Liberian Girl

Check out Liberian Girl, my first real Final Cut video editing attempt! Lots of lil edits I still need to make, but hey, it's my first go at it! Music courtesy of B.Blacc. Enjoy!

National Geographic Traveler's Intelligent Travel blog

Check out my travel review of Monrovia on National Geographic Traveler's Intelligent Travel blog! Far from a comprehensive review, but at least Liberia is out there small!

Two Weeks Later

So it's been two weeks today since I left Liberia. The first week was harder than I thought it would be. Readjusting consisted of jet-lag, adjusting to the time-change in the States, and the emotional acclimation. I felt very useless, to put it bluntly. I felt as if the time was here merely a waste of my talents and skills. I felt as if I no longer (maybe I never did) belonged. I used to love my job here (still do in many ways and I am thankful beyond belief that I have the job I have in this time of economic hardship), but since my return I feel as if I could be doing so much more than sitting in a cube 8+ hours a day. I couldn't have picked a better employer and people that I work with, but now it's time to evolve.

So after my first week of feeling sorry for myself for having to leave Liberia, my mind was reeling with ideas, the first of which I'm putting into place now. I can't share too much just yet, but once I have something concrete to show for it, you'll be the first to know.

Besides fleshing out my ideas, I've been doing my homework on Liberia. I listen to Star Radio streaming online to keep up with the news in Liberia. I've also done lots of online research on organizations that work in Liberia. I have all their job pages bookmarked in case something perfect pour moi comes up.

Meanwhile, I'm also working on expanding my skillset so that when I do apply for something in the LIB, I will be a bigger asset than I am now. My first task is taking this Final Cut video editing class, which will allow me to create the multimedia presentations or 'digital films' that I want to create to help tell the stories of those without a voice in our world.

In any case, I'm back to the grind. Yet, despite 'the grind,' one can easily find herself prone to eating junk (lost all my Foreign Ministry workout program weight), doing a lot of atrophying activities like watching TV or being online, and just the general blahness of what my friend calls "My Daughter in America."

The best I can do now is to keep plodding towards to goal of getting home. Let you know how that goes!

Home but not Home

I've been a little depressed since I got home (and believe you me, I'm not the 'get depressed' type), but only until I saw my family. My son gave me the tightest hug ever and I caught up with fam and friends to tell them all about the LIB experience. I wasn't gone long enough to really need to readjust, but still I began to notice some of the stark differences b/t life here and in Liberia. For one, I enjoyed my smooth car ride but was annoyed with having to stop at traffic lights. lol. Plus, everyone just seems to be so disconnected too. The main emotion I felt was, for lack of pinpointing what it is, loneliness or disjointed, somehow. There was a closeness, sense of community and belonging, even purpose, in Liberia that I don't feel here. And I always knew there was something absent about life here but it was becoming all I knew. Now I know different again, and getting reacquainted with where I came from was a gift from God esp under the circumstances of my return home. Don't get me wrong--I love America, much like I love my own step-mother. But a step-mother, as good as she might be to you, can never be your real mother.

Another lil funny observation I had was when I got in the shower and turned the water on, I was hit by the smell of chlorine (or summin!). I had been so used to American water for 19 years, never having traveled outside the US since I came, I didn't realize that the smell of water could be so different. I haven't put the TV on since I came home (not even to watch my 24 o!). I felt so much more productive in Liberia--maybe b/c we worked our butts off--but it feels good to not have the lil distractions that America provides. It really does give you more time to spend with people and enjoy and appreciate the simpler things in life (long conversations, a cold drink on the beach, etc etc).

In any case, I am happy to be home in my own bed, with my own things and my own fam....now if only I could just transplant all those things to a place in my own country.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/tweefur/sets/

U.S. of A.

In Boston now and it’s back to the same old same old. I do appreciate the clean bathrooms and orderly conduct but I MISS MY COUNTRY O!!!!! Can’t wait to see my booboo though. One more flight to go then I’m home.

Using my green card for the first time was a great feeling. I was praying to myself, pleeeeease Lord don't let there be any problems. While I would have been happy to go right back to Liberia, I couldn't wait to see my boy and share my stories with my family. Customs cut open the dried food that someone sent with me and I was also praying, please don't chunk our sweet chop away! The agent said, these are the biggest shrimp I've ever seen. I told her that's because they are Liberian....and taste great too!

