A Little Bit More...

Ok so you’ve made it through or skipped the boring previous preamble post. Well done. Now our internet access has been rather unreliable so far and I apologise. This means we have a little catching up to do over the past week, much of which relates to journeys and introductions, hence I fear this post may be slightly longer than I will usually aim for. However, once we get this orientation one out of the way then it should be much easier for us all. Right, on we go...

The journey was generally smooth – we (I) had some hassles at Heathrow regarding baggage allowances but that all turned out remarkably well. Addis was straightforward and actually rather pleasant as airports go and all luggage arrived ok. Juba airport can be a bit chaotic to the uninitiated but Dr Dario (Consultant Surgeon and Director of JTH) was there to meet us, chatting amongst the immigration officials no less (a well connected man), and hence we were warmly greeted.

The weekend was largely concerned with settling into the place. Our accommodation is in the Doctor’s Mess (the local junior doc’s accommodation) which is right opposite the hospital so location-wise it couldn’t be better. There’re still a few issues to iron out at this stage but we’re getting there. The main issues are security (it’s an open compound on the main road – no walls or gates or guards) and food. Our room locks though and everyone’s very friendly. Recently an armed guard has appeared at night. It’s a functional if not beautiful site with a hand pump for extra water if the mains is off. It’s a more authentic and culturally immersive experience than last year. The room itself is clean and perfectly adequate (although clearly a single room with two beds in) with a shower. Power is not working there yet, but we have a lovely air-conditioned office in the hospital which is a real added bonus. Food-wise the general consensus amongst the Sudanese it that we won’t get on well with the food they eat so we’re trying to come to a suitable arrangement on that one. So far we’ve been eating in restaurants which is not financially sustainable long term. The hospital will pay for our food but clearly we don’t want to abuse their generosity so we’re coming up with some creative (cheap) solutions.

 

 Our pump for washing clothes

 

Our Residence

It’s been a very tough week for the hospital with a lot of staff off on strikes over pay disputes and the atmosphere has been tense at times. There was a big police presence around yesterday which I think unsettled people. Also there was a city-curfew the other day with the army doing house searches and seizing illegal weapons. Generally this is considered a good thing, but it was quite disruptive to life in Juba. Throughout though, we have felt very safe and well looked after by all at the hospital and treated with incredible warmth and hospitality.

 

Matt and I on the Emergency Medical Ward. That's one of the nurse's kids

We’re using the time to refamiliarise ourselves with the hospital. It’s difficult to assess what’s ‘normal’ at this stage though with the strikes, however this has given us a chance to sort out some of the logistics in our accommodation. Yesterday Sister Anna took us to the market where we bought some bowls for washing our clothes, and also some more bed sheets. Matt chose us some nice floral numbers. I managed to acquire some bamboo canes today so I can erect my mossie net tonight (hitherto unused - I took a few bites last night and woke up itching at 0230). Our health has been good thus far.

 

 

I guess we’re still trying to work out what our main trip objectives are going to be, but we plan to start with some shadowing and working within the system to see how things are rather than going in all guns blazing. Certainly everyone’s extremely welcoming and happy to see us, and it feels more like a genuine reunion of friends than anything superficial. In a sense I don’t feel like I left at all – it’s a wonderful family here amongst the hospital staff. The respect and friendship took us quite a long time to earn and develop last year and it’s nice that it seems as strong as ever and should help us to get on and do things more quickly than last time. Patience is key here and not letting yourself feel frustrated at an apparent lack of progress. Generally most of the really good stuff happens when you least expect maybe after a couple of hours of general chit-chat. Certainly some of the best stuff that David and I did last year weren’t planned, they just grew organically. That’s just the way things happen over here, and never being much of meticulous planner myself, frankly I rather like it.

Anyway, I hope that wasn’t too unbearable. We should be able to get on to the good stuff now. If the above was too wordy (Nick) to summarise:

• Arrival safe
• People friendly
• Having fun.

Bye for now

James & Matt