tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246786442011-11-01T21:28:58.704+03:00One day it will have to be officially admitted that what we have christened reality is an even greater illusion than the world of dreams - DaliJohanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.comBlogger901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-83790111147519799302007-10-08T14:41:00.000+03:002007-10-10T10:47:08.893+03:00

Now, another fascinating thing in Somaliland is the private construction sector. Whenever I drive through town, there are new buildings (and at least one new mosque) alongside the streets. Popping up like mushrooms, they turn Hargeisa into an extremely vital city, that changes its appearance on a nearly daily basis. While scattered ruins keep reminding the visitor about the violent past of the

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-67540355335766976312007-10-02T07:22:00.000+03:002007-10-06T07:21:27.765+03:00

I didn't believe it until I saw it: the pool table recently imported from UK by our dearest friends Armen and Chris! As it turned out, the table was actually not a pool table, but a "snooker" table (whatever that is?!). For one hour we tried helplessly to figure out the rules and moreover, how to set the balls before starting the game. The desperation on Jans and Armens faces is evidence enough

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-61129972070513958592007-09-30T14:19:00.001+03:002007-09-30T21:31:25.242+03:00

The car of Mr. Hussein, director of Non formal education at the Somaliland Ministry of Education - since the window had broken few weeks ago, he has been driving around with a temporary window: a plastic sheet fixed with stickers that advocate for education and literacy. Now, that's real dedication to get people understand the importance of education, isn't it? :)

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-82557677930800374912007-09-19T14:47:00.001+03:002007-09-26T07:28:40.968+03:00

Many mysterious things have been happening around me for the past two years, for which I just couldn’t find a slightl satisfying answer. Until recently, when a friend told me the answer to all these unexplainable stuff: “Somaliness”! For outsiders, it might be a bit tricky to fully grasp the meaning of this word, for those of you who have been regularly reading my blog, it might be a bit easier.

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-58694169848386484512007-09-14T11:14:00.000+03:002007-09-16T17:23:49.164+03:00

Contemporary Somali art is best viewed during a little stroll through town. All over the place are colorful displays of food and services. Quite often, these displays are not only demonstrating the creativity of Somali artist, but also their incredible ability to copy well known global brands (and notes...) and transform them yet into a unique piece of art. Somali street art is accessible to

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-68139611916483792282007-09-11T12:57:00.000+03:002007-09-11T13:08:19.157+03:00

Nothing against my job (I really like it!), but there are defenitely moments and situations which are the perfect setting for the "bullshit" bingo! ;-) I have to say that I feel a bit sorry for all those of you who are not working in this "meeting-workshop-seminar-telephone call -I am the biggest expert - I know everything and I know how to talk in a real clever way" set up. You might never get

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-76290275059644534522007-09-09T20:12:00.000+03:002007-09-09T20:37:50.991+03:00

We all know that the web has the one or other bizarre information on display. Recently I was pointed by a friend at an extraordinary piece of news: A story about goats that were offered by Nepals state airline to Akash Bhairat, the Hindu God of sky protection. The offer followed technical problems experienced with a plane that was to head to Hongkong. According to official sources, the plane

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-61786714720342694842007-09-08T12:46:00.000+03:002007-09-09T07:19:20.102+03:00

On September 8th, the International Literacy Day is celebrated all over the world. Growing up in Italy, where Illiteracy rates are negligible, the real scale of the issue and with it the importance of this day came to my attention only when I moved to Somaliland two years ago. Somaliland is a country with a history of conflicts, going through civil wars in the late eighties and early nineties.

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-29849201346304051922007-09-07T17:21:00.001+03:002007-09-08T06:30:27.138+03:00

Landscapes in Somaliland are indeed fascinating. They are the among the widest, emptiest and yet among the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. Only some random camels, goats and sheep's, accompanied by herdsmen and -women give life to the corridors of endlessness between towns. Travelling through these vast landscapes gives me the feeling of freedom. Yet, these bizarre places do not only

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-71139063281348643822007-09-04T06:54:00.000+03:002007-09-04T06:58:44.571+03:00

Ever thought of getting an x ray done? Welcome to Hargeisa, where everything is possible :)

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-78634726795997535832007-09-01T06:21:00.000+03:002007-09-01T06:36:59.995+03:00

To start with, I am not a particular fan of Lady Diana. I am neither much interested in knowing the circumstances to her dead, or the tragedies of her life. I am not flipping through the hundreds of articles which are currently on all news sites reminding the world about her unexpected and mysterious dead.No, the reason why I grant her a posting on my blog, is the surprise by which the

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-75583570416666293152007-08-20T21:31:00.000+03:002007-09-09T07:26:45.487+03:00