Layover in Amsterdam

View of Amsterdam from plane

In Amsterdam now and slowly getting back into the Western world. Schipol (Scheeeep Hoooool,--remember that commercial??) Airport is huge and cool and it’s a nice transition back into the West. It will be an interesting return to the States and I think it’ll feel natural, b/c yes, Maryland is also home to me. I can’t wait to see Ausar and throw my arms around him and kiss his face dozens of times.

P.S. Someone told me this in Liberia right when she arrived and I almost didn't believe her until it happened to me: After we boarded in Ghana, there was an announcement by KLM crew that, for health reasons, they were going to SPRAY the plane with a nontoxic spray. "You may cover your nose and mouth if you wish," they added. Yaaah! They actually sprayed us o! Woooow.

In Ghana

In my layover stop in Ghana, my feelings about Liberia were reinforced. Even though I am still in Africa, and even though the airport is a lot fancier than RIA, it still makes me miss my countrymen. The people are polite in Ghana, but there is something personable to be said about the eagerness to befriend you in Liberia. I suppose I am biased but if I don’t love my country, who will?

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...Again!

Leaving Liberia is more emotional than I ever could’ve imagined it would be. It’s not really not something I can explain to anyone who hasn’t ever been away from their home for almost two decades and then returned. There is a sense of belonging that I have never felt anywhere in America, even though now I’ve lived longer in the States than I have in my own country. But going home was just that….it was a homecoming that I am so grateful I got to do for this particular event. Now the dreams that I used to have that were marred by gaps in memory and a frustrating sense of the unknown can be replaced by a more vivid picture of my sweet Liberia.

I say goodbye to my mother, who is a true hustler who managed her way all the way to the gate to see me off. And without being able to control it (and those of you who know me, know me not to be a cry baby), the tears began to flow from me. As I looked at the landscape of the place I hurriedly left 19 years ago, expecting to be back after a brief vacation in the States, I was a wreck inside. "I don't wanna go," I kept thinking over and over. I know that I will be back, but it felt much like it must feel when my son has to say goodbye to me. I boarded Virgin Kenya and wished I had take my sunglasses from my luggage--the tears wouldn't stop. I sat back and looked through the tiny window, saying goodbye again to my country, promising her I would be back. Pleading with her to be good, to keep growing in the right direction so that I have something to come home to. I've never felt this way before and I doubt I ever will again.

As many flaws as Liberia has, she is still beautiful and no other place, no other people can ever compare nor replace the love I have for her. I am inspired, motivated, and galvanized to return home to be an integral part of the change that is sorely needed in order to push our country to the place that she needs to be. Like a broken down car that only needs a little help, we must all get out of the car, put our hands on her and push with all our might so that we may jumpstart her back to life. It will take every one of us, all of our knowledge and expertise and the combined efforts of us all to rebuild the country. It will take lots of patience as well, because all is far from perfect in our country. But what is perfect is the spirit of home, the way you feel a part of something, even something that can be dysfunctional at times. It’s like any family—sometimes you can’t stand them, but you can’t help but love them unconditionally nevertheless. Liberia is home and to all of you who have not been back in a while, I urge you to go. Go and see for yourself what awaits you. Go and find out for yourself whether it is a place you can find yourself living again, despite the lack of certain conveniences. And even if it’s not for you, we all still need to play a role somehow, from wherever you chose to live, to help heal Liberia.

This is what I will miss about Liberia until I find a way to return even sooner than I had planed: I will miss hearing Liberian English around me and realizing that, dammit, I’m home o! I will miss the people who are always willing to help out, to lend a hand, to give an opinion, even if they might want small ‘cold water’ in the end. I will miss riding along and looking at the Atlantic Ocean always there like a security blanket. I will miss the jokes, and the vivacious laughter of my friends, the gossiping and congosying (sp??) . And my goodness will I miss the food. There is NO better cuisine than Liberian food, and I dare anybody tell me otherwise. And while there are things that I won’t miss (the trash on the road in some places, the funk of some areas, the slowness of customer service, the shitty Internet service, the way some people talk to the “help” in a way that is disrespectful and condescending, the egos of some folks who jess want to be big shot) there is nothing I wouldn’t do to end up home again soon.

The view on the way to the airport:

Oh, Liberia!

