I haven't been the best trip updater this time around. But honestly, it's because I've been working way too much. I even went into the office on Sunday! It would take a police SWAT team to get me into the RRB on a Sunday in the States. (Why a SWAT team would have this job, I don't know, just go with it.) But in any event, I've been working a lot. The deadline for the COP is Friday, and we are pushing to get it done. (If you actually care what a COP is, and where your taxpayer dollars are going to fight HIV/AIDS worldwide, you can click here.)
But, I was able to have Saturday off, and it was a fabulous day. I joined a group of Embassy people and we took the Embassy boats out on the Congo River and headed to a sandbar for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
Now when I first heard a sandbar, I thought a little plot of land we could all sit on and just lay there. Eat our food, chat a bit and be on our way. But not this sandbar. We sent up tents, tables, played football and frisbee, swam in the river and just had a fabulous time. Honestly, I think it was the most time people spent outside in awhile.
We also met up with the Embassy personnel from Brazzaville- the capital of the other Congo (Republic of). You can even see Brazzaville from Kinshasa, that's how close they are. I think I heard someone say they only have nine people at that Embassy, so they were happy to socialize with new folks. I even chatted it up with the Ambassador of the Republic of Congo. Man, I am so cool meeting all these Ambassadors of African nations. Yes, I just tooted my own horn. And yes I just used the phrase "toot my horn." Let it go.
So now just three days left of work, and one Saturday until I hop on a plane and head back to DC. All I need now is something to do on Saturday to pass the time. I couldn't take a lot of pictures on this trip since you aren't allowed to take photos anywhere in Kinshasa. If you do, the police will come and take your camera...lame. But I have a couple that I will post upon my return.
Au Revoir!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Hunk, Chunk, Drunk
I heard a new phrase yesterday related to expats living in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although, based on what I've seen/heard, I am going to say it applies to almost all posts in Africa.
Love it.
Some pictures for good measures.
I am pretty sure I know where I stand. What about you?
You either leave a hunk, a chunk or a drunk.
Love it.
Some pictures for good measures.
 |
| A hunk.... |
 | ||
| A chunk... |
 | |||||||||||
| A drunk... |
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sometimes Updating is Overrated
Sometimes I feel like I should post just because I have a blog. Usually I try and always write something important, or witty, or insightful, or meaningful. Not so sure if I have any of that in me right now, but I did promise I would update from DRC, so let's attempt for something that is even a fraction of the mentioned...
I arrived in Kinshasa safely! (insert applause here) And I keep pronouncing the name wrong. I really need to learn to speak French. It's like when I was at the DOC Conference in Morocco and met the DOC (Development Outreach and Communications Officer) from Azerbaijan. It was seriously just a brain freeze, I kept forgetting how to say the name of the country. Pull out your world map for that one folks.
Kinshasa seems ok so far. Someone from the Embassy came and got me at the airport, so already they get a gold star. I have been warned that it is going to be a lot of work. The COP (Country Operational Plan) is due next Friday, and the team has next to nothing done. This means long nights and weekends in the office. Hopefully I can still swing a trip to see the bonobos or take that Embassy-sponsored boat ride down the Congo River. But, I am here to work, not play. Well, that's what I have to keep telling myself at least.
Only other news to report, besides the fact that I got six mosquito bites after being outside for an hour last night (cross your fingers for no malaria!), has nothing to do with Africa. In fact it has to do with my little brother.
::Side note for those that don't know about my family::
I have three younger brothers- Anthony (22), Vinny (20), and Tommy (16). As far as siblings go, you really couldn't get four kids who are any more different. I love my brothers, but we all rarely agree on the same thing. When you get us together, it is definitely a sight to see, and I have a friend who wanted to make a TV show out of our family dinners. Title: Dinner at the DiRocco's. If we were to pick teams, I think it would be Vinny and I versus Anthony and Tommy. And while Vin and I would probably rock their socks off in a debate, when it comes to fighting, we are at the disadvantage. (Sorry, Vin, but you know it's true....even the midge could kick our asses.)
Anyway, where was I?