It is truly fascinating how visionary people in such a difficult and agitated region can be. My first thought when reading about the possibility of a bridge between Djibouti and Yemen was dedicated to Mr. Silvio Berlusconi, who has spend considerable time of his ruling period dreaming about a bridge over Messina. As far as my knowledge goes, this project has since remained a dream. A bridge

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-86439646640529546072007-08-17T07:47:00.000+03:002007-08-17T11:09:03.526+03:00

In light of my upcoming Kilimanjaro expedition, I have recently embarked on a hike to Mt. Longonot with my friend Oliver from Austria. It was meant to be a warm up exercise to test my readiness for early morning walks in Kenya and Tanzania. Haven't done much walking over the past months, I was just too eager to find out if and how I would cope with cool morning-mountain air filling my lungs

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-12441079564504655012007-08-17T07:44:00.000+03:002007-08-17T07:46:58.654+03:00

Obviously, they can't read ;)

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-33407495301994705182007-08-17T07:20:00.000+03:002007-08-17T18:51:29.798+03:00

As one can obviously tell from the picture above, some time has passed between my last camping trip few years ago and my recent revival of camping adventures at Mount Longonot in Kenya. Bought exactly to the day one year ago, this tent has been badly abandoned in the deepness of my cupboard since then. I confess, putting it up was a bit of a challenge, but eventually Oliver (below) succeeded to

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-21967949964301524242007-07-27T12:33:00.000+03:002007-07-30T18:55:53.789+03:00

Virgil, romanian biker, somewhere in Somaliland Hes left with only two African countries to visit - Eritrea and Sudan -before moving on to another continent. What sounds to many of us like pure suicide (travelling to Sudan, or at least certain parts of Sudan) seems to be business as usual to him. After all, he has already travelled through parts of Somalia and Somaliland. Although I didn't meet

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-73122000169174418452007-07-24T21:15:00.000+03:002007-07-24T21:45:56.517+03:00

Simple beauty

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-27162973836333450302007-07-18T17:36:00.000+03:002007-07-18T17:56:19.495+03:00

To all pessimists in this world: your next destination should be Somaliland. At least here people wan't force you to be happy all day ;-)

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-90461866254928859842007-07-16T17:55:00.000+03:002007-07-16T19:45:13.013+03:00

Nice people & breakfast on the roof... Free art displays...A nappy in between... Something for the mind... Something for the body....And last but not least, something for the record! Biking in town has only recently been added to the mere endless list of do-able activities in this lovely town! More to follow...

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-55293022316627293892007-07-09T18:06:00.000+03:002007-07-09T18:16:06.026+03:00

Although Somaliland does not immediately remind visitors of the sweet taste of love, I recently came across a story which - in its dramaturgy and romantic touch - resembles much the Italian story of Romeo and Juliet. It’s the story of Elmi Bodheri, a Somali poet little known outside Somaliland.Bodheri's poems were inspired by a tragic and true tale of "forbidden love". While working in a bakery

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-41640430047417789002007-07-05T17:06:00.000+03:002007-07-12T19:12:37.082+03:00

In a political constantly shaky region, who would expect airtravel to be stable? Minor surprises in great hights seem to be business as usual: Earlier on this year our plane lost the (only) door at 12000 feet altitude; at another occasion, our plane had to turn back to Nairobi due to failure of cabine pressure fifteen minutes after take off. Yet another time, a friend of mine happened to be in a

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-5308196020364787002007-07-01T16:17:00.000+03:002007-07-08T07:53:13.742+03:00

Beim Heurigen - Bettina, Alois, Macho, Myself, Mark, Herbert Neue Freundschaft? Mark, unbekannt, Macho und Alois Wie in alten Zeiten - Flo und ich im Wiener Beisl Museumsquartier - nicht nur bei Tag sehenswert... Auch bei Nacht einen Besuch wert - OliverUnd ich im MQ Spieglein Spieglein an dem Tisch.... Silvia im neuen Look Am Ybbenplatz - Daniel und Johanna Alte Studienrunde am Prater: Sonja,

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-61177454041519738142007-07-01T16:09:00.000+03:002007-07-02T20:36:23.544+03:00

Ich bin zwar eigentlich kein Tierfreak, aber Pferde anstelle von Kamelen waren dann doch Abwechslung genug, um sich einen Platz auf meinem Blog zu sichern Irgendwie schauen auch die Schafe in Südtirol ganz anders aus als die in Somaliland... Ehrlich gesagt, gibt es zwischen dem Hund und Südtiroler Schafen mehr Ähnlichkeit als zwischen den hiesigen Schafen und ihren Somalischen Artsgenossen... :-)

