On Banality
In Goma…
-International NGOs evacuating or on lockdown during Congolese Independence Day with no validated, documented evidence that suggested any type of real threat.
-Car reversing down the road at night without looking.
-Two casinos opening within one month and ¼ mile from each other.
-DGM Goma border people saving me while getting visas for 12 Americans. Forever indebted to their coolness.
-Babu, the Congolese border chief, wearing an orange suit with a Congolese flag tie on Independence Day.
-Whose going away party are we at?
-So, you mean the Lebanese grocery stores are a cover up? For what? I thought it was suspicious they had 20 of them working at the same store….
-Wait, another journalist who thinks he is writing the first article about how Congo is a rape-savaged, mineral-full, FDLR invested area with little glimmers of hope in the resilience of people?
-Daily awkward pauses in conversation as planes pass 20 feet above head.
-Street lights are amazing.
- Your Excellency, Honorables, (et alt)….and citizens, I am thankful that I am given the words to speak to you today. (2 hours later).
-Shoot, man, this place is so beautiful.
Goma folks, any additions?
July 6, 2010 at 8:14 pm
The first article I wrote after my first trip to Goma actually had “Glimmers of Hope” in the title. (sad trombone sound here)
You, madam, have got it pegged. More posts like this please!
July 10, 2010 at 12:51 am
This made me smile… The world is an infinitely strange place. I think your title summarises it perfectly. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
P.S. we don’t know each other but I hope we do get to meet one day. I have heard SO much about you!
October 7, 2011 at 7:59 pm
thank you for not filtering yourself. i think that’s very important.