Fashionable South Sudan

She put this hena by herself.

The result :-)

Today, we went to see the result of yesterday's experiment and found some good result tentatively.
We'll check again after one week.

On the way back to the office, we had strong sandy storm. Even just seeing front was difficult!

Experiment with community group

Today, it was very fun! 

I did some experiment with community group. All the members were very cooperative and we could share good time together. I look forward the result tomorrow! 

For the lunch, we went back to the same place and tried different fish dishes today.
Fish soup was brilliant!! They told me it was river fish but it tasted like sea fish such as yellow tail!

Despite the sad news in Bentiu, the situation is very calm in Malakal(capital of neighboring state).

Bamboo in South Sudan

When I saw bamboos was widely used for Tukul (traditional housing) construction for the first time, I was very surprised. Because I thought bamboos was only available in some Asian countries.

I never had a chance to see wild bamboos on the ground but only saw the ones in markets which were already cut and brought from some specific region.

On Friday, I finally saw wild bamboos along river Nile in Upper Nile State! It was very green and high growing!

Watermelon in town!

Surprised to see more than one truck of water melons in the market in Malakal!
Where are these from??

The best fish ever in South Sudan!

Before

After

Today, after we had a meeting with government officials and community group, we went out close to the river seeking natural materials for our shelter project. I look forward to the result of material test next week!

The photos are our lunch! It was the best fish I've ever had in South Sudan! Yum yum... at the market in Malakal town.

Movie night

Last night, I had a movie night with my friends over the take-out dinner!
Finally, I watched the film I was hoping to watch :-)

From today, I'm on mission in Malakal, Upper Nile State for a week.
We are watching the news everyday to find what is going to be happened in coming days at border zone...

BBQ at the river Nile

On Saturday, we had a farewell BBQ at the island on the river Nile.
We chatted, chatted, ate, chatted, ate, chatted, waited, chatted and ate :-)

Latrine

Many organization are working on water & sanitation. But it is not easy to cover all the population of course.
This is typical private latrine constructed by owners on his/her initiative.

Season for Mango!

Need parasol for strong sun!

Sure, we definitely need...

Burned brick

In this region, burned brick seemed very common.
Since this has significant effect to the environment, we are trying to promote compressed mud block(Concrete is quite expensive here!).
Traditionally some regions of South Sudan have custom to use sun dried mud block with cow down produced with wooden molds.
To improve the strength of block, we brought compress machines to South Sudan and are now testing different composition of soils per location with partners.

What you will find on the street in big white bags are...

Charcoal

Female

Grandma takes rest under the shade

Kids fetch water

Ladies wash clothes under trees

Women under different age groups have different roles!

Our shelter in Morobo

In Morobo, we visited our shelter project.

Joint monitoring from government, partner NGO and our office.

Normally, mudding process is womens' work.
4 females were working on walls from both inside & outside.

They have skills to make very smooth surface! 

Need a shade!! Too hot!!

Even for goats...

A school on the way to Morobo

Many children are still studying at schools using traditional structures.

Materials are still available on the street

Once rainy season comes, these materials won't be available or you will find them with rocket prices!
Recently, in south part of South Sudan, we already started to have rain for several hours a day. Rainy season is on the corner.

On the way to Morobo from Yei

Natural car wash at Yei river!

3 days in Yei

I was in Yei for 3 days for a mission until yesterday.
Yei mission helped me to recover from infection! I'm grateful that I could made it, even though I hesitated to be on mission this time...

Compared to the other region, it seems that Yei has rich vege & fruits since it is just close to the border with Uganda.
Also, our cooking staff was super great! Her dishes brought me back appetite!! Thanks a lot!!

Easter weekend from today.

My medication history

For 3rd Malaria

Another Malaria & Stomach Infection

Yesterday, I spent a day at the hospital.
Last week, I suffered from my 4th Malaria and now I'm suffering from stomach infection... sigh

This time, Malaria was much right but stomach infection was pretty bad.

For my record, I list my medication history.

Medicine for Malaria

Medicines for Stomach Infection 

The biggest Japanese gathering in Juba!

On Saturday, there was a big Japanese gathering.
After the deployment of Japanese Self Defense Force(Engineering Unit) as part of UNMISS, now Japanese population in Juba has been increased rapidly.
They will start their activity from this week in city area of Juba, focusing on road repair, construction and etc.
Lately, I've seen their vehicles with SAKURA(cherry blossoms) logo on the street! :-)

Sushi @ Cairo International Airport

After I taste this, I reconfirmed the importance of sushi rice...