Monthly Archives: July 2009

I am no longer in the land of enumerators and evaluation launches, but I am in the land of signs that warn naive tourists like me to beware of fake monks that take advantage of our fascination with Buddhism and … Continue reading →

All of those times when I needed flash-sticks and fried chicken simultaneously, I wish I knew you were out there shawarma house.

Say you are in Sierra Leone. And say you happen to commit a crime. Here is what you just might be officially charged with by the Sierra Leone Police and Ministry of Justice: 1. Entering quay without pass 2. Driving … Continue reading →

The hot new job in Sierra Leone: Selling live squirrels on the street. Cost: 5 dollars. Value: priceless.

During the momentary blog disappearance, survey instruments were piloted, goat meat was eaten, and motorcycle rides through the mud were taken. Awesomely, it ended in a survey launch party where only the strongest enumerators proved their survey skills by, of … Continue reading →

1. UN Peacekeepers in the Congo upset that the Mai-Mai and FDLR join forces and outsmart them. 2.  Starbucks to open office in Rwanda; development indicators shoot off the chart. 3. International Crisis Group drafts comprehensive strategy to disarm FDLR … Continue reading →

Through Minigolf of course.  Down in Central Florida: Congo River Golf, located on East Colonial Drive just east of Alafaya, is a new miniature golf course that opened up a few months ago. This isn’t your typical mini golf course, … Continue reading →

Sierra Leonian surveyors are awesome, not only because they are extremely experienced (insert academic research industry here), but because they are hilarious. Great moments included: 1. Best introduction at the training – “I’m Anthony and I’m single and ready to … Continue reading →

Because Oumou Sangare, Songbird of Wassoulou, grooves Malian rhythms and old school photos of the Afropop scene from back in the day in Yala: