A new nation is born!

World's 193rd nation!

I could see the tears in some people's eyes. No wonder, it costed millions lives.
But, of course, we could see many many people's energy for the new future!!
The new history has just started!! Congratulations, South Sudan!!

Warming-up

UN family had a celebration lunch for the independence & new "country" team!

At night, local people's dance(male vs female??)! It was very energetic!!

Today, UN family had a celebration lunch. The staff from the South seems extremely happy, of course!!

I have never heard any negative comment for their independence from the local people at all.

Wish the newest country become the most peaceful and beautiful country in the world!

National Anthem

Kids at the "Way Station"

Today, many of the national staff were practicing the new "National Anthem"!
The currency will be change on 1. Aug.
Really the country will be born!

Way Station

One of the Way Stations

Until the departure to the final destination,
returned people spend several nights here

Women & Children Zone

"Way Station" is the place to stay a couple of nights before the departure to their final destination.
People can have food & medical services here as well.

Returnee from the North

The ship to bring returnee to the South -
Left: For people, Right: For furniture and their belongings 

Along the port, people are waiting for the IOM tracks
to carry their furniture/belongings until their final destination.

This is my first contact with returnee.
I met the returnee who arrived with IOM organized transportation from the North. They stay in UNHCR "Way Station" after their arrivals. Most of the women and children stays at Way Station during the day time, while the men come to port to guard their belongings.

*I will upload some photo of "Way Station" tomorrow.

Juba Prom!

Yesterday, there was a "prom" for Southern Sudan to "graduate" from Sudan!
Some people dressed up with the tailored outfits from the market called "Konyo Konyo market". And it looks really good!
Maybe I should try there! ;-)

Japanese foods in Juba

You will be surprised to see that there are few restaurants serve Japanese foods here in Juba!
The taste is ok but feel at home if I see the familiar name on the menu!