Oh yeah, so my last update is about my brother Vinny. Two things to know about Vinny: he loves sports and history. He reads books about the government or politics for fun, is great with kids, and is one of the best people I know...when he wants to be. And he's single ladies. ;) Ok, that was more then two things and I am definitely getting a dead leg next time I'm home for that comment.
Ok back on track, Vinny wrote into Sports Illustrated a little while back about some article they did on some player. I don't know I didn't read it. BUT, they picked his comment for the letter section! So, it's nothing crazy, but I thought it was so cool and I am so proud of him. Especially since it was well written and the grammar was all correct! I also never get tired of seeing the DiRocco name in print.
Check out the link here.
And finally, to leave you all with a laugh. Peter sent me this article from Deadspin last week. Let's just say, if you were a guy and you went to Duke between (roughly) 2006 and 2010, you may want to check out this chick's senior "thesis." She recounts a list of all the guys she slept with during her tenure at Duke, and it comes complete with graphs and photos. It's like the white, preppy version of Confessions of a Video Vixen. Bravo, Karen F. Owen. Bravo.
I arrived in Kinshasa safely! (insert applause here) And I keep pronouncing the name wrong. I really need to learn to speak French. It's like when I was at the DOC Conference in Morocco and met the DOC (Development Outreach and Communications Officer) from Azerbaijan. It was seriously just a brain freeze, I kept forgetting how to say the name of the country. Pull out your world map for that one folks.
Kinshasa seems ok so far. Someone from the Embassy came and got me at the airport, so already they get a gold star. I have been warned that it is going to be a lot of work. The COP (Country Operational Plan) is due next Friday, and the team has next to nothing done. This means long nights and weekends in the office. Hopefully I can still swing a trip to see the bonobos or take that Embassy-sponsored boat ride down the Congo River. But, I am here to work, not play. Well, that's what I have to keep telling myself at least.
Only other news to report, besides the fact that I got six mosquito bites after being outside for an hour last night (cross your fingers for no malaria!), has nothing to do with Africa. In fact it has to do with my little brother.
::Side note for those that don't know about my family::
I have three younger brothers- Anthony (22), Vinny (20), and Tommy (16). As far as siblings go, you really couldn't get four kids who are any more different. I love my brothers, but we all rarely agree on the same thing. When you get us together, it is definitely a sight to see, and I have a friend who wanted to make a TV show out of our family dinners. Title: Dinner at the DiRocco's. If we were to pick teams, I think it would be Vinny and I versus Anthony and Tommy. And while Vin and I would probably rock their socks off in a debate, when it comes to fighting, we are at the disadvantage. (Sorry, Vin, but you know it's true....even the midge could kick our asses.)
Anyway, where was I?
Oh yeah, so my last update is about my brother Vinny. Two things to know about Vinny: he loves sports and history. He reads books about the government or politics for fun, is great with kids, and is one of the best people I know...when he wants to be. And he's single ladies. ;) Ok, that was more then two things and I am definitely getting a dead leg next time I'm home for that comment.
Ok back on track, Vinny wrote into Sports Illustrated a little while back about some article they did on some player. I don't know I didn't read it. BUT, they picked his comment for the letter section! So, it's nothing crazy, but I thought it was so cool and I am so proud of him. Especially since it was well written and the grammar was all correct! I also never get tired of seeing the DiRocco name in print.
Check out the link here.
And finally, to leave you all with a laugh. Peter sent me this article from Deadspin last week. Let's just say, if you were a guy and you went to Duke between (roughly) 2006 and 2010, you may want to check out this chick's senior "thesis." She recounts a list of all the guys she slept with during her tenure at Duke, and it comes complete with graphs and photos. It's like the white, preppy version of Confessions of a Video Vixen. Bravo, Karen F. Owen. Bravo.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Mangia! Mangia!
Food is the common denominator for us all. It's appropriate at every occasion. (For the most part.)
Let's start with weddings. Everyone is looking forward to the food. They even ask you what you want to eat when you send in the RSVP card. Other big events often revolve around food as well. Bar (or Bat) Mitzvahs, baptisms, graduations, brisses, happy hours. You get the point. Even after funerals there is a reception...with a spread.
