Mohammed

I had a slightly confusing afternoon. Basically, I am dealing with two separate men from two separate agencies, and yet both men share the same first name, Mohammad.  Yesterday I called Mohammad Mechmache, while thinking I was calling Mohammad Qazilbash, and scheduled a meeting this morning to discuss my research project.  I arrived at Chaka Place, searching for Mohammad Q from CARE, and instead found myself about to have a meeting with Mohammad M from the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Nonetheless, everything went fine although I had to quickly tuck in my shirt, knock some dirt off my boots, and attempt to look a bit nicer as I realized the situation would be  more formal than I had expected.  Everything went well, I met with the Director of the agency, Muhammad M and the NRC Security Advisor, Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai. I introduced my project and made it clear that I will do everything I can to basically stay out of the way. Satisfied with my proposal, they supplied me with some documents, maps, and satellite photos of the camp and I am to return tomorrow to meet with their Director of Emergency Shelter.

On Friday, at 3:00, I am to meet with Muhammad Qazilbash, the Director of CARE, and I will be leaving Nairobi next week for Dadaab.  It appears that I will have no complications instituting my project, as all concerned personal are quite satisfied and supportive of my plan. 

Otherwise, no news to speak of. I went to an Ethiopian restaurant last night with some grad students from the UK (they are here doing research too),  we devoured a goat (served over hot coals) alongside two massive platters of strange yet delicious mushy food (we with our hands of course, no silverware). After feasting on Goat and Tuskar Beer, we returned back to the hostel, sleepy and well fed.  I'm probably just going to "hang out" most of this week, as I really don't want to go spending a bunch of energy and money running around the city.  It is a somewhat walkable city, but the car exhaust bothers my contacts and crossing the street is nearly suicidal.  I do like it here otherwise, the people are honest and the atmosphere is relaxed. It is quite safe and I could just as well be hanging out, eating goat, on any corner of Clifton.