tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15858353221954688072024-02-19T10:38:53.378+00:00In thought...Life and thoughts.Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-46360435404937558412018-02-03T13:07:00.001+00:002018-02-03T13:07:17.921+00:00My serious pledge. I really sound like a broken record. I blog. I disappear. I come back with an apology post.<br />
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This time I will NOT do that. I will not apologise again because clearly my apologies aren't sincere because I have made no efforts to keep blogging, despite so much happening in my life over the past few years, which I have either refused or forgot to blog about.<br />
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It's 2018, I'm 26 now, yada, yada, and I have finally taken responsibility of my actions. If I commit to something like my blog, I have to remain committed to it. After all, it's this blog, and the ModerneMeid name, that got me to where I am today. It's the blogging, the tweeting and Facebooking that has got me to where I am today.<br />
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I have had this blog for so many years, yet it has remained stagnant, due to my inability or refusal to keep the blog updated, to keep it fresh, to attempt new things. Now I have decided to keep it updated. It'll serve as a diary, a place which I can look back on in a few years' time to see my personal and professional growth. It can also serve as a place for information, guidance and laughter for my readers.<br />
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So much has changed and happened to me over the years but what I will do is give a play by play this year.<br />
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I have publicly pledged to do the following (publicly so I can be held accountable, publicly so that I feel ashamed for not doing it when I fail to do it):<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">do something tangible for girls education in South Sudan</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">back to blogging (</span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmodernemeid.blogspot.com%2F&h=ATOIeMfMjOn_lWUjXMHlZhRV6GXVoWilH2-x6S7TMjgnXbH-z2LjRakwFlebV1Phu2N3LCjzZauX-dH35e4XA1LmW6rnhqZbHk2LOgYg3caSw68vfL5pO-0ZekFPm15PEP5HuwLJnn0qBalUZNaCL83lRs7t9RPoKf-YRn2WOVz5h8AHJpSk86EZcvVb5sbSsnySERhO3cOIKtP01ctJQG1YOVolVfqfDnqByKSjPGiDT-W7ueVNOoOPLA6QXclxvJfIgHw1VCrMDoPwLdDGL9TAg59qYJAqXSzD-YkZTtkm" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://modernemeid.blogspot.com</a><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">building stronger social media presence on Twitter</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">back to South Sudan media and editing work</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">work with different South Sudanese on their projects</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">build the SS Literary Review website</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.12px;">more travel of course (seeing places I’ve never seen before).</span></li>
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Those are my pledges. Now I am going to start preparing some things to share. Feel free to follow this blog to stay in the loop!</div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-25442693288034144042017-02-02T21:26:00.004+00:002017-02-02T21:26:32.112+00:00Forever 25.I been blogging for years but I haven't really been updating for years.<br />
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<b>Many</b> reasons. I'm no longer anonymous and people can read and learn and know more about me. I kind of find that creepy-ish, but I will share the things that I don't mind sharing.<br />
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I been busy (as usual). I get bored really easily, so I like to do many things to keep myself occupied, and make me feel like I have a sense of purpose.<br />
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I'm now 25 and I do feel like I have done a lot. I've experienced many good, nice, bad and very, very awful things. It's all shaped who I am right now, and whatever is coming, will shape who I will become.<br />
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I have to admit though there's been a lot of wakeup calls and deep thinking on my end. I no longer fear many of the things I used to fear. I am no longer (as) attached to people as I used to be. People come and go, their presence or absence are all for a reason, and I am actually ok with that. I'm content with it.<br />
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This blog is entitled post is 'Forever 25,' because I have accepted a number of things since turning 25. These acceptances will continue to serve as a foundation of who I am.<br />
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BY THE WAY, I'm sort of almost famous. Mentioned in Buzzfeed News, as an 'influential government propagandist.' I have MADE IT. Finally. Famous AF*. If only, just only, they knew that, the government of South Sudan, is actually considered trash by me. <br />
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I will take autographs*.<br />
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<br />Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-7542483133592309812016-10-14T22:33:00.000+01:002016-10-14T22:35:56.113+01:00Another milestone. I've completed another milestone; I have completed my masters.<br />
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So I did my masters full time for a year while also working (sometimes). It was something I chose to do because I was getting bored with work. I didn't feel challenged enough. Plus, I wanted masters to help me improve my work ethic (it sort of worked?). </div>
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I'm content with what I've managed to accomplish. Some of my dissertation research results got published in a research paper and I got a Merit in my masters. So I cannot complain. I actually had a nice one year at uni and met some people I consider to be friends. </div>
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My masters really opened my eyes about the world of research and how much fun ending a stressful week is with a social on campus.<br />
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My masters was also a trying moment because I had to deal with things I have never really had to deal with before; being wrong, messing up, working independently, critically thinking all the time and overall being under a lot of pressure and time constraints. I wanted it to be all over. Thankfully it is. </div>
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It's taught me a lot about myself and what I want to do next and what I'm willing to deal with/not deal with. Most importantly, I grew up during this time. I take my work really seriously now and I also enjoy it. </div>
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We will see what's next for me in the world of education... but for now I'm happy the early mornings, studying and deadlines, have ended. </div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-83091964031703373852016-04-12T23:59:00.003+01:002016-05-01T22:57:08.460+01:00Some Memories From Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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As you may recall I went to Africa in 2013. It was my first time in years and it didn't go as planned. Despite, my trip really kickstarted the kind of journalism and writing I've been doing since. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A few things that I found nice or memorable in Africa. Not all of it is documented here, but just a few of those things.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-GUvydbm4TAr0xUZU9RIwUJVBjcptiLNoYZh3EbwfYgweSd7I94B3IsBumGuKsJDtCPZLRsS_jHPBp6pyb22b-4KpC5ujiE1C-cG9THTdAItRW681SrzayoIlc-dmsNDIlODRguCC-5b/s640/blogger-image-1130539149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-GUvydbm4TAr0xUZU9RIwUJVBjcptiLNoYZh3EbwfYgweSd7I94B3IsBumGuKsJDtCPZLRsS_jHPBp6pyb22b-4KpC5ujiE1C-cG9THTdAItRW681SrzayoIlc-dmsNDIlODRguCC-5b/s320/blogger-image-1130539149.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because it was my first time at Le Bistro they gave me free cake on the house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaUOLC6sj4pp-PH1yChBJeKj0AMvQqD3ZtJn7FVafOFVcjvazYP5iECIx4Bo30AAylyXYN9kJAbK1FxvZkyMA68HQy-bkAU6z79XKMyBt9GWDyHNcuOmkCJRFU1XB3onoQe7vTAeG7vJD/s320/blogger-image-1988810074.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountains surrounding and within Juba.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPpi01ilJmsSxMZTbf5ol0XDyqQJ_cCSlHZ2ClZsqFuYx8prMuAT-6Ov7niu1KrSdm6FotYrYeIyoYG6cFNrz3HDyZsQsctOM89qdhDFqkZ3WGB7odDNOTfq6w1qnM6W9aOOj_e3Hku8t/s640/blogger-image--942071111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPpi01ilJmsSxMZTbf5ol0XDyqQJ_cCSlHZ2ClZsqFuYx8prMuAT-6Ov7niu1KrSdm6FotYrYeIyoYG6cFNrz3HDyZsQsctOM89qdhDFqkZ3WGB7odDNOTfq6w1qnM6W9aOOj_e3Hku8t/s320/blogger-image--942071111.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Sudan money, albeit sort of useless, is beautiful. Who would have thought we'd have our own country, let alone currency?