A Little before The Big Big Chicken and mostly after

Normal has it been?

Depending on ones interpretation and rationality to the term normal for me in a past life no but in present and current state of flux fairly I guess.

The obstacles have been small, large, serious, and medium, totally out of my control, one may even say life threatening in one case.

Pre chicken was full on finished our 1200ha of chaining before the Christmas Crew left ,packed the camp ,  those going home were already to go. The few of us staying worried about the Christmass menu and where the Moet and caviar was coming from.  Searching desperately  for home delivery  service in Sudan . Plane and buses ready to go on the Thursday.

As just to annoy and throw some confusion into it all. Tthe Blue Meseri a Militia group of Nomadic Cattle herders in the North. Decided they would take a few buses of Southerners hostage to make a bit od doe and provoke some reactions from the Southern Government.[this is the same group who had about 10 days before ambushed some SPLA soldiers about 30ks from here killing 15]

They had also through various outlets made it clear they were targeting ,oil workers ,kwagas etc as they were easy to get ransom from the oil companies and Government. due to any perceived oil revenue loss that may occur. Old cattle stealing and some blood letting were used a the excuse.

They ended up holding over a thousand people who also were charged triple for any food and water they needed. A couple of the Govs comrades were also involved necessitating him to negotiate for the release of 3 of his cars at a later date.

So as a result of this I decided to send all home and just leave the local Sudanese guys and the normal soldiers. There also was also an increase in mobile police and army patrols in the area not making it a really stress free environment to work.

Eventually got all away on the Thursday and I was to go out on the Saturday rather than wait till the  1^st. It was quite noticeable that either Jim or Zach was with me all the time. Turns out they were in big trouble if any thing happened to me that normally means a permanent reprimand.

I had organized a jump seat on the 748 plane and was all go until I was about to get on.The big 748 boss had put some one else on so with the promise of a lap top in the air the Pilot and Muwell . Organized kids on knees and we fitted 3 more on in the end.

At last get to the worlds largest toilet? Juba International Airport. Still did know when I was leaving there as all planes full so was expecting a ay or two at the house in Juba. But alas our travel agent extraordinaire had me on a plane before  the person knew they were cancelling.

Talking to  some boys who are working at a place called Wau .They are up there clearing the area of Land mines . They were saying there had been artillery and bombs dropped on a regular basis by the north over the border into the south. Just more provocation by the North .The Southern people have to be commended for their tolerance and discipline in not firing back.

Every where I went it was hot and sticky just like the wet season but alas it was only me with beginning of me being bed ridden in Nairobi for 4 days .Slipped some Malaria tablets down the hatch as that is what it felt like so nailed that little pest but ended up at the Doctor full tests etc, Lung ,Blood Bowel/stomach infection . Although bed ridden could not lie down as the coughing would not stop.

All is now gwarlong well may be gwar short . Writing this on my way to Cape Town and the sea should see it tonight. If need be good medical facilities.

Meetings had been planned in Cairo that have not come about we still don’t have our operational money in for next year . But every one is home and that is where they will stay till it arrives.

So just bought my trip forward a week have found a place to stay in Hout Bay looks nice on the net. Just poke around and get some strength and endurance back before Dan and Fin arrive .

Merry Christmas everyone / a safe and fantastic new year.

Still have not had a Northern Hemisphere Christmas Next year perhaps it will be White?

[Tthis will see if Princess is a dedicated reader as he says]

Bit better than Maanga port.