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-20805121877023951452007-07-01T15:56:00.000+03:002007-07-02T18:55:35.782+03:00

What's better than a dip into prickling water after a day of walking up and down a mountain? Its a real luxury that lakes and mountains are coming as a package in this part of Italy. In the far end of the picture, one can see the silhuette of Monte MissoneRefreshing his feet in the icy water of Lake Garda: My dad Trying hard to get some teint: Myself and Michi (not sure if he has the same hidden

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-45643183673876875592007-07-01T15:44:00.000+03:002007-07-02T18:08:46.240+03:00

The best part of my recent tour d'europe was defenitely the unique mountains of my home region and surroundings. Don't ask me why I feel that attracted by mountains - after all it is hard work, walking for hours and hours up and down a mountain.And yet, if I could chose between mountains and a million other things to spend my time with, I would most probably still go for the mountains. Maybe its

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-72508570133047629752007-06-27T21:24:00.000+03:002007-06-27T22:07:03.635+03:00

Sorry for being quiet so long. There is not really any good excuse to that, except that I have been on the road (or better in the air) if not for the last three months, so at least for the last month. I left Somaliland, which by now became something like a second home to me, end of May to pay a visit to my real home, Italy.Heading out of Somaliland and north towards Italy turned out to be a

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-74721315267129914072007-04-06T16:20:00.000+03:002007-04-06T16:22:40.102+03:00

Finally, there seems to be a solution to all our worries, troubles, pains, sorrows: Dr. Juma. As it seems, there isnt anything that he wouldn't be able to heal.

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-2231347347978018442007-04-06T11:32:00.000+03:002007-06-14T19:59:01.029+03:00

The happy bride - Nura - and myselfHanna and me, waiting for the bride to comeThe bride, Nura A., surrounded by her younger sisters and best friendsSomaliland weddings are - as demonstrated above - very colourful events.After one and a half years of living and working in this country, I have finally managed to join the beauty club by purchasing a real Somali dress. Walking in this overdimensional

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-69501432712214782962007-04-06T11:13:00.000+03:002007-06-14T19:59:13.042+03:00

Thanks to the Somali dress code, we constantly look like a bunch of Hippies who have resisted the transition into twenty first century :)UN family under one "hat". Me, Livia, Fred, and Santosh demonstrating a respectable collection of UN agencies...Everybody needs a break from time to time - which place would be more ideal than the Beach of Berbera to gain new energy?And again - somali beach

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-76897118970290239422007-03-24T07:44:00.000+03:002007-06-14T19:59:13.042+03:00

Knowing that some of Nuras (my lovely boss) friends and family members living abroad regularly look up my blog for news from Somaliland and in particular the organisation we both work for, here the latest pictures from Nuras birthday party! Asha, Nura and Rahma during the hand over of the birthday cake Abdifatha and Nawal, our finance and water experts Trying out the belly dance: Daniela and

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-9155439278408690152007-03-23T22:15:00.000+03:002007-03-23T22:37:00.683+03:00

Each year on the 22nd of March, millions of people around the globe commemorate the world water day. The event is generally well covered by media stations with in depth reports and special features. Yet, despite these yearly global reflections, things do not really seem to improve: As mentioned in an Austrian newspaper, each day approximately 4- to 5000 children die on diarrhoea, which is largely

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-46066732566825728052007-03-20T18:43:00.000+03:002007-06-14T19:59:34.639+03:00

Typical Somaliland food consists of "hilib" (meat), rice and pasta - or baastoo, as commonly called here (it's inherent to the Somali language to double vowels wherever possible). These three basics are served by 99,9% of all restaurants in town. Only one place seems to resists this diet:The "Club, Hotel, Restaurant, Meeting Room" Venezia.Besides offering a variety of Barilla pasta, with pesto,

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-86366913770031923662007-03-16T21:13:00.000+03:002007-06-14T19:59:34.640+03:00

On the peak - Fred, Ayaan, Dimity, Ulf, Daniela, me Katja - also on weekends she's still at work ;-) Me - Somali style Ayaan - catwalk on top of Nasa Hablod For all those who did not read my earlier mails, Nasa Hablod are two mountains just outside Hargeisa - they are commonly known as the two breasts: the one to the left is the "young one", while the one to the right is the "old one". Action -

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-11142644304824578582007-03-11T20:11:00.000+03:002007-06-14T19:59:34.640+03:00

I am sure that for many of you, Somaliland manifests itself primarely through camels, khat and sand. Now, to some extend I might actually have triggered this image through my countless accounts and pictures of camels, goats, dust and rust. Sorry about that.So please see this message as a serious attempt to bring some more funk into the monotonous impression of Somaliland I might have passed on to