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTV5-kiznjnnzkgW-BCM0bbQciguXC21X3kFUIEq7K_KKckK5444cvWbtpxv6FrQP1pRVe9SYWApJoGTEMwsqss4wzfiqs-9JfTMSt4oWmIpiiSv2Msvu80GSl8Jmrr81feiRtU1PUoChV/s640/blogger-image--1524787836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTV5-kiznjnnzkgW-BCM0bbQciguXC21X3kFUIEq7K_KKckK5444cvWbtpxv6FrQP1pRVe9SYWApJoGTEMwsqss4wzfiqs-9JfTMSt4oWmIpiiSv2Msvu80GSl8Jmrr81feiRtU1PUoChV/s320/blogger-image--1524787836.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cartoon of the day (this was from Citizen). It keeps the circumstances in South Sudan real.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNNxwjM8GvrUjn8-_96PixutMggaXzHJb4C2k2jLbojzQIdtxRnetUaHkEoliFS5d34HrlPFZhSkKjsUQ4FJS0xpuhqFeSe7T-TH43WINV0EW3-ybfLST8YJ4DG-TP06zL8nPLioc4Gk0/s640/blogger-image--352301710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNNxwjM8GvrUjn8-_96PixutMggaXzHJb4C2k2jLbojzQIdtxRnetUaHkEoliFS5d34HrlPFZhSkKjsUQ4FJS0xpuhqFeSe7T-TH43WINV0EW3-ybfLST8YJ4DG-TP06zL8nPLioc4Gk0/s320/blogger-image--352301710.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young mango tree at home in Thongpiny.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68HwuYrHCL6N72BHj48O2PZgoOfCAbr4YsQuzSFLv86p3OR4aDJNHl7YD12bZGOIO_-9pbbBZTOK5XKEvIuK0lt1R6177vthb2-GRWjAe5X94I6opYHVzGtxolSD6wu9lh1xAWyEfgNEJ/s640/blogger-image--347918127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68HwuYrHCL6N72BHj48O2PZgoOfCAbr4YsQuzSFLv86p3OR4aDJNHl7YD12bZGOIO_-9pbbBZTOK5XKEvIuK0lt1R6177vthb2-GRWjAe5X94I6opYHVzGtxolSD6wu9lh1xAWyEfgNEJ/s320/blogger-image--347918127.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is somewhere in Nairobi. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjzsb2AvRp4eGfnwM-6dgiZsaTAxNdwYZamvXbDdkhYqASwELOh-IcSbFIND-HvGbZqlQ22F6FI3ZVMwpncJrOSFCY4oG9zYgQ2b32WqrHVNfgmXSpC7Jq1rDnTHvAYpr8DeouVPUrnWy/s640/blogger-image-758753875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjzsb2AvRp4eGfnwM-6dgiZsaTAxNdwYZamvXbDdkhYqASwELOh-IcSbFIND-HvGbZqlQ22F6FI3ZVMwpncJrOSFCY4oG9zYgQ2b32WqrHVNfgmXSpC7Jq1rDnTHvAYpr8DeouVPUrnWy/s320/blogger-image-758753875.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remnant of 2013: Coca Cola did special edition labels for Kenya, celebrating the country's 50th independence. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnqWRjv_FKmEZPcLV2WzD_WfyynSciOUvhAkx-vl4YYInvwpVH5zDNEbkt1UdBKlLA-89u8QKMV0LivhURcXtyCwjkNk8ivR79RchhB5VnfdHZ-XiYea9rawFjvyV_5_Jb0X_PKwPwQmd/s640/blogger-image--602514067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnqWRjv_FKmEZPcLV2WzD_WfyynSciOUvhAkx-vl4YYInvwpVH5zDNEbkt1UdBKlLA-89u8QKMV0LivhURcXtyCwjkNk8ivR79RchhB5VnfdHZ-XiYea9rawFjvyV_5_Jb0X_PKwPwQmd/s320/blogger-image--602514067.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is home without the occasional power outage?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfFewyLaHPPsWvO24X24FU_j1wzwskD2zqI2VmzZeb1hTUSC-72AL8EH0uZw6vOq7hHL52Pb0JjFzMrc_ClK1pSJ0tJTNbez1aR8x-wSDFUwh65y2bSpUNFemBj12B0FdjyKTqiYmgL4R/s640/blogger-image-539839393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfFewyLaHPPsWvO24X24FU_j1wzwskD2zqI2VmzZeb1hTUSC-72AL8EH0uZw6vOq7hHL52Pb0JjFzMrc_ClK1pSJ0tJTNbez1aR8x-wSDFUwh65y2bSpUNFemBj12B0FdjyKTqiYmgL4R/s320/blogger-image-539839393.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My obsession with skies is justified: we don't really get to see blue skies in the UK. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPPjX6UpSWkiR8_GVg6D_WFXXbNnEVsBu7a0uTfcpZsK12Ng8AFzRWVnHYpqdC7ss-wej37SNPFpcJASUcBDz068LVBIBjz7MwYIB1GQymrLydxyvXn-fXur1r1Ml7mEEB_p7iKXu5pQg/s640/blogger-image--1894843107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPPjX6UpSWkiR8_GVg6D_WFXXbNnEVsBu7a0uTfcpZsK12Ng8AFzRWVnHYpqdC7ss-wej37SNPFpcJASUcBDz068LVBIBjz7MwYIB1GQymrLydxyvXn-fXur1r1Ml7mEEB_p7iKXu5pQg/s320/blogger-image--1894843107.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat at Paradise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB572u34rqz8W15hh3LdnaJPAgEuYY9wEVJ9Fbb3Buf4aa6syUnCImEEgQYtzpfikgwuJfDv7VPwnT_Pn-i7Ff0aGNP-QZY9Z34BtYv0eu4180iAex3EvWNH4yh0-UBy5o5etvofjSJiO/s640/blogger-image-1921180247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB572u34rqz8W15hh3LdnaJPAgEuYY9wEVJ9Fbb3Buf4aa6syUnCImEEgQYtzpfikgwuJfDv7VPwnT_Pn-i7Ff0aGNP-QZY9Z34BtYv0eu4180iAex3EvWNH4yh0-UBy5o5etvofjSJiO/s320/blogger-image-1921180247.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1985 five Kenyan Shilling coin.</td></tr>
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Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-3998858219088658832016-04-11T00:28:00.001+01:002016-04-11T00:28:06.956+01:00Do not bleach: Handle with care<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r_-8ztVbZap5DmzlFF1gArJL1UFfpIbsJs8Sx5HJhGgUYBpqbwccREvGAGSeqKyS7ixBuo4qIbARJlb2PHxAnaG9Xa2mXOpelK78WQM8apHzHMMAQhv9B2LLwB9SSW9y8JPH8opZ4Yuj/s640/blogger-image-1774500612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r_-8ztVbZap5DmzlFF1gArJL1UFfpIbsJs8Sx5HJhGgUYBpqbwccREvGAGSeqKyS7ixBuo4qIbARJlb2PHxAnaG9Xa2mXOpelK78WQM8apHzHMMAQhv9B2LLwB9SSW9y8JPH8opZ4Yuj/s640/blogger-image-1774500612.jpg"></a></div>Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-10957821775993817402016-03-28T23:24:00.002+01:002016-03-28T23:33:15.641+01:00Women are NOT Bob the BuildersI am so over this glorification of women FIXING men!!! Isn't that his mother's job? Why couldn't he raise his emotional intelligence while growing up? Why couldn't he get that job and/or degree while he was with his parents? What is his excuse for not becoming a man before making someone his woman?<br />
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In all honesty if you are emotionally unintelligent, broke and immature, having a girlfriend should be incredibly low on your list of priorities.<br />
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A woman deserves far more than taking over her boyfriend's mother's job of raising him.<br />
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This focus on or task of fixing men has women <b>hustling backwards</b>, giving them far less than what they deserve.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This woman here is so focused on building her man that her right arm is on her left arm! </td></tr>
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I've seen it far too often; women who go out of their way and perform wifely duties for the man, doing things from giving her savings to him to teaching him manners and how to dress, only for him to keep it moving and marry the next woman. </div>
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The only person(s) a woman should be raising are her kids. I'm not saying that a woman should never help her significant other or never work with him. There's a difference between building someone <b>up</b> and building <b>with</b> someone. Building <b>with</b> someone is getting that first house together, raising a family, going into business together, supporting one another and their goals, and improving and bettering one another.</div>
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In some cases, yes the man will probably return to pursuing higher education, make a career change, start a business etc. And that is even expected. In such cases your level of support should be dictated by what type of relationship you have. If it's a marriage, of course you can go all out on the support. But if this is your man of three weeks, three months etc. girl, wish him luck and be his cheerleader but continue to focus on your goals. Do not make sacrifices that impede your own progression. </div>
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This Bob the Builder role that some women seem to take pride in has women hustling backwards and you're wondering why I say that... I say it because often enough a woman has done so much and gone so far, even started a family with him yet, there's no commitment on paper or in the form of a ring. None of that. Let me not forget to mention the sacrifices the woman has made without that level of commitment.</div>
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So unless you enjoy being Bob the Builder and realise what the job description entails, do not build men. Do not even get drawn to men who want to be build or take pride in being build. A relationship is about bringing peace to one another and supporting one another (not at the expense of one another). It's a place where there's equality, not babysitting. So please ladies, if you know you can do better, do not settle for less. </div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-53687434488584647852016-03-28T12:53:00.000+01:002016-03-28T12:54:21.447+01:00Say My Name, The Right Way Please!If your name is as 'diverse' as mine, i.e. can be pronounced and spelled in one or more ways, then you can definitely relate to what I'm going to say next (unless you boycott Starbucks).<br />
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My name is Dutch derived (don't quote me on this) and usually pronounced like 'Sita' but it's written as 'Sieta'. Most people get it right (in the Netherlands).<br />