There were so many interesting little things about Liberia that I can’t even begin to write about them all. Here's just a taste of what I experienced:

➢ Apparently “embarrass” is the new phrase in Liberia. Everything and everyone can either be embarrassed or get embarrassed. IE “this person calling me and just embarrassing my phone, man.” Was funny.
➢ These are the various ‘chopping’ of the words Colloquium: the Curriculum, the Cloroquine and my personal favorite, the Colloqua. Eeeeeverywhere you went, somebody was talking about the Colloqua the Colloqua. TOO funny.
➢ Either the deodorant isn’t strong enough for us LIB, or some of us jess don’t like wearing it. But you learn to live with the funk.
➢ Horn-Honking is the means of communication b/t cars and nobody doh pick you up or lay you down when you blow the horn.
➢ I heard the driver say this and thought it very telling of how the service people think of Liberia. “Not every finger on the hand equal o.” The other person he was talking to responded by talking about how when ‘Congo people’ steal they call it embezzling and when the ‘country man’ does they call it stealing. If only they knew how that was true in America as well.



Riding in the car and listening to the radio spots.


Some of my favorite shots from Liberia:

My Last Full Day (say it ain't so!)

It's almost over, ya'll! In two days I will be gone and have begun desperately to try extend my stay. Of course, Liberia would have it that the airline systems are down and I have spent my last day running around Monrovia trying to get my ticket changed. The outlook looks dim so I know I should just enjoy myself tonight.I have to give a big shout-out to friends, new and old (KP, Maya, Debra, Mayumi, Rachelle, Barkue, Nikki, Cypha, Gbanjah, Axel, Stefan, Bill, Musa and Idella and anyone I’ve forgotten!!) who helped make my time in Liberia special. We enjoyed ourselves plenty in different ways on different days.

Tonight, for my last night, some friends and I went to Golden Beach, played tag with the ocean and drank a bottle of wine. The nearly full moon shone down on us and I saw as many stars as I’ve seen in years! I even got a taste of Liberian driving, as I drove around like I’d lived there this whole time, and with no hesitation either despite the crazy way people doh drive there, from Sinkor up to Old Road.

There’s been so much more to do and see and I wish I had the time to do so. Being in Liberia gave me so many ideas about ways in which I can not only help develop my country, but also make a good living. I cant wait to get home and flesh it all out and start figuring my way back home. Needless to say I will def be back to finish what I started, Inshallah! Thank you to all my people who were there to show me a good time, to give me a ride when ride business was rough, who cooked for me, who told me thank you for a job well done, who enjoyed my pics, and who inspired me--this includes all the mother figures that I found, including my own beautiful Mommy who is always championing for me, as well as Maya’s mom Judy who was a good and funny friend while I stayed with them. Thank you all plenty ya! You’re all in my heart right now.

Me enjoying the last night on Golden Beach:

Day Two of the Colloquium

Day two of the Colloquium, and the sun is glaring down on us still. We have thanked the rain gods for staving off the rain--it could have been a disaster! We also are thankful that the conference is going on in an orderly fashion. Everyone has forgotten about the 'badge situation' and people are being let in w/ or w/o a badge.

I explored the Trade Fair grounds today with a very handsome escort. Meeting him showed me that there is hope for Liberian men (no offense o--the ones who would be offended anyway already know about themselves). He was comfortable around all those opinionated outspoken women and was able to hold his own. He was just an all around amazing, unique, good guy--if only the timing had been different. Sigh.

Moving on....It felt so good walking around the stadium and encountering all the people I’d met as guests I’d tried to register, and people I’d worked with over the past two weeks. All the frustration had melted away and it was nice to see them smiling. I made some friends that I ended up giving my meal tickets to because they didn't get any food, and gave others here and there and dollar or two to say thank you for helping out.

Walking around the grounds outside the stadium, I saw women weaving country cloth, heard the new Colloquium song blasting out of speakers, got bitten by red ants and mosquitoes, ate delicious cook shop food and some tasty Shark's Ice Cream. Some of my favorite booths were the women construction workers and the artists booths. We have a talented group of people in our country o!