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-85328601001694951112007-03-06T07:28:00.000+03:002007-03-06T07:45:17.094+03:00

Pictures above: Dhow - traditional Sailingboats from Lamu, me and my parents, Hanna, a friend of mine from Somaliland

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-15298669951227618732007-03-04T09:12:00.000+03:002007-03-05T12:26:25.114+03:00

The sloped of the Mt. Kenya are not only a perfect place for climbing and trekking, but also, as this last trip proved once again, an ideal place for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of town. Only two hours drive from Nairobi, the Castle Forest lodge offers forests (no surprise), mountain views, idyllic morning scenes with horses, and lots of fresh air. As it seems, we were not the

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-47128146601286906582007-02-07T16:43:00.000+03:002007-02-07T17:39:41.550+03:00

Few months ago, I wrote about a fieldtrip to Boroma, a city close to the border to Ethiopia. On the way to there, we passed an area with thousands of tents like the ones shown in the picture above.One could see that they had been set up in a rapid way, without putting much effort on stability or durability. But what made me perplex, was the emptyness of the camp. Apart from the tents, which

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-46830938128854216342007-02-06T22:11:00.000+03:002007-02-06T22:31:09.584+03:00

Some few weeks ago I mentioned that I like mornings in Somaliland. The picture above perhaps explains a little bit more on why I like them. It shows exactly the view that I have, when I open my eyes at half past six in the morning. Usually it takes some seconds, until they get used to all the sun that comes in through the four windows that are placed on two sides of the room. After the room that

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-19643450881416377352007-02-02T09:54:00.000+03:002007-02-02T11:17:24.141+03:00

I guess it's about time to stop reporting only about social life and my numerous obervations here in Somaliland, and start writing about my work. After all, its not necessarily the social life why I reside in this internationally forgotten country on the Horn of Africa - although of course, social gatherings and bizarre observations considerably ease my life in Somaliland :-)Quite often I am

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-6179801317636352782007-02-02T09:37:00.000+03:002007-02-02T09:49:50.048+03:00

It is hard to believe that there has ever been another Religion in Somaliland than Islam. Today, 100% of Somaliland's population are Muslims. This broken down church seems to be one of the last witnesses of times when there have been other religions in Somaliland, imported by the colonial administration. Today this church seems to be used as shelter by poor city dwellers, mainly internally

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-59166646174454572222007-01-29T07:44:00.000+03:002007-06-14T19:59:34.640+03:00

The following is an abstract that I found on the wwww on the outcomes of an archeological survey that was done some years ago:An archaeological survey was carried out by a French team in November and December 2002 in the Somaliland Republic. The objective was the search for rock shelters and caves containing stratified archaeological infills capable of documenting the period when production

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-49559451103348140922007-01-28T17:40:00.000+03:002007-06-14T19:59:34.640+03:00

Somalilands' tourist attractions are not plenty in numbers, but those few, which are there, are worth to be seen. After having lived for almost one and a half year in Somaliland, I have finally made it to visit the major tourism site, too: The rockpaintings from Las Geel - Las meaning water and Geel meaning Camels. However, its name does only partly pay tribute to the history of this place. None

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-72394832257083586232007-01-16T18:16:00.000+03:002007-01-16T18:41:56.755+03:00

Today, on my way to a local NGO, I noticed thousands of plastic bags caught up in a fence. Management of solid waste is a growing problem in Somaliland, and it is not the first time that my eyes catch pictures of colored plastic bags lying or flying around. They are usually all over the place. Caught up in trees, they are commonly called the "Somaliland flowers". Today, however, they reminded me

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-2544778108190244242007-01-11T06:37:00.000+03:002007-01-11T07:05:19.549+03:00

It was one of these nights where I closed my eyes just to open them again. Having written my daily notes, I tried to catch some sleep at around eleven. But thoughts about my life and it's surroundings kept me awake. With some fear I am following the happenings in the South of Somalia, that are every thing else than promising. Just like myself I get the impression that all what the president of

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-84839797381136548862007-01-09T07:39:00.000+03:002007-01-10T21:22:57.844+03:00

It's hard to believe how much s*** can happen in the course of one single day.I was supposed to take off from Nairobi Airport direction Somaliland last Saturday at 8 am, to move back to my dutystation Hargeisa. The night before I had told a friend, in a kidding voice, - who knows, maybe we are experiencing technical problems and therefore have to turn back to Nairobi. I curse myself for having

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-19540998602784714782007-01-08T18:16:00.000+03:002007-01-08T20:17:42.894+03:00

For last years Christmas holiday I chose western and northern Kenya as travel destination: northern Kenya because I have for a long time felt attracted by the unfamiliar names of places in that part of Kenya, and for many years I have wondered what these places with names like Marich or Kabarnet have to offer. I added western Kenya to the trip, more or less make it be able to sell it to my

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1166680741800599332006-12-21T08:45:00.000+03:002006-12-21T08:59:01.810+03:00

Yes yes yes! It is finally time again to travel back to Kenya. Not that I mind Somaliland, but the last six weeks have been unexeptional tough and exhausting... Too many things to finish up before the christmas holidays... However, today, at eleven am, I will switch off my lap top, take my bag, board the plane and relax for the coming two weeks!