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In the UK when I moved here (and even now until this day), I've gone into this habit of saying it's 'Sieta' when people call me 'Seeyeta' (that's the only real way I can write it so that you understand how they mispronounce it phonetically). So imagine that when people do pronounce my name correctly, I let them know they pronounced it correctly because it's a rare occurrence. <br />
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This continued mispronunciation and even misspelling of my name became too much at school and even during my undergrad, so I just allowed people to call me whatever they wanted to call me. To some people I made it quite clear that it's Sieta but some still chose to go with 'Seeyeta' (memory of a gold fish or something?).<br />
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The people at Starbucks aren't any better either. They struggle with my name the most. This is the dialogue that usually ensues when I ask them for a caramel macchiato or just a cappuccino;<br />
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Starbucks barista: what's your name?<br />
Me: Sieta.<br />
Starbucks barista: *in doubt on how to spell my name on the cup, looks confused as hell*<br />
Me: *waiting awkwardly as it's taking the barista ages to start write my name on the cup*.<br />
Starbucks barista: - two minutes later - Ok thanks, drink will be at the end.<br />
Me: *annoyed as hell and clocks that it is misspelled*.</blockquote>
Sometimes I let it go but other times I get so annoyed when the Starbucks baristas are in doubt on how to spell my name. Their hesitation and the number of question marks they get on their face just infuriates me. I want my coffee and I want it now.<br />
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I know people who have quite complex names and use really standard and common names to put on their cups. I guess it works for them but I can't keep going to the same Starbucks and forget that one name and use another one. They'd wonder if I have an identity crisis or a split personality.<br />
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Anyway, since then I have changed the spelling of my name to 'Sita' for Starbucks purposes. It causes no issues, but that is not how my name is spelled. And no, I am not the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sita">Indian goddess Sita.</a></div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-10993160856364921002016-03-24T22:33:00.002+00:002016-03-24T22:40:13.585+00:00#TBT: My Presenting Experience At South Sudan Oyee Live.July 13th 2013 was the day!<br />
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I presented the first <a href="http://tamamglobal.com/south-sudan-oyee-live/">South Sudan Oyee Live</a> concert which was held in celebration of South Sudan's second independence. The event had some great sponsors including African money transfer company <a href="http://www.dahabshiil.co.uk/">Dahabshiil</a> and supported <a href="http://www.jubalink.org.uk/">The JUBALINK</a> charity and showcased charities such as <a href="http://www.gua-africa.org/">Gua Africa</a>.<br />
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That day was a wonderful and amazing day and I can truly say my life has changed ever since. As a kid, even the thought of standing in class in front of an audience was terrifying... but this was one of my first experiences in public. *Proud of myself*.<br />
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I was terrified, terrified. I was incredibly terrified when I got on stage, but as time went on, award-winning journalist <a href="http://www.channel4.com/news/inigo-gilmore">Inigo Gilmore</a> made things so much easier for me and my other cohost Moria Tibi.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8mP5sap-oTLQnAKmOMPLF5cf56KpdmF7LV3O3fsYuAVxVgXWQE-s_Qwc8N-IIo_zfOxCaf95z8jEn_-LB0WinV69vWXLW2sfqucjZusCtAHgv0gAXwDZPBKVoYyi1pFTV5PGksIMRPmB/s1600/2013-07-13+23.30.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8mP5sap-oTLQnAKmOMPLF5cf56KpdmF7LV3O3fsYuAVxVgXWQE-s_Qwc8N-IIo_zfOxCaf95z8jEn_-LB0WinV69vWXLW2sfqucjZusCtAHgv0gAXwDZPBKVoYyi1pFTV5PGksIMRPmB/s320/2013-07-13+23.30.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great cakes.</td></tr>
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I still have that dress. It was custom made. Forever grateful.<br />
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This is a quick #TBT (Throw Back Thursday) post... my intention is to post something comprehensive on how to build your confidence for public speaking purposes etc...</div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-6559815697205284722016-03-19T22:40:00.002+00:002016-03-24T23:38:57.023+00:00Procrastination is real.So we are now three months into 2016 and I didn't make any update, summary or plans for 2016 on my blog.<br />
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I just don't know.<br />
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I used to kind of blog about my life, and then I blogged about thoughts and musings, and then I ended up writing a little bit about South Sudan. I'm not sure what direction this blog is heading into. And I'm not sure why I am mixing politics with my personal life.<br />
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I have to be really honest though. My blog began to take a different direction since I went to Africa - different direction as in, I stopped sharing so much about my personal life. I stopped writing about my thoughts. The reason why is because in the past few years I really began to value my privacy.<br />
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Since becoming more and more involved with my community, I've become sort of 'known.' It isn't bragging, just a highlight of facts. South Sudan is a small country. South Sudanese community worldwide all know one another thanks to social media and relentless gossip. I guess that's why I have just taken a backseat and not blogged on things I wanted to blog when I was first starting - travels, personal life etc.<br />
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I will still blog. And maybe less of the politics. I just posted them all here because I didn't really bother choosing a platform to write them on. I haven't published in my alternative blog in years (http://modernemeidwrites.blogspot.co.uk). I also don't know if I should revive that and write all the politics there and just keep this blog for thoughts, musings and <i>some</i> acceptable personal life things.<br />
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Anyway. I am occupied. Too occupied. But it's enjoyable. I'm excited for 2016 and beyond. I am now 24. Not so much a kid anymore, and not that much of an adult (I'm a young adult I suppose). Things have changed drastically between this time last year and now. But I am grateful for all those changes. Life is positive. I have the right people around me. I am motivated and pushed. I've always worked hard at everything I do and this time it's no different.<br />
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I have my moments, but I am certainly blessed.Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-6756007405431440792016-01-16T12:55:00.000+00:002016-01-16T12:55:59.088+00:00Reconciliation is Indispensable: (Where South Sudan has failed)Reconciliation is Indispensable: (Where South Sudan has failed)<br />
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South Sudan is currently perceived as a failed state. Truthfully, this sentiment is not far from the truth. South Sudan's government has already exacerbated a disgruntled, tired and suffering people who were sold the idea of justice, liberty and prosperity, but instead received a system of oligarchy, non-reflective of the SPLM's original Marxist ideology.<br />
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Our currently practiced ideals are unrepresentative of the ideology the liberation struggle fought for; the rich and poor divide is expansive and ever-growing, people are neglected basic human rights and necessities such as healthcare and education, infrastructure is almost non-existent outside of the capital city, the justice system is feeble and in many cases invalid, and security is poor due to an undisciplined, divided and neglected national army. </div>
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With the current conflict a number of solutions have been followed through including the implementation of 28 new states. This solution has its proponents and opponents, but will truthfully enable people to control their areas without interference of those who are not native to it. Other solutions include the reabsorption of those who were disgruntled with the government (IO, FD etc.) These solutions are 'solutions' to the current crisis but they<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> do<b> not </b>address the primary issues of South Sudan. It can be concluded that the government that implemented these changes glossed over the problems underneath the main layer, thereby ignoring the internal issues of South Sudan, and thus ignoring the root causes of the nation's problems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Rebellions are primarily grievance-driven or at least rebel leaders will use grievance as a guise for rebellion. Rebellions in many cases can also be resource-driven as seen in the case of Sierra Leone and the diamonds.
