Living in Yambio

Yambio . . . it has been a wild ride so far. The original motto, "Yambioooo - it's not terrible," has been upgraded to, "Yambiooo - I quite like it." It is becoming home. Everyday continues to be exciting and challenging (although now more in terms of work, rather than daily living). Here's a few things that I've been doing.

Passing the rainy season

Preventing malaria (NB: pants tucked into socks)

During my first few weeks here, people were being medevac'd at an alarming rate. It was mostly for malaria/cerebral malaria, but also for other fun infectious diseases like typhoid, amoebic dysentery, brucellosis and even one for . . . chicken pox?!?

Getting dirty

Now that the rainy season is over, this town is DUSTY. This is me after a run.

Helping the Catholic Bishop start his car

Due to the poor quality of car batteries that can be purchased in Yambio, a little push is often needed to get the car going.

Observing the preparations for the CPA Celebration

The celebration, which was originally scheduled for January 9th, has been delayed until January 19th due to delays in preparations - such as building this stadium. Keep in mind, electricity in Yambio only comes from individually purchased and operated generators.

Hanging out at the UNICEF mess = center of my social universe in Yambio

Getting stuck in traffic jams

"Driver" has been added to the list of my job duties

Enjoying Italian culture - primarily at this Italian NGO compound

nice outdoor kitchen (where one can have perfect Italian coffee)

watsan specialist showing how to wash dishes without a tap or sink

eating bruschetta, arrabbiata and drinking nice wine

collecting papayas (not Italian, but . . . still fun)

Attending fake birthday parties

. . . because there is nothing else better to do???
Thanks GoGo for introducing this concept to me. Oh yeah, and "Happy Birthday" ...bastardo! (one other thing I am learning at the Italian NGO - Italian cursing. nice.)

Spending holidays in non-traditional waysThanksgiving lunch in Bangasu. One of our HIV counselors helped me order this meal - cassava flour and dried fish in oil and groundnut paste.

Through hoarding, Juba shopping runs, and serious planning and schlepping of goodies from afar - on Christmas Eve we were able to enjoy homemade Italian proscuitto, parmesan, stuffed green olives, Italian white wine, French white wine, vodka tonics and cuba libres. Not too shabby for Yambio!

Laying around in the grass between bouts of drinking and dancing

Christmas Day: Dirty Santa (white elephant gift exchange - like my wig?!?)