This one is for you Tash

White Yolks

I had an excellent day today. I was shown around by Anna the accountant for the school. I think i now have a feel for the place well maybe. Everyday is like a roller coaster. One minute I think yes I am going to get used to this place then I freak out and think what the hell am I doing. In time I know I will get used to it. There are a lot of expacts here, it wont take long to meet friends. Already I have been to 2 parties. I am so naive I found out today that I should be careful about what I write in my emails and what photos I have on this blog. Just in case its being monitored. I also found out that there could be a bit of conflict during the next month or so. There is an evacuation procedure that's been put in place though. One of the teachers showed me her evacuation bag (just in case). In there, there was a berca for her to wear. Why? so that no one would know she was white. Thank god i have dark skin. I'm not at all worried though what will be will be. Don't you just love that phrase. On a brighter note today i ate a egg that was white inside. That's right the eggs over here do not have yellow yolk they are white and yes chickens lay them. I had to ask this question I thought maybe they came from a duck hmmm cant say Ive seen any ducks around though. Mum I had a little laugh today when I was at the supermarket. I thought it was funny that you said "make sure you eat plenty of fish"
I live in the desert the only fish you can get is frozen fish. Talking about food. The food over here is very expensive well that's imported food. Here is an example for a packet of cheese slices you will pay $26 NZ dollars. Hmmm lucky I am able to live on lentils and chickpeas. I also checked out jugs today. $80 NZ for a budget jug. I think I might just resort to a pot. I desperately want to take photos i have seen so many great photo opportunities. I am wondering if there is away around this. Its hard to describe what this place is like. Imagine this, hot dusty and in the middle of a war zone. Everything here looks old. One good thing though is that you don't see army men walking around with guns. Funny how we have opinions on things when we have never actually experienced it. I guess that is just our fear of the unknown. Well I think I may have to go now. Its Sunday today, first day of my new school.

The Best Falafels Ever

This would have to be the most craziest place i have ever been to. Its dusty, hot, smelly, everything you would expect from a third world country. Even though its like this there is something about this city. Its totally unique. Today was my first day of venturing out. Think im pretty much over the jetlag. We had a bazar out our school i guess this is kind of like a gala. There were lots of stalls selling jewellrey bags etc etc. I went a little crazy but very happy with my purchases. We walked down to our local veg shop today. I brought lots of fruit and veg fruit i seem to eat less maybe because it is so hot.

I'm so excited Marissa has shown me where to buy the best falafels ever. They are light and fluffy and fresh. Falafel salad for me tonight. Forgot to say i also had my first experience of drinking Sudanese coffee. It was spicy. The coffee had ginger and other spices added to it oh and no milk. I could have had at least 3. No more instant coffee for this girl!

My Room

My room and on the roof. Celeste imagine the party we could have on this roof oh yeah!!

My New Home

What am I going to do with all this space? (3 rooms). I need some visitors!!

My First Day in Khartoum

Where am I? That's right I’m in Khartoum in the middle of the dessert. Already this place feels magical. It’s early in the morning the sky has a warm orange haze to it. My house is surrounded by buildings that look like they are in need of major repair. Its 7 in the morning and already the city has come to life. Horns are honking and below me my security guard is talking to his friend. For breakfast its muesli (gluten free) and fresh mango. To my pleasure mangos are plentiful here. I am picked up at 10 for an orientation of my new school. Seatbelts are nonexistent this is a little disturbing when all the cars have scraps and dents on them. I can't believe I am finally here I almost have to pinch myself. It feels so surreal. It is everything I expected and more. The school is about 10 min drive. I can't believe how hot it is and this is their winter I can't possibly imagine how summer will feel like. I have been told that it’s too hot to even venture outside in summer. I will look forward to our New Zealand winter. I am shown around the school and introduced to many teachers but I have already forgotten their names. I do seem to remember the finance officer though funny that. I will have to explain what the school is like once I am familiar with it at this stage that part of the morning was a blur. I am now at home enjoying the cool breeze of the aircon. I am being picked up soon to go shopping hmmm let’s see on my shopping list is chickpeas, lentils, veges and if I can find some decent coffee. Brian would be horrified to see what I had this morning.