In the case of South Sudan, if one looks at the series of events in the last two years, and all of the available evidence, it can be interpreted that grievance was used as a tool to legitimise the unconstitutional overthrow of the current government and head of state. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">'Democratic reforms' has been the beat of the opposition parties' drums and their supporters danced along to the beat while singing that the current head of state is a dictator. Now most of them (the rebels) are back in Juba, rejoining the government they were so against. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's not a matter of praise, just a matter of acknowledgement, that Dr Machar did attempt reconciliation with the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission. But as with all of his ventures, the intentions behind his actions are impure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Regardless, the SSPRC was sadly and predictably disregarded by the SPLM, who may have viewed the liberation as enough accountability for the unjust some of the South Sudanese people have endured during the war.
Back to the main point, Dr Machar's intentions with the National Reconciliation Commission was in actuality a political ploy (just like his crocodile tears during his apology for the Bor Massacre in 1991), to gain ground and popularity, and achieve success through the ballot box. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Coupled with his history of disloyalty to the SPLM and the South Sudanese people in general, he's unreliable and untrustworthy. The saying, 'a leopard never changes its spots', is perfectly applicable to Dr Machar, particularly when you hold into account the current conflict and its deja vu slaughter of civilians in Bor Town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">During the civil war, the SPLM and Khartoum have both committed considerable atrocities; either under military reasoning or tribalism. However, there has never been any actual admission, any tangible accountability and any consequential reconciliation.
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While Bashir of the Khartoum government has been indicted by the ICC for the atrocities in the Darfur Region, Bashir has never truly been held accountable for the genocide in South Sudan. Internal admission, accountability and reconciliation is primary, however, the same has to come from the neighbour, to at least guarantee there's no bad blood or a possibility of the neighbouring states (which truly have to depend on one another), going back to war (in many instances the possibility was high). Unfortunately, the SPLM-IO was able to upkeep their assault due to the support they were receiving from Khartoum. Khartoum has been working for years to destabilise the Central/East Africa region. Is it not odd that they are often consulted on South Sudan's internal conflict? Anyway one can conclude that h</span>olding Sudan accountable for what they have done to the South for many a decades is in itself a feat that will probably never see the light of day. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lastly, without admission and accountability, victims cannot forgive, therefore not let go of grudges pinning them to the pain and anger which came from their wretched treatment. Until then, reprisals will still occur with a series of widely acceptable justifications (i.e. an eye for an eye), tribalism will continue to flare up and in instances of power struggle, tribal discrepancies will be used by said personalities for their own personal ambitions (as seen in the current conflict). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Any long-term solutions to South Sudan's current problems should consider problems from the bottom right to the top and should typically include the primary contenders; the civilians.
While effort has been made by IGAD to include civilians as stakeholders in previous peace talks. Unfortunately again, civilians of South Sudan continue to have an opinion, yet not a voice; they continue to receive the short end of the stick. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The elite are primarily to blame for the lack of reconciliation and the neglect of the civilians. The nation that was fought for is here, but the high level of entitlement has been damaging. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There's also a level of arrogance, ignorance and inconsideration regarding the civilians, who have also participated in the libration struggle, offered themselves to the SPLA in their times of need and sacrificed their lives because they were unfortunate enough to remain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It goes without saying that the most important group in the creation of the country and the maintenance of its stability and progression, continue to be the most neglected group, paying the heaviest price in the current conflict.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It remains to be seen what the current solution will bring to South Sudanese, but one thing is clear is that they have reunited to loot the people once again. </span></div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-25809130508315364892015-11-26T20:40:00.000+00:002015-11-26T20:45:49.095+00:00Education is not intelligenceThe following five quotes present the themes of this writing:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. - Kofi Annan </blockquote>
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Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance. - Confucius </blockquote>
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Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours. - John Locke </blockquote>
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Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. - Charles Spurgeon </blockquote>
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There's a reason that education sucks. The owners of this country don't want that. They don't want well-informed, well-educated people capable of critical thinking. That's against their interest. They want obedient workers. People who are just smart enough to run the machines and do the paperwork and just dumb enough to passively accept all these increasingly shittier jobs with the lower pay, the longer hours, the reduced benefits. – George Carlin </blockquote>
This exquisitely decorated piece of A4 paper, embossed with my school’s emblem, is a reflection of my numerous, sleepless nights, and subsequent mornings characterised by an agitated brain and caffeine-induced shaking of my hands.<br />
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Anxiously, I faced another examination paper in which I had to write a minimum of four pages per question in two hours to test my brain’s information retention capacity. For the higher marks, critical analysis, mention of further readings, and well-illustrated and written answers were required. Alas, formal education is essentially a test of what you have been taught.<br />
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This paper further signifies the first terrifying days I began at university, the first failed assessments, the first great passes, the many attended and the few missed classes. It’s my three years on paper. The written percentages engraved on accompanying papers are my first time passed assessments and a few capped do-overs. The overall grade on the exquisitely decorated piece of paper is the one I sacrificed so much of myself for, to secure my path to a range of opportunities for further study or good job prospects.<br />
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This paper signifies the debt I am carrying. It is also proof that I have been a part of the public educational system, which is generally a chokehold on knowledge and thinking ability. The public educational system in many Western nations, primarily teaches you what they want you to know, not how to critically think. Thus, this paper signifies all that I have read and retained, all that I have been taught and independently researched, and all that I can often not distinctly remember without brief revisitation of my work.<br />
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Culturally and socially, this paper is viewed as a ticket out of poverty and our passport to the future. Essentially, this paper is perceived as the be-all and end-all of our future.
Collectively, this paper is symbolic of the continuous burden faced by the youth - cuts in budgets, the rising tuition fees, the rising student debt, the increasingly competitive application process and the increasingly low job prospects. However, young people do not remain idle when dissatisfied with educational or political issues. They find strength in numbers, immobilise and put pressure for reform. Thus the desire for affordable and high quality education, often motivates.<br />
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Fallaciously, education is often and widely used as an indicator of someone’s intelligence. More disturbingly, field of study or the institution’s prestige is also used as such indicator. Intelligence should not be regarded as one dimensional. By many, the very definition of it has been neglected and solely put down to ‘the ability to acquire knowledge,’ particularly in the case of education.<br />
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In reality, it is also the ability to apply knowledge, and judge, reason and comprehend - it's the ability to critically think. Therefore, the measure of intelligence is not solely by retention and subsequent regurgitation of the obtained information – it’s how a presented theory is judged, how the solution materialised, how the problem was solved, and how the conclusion was reached.<br />
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What it means to study could be the desire to intellectually progress, to secure a desired job, or to have access to a desired work or field of study. The very essence of wanting to learn and wanting to know with humility and sincerity is never using it as a measure of intellectual superiority or an ego booster which inadvertently belittles others.