Tonight was the closing concert, with Miatta Fahnbulleh and other famed female African artists like Joli Endee, Marion Cassell, Onyeka Onwenu, Bebe Manga, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sibongile Khumalo and Reine Pelagi. Man, the air in that place was electric! We danced, we hugged, we celebrated each other and all the extravagant work we had done to pull it all off. As one of the performers said, women are men, we are just Well Organized men (Get it?). I loved it!

Scenes from the Colloquium:










































Video of women enjoying concert:

Day One of the Colloquium

Mural at Colloquium entrance

I've never worked so hard, for free! There have been LONG hours, oftentimes late into the night and then having to wake up early. But thank GOD day one was a great success. After much blood, sweat and tears, and yeah, some major disorganization hiccups on the backend in the pre-planning of the event, I attended the International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security 2009 at the SKD stadium. I photographed damn near everything and everyone I saw and enjoyed taking in the sights. The people were jubilant, the place looked great, and the various events, though sometimes delayed (Liberian time ya’ll), all made me proud to be a Liberian and a woman that day. I met the Vice President of Gambia, a woman, got close-up shots of the Liberian president, sat in on a presentation made by the Finnish president, made friends with local women in the Trade Fair, and ate some goooood food.

Today, I attended a roundtable on climate change in Africa and how it affects women and learned so much about how women are affected by climate change, especially in Africa (See my NatGeo blog post on the Colloquium). Earlier tonight, there was an crowd-pleasing wearable arts exhibit, AKA a fashion show, which actually started on time (one of the few that did), by a talented Liberia designer, Abraham Pelham, who is renowned couture designer in Paris. The models rocked the stage and the audience enjoyed every minute of their sashaying down the runway.

After the first day of the 'Colloqua,' we went home to nap before going out to celebrate. Our first stop was La Noche’s, located off of Broad Street, in town. A lounge that could be located in any metropolitan city, La Noche’s is owned by some Brazilians, I believe. Outside the lounge were dozens of UN cars—this must be their stomping ground. Inside, the place was too packed to really get a feel for it. I saw a few of my new and old friends and we toasted to a successful first day.

The group I came with decided to head back to Airfield Shortcut to Déjà vu, a nightclub that was much bigger, albeit smokier even that La Noche. There we met up with more friends and danced the night away into the wee hours of the morning. I stepped outside the club to get some air, and met a few cool people (everybody knows everybody else in Liberia apparently).

While outside, I saw the patience and good nature of the Liberian people displayed in the strangest scenario I’ve seen in a while. There was a wasted white guy going around harassing people…I mean, this guy was on something stronger than the usual mixed drink, I tell you. He was wrestling, literally, wrassstling, with other men. Then he’d get belligerent and start cussing people out. At one point, I got up and moved out of the way because he knocked a guy’s phone out of his hand, and I just KNEW he was about to get knocked out. But much to my surprise, no one ‘picked him up or laid him down.” Folks were very patient with him—maybe b/c they knew him to do this often?? But I expected, based on my experience in the States, that someone would lose patience and a fight would ensue. I was very proud of my brothers for keeping their cool that night.



SKD Stadium


President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf


Models at fashion show



A woman is interviewed at the Colloquium


Me in a smoky club Deja Vu

Not Your Average Work Week

Debra and me at Palm for a drink one night.

So busy this week that I need to condense into just one post. It's crunch time and work is off the hook. I've seen some big egos here, and have had to use all my diplomatic skills to avoid saying something I would regret. Because I'm responsible for registration (I've had all of one week to get the registration for 1000+ people organized--yikes!) everyone is calling me! My phone WON'T STOP RINGING with people with questions I can't really answer. I have guests calling me to ask what the process is, their delegation is coming in, what do they need to do, and I'm so not the person to provide answers to them. So instead I take their names, add them to my list and thank them for their patience. It's a little embarrassing but I do what I can to make them feel like all is under control.

People have been bombarding the Ministry to get the badges that have been held up in printing because everything has waited til the last minute. Please Dear Lord, don't let us embarrass ourselves!

Before I go further, I have to give props to one of my closest friends, Maya Padmore (event planner extraordinaire), who put every ounce of her being into planning the event, in just 3 way-too-short months. I cannot complain about my phone ringing when I remember Maya's phone. She actually had to get another phone b/c she was just too overwhelmed with calls on the one. She had her work cut out for her and I saw her fall asleep at 3 am with her laptop on her lap and her phone continually waking her out of her rest. She was a turning top, but one that got her ish done. I am extremely proud of her and I know that the President, Minister and Yvette are as well!