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1166614685202552832006-12-20T14:31:00.000+03:002006-12-20T14:38:05.220+03:00

... wenn man ueberhaupt nicht mehr weiss, was man mit der Zeit anfangen soll? Fuer solche Momente entdeckten wir neulich beim Dinner eine ganz neue Beschaeftigung: Die spaerliche Tischdekoration des Ambassadors zu Harrschmuck umfuntionieren. Das Ergebnis war zwar nicht sonderlich aufregend, dafuer hat unser Lachen fuer den ganzen Abend gereicht Wa

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1166420324985566592006-12-18T07:49:00.000+03:002006-12-19T10:04:01.013+03:00

What do you know? Far away from Europe, I got for the first time in my life the opportunity to celebrate the (swedish) Santa Lucia holiday (13th of December) It all started with two Swedish Friends of mine coming over to my guesthouse to bake the "Lösle brod" or however else this swedish bread is called. It's supposed to be soft and taste after Safran - our endproduct looked nice, however, was

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1165055797088381232006-12-02T13:26:00.000+03:002006-12-02T13:36:37.096+03:00

Ever thought about building your body? Then you are perfectly right in Hargeisa, where you can find the smallest (and maybe the only) building body studio of the world. I never saw it open, and therefore can't give you any detailled desciption on the insight apparence - personally I prefer the equipment that I can find in my guesthouse: a running mashine, a bicycle and plenty of space for situps

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1164998576091659192006-12-01T21:28:00.000+03:002006-12-01T21:42:56.240+03:00

Few months ago, during a visit to the camel and sheep market, I discovered this camel with the HIV aids ribbon on its shoulder (I marked it with red color to make it more visible). Today this picture shall be my own humble contribution to the World HIV day. But who knows, camels might maybe one day as well become part of an innovative approach to bring HIV aids awareness to nomadic, pastoralist

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1164954743894028952006-12-01T09:09:00.000+03:002006-12-01T09:32:24.016+03:00

The old statehouse, located just few hundred meters from the main centre of town, was abandoned during the civil war 1988 - 1991. A large number of people fled the country during these years. When they came back in the mid nineties, many settled in statehouse, which today is one of the biggest returnee/ IDP camps in Hargeisa.Recently we conducted a HIV/Aids and FGM awareness workshop in one of

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1164814287515457822006-11-29T17:50:00.000+03:002006-11-29T18:31:30.216+03:00

Gefeiert wird in Somaliland meist dann, wenn jemand das Land verlaesst - was, wie ich bereits des oefteren erwaehnt habe, relativ oft geschieht. Vergangenen Donnerstag war es wiedermal so weit. Alfred, in der Mitte im Bild unten, lud nach zwei Jahren harter Arbeit als Project manager fuer Caritas zum letzten Mahl zum Feiern ein. Es wurde gespeist, und, sobald aeltere Ehrenmitglieder der Gemeinda

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1164203649182203032006-11-22T16:39:00.000+03:002006-11-22T16:54:09.200+03:00

As most of you know, I have been working with Caritas Switzerland for the past two months in the position of a technical advisor. Recently all staff members of the Hargeisa field office participated in a three day team building seminar. Although I am in particular a fan of these problem solving activities and endless discussions on how we could improve the work athmosphere, it was great fun to

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1164201351380454752006-11-22T13:56:00.000+03:002006-11-22T16:15:52.730+03:00

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1164135297897916662006-11-21T21:38:00.000+03:002006-11-21T21:54:57.956+03:00

And one more time: Flamingos (and a great landscape)Apart from Flamingos, the area around the lake is apparently inhabitated by Scorpions. Personally I am not a big fan of them, but some other people are ... The hot springs ... According to the Lonely planet, hot springs are one of the attractions around the lake. They are 40 Degree hot, and if you believe the guide you can also have a quick

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1164125814112705622006-11-21T18:55:00.000+03:002006-11-21T22:15:34.446+03:00

