The things that keep us sane!

We had a little discussion at breakfast today about the things that keep us sane out on the field. Our 1st item was unanimously decided to be the one best thing that makes it possible for us to go about our work with out wits about us. Enjoy the list.

1. The Dome Tent
The Dome Tent is a mosquito treated tent which you can zip up while sleeping. While it is primarily marketed for use against mosquitoes, certain expats would swear about its effectiveness against keeping out snakes and rodents. If this tent was not available many of us would never be able to fall asleep as our over active imaginations would conjure up rats nibbling at our toes or snakes coiled just within reach waiting to strike us if we as much as moved a finger. The Dome Tent has the endorsement of the entire field staff as being key to producing well rested staff! 

2. Cold Water and Water Bottles
With temperatures reaching maximum highs of over 40 degrees centigrade, a fridge is not just a luxury it is an essential commodity. Water bottles and recycled soda bottles are like gold. Having 3 or 4 water bottles is essential to having an uninterrupted supply of cold water whenever you need it.

3. R & R In Loki
After 6 weeks on the field, an R&R in Loki is just the thing needed to recharge those worn out batteries. 3 days spent just sleeping and enjoying the cool weather is more than enough to ensure that our 'khaki no be leather' bodies are rested enough to endure another grueling schedule for another 6 weeks. Of course the ice cream from '748' and the 'paddle pool' are added incentives to trick our minds into believing we are somewhere in the Bahamas. But seriously Loki is one of the best things ever to happen to us!

4. Comfort food, Pizza Wednesdays and Barbecue Saturdays!
When your daily diet is rice, pasta and goat meat stew, the idea of healthy eating goes straight out of the window! Chocolates are gorged with unhealthy enthusiasm whenever they appear on the menu, which is not as often as we would like. Pizza Wednesdays and Chicken barbecue on Saturday are no doubt the highlights of our shrunken stomachs!

5. The Pub
On days off when the tents are ovens and the tukuls unbearable, life in the pub under the big baobab tree makes the day a little bit bearable. Where would we be without the Pub? A little less saner I guess!


 6. Cold Beers and Soda.
No explanations needed!

7. The Logistics Team
When the light in your tent is out, when the paths get too muddy to walk on, when the plumbing needs an overhaul, when there is a rupture in supplies, the logistics team gets things moving again. Without them we would be in serious trouble!!!

8. The shower especially shower 6. It might look ridiculous but many people would rather wait in line for the last shower than take a shower in any of the other bathrooms. The high pressure from the shower head makes it an ideal place to wash your hair or generally wash the  grime off your body. Why stand under a trickle when you can have an actual shower? I bet this shower keeps many people sane at the end of a long hot day!

9. Trips to Bounj
The trips to Bounj for some Ethiopian food gives you something to look forward too. Injera and veggie soups and the platter of meat  titillates the tongues that salivate at the thought of all the food we won't pass up when we get home.


10 Magnificent Sunrises, sunsets and the clouds in the sky brighten up the days filled with sickness, want, death and poverty.

Comments

  1. Anonymous6:42 PM

    Tomi ! I absolutely love the sound of what you do, what is it ? Where are you?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous5:28 PM

    South Sudan? I'm as curious as mr/ms anonymous above, must confess. Sounds really brave, Well done to you and your team, a big big WELL DONE!
    Simbo

    ReplyDelete
  3. olaoluwatomi11:19 AM

    Thanks Simbo and Anonymous. I am a doctor. I am presently in South Sudan! Thanks for the comments on my blog!

    ReplyDelete

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