True intellects come to terms with their own limitations. They comprehend that information changes consistently, they acknowledge that no one will ever know everything, they do not assume superior intellect because of a piece of paper, they are open to learning from others, and they do not believe that formal education is the sole method of learning or display of intelligence.<br />
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However, it goes without saying that survival of the higher education system should always be commended. It is not undemanding or uncomplicated, but it also is not one dimensional. I wrote this to illustrate that education has its merits, but also its shortcomings. Primarily, I wrote this to highlight that many educational and intellectual elitists have not clearly considered the definition of either or their relationship with the other. Education and intelligence do not have a linear relationship, rather they do aid one another, but one can always be present without the other.<br />
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Intelligence isn’t just obtaining the knowledge, retaining it and regurgitating it. Intelligence is also what you are able to do with your knowledge, your past experiences and learned skills. Most importantly, intelligence requires you to have the capacity to be imaginative and creative, to enable you to formulate solutions to problems. Your education can supplement your intelligence and the right education can teach you all you require to improve your intelligence, however, a direct relationship between education and intelligence often ignores outside factors and the fact that intelligence in itself, is not limiting.Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-25986991487283348962015-11-24T22:27:00.001+00:002015-11-24T22:27:44.974+00:00Social Media DepressionSocial media is the lifeline of many. Whether it's bloggers, attention-seekers, insta-thots, many rely on social media for their attention-fixes and coins. We have become obsessed with social media. It dominates our lives. Keeping in mind all of that, it really comes to no surprise that studies have surfaced declaring that social media can be a source of depression.<br />
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Social media is an easy way to engineer your public persona. You can be a dishonest, untrustworthy and an unkind thug in real life, but online you are an intellectual social activist, your judgment is clear and logical, and you are nice and well-mannered. You are even the most ideal guy to have ever walked the planet, posting relationship goals, and letting the world know that you spoil your girl with flowers every day, even cooking for her from time to time.<br />
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You can con <strike>catfish</strike> people into thinking you are all of these great things you're portraying when in reality you're probably just 0.1% of the image you're portraying. The same goes for appearances - first came the Instagram filters and now many social media users take photos with their DSLRs and doctor them using Photoshop before the photos go up on Instagram. Best believe that the photo they posted is one out of 400 they took in that session.<br />
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I admit that I use social media on a regular basis. I also admit that my use of it became unhealthy. But in my defence, with the sort of work that I do (or did) I kind of needed to be on social media, and be up to date with what's happening in the world, and also be there to update the world what was happening in, let's say, South Sudan.<br />
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But at risk of exuding a 'holier than thou' vibe in this particular post, I was never really concerned with image, popularity, and getting likes and shares (particularly on photos). Social media was more of a tool for me, to get information, to send information and to connect with people. This year I learned that connecting with people does not require a social media account. I also learned that I don't need to be connected to so many people or be so accessible. I gathered that Facebook was not a necessity in my life so I quit it a few months ago.<br />
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With social media you control what you share, and boy do people love to set up a wonderful show about their lives, and how amazing it is, and how much people love them, and how great they and their families are, when often in reality, it's the total opposite.<br />
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People see how wonderful things are going in someone else's lives, and therefore grow a little bit resentful, even feeling inadequate. You have to remember that you cannot ever compare your background to someone's front stage - you cannot compare what happens in your real life to what someone else is portraying to the world via social media. It's not only damaging, but it's also an unfair and unnecessary comparison. Unnecessary because your life is independent of theirs - everyone accomplishes things at different stages, and everyone wants different things.<br />
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By the same token, photos on social media can be quite deceptive. We may think someone is pretty, has all the right angles, has beautiful hair and skin... until you see their Snapchat where they cannot actually alter photos or videos beyond the basic filters provided. Another interesting thing to note is that many (some have admitted this to me) just take photos and capture anything and everything just for it to be posted to social media. They will write, ''going out!! #nightout #TGIF,'' when in reality that outfit they are wearing will find its way back into the closet after 100's of photos, and he/she will be getting back into their onesie watching Neflix with Ben & Jerry's ice cream. All of this can be easily blamed on the thirst for likes and comments.<br />
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Likes and comments have become ways to feel validated. I have seen people delete and repost things because they didn't get enough likes. I have seen people asking others to like and share their things. I have also noticed positive reinforcement. If you are discussing a particular topic, or discussing it in a particular way, depending on the positive responses (comments or likes), you are more likely to repeat that topic or the similar way of discussing it.<br />
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So if you are a heavy social media user, use it responsibly. Be careful of who you trust and who you let into your life. Be careful of what you share (the internet never forgets). Lastly, don't forget that social media accounts can go down, while your real life continues to go on. </div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-68297971910279136082015-11-13T19:41:00.000+00:002015-11-13T19:51:27.900+00:00South Sudan: Honouring the dead<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.state.gov/img/11/44714/9109_DrGarangMemorial_600_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.state.gov/img/11/44714/9109_DrGarangMemorial_600_1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr John Garang de Mabior's tomb</td></tr>
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South Sudan is a country that knows hardship. For decades the people were oppressed, deprived of opportunities, taken for slavery and brutally murdered by colonialists and the Khartoum regime. Though hardship and suffering is still prevalent, it does not mean that the country should neglect remembering, honouring and making peace with the past and even the present.</div>
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The country lacks an official memorial or remembrance day to honour the dead of the previous wars. On July 30th, Martyrs' Day, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Garang">Dr John Garang</a> is remembered. On May 16th, the formation of the SPLM/A in 1983, is commemorated. </div>
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Besides those days, South Sudan has a myriad of other days it commemorates or celebrates something but no day is dedicated to remembering the veterans and all the service men and women who contributed to the struggle. Countries such as the United Kingdom remember and honour their service men and women every year and many who do not take that two minute silence at 11am, are quickly castigated. If you're a public figure and you're not seen wearing your <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_poppy">remembrance poppy</a>, you're quickly castigated for that too. </div>
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Though the UK's Remembrance Day tends to overlook the contribution and efforts of men and women from the <a href="http://www.blackpresence.co.uk/remembrance-day-black-asian-soldiers-in-ww1/">former colonies to World War I and II</a>, I still admire the sense of unity this day creates and the level of respect offered to the veterans. Just to add, my passion about the contribution of Blacks and Asians during the previous wars, led me to send out a series of tweets a few years ago. I even tweeted about actor <a href="http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/2014/08/23/14257490/">Wendell Pierce's dad, Amos Pierce Junior, who fought in Saipan in World War II</a>. Actor Wendell Pierce saw this, thanked me and retweeted my tweets, and followed me on Twitter ever since. </div>
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Most people still remember South Sudan's Independence Day on July 9th 2011, and how jubilant and ready everyone was to have a fresh new start, after decades and generations of difficulties. However, not much has changed and one could argue that things are even worse for Southerners. </div>
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Kleptocrats who felt entitled to money and power have been leading the country since the CPA was implemented. They are still here. Those who don't have the jobs that they previously had, are now at war with the government. </div>
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These people have unfortunately only helped themselves, their families and their circle of friends. It's all down to entitlement. They view their sacrifice or contribution deems them worthy of endless rewards, even if it is unethical and unfair. Therefore it's not a surprise that many South Sudanese are left on the sidelines, particularly veterans, and widows and orphans of unknown service men. They are left to fend for themselves because they are not getting the support they deserve, whether it be educational, financial, medical and more. </div>
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We have this habit of remembering key figures of the liberation struggle. We also have this habit of attempting to distort the past, and giving some figures more credit and recognition than they really deserve. </div>
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Of course it is important we remember the key figures during the struggle, but the war effort was the effort of many, and not the few. Without that effort, South Sudan would not be here today.</div>
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It's important to have a memorial not only out of respect for those who have given for the country, but also because: </div>
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<li>it serves as a reminder of the past, so that it is never forgotten, </li>
<li>allows relatives and the community to gather at a place and mourn victims (particularly those who have died and their bodies have never been retrieved for burial at a specific place),</li>
<li>allows everyone's contributions to be highlighted, which is another important step in promoting reconciliation, forging a national identity, and a sense of unity.</li>