The green outskirts of Nairobi, where I live whenever I am in town, make it easy to forget about the hot, semi arid landscape that is spreading out beyond the southern boarders of the city. One hour drive, and the luscios green has changed into a kaleidoskop of beige, brown, and and yellow. Another hour drive, and one can reach to lake Magadi, in the centre of what is known as massai land. The

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1161419288119410452006-10-21T10:26:00.000+03:002006-10-21T11:28:08.173+03:00

I can't imagine where else than in Somaliland I would agree to play football on a sunny saturday afternoon... Anyway, I have to admit that running behind a ball is far less boring than I expected. So, be prepared. The next time we meet (wherever, whenever) I might invite you for a quick match:-)

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1161266135536617132006-10-19T16:39:00.000+03:002006-10-19T16:55:35.666+03:00

Life in Hargeisa can hardly be classified as normal. Broken down it consists mainly of working, eating and sleeping. Apart from leading a, lets call it, simple life, all my actions are defined by strict security regulations. If possible, I should'nt leave the compound where I live and work at all. If I still want to leave it, I have to go with a driver and a special police unit, and be back by

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1160917385353750112006-10-15T15:53:00.000+03:002006-10-15T16:03:05.366+03:00

A short story from my workFor all those who are interested to learn more about the Interventions that Caritas Switzerland is undertaking in Somaliland (as you most probably know I have been working for this organisation for approximately one month by now). The Skills and Knowledge Training for Young and Adult Women has been implemented by Caritas in Hargeisa since January 2006. The main objective

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1160831302567125142006-10-14T16:02:00.000+03:002006-10-14T16:08:22.950+03:00

If the faith of Somaliland people is as big as their praying mantas, they defenitely have to be classified as very religious people!

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1160055768752765892006-10-05T16:36:00.000+03:002006-10-05T16:42:48.770+03:00

Wie ich ja bereits erwähnt habe, ist Somaliland zur Zeit, im Einklang mit der restlichen islamischen Welt, vom Monat Ramadan betäubt. Wer nicht unbedingt arbeiten muss, verbringt den Tag über mit Schlafen, und bewegt erst am Abend wieder mit dem Rest der Gemeinschaft durch Hargeisas Straßen. Es herrscht, kurz gesagt, eine Ruhe, die beinahe schon unheimlich wirkt. Die oft erwähnte Ruhe vor dem

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1159593391512201432006-09-30T08:09:00.000+03:002006-09-30T08:16:31.540+03:00

Nach einem kurzen Intermezzo in Kenya bin ich seit gestern wieder in Somaliland, im Land der Ziegen und des Khat, und nehme diese Ortswechsel als Anlass für ein längst überfälliges Update.Wie einige wissen und andere nicht, arbeite ich seit Anfang Juli nicht mehr für CARE international. Die Monate Juli und August habe ich dazu verwendet, mein DAF Studium an der Uni Wien endgültig abzuschließen (

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1153210627978786262006-07-18T10:57:00.000+03:002006-07-18T11:17:07.990+03:00

the ability to relax even when at work - CARE watchman and drivers the enthusiasm and joy of the young generationthe juicy cocktails After ten months of life and work in the hassle and buzzle of Somaliland I left this lovely place, mayb for good, maybe only for some few weeks. Some things that I appreciated most about Somaliland are demonstrated above....

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1153209178022076762006-07-18T10:46:00.000+03:002006-07-18T10:52:58.036+03:00

Greeting the fans back home...

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1151129235399308142006-06-24T08:50:00.000+03:002006-06-24T09:07:15.413+03:00

"picture shopping" instead of "window shopping"thats what you can do on a lazy friday in Hargeisa. Second option: sipping a delicious "fruitchill" in the oriental palace. Fuel stations in Hargeisa tryhard to keep their independence and uniqueness, by using hundreds of different versions of "Gaas", "batrol", "pedrol", "Petrol" and so forth. Also the word "fuel" itself does not always follow the

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1151127825854882362006-06-24T08:20:00.000+03:002006-06-24T08:43:45.866+03:00

Pure coincidence or an innovative strategy to bring HIV awareness to the remote rural areas? We really tried our best to look like Somalis - Birke and me But somehow the camouflage didnt work out well. During our visit to the camel market we remained a visible attraction, and were offered a series of spectacles, including a camel ride. Curios about how much one camel costs, a vendor told me

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1150808526989895682006-06-20T15:30:00.000+03:002006-06-20T18:08:05.543+03:00

It's quite interesting to closely follow the recent reactions by foreign countries, particularly those bordering, on the situation in Somalia.While there is hardly any neighbouring country that cannot be blamed for the misery that Somalia is in today, all show "serious" attempts to acquit themselves from any possible charge.Kenya is suddenly banning the warlords whom it has been harbouring and

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1150744353427213502006-06-19T22:00:00.000+03:002006-06-19T22:12:33.443+03:00

Visualizing the world cup for those who can't afford? Or rather a good advice to play it yourself? Billboards in Somaliland show real creativity - and allow often more than one interpretation.

