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Between Queues and Chaos: Finding Peace in Mogadishu

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  Between Queues and Chaos: Finding Peace in Mogadishu Pre-War Buildings in CBD - Mogadishu Some districts within the city escaped unscathed from the ravages of war. Many remain in the same condition they were in since 1990 - more than 35 years ago Today am headed back to Mogadishu. Early morning flight. I set the alarm for 340am but my sleep disappears at 230pm. From thence onwards it’s a tossing night for an hour. I give up trying to sleep. No need to struggle.   I am disturbing Muna with my tossing. So I get up, take my stuff to the study to get ready from there so as not to disturb her. By 4am I am ready. John is the Bolt driver. A chatty man. We talk politics. He is rather surprised at my political awareness. We reach JKIA Terminal 2 in good time. There is a long snaking queue of mostly Somali travelllers. The elderly man behind me is going to Mandera whilst the younger one next to him is accompanying him. They attempt to jump me. A few telling stares k...
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EVERY MOUNTAIN HAS A SOUL..

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2June2025 Sunrise: Mt Kenya (photo by Imtiaz Khan - a Master Photographer!) THE HARDEST MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB IS THE ONE WITHIN - J Lynn Madaraka day means Freedom Day. And this year it falls on a Sunday and thus an opportunity for a long weekend. So, the family took advantage of this and planned a practice hike to the Mountain.  Abit of background for future plans for this year: In October this year the family is planning the first Kilimanjaro climb. The diaspora from UK, Canada, Australia etc - are joining. It is expected to be a mega family event - one of many we hold regularly almost every other year.  So, every potential climber of Kili is practicing for the October climb.  Well, not that seriously but sort of ... ! The Kenya side decided this long Madaraka Day weekend to flex their muscles, joints and limbs on Mt Kenya. Imtiaz and Shafeen are the co-leaders of this rendezvous. And I must add, they are excellent organisers and leaders (I am not saying this because we...
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14 YEARS LATER

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 6 April 2025 “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” –Mark Twain Sunrise: Mara River (all photos by ALK) Honestly, I was expecting a newer Land Cruiser. KBY! Surely? And f or 65k?  And f or two days?  I felt abit cheated...by Gulab? "Is this car ok?" I ask Gulab - our pilot. "Yes, this is a perfect car. Don't look at its age and interiors" He tries to assure me. Its too late to change now! I say a silent prayer as we board.  (I always pray irrespective of the condition of the car: God is always in control) Destination: Neptune Mara. Its 14 years since I last visited Neptune Mara.. The drive from Nairobi started at 6am. Uneventful and safe. By 10am we were in Narok and onto to Mara North via Ololunga and Ngorengore. Really rough road. Huge ruts worsened by tractors plying to and from the large wheat and maize plantations ... owned by you know who and who .... And its planting season - so heavy traffic of these behemoths. And o...
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