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This is why I am happy to also bring attention to the existence of <a href="http://rememberingoneswelost.com/main">Remembering Ones We Lost</a>, a site which lists the names of victims of all conflicts in South Sudan since Anyanya I. The site also acknowledges the dead of smaller and more local conflicts. Now this is may not be a memorial where we can lay flowers and pay our respects, but it does allow us to remember the names of those who have died. </div>
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Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-36493138358939161872015-11-11T20:56:00.000+00:002015-11-17T20:57:13.997+00:00Life before...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: http://jameskuolmakuac.tumblr.com</span></div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-83984069360674391182015-11-07T01:05:00.000+00:002015-11-07T01:05:07.371+00:00Polygamy is a personal choice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last month, South Sudan's first female pilot Aluel Bol Aluenge, got married in a beautiful ceremony in Juba.<br />
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Aluel became the country's first woman pilot in 2011. She worked for one of Africa's best airlines, Ethiopian Airlines. She's now a first class pilot at FlyDubai.<br />
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Aluel has come a long way in her life, hence her accomplishments are widely celebrated, not just among South Sudanese, but also by anyone who hears her story. Her story gives hope that our past and our struggles do not define our future and our capabilities. She's inspiring to many and her story gives hope to many youngsters in the country that anything is possible with ambition and determination.<br />
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Taking into account what she has accomplished, it comes to no surprise that there was an outcry on social media about her marriage to a polygamist. I was personally asked by friends and family, what would possess someone as accomplished, and highflying (no pun intended) as Aluel, to marry a polygamist?<br />
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My response to anyone who asks me is that it's her <b>personal choice</b>. This may be regarded as a cop out because I am not condemning or condoning the marriage, which many others have. I choose to not pick a side on the matter of polygamy if the woman has <b>chosen</b> it for herself.<br />
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I also believe many South Sudanese have this attitude that they know everything about someone based on rumours, hearsay and gossip. It's imperative for us to be honest with ourselves about the fact that we don't know the ins and outs of anyone's marriage, previous relationships, and personal preferences and beliefs.<br />
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As I stated in my review of the <a href="http://www.newsudanvision.com/articles--publisher/2764-book-review-love-relationship-guide-for-the-junubin-girl">Love and Relationship Guide for the Junubin Girl</a>, there are plenty of educated and accomplished women who do not have any reservations on dowry or even polygamy.<br />
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Dowry and polygamy are a popular target for criticism by many flying the feminist flag. They often criticise the practices, judge proponents and willing participants, without fully understanding these cultural practices and the various factors that influence these practices, i.e. circumstances and societal changes.<br />
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The first mistake we make is condemning or judging without understanding, whether it be Aluel's choice or the cultural practices themselves. A lot of 'progressive thinkers' make untrue assumptions or parallels for the reasons behind dowry or polygamy. For example, some believe dowry is about 'ownership' of the wife so that the husband can do whatever he wants with her. That's not how dowry works and that's not the reason it is practiced. Nor was a man wanting to satisfy his sexual needs by having as many wives as he wants, the reason for polygamy. It's important that the primary reasons for the cultural practices are elucidated because they are often heavily misused for control, financial gain and abuse.<br />
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To illustrate, there are South Sudanese men who think playing girls is acceptable because of polygamy. Accordingly, one can deduce that this cultural aspect is clearly being abused for egotistical reasons.<br />
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In polygamy, a man has to have the <b>consent </b>of his wife, before he can take on more wives. The dysfunction and abuse of our cultural practices is truly representative of the disintegration of our culture and society. However, we are not all that powerless. Fully understanding our cultural practices and customary law, can empower South Sudanese women in cases where they are being mistreated by their husband etc.<br />
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We also have to appreciate the fact that South Sudanese women are treated differently and have different options and circumstances. A South Sudanese woman's level of freedom really depends on family dynamics, wealth, education and how much her family values her and her choices. But I digress.<br />
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Anyone is welcome to their opinions and to expressing them, they just shouldn't impose them on others. Aluel can be easily regarded as a role model because of her accomplishments. I feel a lot of the disappointment in her marriage came from the fact that she is a role model, and there's fear that she's sending out 'the wrong message'. Whether people are influenced by her personal life or not, their outcomes is still their personal responsibility.<br />
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We don't know Aluel's reasons, but some women in polygamous marriages have expressed that they like the sisterhood that sometimes comes with it, and the security that her husband is able to provide for her and the family.<br />
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We cannot impose our opinions on others, even if we personally don't agree with theirs. We should always show people they can do great things in their professional and personal lives, but at the same time respect the choices that they have made, without all the assumptions, judgments and abuse. Call this a cop out, but if she's happy, who are we to get in the way of that?<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Further reading on Dinka and Nuer culture can be purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Customary-Laws-In-Southern-Sudan/dp/1440130868">here</a>.</span>Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-29700675206719841782015-11-01T21:39:00.000+00:002015-11-01T21:40:37.793+00:00Are Africans living in the West hypocrites?Before I quit my Facebook, I used to be a very active writer. I used to discuss many different topics there, offering many of my friends different insights and ideas.<br />
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While many responses were approving and encouraging, I would occasionally get a bit of hostility.<br />
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This is a message I got in my inbox. I wouldn't say it was a necessarily bad message because the sender made some good points. However, the entire message was full of assumptions.</div>
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I chose to respond to each <i>key</i> point and also summarise them as a lot of us are susceptible to a case of TL;DR (too long; didn't read):<br />
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<strong>You write about Africa being disenfranchised and repressed but your ventures don't coincide with those views.</strong><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A lot of the work/ventures I did with regards to South Sudan was addressing some of the issues in the country, and also how the country is perceived and treated by outsiders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Africa is a continent and South Sudan is just a country within it, but besides speaking on the issues there, I have also done what I personally could for the country through my work/ventures. </span></div>
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<strong>You live in England in comfort and style with more opportunities than most of my friends - it feels contradictory.</strong><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was born and raised in Europe due to circumstances beyond my control. The mentioned contradiction is invalid in this case. I didn't choose to leave, sit on comfort, and continue to be a social commentator for people back home. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Being here has afforded me with incredible opportunities, and I have made as much use of them as possible. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">However, while doing so I have never forgotten why I am here and what I have to do when I do go back home one day. </span></div>
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I live in a comfort and luxury that my parents and myself have worked for. Drawing attention to the horrendous living conditions of most South Sudanese back home, does not mean I have to pack my bags and join them, especially when my 'mission' here is not yet complete.<br />
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<strong>Do you think there is value for someone in your position to not constantly show off your things, </strong><strong>or are we to accept that you are a typical English college student / writer who just happens to have a deep connection to a very downtrodden people and wants to live both roles?</strong><br />
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My 'deep connection' stems from the fact that they are my people. Therefore, it would be a great disservice if I did not speak about them. <br />
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Since starting, I suppose my journey of writing for, on and about South Sudan, I have had many appreciations for highlighting the issues within the country and for speaking about it on various platforms. </div>
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Drawing attention does not mean I am attempting to vicariously live through the people I am speaking for. My 'activism' or whatever one would like to call it, did not come about the same time as the wave of keyboard/social justice warrior activism. It is something that has been ingrained in me. It's in my parents. It is in me. Speaking, discussing or writing about people who have been dealt a bad card in life for me is not a past-time or a temporary 'venture', it is permanent. It's not just for anyone to live in a way that is simply preventable.</div>
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<strong>Do you think the people you write about would be served by materialism, or offended?</strong><br />
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My 'display' of materialism doesn't consist of expensive jewelry, clothing and unnecessary purchases. In fact, I rarely show-off anything I have. The type of materialism that offends not just the disadvantaged but me too, is incredibly prevalent in many places in Africa thanks to corruption or oil money. </div>
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Hence, the better question is, how do people back home feel about government officials owning expensive cars and living affluent lifestyles, while most of the population lives under the poverty line? I'm sure they offend everyone more than I ever could. </div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-12485100676900200682015-11-01T11:24:00.000+00:002015-11-01T11:24:00.095+00:00There's no excuse for ignoranceWe live in an age where information is <b>widely</b> available for<b> free</b>.<br />