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1150440581902819752006-06-16T09:48:00.000+03:002006-06-16T09:49:41.906+03:00

Es war einmal, Somalia - so könnte die Geschichte beginnen über ein Land, das während der vergangenen fünfzehn Jahre zu einem Mosaik aus selbsternannten Kriegsherren, Islamisten und international eingesetzten Regierungen zerbrochen ist.Seit dem Sturz des früheren Diktators Siad Barre regieren Kriegsherren über Territorien oft nicht grösser als ein paar Häuserblocks, während im Schatten der

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1150440134369894212006-06-16T09:34:00.000+03:002006-06-16T09:42:14.370+03:00

Bearing in mind the recent events in the South of Somalia, I would say we can consider ourselves as quite lucky here in Hargeisa. At least there are no Islamic clercs that try to ban the worldcup transmission from the local TV stations. Suds, Ayan, Chloe, Ian, Moh, Kathy, Ulf and Mike at the Halo trust roof, the best address in town for real time football matches.

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1150439376381473292006-06-16T09:21:00.000+03:002006-06-16T09:29:36.380+03:00

Photo shooting in Berbera - or what is left from it. Birke and me.

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1150438752419166502006-06-16T08:54:00.000+03:002006-06-16T09:19:12.433+03:00

Little Moskow, build by the Russians many years ago - remainings of cold war cultural and architectural export. Bachelor quarter: the place where single male workers used to live in when working in Berbera. But the old glamour and the work opportunities of Berbera have long ceased to exist. Nowadays its just a dusty small town on shore of the gulf of Aden, with little importance except for its

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1148907451364178842006-05-29T15:37:00.000+03:002006-05-29T15:57:31.376+03:00

Marathabs last party: From Genti he received a special present: a "good bye and never forget about Somaliland" T shirt One day to get to know each other, the second day to play volleyball together, the thrid day to have a party, and the fourth day the person is off again.. fluff! Thats in few words the life span of friendships in Somaliland. But I shall not complain, since I choose liberately to

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1148708505160747352006-05-27T08:28:00.000+03:002006-05-27T08:41:45.173+03:00

On the road to the border Town of Wachale, close to Ethiopia. Speeding cars and lazy goats are the main danger on this ever straight road.Sometimes I am asked whether it is raining in Somaliland. Unlike the South of Somalia, Somaliland was not seriously affected by the current drought. At the moment it is raining nearly every day for a couple of hours. On the above picture you can see the water

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1148671223463608912006-05-26T21:54:00.000+03:002006-05-26T22:20:26.160+03:00

Ib and me on a longed for weekend trip to the Mount Longonot, a Vulcano just outside Nairobi

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1148652605678867352006-05-26T16:19:00.000+03:002006-05-26T17:57:26.883+03:00

Sometimes a visit to a snake park helps to overcome childhood traumatas and nightmares and to uncover lies and misbelieves.What I learned during this recent visit to a snake park in Kenya:a) Snakes can look wonderful, without being dangerous b) not all green snakes are Green Mambas - this for instance looks like a green mamba, but is in reality a harmless green Housesnake - you could also keep it

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1145890818072779332006-04-24T17:47:00.000+03:002006-04-26T16:52:44.743+03:00

After a long and dry season, the current rain seems to revive nature in somaliland... sadly its only plasticflowers which regain a bit of their old glamour after being rinsed with some heavy rain drops.Daniela still couldnt resist taking a picture in the midst of this colorful plastic world

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1145650276984658452006-04-21T22:46:00.000+03:002006-04-22T08:20:46.090+03:00

Climbing up the "other" Nasa Hablod hill. Translated into English Nasa Hablod means "the two breast".In the background one can see the left Nasa Hablod, the one we walked up two weeks ago. The right one that we climbed up today however seems to be more popular among the local youth - despite being slightly higher and steeper to walk up. I was quite surprised to meet a bunch of kids on top of the

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1145472362335675412006-04-19T21:08:00.000+03:002006-04-19T21:46:02.386+03:00

Leben in Somaliland ist nicht immer einfach. Wie halt überall auf der Welt hat auch hier der Alltag diverse Tücken parat. Eine Tücke des Alltags etwa ist Kommunikation. Als wäre Kommunikation mit Somalis nicht ohnehin schon mühsam genug, dank ihrer Gabe während eines Gesprächs entweder a) einfach mal kurz den Raum zu verlassen um eine Zigarette zu rauchen und mit dem Nachbarn zu plaudern; b) ein