I have bonded in a way only Liberian people can bond with everyone one from the printing guy (shout out Eugene) to various Liberian Ambassadors and Ministers, many of whom inspired me to aspire to be a leader in my own country. And while there were some that we call haters, for every hater, there were people who were willing to step in and help out or offer an encouraging word. Through it all, the manager of the Colloquium, Yvette Chesson Wureh, really and truly impressed me with her calm and collected attitude. There were often many people cracking under the pressure, but she always kept it together, no matter what was going wrong. She showed me that it is possible to be even keeled under pressure. And while I loooove my country, when I return to Liberia, it will be with the private sector and not the government. There needs to be a little more organization before I do that thurrr.


K.P. and me working and eating at Royal

Love Is in the Air

Me drinking Club Beer at Palm Casino


I have to admit--I have fallen in love. With Liberia. It's almost like falling in love with a man. He will have flaws, he won't be perfect, but he'll be the one for you. There is nothing like looking around at the faces of people that you share an ancestry with, or like talking to them in the same vernacular that people outside of your circle don't get. There is no explaining what I mean when I speak Liberian English or use Liberian phrases. There is community only. I see the areas in which I and others like me are needed to contribute to the development of the country. I see the need for our expertise and skills. When our parents were our age (20s and 30s) they went to school abroad but returned home with their newly acquired knowledge and took positions of leadership. It's time now for us to do the same. It's 2009 and maybe there is a blessing somewhere in there that has allowed us through the Diaspora to acquire a global perspective, which we must now marry with our traditional values to push our country further into the 21st century.


Not Burger King, but King Burger


Sunset at Thinker's Beach


All Hail, Liberia, Hail


Fishing boat, view from Krystal Hotel

Sightseeing in Liberia

View from Ducor

Today, I spent the day with my ma sightseeing! I took about 400 photos!! All of which can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tweefur/sets/. We started off heading downtown FINALLY. Heading on Capital Bypass into Broad Street, I began to recognize locations! There are new trees planted in the middle of the street on Broad Street and the city doesn't look too bad. With the exception of some bad potholes, the road is decent and is being worked on. We headed up to Ducor--my first stop, where the Nigerian and Jordanian soldiers 'showed' me around. I was even offered tea by the Jordanian guy who acted like he hadn't seen a woman in years. He asked to take a pic with me, which I obliged, all this with him speaking entirely in Arabic. lol.

The Nigerian guys didn't want me to take their pic at first, but finally succumbed. They both escorted me INSIDE that nasty, dilapidated hotel and it was such a shame to see how bad off it is. But I hear there are plans to work on it soon, so maybe we will get our beautiful Ducor back someday. Seeing the pool me and my sister learned to swim in was crazy. It's just a dirty nasty hole in the ground but he view is still amazing there though.

A funny sidenote: when I first walked up to Ducor and started snapping pics, these two Liberian girls said: looka dis olla one with her tattoo dem..that genah [genie] o! to which I replied: da me you calling genah?? And they laughed not realizing I was Liberian.

Next we headed to Mamba Point, which has a lot of nice hotels. I went to my godfather, Sam Gibson's Krystal OceanView Hotel which is lovely. Also went to La Pointe restaurant and Cape Hotel as well as Mamba Hotel, all of which were top-notched locations with incredible views of the Atlantic.

Next we headed to the back of the Executive Mansion, on one road that was so stink I could barely stand it. We headed back to Sinkor to see our house, where Mom is staying.

Old Road has a new road and it looked a lot like I remembered it. Lots of market stalls and bike congregations. We went to all the old houses where I was born, my sister was born etc etc. I'm really annoyed by the high fences in Liberia, b/c it ruins the view and you can't see any of the architecture. It also gives the impression that the place isn't safe, but apparently that was a UN requirement for safety.

We went to see my grandparents' old house, which is now a Chinese clinic. We asked the people if we could take pics and they graciously opened the gates for us. The Chinese lady said in her Chinese accent: we fixed the prace but it used to be chaklah [Liberian term meaning 'messed up'!" It was TOO funny to hear. We picked my brother up and headed to Thinker's Beach....next to Barnes Beach. Finally, I was at the beach! At dusk, our rental car time was up (Mr. Tamba our driver was a great tour guide along with Mommy) and we headed home. Maya, Debra and I went to Palm Casino for the night for drinks and dinner. It was a hectic and fun day.....now I'm back to the grind and am glad I got a chance to see more of the city.