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We live in the digital age - information is transferred every second. Internet is accessible on various platforms and access is widening worldwide every day. <br />
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Books have filled up libraries for centuries and they're now available as eBooks for purchase and even for free.<br />
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But people still want to defend ignorance by saying 'I don't know any better.'<br />
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And people still try and defend ignorant behaviour by saying 'it's ignorance'. Well we can see that it is ignorance, but that doesn't make it ok.<br />
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Ignorance is not ok. There's no excuse for ignorance. Ignorance is one of those things that should have died out as the digital age was growing. Information is so widely available that ignorance about particular cultures, people, topics etc. doesn't make any sense. I don't expect anyone to know the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_pathway#/media/File:Metabolism_pathways_(partly_labeled).svg">metabolic pathway</a>, but seriously some things you shouldn't be ignorant about. If you continue to be, I guess all of this is down to wilful ignorance (continuing to ignore anything that contradicts your reality). That still isn't ok. <br />
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What's even more worrying is that there's people who are so happy to admit that they are ignorant. Being truthful is a wonderful trait at times but admitting ignorance is like admitting you don't care enough to read or learn and you're excusing yourself for not knowing.<br />
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Why pride on ignorance? The root of racism, prejudice, sexism, all other inequalities or oppressions of people, can be attributed exclusively or partially to ignorance. <br />
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Nevertheless, it is good to admit to your weaknesses or shortcomings, but what exactly are you going to do about it? Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-39524526347925702002015-10-29T19:40:00.000+00:002015-10-29T19:40:31.323+00:00I HATE Answering Telesale Calls. #ThrowbackThursday. <br />
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Caller: Hi my name is Mark Trotter from > insert company name here<. <br />
How are you today ma'am?<br />
<br />
Me: Hi.<br />
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Caller: Ok we are with >insert company name here<.<br />
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Me: Can you please quickly tell me what this is about?<br />
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Caller: You want me to speak Hindi?<br />
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Me: No, I just want to know what this is about so I can hang up.<br />
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Caller: Ok I am calling in regards to pension review...<br />
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Me: I don't work.<br />
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Caller: Oh are you student? What about your parents, are they at home?<br />
<br />
Me: No they're not.<br />
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Caller: How old are you?<br />
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Me: 21.<br />
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Caller: Oh you're like me. I'm 21.<br />
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Me: Ok...<br />
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Caller: Do you have a boyfriend?<br />
<br />
Me: That's a very personal question to ask.<br />
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Caller: Oh ok.<br />
<br />
Me: Bye. *Hangs up*.Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-213618516412109172015-10-28T18:10:00.000+00:002015-10-28T18:10:26.948+00:00Netherlands pt. 3.3: Amsterdam! Out and About.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Disclaimer: This is super throwback... </em><a href="http://modernemeid.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/netherlands-pt-1-travelling-to-and.html"><span style="color: #777777;"><em>part 1</em></span></a><em> (traveling to and within the Netherlands), </em><a href="http://modernemeid.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/netherlands-pt2-rotterdam.html"><span style="color: #777777;"><em>part 2</em></span></a><em> (Rotterdam), </em><a href="http://modernemeid.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/netherlands-pt31-amsterdam-rijksmuseum.html"><span style="color: #777777;"><em>part 3.1</em></span></a><em> (Amsterdam 1/3), <a href="http://modernemeid.blogspot.co.uk/">part 3.2</a> (Amsterdam 2/3) This post is 3/3. </em></div>
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These are just pics. Not many words required, enjoy! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Een 'bak fiets' or box bicycle :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panna montata. I believe.</td></tr>
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I had the same thing the year before when I was in Amsterdam:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No weed signs.</td></tr>
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Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-91168541208345557682015-10-28T18:07:00.003+00:002015-10-28T18:07:39.521+00:00Netherlands pt. 3.2: Amsterdam!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>Disclaimer: This is super throwback... <a href="http://modernemeid.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/netherlands-pt-1-travelling-to-and.html">part 1</a> (traveling to and within the Netherlands), <a href="http://modernemeid.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/netherlands-pt2-rotterdam.html">part 2</a> (Rotterdam) and <a href="http://modernemeid.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/netherlands-pt31-amsterdam-rijksmuseum.html">part 3.1</a> (Amsterdam 1/3). This post is 2/3. </em></div>
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In 2012 I went to NL for the summer and spend time with my best friend and also other family and friends. I had the <a href="http://www.fujifilm.eu/uk/products/digital-cameras/model/finepix-s1/">Fujifilm Finepix</a> at the time, so my photos aren't really hi-def when compared to the <a href="http://modernemeid.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/i-got-my-new-baby-canon-600d.html">Canon 600D</a> which I bought in August 2013.</div>
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These are just pics. Not many words required.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amsterdam.info/parks/vondelpark/">Vondel Park</a> (Amsterdam's largest park) </div>
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<br />Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-48426221809911597052015-06-20T22:35:00.001+01:002015-06-20T22:35:33.878+01:00I Am Left Handed.We're the minority. We live in a right-hand dominated world... a world that is made just for right-handed people. We have right-handed computer mouse, right-handed scissors, right-handed spiral notepads, right-handed rulers (yes, <b>rulers)</b>.<br />
<br />
The struggle is all too real, because when writing with ink, us lefties are working overtime to try to not to smudge our letters. We also try to not have a sore hand because writing in right-handed spiral notepads is rather a physical nuisance.<br />
<br />
Handedness is definitely a big deal and I know it's a big deal in Africa.<br />
<br />
I remember on a trip to Germany and we had breakfast and I was eating with my left hand. My dad told me off big time (this happened like 12 years ago). I then changed my hand and then continued to have my breakfast. I think since then I sort of became ambidextrous when it came to eating... I guess I was taught a lesson!<br />
<br />
Being left-handed is a sort of a taboo in Africa because the left-hand is widely used for bathroom duties back home. Let me not even begin to mention all the other social stigmas and spiritual issues attached with being a lefty.<br />
<br />
I still write with my left hand until this very day.<br />
<br />
I also found it interesting that when I used to write in school, a few people made remarks that I'm writing 'upside down' or writing 'weirdly' - as if I need help.<br />
<br />
No, I don't need help, my writing is just fine.<br />
<br />
Besides, President Obama writes with his left-hand (exactly the same way I do).<br />
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Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-77248493442175668452015-06-20T04:51:00.003+01:002015-06-20T04:51:37.603+01:00Alright, I am back...*Silence*.<br />
<br />
How does someone 'come back' after a very, <i>very</i> long hiatus from blogging?<br />
<br />
Well...<br />
<br />
I'll just try it this way.<br />
<br />
SO my very last post was on the 26th of June 2014 and it wasn't even <i>that </i>interesting, considering all the thoughts, opinions, ideas, experiences, plans I have had since then, up until now.<br />
<br />
I have traveled to many more places since going to South Sudan and Nairobi, and I am set to travel to even more places this year.<br />
<br />
But I really have to do some 'throwback' postings...<br />
<br />
I started this blog just to share about my life, share ideas and definitely thoughts, but most importantly, to keep a kind of 'online journal'.<br />
<br />
I'll be back, and I promise to be a bit more disciplined.Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-67461003042911115502014-06-26T20:41:00.001+01:002014-06-26T20:41:28.750+01:00I was on Al Jazeera English! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<div>
<br />
It was the 15th December and I remember leaving dinner with my cousin to join a few of our friends. As we were leaving, we were warned that there were shootings in Juba.<br />
<br />
Six months later and South Sudan's current conflict is still ongoing. The peace talks have been on and off. The fighting somewhat declined because of the rainy season. People are dying every day from simple, treatable diseases.<br />
<br />
I've been actively following South Sudan's news, reporting on it on news sites and writing about it on social media.<br />
<br />
It has taken a lot of my free time so I haven't really blogged as much as I used to. <br />
<br />
Anyhow a little story explaining the image of this post.<br />
<br />
In January I was in Nairobi with some of my cousins, 'hiding' from the situation in Juba. Me and my cousin were called into the living room by another cousin, to join him to watch Al Jazeera English. They were showing a mini-documentary on how to report South Sudan's conflict in the media. I appreciated this wholeheartedly because during that same month me and a few friends of mine had an issue with how South Sudan's conflict was being reported by the international media. We had small debates and call outs and then another scandal occurred and a petition was set up. This led to an AJE reporter writing an article in response. *<br />
<br />
THEN came <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/listeningpost/2014/01/south-sudan-media-conflict-201411715339555750.html">THIS</a> segment.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, I was really into this. I was tweeting away about the importance of reporting media in South Sudan.<br />
<br />
I was super, super surprised to see my face! That's me? Really? I of course tweeted about that too and told a few of my friends about it. It was surprising!<br />
