Christmas In Mogadishu
Jan 5, 2015, 2:16 am
#61
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
.I had medical cover through work, but no repatriation cover.
This highlights the unfortunate dangers of life in Mogadishu, despite any level of security that you might surround yourself with. The civilian contractor you refer to that was killed in the Christmas Day attack was my friend and colleague Abaho A (pictured below both in life and in death). In 2014 alone in Mogadishu, I had 2 friends killed, 4 others injured and another 3 escape uninjured in various attacks either targeted at them or for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
With the AU troops supposed to be pulling out next year, it makes you wonder if it will actually happen.
Jan 6, 2015, 12:48 am
#64
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
.
Jan 6, 2015, 10:38 pm
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Christmas In Mogadishu
Thanks for another amazing TR. Wow!!!
I've experienced being in various places where either I or other individuals stand out, and it's simply human nature for people to stare. I recognize that it isn't easy to accept but it just happens! And it's amazing to see you get the same reaction.
Did you do actual shopping in the markets etc for any food? Outside the hotel, how did you pay for the restaurant meal - with us$ or other hard currency (I realize that you didn't use plastic cards)? Or did your guide pay for everything because it's part of the travel service?
Logistically speaking, do you pay for your guide before you arrive in Somalia with cc or wire transfer, or did you carry cash to pay? Were you concerned about pickpockets at airport or plane, since you carried so much us$?
Will any pictures or this TR end up in any publication?
Thanks again and stay safe!
Michael
I've experienced being in various places where either I or other individuals stand out, and it's simply human nature for people to stare. I recognize that it isn't easy to accept but it just happens! And it's amazing to see you get the same reaction.
Did you do actual shopping in the markets etc for any food? Outside the hotel, how did you pay for the restaurant meal - with us$ or other hard currency (I realize that you didn't use plastic cards)? Or did your guide pay for everything because it's part of the travel service?
Logistically speaking, do you pay for your guide before you arrive in Somalia with cc or wire transfer, or did you carry cash to pay? Were you concerned about pickpockets at airport or plane, since you carried so much us$?
Will any pictures or this TR end up in any publication?
Thanks again and stay safe!
Michael
Jan 6, 2015, 10:39 pm
#66
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Programs: GM on VX, UA, AA, HA, AS, SY; Budget Fastbreak
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Christmas In Mogadishu
Oh yeah back to the market... Cat!?!? There are living and dead cats in the picture. Does the vendor sell them freshly killed?
Jan 7, 2015, 1:56 am
#67
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
Thanks for another amazing TR. Wow!!!
I've experienced being in various places where either I or other individuals stand out, and it's simply human nature for people to stare. I recognize that it isn't easy to accept but it just happens! And it's amazing to see you get the same reaction.
Did you do actual shopping in the markets etc for any food? Outside the hotel, how did you pay for the restaurant meal - with us$ or other hard currency (I realize that you didn't use plastic cards)? Or did your guide pay for everything because it's part of the travel service?
Logistically speaking, do you pay for your guide before you arrive in Somalia with cc or wire transfer, or did you carry cash to pay? Were you concerned about pickpockets at airport or plane, since you carried so much us$?
Will any pictures or this TR end up in any publication?
Thanks again and stay safe!
Michael
I've experienced being in various places where either I or other individuals stand out, and it's simply human nature for people to stare. I recognize that it isn't easy to accept but it just happens! And it's amazing to see you get the same reaction.
Did you do actual shopping in the markets etc for any food? Outside the hotel, how did you pay for the restaurant meal - with us$ or other hard currency (I realize that you didn't use plastic cards)? Or did your guide pay for everything because it's part of the travel service?
Logistically speaking, do you pay for your guide before you arrive in Somalia with cc or wire transfer, or did you carry cash to pay? Were you concerned about pickpockets at airport or plane, since you carried so much us$?
Will any pictures or this TR end up in any publication?
Thanks again and stay safe!
Michael
! I didn't buy anything in the markets, too busy taking photo's and gawking at the locals. I bought some small souvenirs at a shop at the end of the trip though (with USD). The hotel was $150 per day and covered all three meals. There was an option to eat outside of the hotel, but wasn't too bothered about that.I paid my guide when I arrived (i.e. no prepayment/deposit). I had my cash in my wallet inside my bag, so tried to keep it safe and away from pickpockets. My camera gear was worth alot more, so was probably more concerned about that.
Photography/travel is just a hobby, so no publication apart from this FT exclusive
.
. He was chopping up a goat to feed to the cats.
Jan 9, 2015, 11:44 am
#70
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Thanks for sharing yet another fascinating TR. (And thanks, too, to B747 for the insightful, sobering observations.)
With all the risks you take, I feel silly pointing out that most folks delete their names from photos (such as of your boarding passes) on TR. Not sure if you really run any privacy or ID theft risks, but just thought I'd mention it.
FWIW, I tried khat a number of years ago during several business meetings in Yemen. (It was simply accepted that my Yemeni counterparts were going to chew it, and out of curiosity my colleague and I joined in.) Overall a pleasant, mildly stimulating effect, though I had to take sleeping pills at night after getting a bit buzzed on it during the day.
With all the risks you take, I feel silly pointing out that most folks delete their names from photos (such as of your boarding passes) on TR. Not sure if you really run any privacy or ID theft risks, but just thought I'd mention it.
FWIW, I tried khat a number of years ago during several business meetings in Yemen. (It was simply accepted that my Yemeni counterparts were going to chew it, and out of curiosity my colleague and I joined in.) Overall a pleasant, mildly stimulating effect, though I had to take sleeping pills at night after getting a bit buzzed on it during the day.
Jan 11, 2015, 9:49 pm
#72
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
. Yes, the people are often what makes the place and most of the experience.Thanks for sharing yet another fascinating TR. (And thanks, too, to B747 for the insightful, sobering observations.)
With all the risks you take, I feel silly pointing out that most folks delete their names from photos (such as of your boarding passes) on TR. Not sure if you really run any privacy or ID theft risks, but just thought I'd mention it.
FWIW, I tried khat a number of years ago during several business meetings in Yemen. (It was simply accepted that my Yemeni counterparts were going to chew it, and out of curiosity my colleague and I joined in.) Overall a pleasant, mildly stimulating effect, though I had to take sleeping pills at night after getting a bit buzzed on it during the day.
With all the risks you take, I feel silly pointing out that most folks delete their names from photos (such as of your boarding passes) on TR. Not sure if you really run any privacy or ID theft risks, but just thought I'd mention it.
FWIW, I tried khat a number of years ago during several business meetings in Yemen. (It was simply accepted that my Yemeni counterparts were going to chew it, and out of curiosity my colleague and I joined in.) Overall a pleasant, mildly stimulating effect, though I had to take sleeping pills at night after getting a bit buzzed on it during the day.
. My name and photo are on my website so is too late to be anonymous. I have censored my passport number though.Yes, the Khat gave quite abit of a buzz
. Was watching the movie 'Black Hawk Down' in the weekend again, and it also seemed to play a role in the plot.[after the mission briefing]
Matthews: What's the matter Danny? Something you don't like?
McKnight: No Spectre gunships, daylight instead of night, late afternoon when they're all f*#ked up on Khat, only part of the city Aidid can mount a serious counter-attack on short notice... [chuckles] What's not to like?
Cheers, Madone59
.
Jan 13, 2015, 12:38 pm
#74
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
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Posts: 989
Stunning photos. They make me feel a wide range of emotions but foremost "fascination". I have an itch to go to a few places most wouldn't (North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan) but I would draw the line at Somalia. You are brave, thanks for sharing! I need to check out your other TRs...