FunnoTs' World: Rains/ and a little money

Rains???

The rain haas been a bit persistant in trying to come over the past week and has become quite intense in its efforts to do so properly but lucky for us it has not happened yet as the little bits we have had cause a few problems.

Genset trips out and does not want to provide power to the masses,4 foot people become 6 foot people with still the short person persona, vehicles cant move ,tents leak ,for the etomologist a very large variety of insects have emerged some are very different looking insecsts although the flies and rain bugs are just the same. But hey that’s what where here for to grow corn for eating.

Had a stint on South Sudanese TV earlier in the week with the Governor and the Divisional Commander of the Local Army don’t know what they said but I guess it was good as they were all smiles I of course slipped straight in to my Political speak and exponded the virtues of the cooperation we had received from the Unity government and also the Government of South Sudan as best I could I tried to speak s l o w l y as apparently we Aussies speak to fast.

Appropriatley dressed? Of course. Straight off the dozer no shave for 10 days ,I even have a few dred locks on the back of the head and I must admit it is in need of a bit of attention as I just can’t do a thing with it. Shorts dust and not so clean shirt ,they could have said they were coming.

The entourage consisted of about 60 with small guns and big guns and even bigger guns and even a very big one. One of the point guards was standing between the 2 dozers when we moved off to demonstrate chaining for the cameras and associated dignitaries unfortunately for him he was not familiar with this operation and as the chain began to move he stayed in his position as a good point guard does. The trees started to fall and he looked a little concerned then he thought he had better move so off he went towards the chain. I must admit I admired his fortitude as the trees began to fall a little closer to him he was still intent on going back to the others watching then one tree was dropped pretty close to him, the eyes widened a bit then a particularly large one was very close and a degree of panic could be seen upon his then the real big one went crack [and those of you who have not seen chaining it can sound like guns and explosives going off as the trees snap off] the ensuring retreat past the dozer and away from the chain was worthy of an Olympic record. The crowd of on lookers were in absolute fits of laughter as were the dozer operators the South Sudanese have a great sense of humor very similar to ours when they get to know them.

I lent our spare chain to the Governor to use on his farm at Gwit, which we took down on the small truck. We were supposed to give them a few instructions but the boys were too excited so as soon as it was off the truck off they went into the savanna to plunder some trees and we never sore [probably not the chain either] them again so I wonder how long it took for the chain to be picked up by the tracks and tangled in the final drive, The chain won’t break

Still no money so are just plugging along slowly with no fuel, no gravel but we will have our new high rise up soon and before the real water comes down I hope.

Hunting and gathering for the kitchen again today as the larder is low and food getting a bit short on. Went with Jim out into the dried up swamp to see the Falata camped out on this big flat are with a few tents several thousand animals. Cattle, sheep and a few goats. All the stock were good and would provide a great base for some introduced Brahman or equivalent breed. All different mobs in age groups and they do not mix not even week old lambs and calves will move to there mothers until they are allowed, no yards no nothing quiet incredible.

All run by the families little kids .big kids and a few adults not many old people as I think there life span is not great. Very friendly and welcoming we seemed to be able to communicate some how ,with signs and a few broken words on each side.

We did our purchase of 2 sheep that took 2 hours just before the wind before the storm came sweeping across the flat at break neck speed blowing a couple of the tarps they have over some sticks for shelter away and a bit of general excitement but they wern’t worried the animals just stood and sat with not a care in the world. A very humbling experience .No ulcers or high blood pressure with them just lots of miles to walk where ever they want to go and so long as there is grass that is all that matters.