Africa

[Lychee]

It was the summer of 2004 and I had just finished completing my GCSEs. This year wasn’t going to be like my usual summer holiday, jam packed with fun and adventure; I wasn’t looking forward to it at all, infarct I was dreading it. I was travelling to Hargeisa, waqooyi galbeed with my dad and two sisters for the first time. At the time I saw it as more of a chastisement rather than are a reward for all of my hard work. I tried thinking of the pros and cons. And after a few hours of contemplating, the only thing that came to mind was *I’m going to come back looking like a walking/talking charcoal who’s undernourished* and that was it. Well, that was until my older sister who had already been to Somaliland the year before told me that Somaliland looks just like America, only better. Me being the naive teenager that I was, I foolishly believed her and I don’t think I’d ever felt so excited.

 

When we landed at Egal international airport, it was around 10 pm local time. As I was coming down the airplane stairs, I had this overwhelming feeling, the sun was glowing and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. I remember Somali men in bright coloured jumpsuits with ‘NASHA’ written on the back all rushing and literally fighting over who would load our luggage in the car for us. I was having a brainless Paris Hilton moment thinking *Oh wow, that’s nice of them. They’re so welcoming* I soon realised that you had to pay them money.

 

I sometimes laugh when I think back of even the smallest of events. On the Second day of our vacation, I remember going out to Suuqa hoose with my sisters and a few older reer Hargeisa cousins ( waan iswada daba qaxi jirnay). Every time someone would stare at us with bewilderment, my sister would nudge me and mumble ‘’ Naa bisinka qabso’’ lol.

 

I loved waking up to the sound of the adhan, and sitting on top of shubka whilst watching the sun rise and listening to the sound of the birds singing. I also loved the sound of kids blissfully playing outside, during the hours of galinka dambe. I also loved how we all use to stay up late at night exchanging old stories; the view of the sky at night is totally breathtaking. I also loved meal times; we’d all eat together in one dish, which is something we hadn’t done in a long time, waan kala boobi jirnay. Oh yeah and Fridays were my favourite days. We’d dedicate it to self grooming lol.

 

My sister may have lied about one thing, but she sure didn’t lie when she said (Somaliland) is better than America (why she said America of all places, I don’t know). In fact, there’s no comparison.

 

That summer I had a life changing experience. It changed my whole entire outlook on life; it taught me a lot about myself and to be proud of my heritage.

 

What do you miss about Somalia/land the most?

[Herer]

missed my famliy.

[Complicated]

Originally posted by Lychee:

[q]

When we landed at Egal international airport, it was around

10 pm local time

. As I was coming down the airplane stairs, I had this overwhelming feeling,

the sun was glowing and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky.

[/q]

Oo ma summer time bay ku jireen? Maskiin, imisaday Makhribka tukadaan haday 10pm cadceedu soo taagan tahay

[Lychee]

lol I meant a AM.

[Cyber_Nomad]

my family, friends, the fine weather.

 

 

although I lived most of my life outside burco, the years I spent there had the deepest touch in me.

[Lychee]

TogaHerer & CY: I totally get what you mean; your family makes the entire experience so much more exciting.

 

Complicated: lol It was a typo. So anyway, what do you miss the most about home?

[Peacenow]

I miss being in a place where you don't feel a foreigner.

I know how the Jews must have felt. Wandering from one place to another. One needs solid ground and that's what I really miss.

[Jacaylbaro]

I'm here ,, and No, I'm not missing anything

[Complicated]

I literally miss the sound of the gun drumming away like there is no tomorrow!

[Lychee]

JB: As in you’re in Africa, as we type?

 

Complicated: I bet you’d look magnificent in some combat trousers, military jacket and some patrol boots. With a mijin of qaat under your armpit.

[Complicated]

Originally posted by Lychee:

Complicated: I bet you’d look magnificent in some combat trousers, military jacket and some patrol boots. With a mijin of qaat under your armpit.

Xaasidsanaa, ma hal mijin qudha, inaadeer dhawr marduuf dheh aan kuu duceeyee.

[Ducaysane]

Somalia/land ku teh. There is only somalia.

[BOB]

^^^and here I was thinking that you were going to shame A&T and Fu-Fu by telling us about your latest trekking in Africa and all you've seen is Somaliland? I was hoping to read that you've been chased by pride of Lions, you've swam with the hippos and the crocodiles, you've had a late night buffet with the hayenas under the beautiful African night and all you've seen is Somaliland? Bambiino Fowqal Bambiino

 

 

Peace, Love & Unity.