Reunion

Well I have to say that I really enjoyed my break. It was somewhat short, but worth it. I first met with my contingent in Juba for a little reunion. It was the first time our whole group had been together since being deployed. We exchanged war stories over beers and gave each other the gears. We then had our medal parade which was perfect. Short and sweet without alot of press. After some post reunion/medal parade partying, myself, three members from my contigent and a retired member that is now working for UN Security headed to Egypt.
Our first destinations was Sharm El Sheikh. It was great. A resort town in the middle of nowhere right on the Red Sea. The water was clear and warm, the beach and scenery was great, the nightlife was rocking. Did I mention that the scenery was great? From there we headed to Cairo. Cairo was not as relaxing, but I did get to see the pyramids which was as amazing as I had imagined it would be when I was a kid.

After returning to Sudan I had a couple of days of leave left so I spent them in Juba. I was able to grease a few wheels to change my transfer. Nothing in writing yet, but it will happen soon. I had orginally been told I would be re-deployed to Torit or Yei, however, during the Acting Deputy Police Commissioners rampage on the South Sector I ended up with Maridi. I have no desire to work in Maridi as it is in the same area as Yambio with the same issues. My other reason is that I had to kick a Kenyan out of Yambio for having sex with a local prostitute. It's another long story to be told over beers. He should have been repatriated, but our previous Sector Commander made the decision to only transfer him...to Maridi.

I am not sure where I will end up, but I have told the Sector Commander that I want to experience an area different from Yambio. It is kind of exciting waiting for what might come and I am really looking forward to the change. Now I am back in Yambio to pack my things. I will leave Wednesday to Maridi and await my new posting.

I am going to miss Yambio. It has been a great place to work and an amazing experience. I have alot of friends here that I will miss as well. I will definitely miss my running partner sam. One last run with Sam on Wednesday morning and then it's time to hang up my shoes for a while.

Cheers,

Rory

(Photos from top to bottom: 1) Our contingents first meeting in Juba. From left to right - Me, Charles OBENG, Wayne HANNIMAN, Wayne PLIMMER (Mr. Touchy Feely as per usual), Scott BURGE, and the Shisha Man of Juba - Jaskaran PUREWAL, 2) Our UN Medal, 3) UN Medal Ceremony, 4) 3 drunk Mounties at a post medal party, 5) The scenery at Sharm El Sheikh, 6) A close-up of the scenery at Sharm El Sheikh, 7) The Pyramids, 8) Sam wearing his new pair of shoes after one of our last runs together, 9) My dirty stinky running shoes)