Say it: "Djibouti"
An excerpt from my Dad's obervations on his recent trip to the aforementioned country. When I was a kid I would laugh and laugh and laugh at the mention of it. I was snickering this time for different reasons.
On visiting Djibouti-again !
In Djibouti since Sarurday. Isn't the world such wonderful,fascinating place? Such variety,such diversity, and only an hour flight from Addis. The faces, the buildings, the trees, the food and the temprament...everything is so different. And in the middle of all this, people, educated people, are speaking in Somali : wa7a, wa7a, 7ey ..etc And loudly !
That evening ,I attended the National Day of the Artist. Rapping in Somali! The male singers look malnourished, with bony faces, pinheads, protruding little ears and mouths too full of teeth. The female performers are "healthy", big bosomed and big bottomed, and overdressed in layers and layers of colourful material.
So many shabashib and flip-flops !
Shirtsleeves buttoned to the hilt,belts, and what seems like baggy pants till you notice that people are so thin their clothes look 2 sizes too big.
Sunday I met the Minister of Culture (Post and telecomm!). His office was soon full of people who has no reason being there - and are all talking loud and at the same time in Somali ! We were served lukewarm Tang in jumbo glasses. While I was trying to have a "profound and serious" discussion , the Minister (who recently suffered a stroke - a bit off centre) , was pantering with his friends in Somali, throwing a few words in Arabic my side and receivimg with half attention the few words in perfect French that I have under my belt.
I took my leave (hug,hug! How is Mohamed Wardi? Ya salaaam!!), I wanted to go the toilet. I was taken agian through the Minister's Office to use his executive loo. His friends were still there, but he apparently wanted to use the same facility. When he came out, he was somehow not surprised to see me in his office again, and casually said , "a' gauche, a' gauche", giving direction to the place.
Another very interesting phenomenon in Djibouti government offices is the crowds that hover aimlessly ( it seems), talking loudly in Somali. There are usually large numbers of ladge, overdressed, big bottomed, big bosomed women who are difficult to categorize (cleaners? secretaries? wives? gatecrashers?). Loud ,hinna, gold, and shabaship [flip flops] galore !
Djibouti is very dirty, but in a "cute" homely way, rustic (maybe rusty?). People come in a variety of colours and " designs". They are laid back, relaxed and always loud. The climax of the day comes after mid-day when the ghatt plane arrives from Ethiopia and all the French veneer peels away as people rush to get their daily ration of the magic green stuff) very expensive about $20 a "serving" Life stops at about 1 pm. What approaches a traffic jam dissipates by 1 o'clock, as people rush home with their fodder and change into ghat chewing attire--a wraparound piece of lightly checkered cloth.
I love it ! My kind of town! (Did I mention the swarms of slow flying flies? heavy and fat.)
To be continued. I think !
Comments
Several things: Only your father - I have never met him, so really he is just "father of Mo" in my mind - 1) could introduce me to a new narcotic?! and 2) write a story inline with the interesting ones you tell, and 3) end it with a comment on the 1 o'clock ghatt-time and the sentiment "I love it! My kind of town!"
I see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Although I do suspect, unlike you, he's probably cooler than you are, and wouldn't freak out about getting a contact high at a Tool concert. I could be wrong.
Posted by: phatmunkay | February 23, 2006 3:35 PM
The apple does not - as you say - fall far from the tree. My sense of humor and my huge nose both come from my old man, bless him (also my prediliction for big bottoms). He may in fact be cooler and he's definitely a better writer. So much for not challenging your dad where he's strongest.
Posted by: Lo Fat Mo | February 24, 2006 10:08 AM
Sounds like the funny looking airplane is having an interesting time.
Posted by: Pedro | February 24, 2006 5:39 PM
I remember how to pronounce the one arabic sentance you taught me, but can't spell it. Do you remember? It was regarding your predeliction.
Posted by: Sal | February 24, 2006 11:34 PM
ACTUALLY! I think remember meeting your parent the day we met, when they dropped you off, didn't I?
Posted by: Sal | February 24, 2006 11:39 PM
The funny look airplane always has an interesting time. He puts himself in odd positions where he is guaranteed to have a good time.
Sal, I think you met my dad, but not my mom and I'm not sure what prediliction it is you're referring to. Sounds scandalous though.
Posted by: Lo Fat Mo | February 25, 2006 7:35 PM