Back From Africa

Hello All,

Left for Africa last Sunday afternoon and arrived almost 24 hours later. I spent more time on layovers then I did flying. There are not really many good flight schedules to Africa. Turns out it is a little more difficult then catching the NY to LA flights back in the states, not to mention, Africa is a lot further away then it looks on the map. Keep in mind that the continent is 3.5 times as large as the continental US and the country of Sudan is as big as California, Arizona, and Utah combined.

By the time I got to camp and changed over, most of the workday on Monday was over. Did manage to get my email accts and internet up and running as well as find an empty desk to work at. The next three days were pretty busy with meetings, office calls with the branch directors and the Commander (a one star Admiral) and the Deputy Commander (one star Army General).

Before I knew it, Thurs late afternoon was upon me and it was time to leave for Germany. Since a good part of my trip was on Ethiopian Air, my boss recommended that I don't check any bags. He says that they are notorious about losing bags.

Taking my bag as a carry on was no problem the whole way down. For the way back, it was a problem. When I told the agent that I had no bags to check, only carry on, she said she needed to see my bag and put it on a scale. She said it was 5kg over weight and I would have to check it.

In a country with 70% unemployment, no natural resources, a refugee problem, and a central government that is under internal stress, this guy is gravely concerned over my carry on bag weighing 5kg to much to be a carry on. Not sure what the logic was.

Needless to say, I was pissed. After a heated discussion with the supervisor, I made no progess towards hanging on to my bag. I reluctantly checked my bag feeling that I may never see it again. Sure enough, when I got to Stuttgart, no bag. Can't say I was even a little surprised.

What I really dislike about being in Djibouti, is that I always sense a covert hostility from Djiboutians who are in postition of authority like customs, police, security personnel, and this particular pair at the check in counter. Since I had this heated disagreement with the counter people, I figured that they probably just tossed my bag in the corner or in the dumpster after rummaging through it.

I am sure if I gave him some money, it would not have been a problem anymore. Honestly, before I did that, I would have found out what one months salary for the security people was and paid one of them that amount to break the guys hands. If I was African, it would not have been an issue. I saw bags that appeared to be the same size and weight of the one I was forced to check. I always have felt that because I am a Caucasian American, they like to show me who is in charge by f**king with me every change they get. Others have told me the same thing.

Well, I ended up getting my bag about 24 hours later. I was surprised that no one even opened it to spit on my clothes.

I am really happy to be out of Africa and don't think I will have to go back to Djibouti. I really hate it there. If you asked me to tell you something positive about DJ, I would not even be able to think of one thing. It is just a horrible place.

I am sure there are some nice things to see in Africa but I would not waste a penny of my own money to go there. The place will never be anything more then it is right now. They will never move beyond their clan and tribe mentality which permiates every aspect of their cultures and politics. Unfortunately, they have resources we need so we have to engage them or the Chinese will end up with rights to everything.

On a positive note, once I resigned to the fact that I would never see my bag again, I decided that I would go out a buy a new razor since I was out of blades anyway. I had been using one of those Gillette 5 blade deals which provide the best shave I have ever had although I cringe when I buy blades (4 pack is around $12). I decided to upgrade to the Gillette Fusion Power. This is the same as my old razor but it is has a battery that vibrates the head. I don't know the science behind it but I can tell you that this is the best shave in the world. If you don't use an electric razor like me, I highly recommend trading up to this little baby.

Well, next week is Labor Day so we have a long weekend. Not sure what I will do yet. Was thinking I would go to Rome but I would have to fly down. Jodi and I are pretty close to buying a house so I am torn between cutting back here to maximize resources and doing something that I will probably never pursue again, like going to the Sistine Chapel and the Roman Colosseum. If we get a contract on the house we are looking at, it will need a refridgerator which are not cheap.

I will keep everyone posted on the house. Should know more next week.

I also miss my dog.

The Formula One race is starting so I will sign off for another week.

Michael