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1145221606253965112006-04-16T23:45:00.000+03:002006-04-17T00:06:46.266+03:00

Finally again, after some long weeks spent within the city boarders of Hargeisa, I got a chance to visit a rural community, Darar Weyne today. Reason: closure ceremony of a youth leadership training. Although i wasnt over excited about the endless speaches in Somali, given by each and every community member of certain importance (one elder, the eldest of the elders, the elder women, the teacher,

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1145029412207153162006-04-14T18:33:00.000+03:002006-04-15T15:07:20.873+03:00

Ever wondered how restaurants are called in Hargeisa? A visit to the market is usually a bigger shock for the eyes than for the wallet, since most sellers try to vie with each other in colour and kitsch.During my last exploring trip I discovered this newly opened EXOTIC fast food & beverage shop. In the first place I wondered what can be exotic about a fast food shop - after all, there are

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1144697077575134922006-04-10T22:14:00.000+03:002006-04-10T22:24:37.626+03:00

Endlich kann ich in der Ferne wieder das Wort Italien aussprechen ohne mich dabei für unseren zweifelsohne wahnsinnigen, lächerlichen und oben drein unfähigen EX premierminister entschuldigen zu müssen! Danke, Italien! Und ich bekenne mich dazu: wäre ich in Italien gewesen, oder irgendwo nahe einer italienischen Botschaft aufgehalten, hätte ich mich auch zu dem - glücklicherweise - großen

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1144582296140629672006-04-09T14:29:00.000+03:002006-04-09T14:51:55.590+03:00

Nicht nur ich werde alt... ;-) Happy birthday, Silvia! Eigentlich sollte ich dir diese glückwünsche persönlich überbringen, aber die arbeit und distanz lässts leider nicht zu. Jedoch kein grund zum jammern - das feiern wird nachgeholt, sobald ich wiedermal im lande bin, oder du mich in kenia besuchen kommst! Feste umarmung and all my thoughts, Johanna

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1144525117911859222006-04-08T22:02:00.000+03:002006-04-08T22:38:43.300+03:00

Sometimes one just has to smile benignly when walking (or driving) through the streets of Hargeisa, the dusty capital of what some people call "africas best kept secret". Although maybe forgotten by the international community, Somaliland still keeps its share of "internationalism" - or maybe "transnationalism", since goods from other countries across the globe are not simply shipped in, but

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1144421984496337572006-04-07T17:43:00.000+03:002006-04-07T20:54:27.790+03:00

Schon wiedermal ein Jahr vergangen... Obwohl Geburtstage hier in Somaliland eigentlich nicht gefeiert werden (laut Aussagen von Arbeitskolleginnen) bekam ich gleich von zweien einen Gebursttagskuchen. Nette Überraschung!Little Atum, leider kein Geburtstagsgeschenk. The Pink Drink - Energy drink for women only. The Somali version of Red Bull.

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1144333654171746422006-04-06T17:17:00.000+03:002006-04-06T17:27:34.190+03:00

Vage kann ich mich daran erinnern, wie ein freund vor einigen jahren zu mir meinte "nirgendwo sind wolken so großartig wie in kenya" - Naja, ganz recht hatte er nicht: Hier in Somaliland könnte ich mich auch stundenlang den ständig sich ändernden Bildern am Himmel widmen! fortsetzung folgt...

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1144155269487748482006-04-04T15:39:00.000+03:002006-04-04T16:04:07.080+03:00

On top of Nasa Hablod, outside Hargeisa. Not a tough climb, but at least some kind of peak :-) Ian and Jamal enjoying the wind (and sun)Dried centipeds - thats what you can find on the way to nasa halbod.Looks a bit like a alien, doesnt it?And more of "wild animals"... Find the bee!

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1143487115579591152006-03-27T22:00:00.000+03:002006-03-28T15:42:52.636+03:00

Development workers not at work:Patrick, Ulrike and Chloe enjoying their day off at the beach in Berbera. Only some seemed to have mixed up the place with the beach of Bath, South England Pretending to jump like a dolphin: Johanna dipping her head into to tepid water of the Gulf of Aden Ian attempting to take self portraits in the water La spaghettata italiana: italian hospitality in a place

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678644.post-1143485906598269432006-03-27T21:00:00.000+03:002006-03-29T09:14:02.580+03:00

For all those who still believe that development workers are doing nothing but saving lives, I can only assure that I myself revised that ambition some months ago, when i started working for CARE, a big international development agency. Nevertheless we are saving at least some lifes from time to time, although not, as in the case of last weekend, the lifes of human beings...On our trip to Berbera

Johanna und Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564449089360611114noreply@blogger.com0