Originally posted on September 21, 2009 @ http://kgarner.travellerspoint.com/archive/092009/
The first thing that came to me was the smell. Africa smells different. It's not a strong smell, it's just a different smell. It is the same smell from three years ago in Ghana. I love it. As soon as I step of of the plane I am a sponge soaking up every little detail about my new home. Tired from 3 connections and almost 24 hours of flight time, but alert nonetheless. I'm greeted by the principal, my boss, Ms.Beryl and her family. My huge bags are loaded into thier tiny car and we roll away towards the school (where I will be residing until my apartment is ready to be moved into). It's hot....it's midnight, but its hot....everyone around me (excpet Ms.Beryl) is speaking Arabic and I realize that my phrasebook didn't help AT ALL!
Over the next few days my schedule was packed with meet and greets. Ms.Beryl really wants me to connect with the people (the good people) of Sudan and have friends that will help me in my transistion. My first friend is Mr. Mohammed/Mo/Ruff. A young, hip Sudanese guy. He's so friendly and inviting. Introducing me to the right people and taking me alllll around Sudan, the old parts the new parts, the up and coming parts. It's only been a few days and I feel connected to so many groups of people.
Today I ventured on my own for the first time. The driver of the 'rekshah' (small taxi bike thingys) tried to hustle me out of a ride to a nearby cafe to meet Mr. Mohammed and get on the internet. He took me ANYWHERE other than the place I requested and then got angry when I tried to
give him the correct fare....an experience nonetheless. I am antcipating getting my phone so that I can call home, and home can call me. As soon as I do I know that it will help with my homesickness.
Pictures and videos will be posted soon! Stay tuned! 
Love,
Kala
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