world to rights on a regular basis. We have a beautiful view down the valley which I think you would have preferred but some folks want pictures of me from time to time

Chaotic Christmas - after

I am not convinced any of us wanted to be in Bangui for Christmas but due to work committments and some folks missing their flights, I was lucky enough to spend Christmas with my 3 favouritest people. And we had a fabulous time. Pop in the morning, then opening presents - if there were any. Then a few laps in the public pool with a cheeky beer. We then trouped back to the house and attempted a Christmas dinner, which despite the obvious challenges (too much pop) was fantastic. So thanks girls - Terri, Natalie and Louisa for a really good Christmas day!

Christmas dinner - before

Culinary delights included pumpkin puree, pasta and sauce, roast potatoes, roast aubergines, pineapple crumble and Christmas pud with a spot of vino 

Rafai Runway

When Terri and I landed at Rafai we were given a stern talking to by the pilot who threatened he would not return to collect us unles the runway was cleared. The people in the picture are on the run way. Behind me were 200 feet of overgrown dirt, like you see in the left of the picture. Rafai is nice but has little in the way of luxuries, no beer or running water. Terri organised a gang of 20 sturdy men with machetes to clear the runway. This picture is the macheteding group advancing on the Mercy Corps team. In any other circumstances, this would actually be extremely scary but in this situation everything was cool. The pilot was very happy now the landing strip had increased by 20%

Fishing Boats

 These are Blue Peter boats. Take one large tree trunk. Hollow out the inside. Check it can carry two motor bikes, 5 ladies with shopping and a bit of fish. Set yourself up as a fisherman-come river boat taxi.

Papa Pierre moonlighting

 This is our day guard. He is Pierre and as a mark of respect and affection we call him Papa Pierre. Although whilst working for us he has had a 50% pay rise and now has one day off per week with holidays, he gives his money away to his family members. Whilst protecting us from wall leaping cockerels and marauding geese, he collects waste paper dries it out and folds it up to sell to the local fast food kebab sellers in town, Payment is $1 for 500 pieces of paper.

Not what you would expect in Dubai but made me think of 'home' and Bangui!

I am at the end of my 2 week stay in Dubai and feel very refreshed. We have been to cultural events and some not so cultural, eaten in wonderful restaurants and they organised for the winter weather to be delayed until I left so we have been swimmng and sailing too! Thanks again guys!

This is not the end of alsadventuresinafrica although my contract in CAR finishes at the end of March so for the next blog - watch out. I may be around the corner from you. I am planning to take a bit of time out as I will have been in CAR for 2 years and 4 months which is quite a long time then I have to figure out where to go next. Who knows where that may be? Any suggestions. please let me know!