The trip to Juba took two hours - not too bad. The Juba to Terekeka road is under going repairs - parts are in pretty good shape, other sections are still very slow going. It is a requirement now to register as an alien at the Department of Interior. Jan, James, Mike, and I got this checked off our "to do" list first thing with the help of Sameh, who has guided other HRTN visitors through the process.
Next stop - check in at the YOM hotel in Juba, really nice but apparently no web site. There was a lunch buffet which I enjoyed - lettuce salad with lots of avocado (I can't remember the last salad I had), green beans & carrots, roasted potatoes, chicken, and fresh papaya - satisfying and a nice change.
The Yom Hotel
I knew that three Abukloi board members were staying at another hotel close by waiting for a flight to Rumbek tomorrow morning. What I did not know was that Tom Prichard, Executive Director of Sudan Sunrise, was at the YOM and planning dinner with the Abukloi gals tonight. Tom and I spotted each other at lunch and arranged to car pool tonight for dinner.
I am struck by the changes occurring in Juba. When I first started coming to the capital city in 2011, I described it as a "frontier town trying to become a modern city." Piles of garbage on city streets; cars, bicycles, boda bodas, and pedestrians vying for space on congested streets with no traffic direction; no running water or power source; no modern buildings; one paved section of road. Today more and more streets are paved; there are street lights and traffic lights; street signs; modern buildings cropping up everywhere; and this morning an army of men and women wearing yellow vests were sweeping the streets and picking up garbage. Juba still has a long way to go, but considering how far it has come in such a short time - it's impressive!
I am struck by the changes occurring in Juba. When I first started coming to the capital city in 2011, I described it as a "frontier town trying to become a modern city." Piles of garbage on city streets; cars, bicycles, boda bodas, and pedestrians vying for space on congested streets with no traffic direction; no running water or power source; no modern buildings; one paved section of road. Today more and more streets are paved; there are street lights and traffic lights; street signs; modern buildings cropping up everywhere; and this morning an army of men and women wearing yellow vests were sweeping the streets and picking up garbage. Juba still has a long way to go, but considering how far it has come in such a short time - it's impressive!
As Tom Prichard and I walked outside this evening to get a taxi, we couldn't help but notice the rainbow. That photo is attached. Our friends were waiting in the outdoor area of the restaurant and we had such a nice visit and meal. It's always heartening and encouraging to meet with friends involved in similar work, to share stories and encourage each other. Around the table left to right are Abukloi board members Margaret Kutz, Beverly Nelan, Mary Anger; yours truly, Tom Prichard, and Tom's in-country contact, Zekia Ahmed from Ethiopia.
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| With Tom Prichard. Can you see the rainbow? |
Check in for flight to Yei, South Sudan is 9:00am tomorrow. Three more days -
Blessings!
Ellen
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