16hrs & 7000+ miles away
It has been 19 days since I flew out from Seattle, and a quiet and fairly uneventful 19 days it has been. I suppose I should have expected as much. Although I have been away from Somalia for 3yrs, not much has changed in the little town nestled between the mountains (Laascaanood). But of course, the Northern region remains largely unaffected by the improvements that take place in the south where the government has a stronger hold and impact.
atop one of the surrounding hills in LA, nearing sunset
In my mind, I had imagined that things would be different. I had hoped. It is somewhat disappointing I admit.
One thing I noted shortly after arrriving was the transition from coal to gas. Now that my sister Layla has left and I am on lunch duty, I am so grateful that I don't have to sit in the heat and smoke of burning coal, given that it is already the hottest time of the day. Aside from that, all else remains the same. The clothes are washed by hand and drinking water must be drawn up from the well. Most of the day goes to house chores so I find that there is little time left for exploration given that the sun sets here at 6pm. However, Asiya and I climbed a hill today and watched the sun set. I think we shall try a different one tomorrow.
Asiya with LA backdrop
I did get to experience (once again) a wedding here in Somalia. My maternal uncle got married and , for the duration of our visit, my mother was for the most part occupied with preparations. A wedding anywhere is costly and a great deal of work. It has nevertheless been a joyous time for us, especially for my mother who saw two of her siblings for the first time in nearly 30yrs. I wasn't here to record it (unfortunately) but I am certain it remains etched in stone for them.
On a different note, I am looking forward to classes next quarter. After 2 years nonstop of studies, this was a much needed break. I feel refreshed and ready now to head into my last year of undergrad.
atop one of the surrounding hills in LA, nearing sunset
In my mind, I had imagined that things would be different. I had hoped. It is somewhat disappointing I admit.
One thing I noted shortly after arrriving was the transition from coal to gas. Now that my sister Layla has left and I am on lunch duty, I am so grateful that I don't have to sit in the heat and smoke of burning coal, given that it is already the hottest time of the day. Aside from that, all else remains the same. The clothes are washed by hand and drinking water must be drawn up from the well. Most of the day goes to house chores so I find that there is little time left for exploration given that the sun sets here at 6pm. However, Asiya and I climbed a hill today and watched the sun set. I think we shall try a different one tomorrow.
Asiya with LA backdrop
I did get to experience (once again) a wedding here in Somalia. My maternal uncle got married and , for the duration of our visit, my mother was for the most part occupied with preparations. A wedding anywhere is costly and a great deal of work. It has nevertheless been a joyous time for us, especially for my mother who saw two of her siblings for the first time in nearly 30yrs. I wasn't here to record it (unfortunately) but I am certain it remains etched in stone for them.
On a different note, I am looking forward to classes next quarter. After 2 years nonstop of studies, this was a much needed break. I feel refreshed and ready now to head into my last year of undergrad.
clouds assemble in the distance - it rained shortly afterwards, a rare enough happening here in LA
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