JJR monument at Ducor


View from Mamba Hotel


View from Krystal Hotel


View from La Pointe Restaurant

To see more pics, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tweefur/sets/72157615153484644/

Misc Thougts

Band playing covers in Royal Hotel

Today was another busy one. We got to the office (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) early and got to work. Basically worked all day but I got to get out briefly to head to the Ministry of Gender. I got to see UN Drive and the Executive Mansion and Capital Building. Still haven't made it downtown yet but we hope to go out this weekend sometime. Last night we worked in the lounge of Royal Hotel again. Tonight, it was packed with so-so Americans. There was also some American band doing covers. It was odd to hear and see. Entering the fenced in place takes you into a more "Western" world. I guess the Americans love that about places like that. I am recognizing more places but it's hard b/c the city is so crowded and many houses that I might recognize are hidden behind huge fences with razor wire. My hope is that someday, the country will be safe enough to lower the fences a few feet so that we can see the architectural beauty of our country.

I can smell the ocean from Sinkor and I can't wait to go to the beach!!! I was just telling a friend, one of my major concerns was to see whether I could actually live in Liberia once I came back. I believe I can!! I really could see myself living here, though it is extremely expensive...more so than the cost of living in DC. An American volunteer here told me that a box of cereal is $8 USD! But all we've eaten is Liberian food which is cheap and GREAT! I ate torbohgee, potato greens and today dry rice and fried fish.

Also, some new LIB lingo: my friend heard this...they needed air in the tire and the guy bent over and said "something embarrassing the hood." I also heard another person today say, " this guy keeps calling me and embarrassing my phone." TOO FUNNY! It's now 8 pm and we're still at the office, so there is def work work work to be done. We're about to head home then back to the hotel lounge to do more work!


All taxis had their own personalization


Colloquium billboard in Monrovia


Folks playing football near Airfield

Our Satellite Office

Working at the Ministry is distracting and hectic. The bathroom situation is...how shall I put this..."hurrrrting!" It is a bit of a running joke that everyone holds their pee until they get home b/c the restroom is so gross. Thankfully, we've found a secret bathroom on another floor that is clean. I'm noticing a few egos here, and seeing how some people, young and old alike, speak to others. One thing I have always had a problem with in Liberia and regarding Liberians is the way some people speak to others whom they feel are beneath them. It really irritates me and I need to prove in my own actions that not all successful Liberians are have this elitist mentality.

Since we can barely get any work done at the busy Ministry, the de facto satellite office for everyone here is the restaurant at Royal Hotel. It's a nice spot with (sometimes-sketchy) WiFi, and an indoors restaurant as well as a deck outside, where you can find anyone from Liberians to Americans. The food isn't that great, and I wish they served Liberian dishes, but the atmosphere is pleasant. We also head to Palm Casino at night to either work or to just wind down with a drink. The view from Casino's top floor is nice! The Chinese Embassy is all lit up and you can see the ocean from there as well. I wouldn't mind having a home here on Congo Town Back Road. One day o, one day.


Debra in our office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs



Front of Royal Hotel's restaurant


Deck at Royal Hotel's restaurant


Inside Royal Hotel's restaurant



Restaurant at Palm Casino

About the "Colloqua"

Sunset one evening leaving the Foreign Ministry

As I said before, I am in Liberia to volunteer for the International Women's Colloquium. This will be a two-day event that will bring together 400 local and 400 international women to exchange ideas, impart knowledge and to establish the Angie Brooks Centre in Monrovia.

I am working in the Office of the Secretariat, at the Foreign Ministry, with the event planner, Maya Padmorem, under the manager, Yvette Chesson Wureh. Climbing the stairs up to the 3rd floor where we'll be working, I know that between sweating like a hog and the stairs, I'll HAVE to lose some weight here. :-)

There are several American women working there but mostly an all-African team. It is nice to see women empowered and making it happen. I am tasked with taking over the registration process, which is handed over to me in a disorganized mess. I have my work cut out for me now.



Traffic on my way to work



On my way in to work at the Foreign Ministry.
View is of the UN Headquarters