1st day in South Sudan - Interesting place with interesting people

I am going with Kenya Airways, It was really nice and more than I was expected, in fact it was better than Garuda Indonesia (no offense). They provide really good service and meal. The plane was Brazilian plane and it was really smooth and good. So far the whole journey from Kenya to Sudan is really good.

Once I landed, the entire passengers go to arrival building; it is really disaster, no system, and no queue line. Everyone just jump and run to the visa stamping counter, shout and are furious. Even more, the luggage reception is totally mess, they are just threw into the floor without any control. Outsider can enter the area, in fact everyone can enter the arrival hall, no wonder there is always loss and theft in the area. While I am waiting for my luggage, I am having chat with one of the officer in charge of the airport, she is really nice and friendly, I ask if there will be a new terminal building because the terminal is really small and unorganized , she admit that the airport is not that really convenient, but she told me that the Chinese is building a new airport in Juba.

Finally after long waiting and struggle, I went to the waiting area for alien registration that is done by one of our staff. Then I went to the office in the city centre. The city is quite amazing for the less than 1 years old country. The infrastructure is exist though it is minimal, It is quite dusty, no water system and inadequate electricity. I stayed in one of the high-end area where International NGO and the embassy are located. But still it is quite crappy compare to the usual capital in the world at least Asian standard.

Finally, I get green light and schedule to go to my mission. Before departure, I have to sign and fill a special form for non UN personal evacuation so we can board the UN plane which can take me out when there is any problem or emergency in the country. Me and 6 others member are boarding into grand caravan small airplane that is rented by the “company” to take us to North part that close to the border of South Sudan with North Sudan. I was worried as there is weight limitation, one person can only have total weight along with their luggage 90 kg !!! and my weight is 104 kg !! I do really need diet.

It takes 2hours to reach the place from Juba (the capital). When we are about to land, the rest of ground team member have to clear the airstrip as the strip is made from the dust and there is no fence. Everybody just enter the area. Even the goat, cows, chicken can enter the airstrip.

I go to the refugee camp and our clinic, we really have difficulties with water as this is dessert but we hire one of the best driller in Kenya and we are expecting more water point so the population will be relieved at least. All of the structure is tent and it is very minimal and basic.

I am staying in tent, without electricity but with cool team here and this make the mission become great.

Overall, I can say this mission is interesting and will be unforgettable experience in my life.

Right now there is no photo, but I will post the beauty of South Sudan next time.

I have posted one night special made video. supported with Apple MacBook Air, solar charged battery power support and satellite internet connection.