<br />
A few hours later a friend in the UK was watching the same program, saw the screenshot of my tweet and paused to take a picture. Thankfully I didn't have to make all of that effort to try and get it myself because I only had 3G internet on my phone at the time and I didn't know where to find this.<br />
<br />
Eventually I did find it when searching in April/May.<br />
<br />
We have to defend our story. We have to defend our nation. Of course the truth is always the truth, but tell the whole truth, and not just one person's truth or half truth and half lies. It is important that people who know the history and context report the stories or set straight the media houses, who flock to place and want to sensationalise the terror. War truly is a moneymaker... but our stories have to be told with dignity and impartiality. </div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/listeningpost/2014/01/south-sudan-media-conflict-201411715339555750.html#.U6x0J6k5cSM.blogger">South Sudan and the media of conflict - Listening Post - Al Jazeera English</a>
</div>
<div>
<br />
* I promise to have a blog post with A, B and C and explanations. </div>
Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-381002721064397112014-05-02T15:57:00.000+01:002014-05-02T15:57:33.988+01:00Roll With That Black Horse and Ride That Bitch Out! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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By <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alier.majak?fref=ts">Alier Kingdom</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few months ago I spent Christmas and New Years alone. No
family. No friends. No gifts. A little tree with some lights on it. A small
Christmas dinner (in a can). Far from home but with a lot of good memories of
it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn't feel too sad because I knew things would change for
the better because I knew I would change them for the better. It was all up to
me, not fate, or luck (although understand that those are big players in this
game too). If I didn't like where I was at that moment I couldn't feel sorry
myself and blame someone else, play the victim. I was the one who put myself
there and I knew I was the one that had to change. So I did. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See, misery is never very far away from us (it lurks around
every dark corner) but neither is joy. You've got to roll with that black horse
when it visits, ride that bitch out if you can but you've got to enjoy the hell
out of the other too, when it chances to come your way. Above all, you've got
to recognize joy when it shows up to dance with you and, sorry, that's not
nearly as easy as it sounds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You've got to fight tooth and nail in this life to try and
be as happy as you can with the circumstances you've been given. You've got to
fight with every inch of your being for that and grit your teeth and stick out
your chin while you're doing it too because although without a doubt it's the
right fight to be in, it's going to be hard sometimes. So hard that maybe
you'll be blind to everything else. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Along the way however, always remember one
thing: even though there are people out there in the world who will take the
heart right out of you...there are those who will put it right back in again
(let them). Learn to recognize who they are because that's something really
worth knowing. But it's up to you in the end. It's up to you to embrace the
wonders in this life and to deny the darkness (and there are plenty of both). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be strong, be brave, be kind, be noble and above all, slay your dragons and
keep on moving. Don't stop. And finally, even if happiness forgets you for a
little while, never completely forget about it. It's there waiting for the
other to pass. Even in your darkest hour don't ever doubt that for a second!!</div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
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<![endif]-->Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585835322195468807.post-78918942457216131142014-05-02T15:22:00.001+01:002014-06-26T20:48:46.880+01:00In-Thought Revelations: Juba Conflict<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">DAY ONE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I experienced a serious case of culture shock. I even asked myself, ‘what am I actually doing here?’. I had just left a hall (with immigration, baggage arrivals, baggage search etc. all-in-one) designated as the arrivals hall of Juba International Airport. I was then met with stares, stares and more stares. Juba's bustling traffic and somewhat disorganised yet 'lively' community was the final thing that tipped me over the ‘culture shock’ edge.</span><br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">DAY SEVEN<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We had arrived home from hiding out at a hotel on the night of December 15th. Let's backtrack. On Day Six I was meant to go back to Jebel, but was given permission to stay another night in Thongpiny (I can only assume everything happened by sheer luck). On the afternoon of Day Seven it had just only sunk in that something serious was happening in Juba. The next three days we were indoors; we couldn't go out and get food and there were no water trucks making their usual rounds.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Thankfully before reaching Juba, I did stock up on a few food stuffs from the UK in case I would miss it. Little did I know, that this was going to be somewhat of a ‘lifeline’ while we were stuck inside our compound.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">While sounds of gunfire and artillery was still persisting, social networking sites were run amok by (mostly) self-proclaimed political analysts, peace activists and eyewitness reporters (I am guilty as charged). It was forever interesting reading and hearing people's points of view on what was going on, ''was it a coup?'', ''disagreement between presidential guards?'', ''what's actually going on?''.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I shared my own experiences here on Facebook and on Twitter, some of which got me into the world media. However, not all of my postings were met with encouragement, praise and support, I did get a few messages and comments here and there that were pretty rude. One inbox simply said, 'shut up'. Some comments went beyond normality and I began to calm down on posting as requested by family and friends but still shared the usual things like gunfire sound reports, curfew, etc.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">DAY TEN<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We left the compound in search of food and water. By suggestion on Twitter we attempted an American/European supermarket on Kololo Road. However it was actually shut so we resorted to going to a shop owned by a Northern Sudanese. We grabbed water, fizzy drinks, cookies, croissants and walked back. It was hot, incredibly hot.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Juba was also dead. There were people around but also (and understandably) noticeably more SPLA and blue-coloured, camouflaged South Sudan Police.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Around this time I also read about the rebels approaching Bor Town and the amount of distress I witnessed on Facebook and Twitter was incredible. However, I was too much into where I was at and I had to process the fact that I myself was in a possible war zone.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">People were panicking. Friends were panicking; leave, leave, leave. My passport and other items were in Jebel. I didn't have that many changes of clothes and I didn't have a lot of my things with me, but I made it work.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I guess on the Friday I managed to get to Jebel. I got into my cousin's house, grabbed all my stuff and said my goodbyes. I had my passport and this was a sigh of relief to many. But little did everyone know that I really had no intention of leaving Juba despite the conflict. I did register with the Dutch Embassy (I am a Dutch citizen). They were incredibly helpful and I could have left on the plane the very next day. But... I refused.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I had phone calls from friends and family asking me to leave. I was inundated with Facebook messages warning me; I was stressed out, very stressed out, but I knew they all meant well and it all came from a good place.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">THE NIGHTS</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The days were fine. We were on the compound, would drink tea, sit outside, gossip then get on social media. The night times were the scariest; almost every night I heard gunfire, sometimes accompanied with human voices and screams.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One night there was a lot of dog barking and human screams. That was the night I woke up my cousin who was sleeping next to me and I cried, a lot. I was scared. I feared for my life. I ended up cuddling up to her and then falling asleep.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Every day I did think, what would happen if they came door to door again? What would happen if Juba was taken over? Where would we hide? How could we hide? Some nights I would close the shutters of the window because I didn't want anyone to be able to look inside as we were sleeping; I was in a constant state of fear.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Approaching the second week there was a day we were meant to get a flight out of Juba to Nairobi but we weren’t able to secure the tickets. Stress was building up again.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">DAY 14<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Within that week we did start going back to normal life again; meeting with friends for lunch at places, going outside a little more. Life was going back to normal to some extent; there was little traffic and clearly anyone who could afford to leave did leave.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Curfew had already been imposed. Me and my cousin would also be out at Juba Central Hotel using the WIFI until 6pm (almost daily) and then rush home to avoid being inundated with phone calls from aunty and uncle. The evenings seemed long, the nights even longer. I was in fear despite staying and putting on a brave face and still being the keyboard warrior I had always been.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Not only were we plagued by fear and uncertainty, we suffered incredible boredom. Most of our nights consisted of sitting around a makeshift lamp (the flash of a smartphone with an empty bottle of Mountdew on top of it gave the room a nice green glow). We walked down memory lane and reminisced, discussed the Juba life that was before December 15th and we looked forward to the craziness in Nairobi.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">In the last three days before our December 27th departure to Nairobi, we were incredibly anxious. I personally was, as mentioned before, in fear. There were many rumours and the situation didn’t appear to improve. Unrest striking Juba yet again to the point that the airport would be shut down, was a high possibility.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The day I left Juba, a major weight was lifted off of my shoulders; I went with my judgment and stayed. I left, unscathed, only to experience much more in Africa.</span>Moderne Meidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013383769771437779noreply@blogger.com