I sometimes get upset my family doesn't play games or do anything creative when we get together for many various events. But I can't complain when we have a Family Picnic every year that revolves around eight straight hours of eating.
With nothing else can you say "Eat, drink and be merry" but also "Eat your feelings." We turn to food when we are sad, bored, tipsy and of course just plain hungry.
There is really nothing better than meeting up with an old friend over lunch. Inviting close girlfriends over to chat over hummus. Or the ultimate event in eating- Sunday night dinner.
Food is also one of the best ways to experience another culture. Get a taste of Italy by sitting down to a four course meal. Eat with your hands at an Ethiopian restaurant. Try something new and different. (I hear they have fried tarantulas in Cambodia.)
So, throw out that frozen TV dinner and cook up something new and delicious. (Rachael Ray has good options you can make in 30 minutes.) And really enjoy the one thing that brings us all to the same level.
Buon Appetito!!
Let's start with weddings. Everyone is looking forward to the food. They even ask you what you want to eat when you send in the RSVP card. Other big events often revolve around food as well. Bar (or Bat) Mitzvahs, baptisms, graduations, brisses, happy hours. You get the point. Even after funerals there is a reception...with a spread.
I sometimes get upset my family doesn't play games or do anything creative when we get together for many various events. But I can't complain when we have a Family Picnic every year that revolves around eight straight hours of eating.
With nothing else can you say "Eat, drink and be merry" but also "Eat your feelings." We turn to food when we are sad, bored, tipsy and of course just plain hungry.
There is really nothing better than meeting up with an old friend over lunch. Inviting close girlfriends over to chat over hummus. Or the ultimate event in eating- Sunday night dinner.
Food is also one of the best ways to experience another culture. Get a taste of Italy by sitting down to a four course meal. Eat with your hands at an Ethiopian restaurant. Try something new and different. (I hear they have fried tarantulas in Cambodia.)
So, throw out that frozen TV dinner and cook up something new and delicious. (Rachael Ray has good options you can make in 30 minutes.) And really enjoy the one thing that brings us all to the same level.
Buon Appetito!!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Footprints in the Sand
It's an odd feeling, sitting in church two days in a row, but for two completely different events. One celebrating the start of two lives together, and the other marking the end of a life.
First, sitting in a church on a happy occasion. A wedding where everyone is smiling and the only tears are those of joy. The Our Father was sung in such an uplifting and joyous way. It truly was a happy, beautiful occasion. And the next day. In another church. The pews that the day before were so inviting, were the last place anyone wanted to be. The words spoken from the Bible which were so welcoming, were supposed to act as words of comfort, but they somehow seemed hollow. Even though I am not religious, I could still appreciate the fact that God (or whatever higher power you choose to believe in) is meant to be there for all occasions in life- good and bad.
So while new lives are beginning all over the world, others are ending that same day. So although I'm not religious, I've often thought of this poem to get me through difficult times.
First, sitting in a church on a happy occasion. A wedding where everyone is smiling and the only tears are those of joy. The Our Father was sung in such an uplifting and joyous way. It truly was a happy, beautiful occasion. And the next day. In another church. The pews that the day before were so inviting, were the last place anyone wanted to be. The words spoken from the Bible which were so welcoming, were supposed to act as words of comfort, but they somehow seemed hollow. Even though I am not religious, I could still appreciate the fact that God (or whatever higher power you choose to believe in) is meant to be there for all occasions in life- good and bad.
So while new lives are beginning all over the world, others are ending that same day. So although I'm not religious, I've often thought of this poem to get me through difficult times.
Footprints in the Sand
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.
This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.
The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Life STILL Gets In The Way of Blogging
I've been a slacker blogger lately. Which makes me feel ashamed and embarrassed. (Also embarrassing...it took me four tries to spell embarrassed correctly.) It's just been so busy at work, and at home, that I haven't had a chance to talk about anything.
Some highlights since my last post...
Wedding Fun
I went to the Postle wedding (aka Mike and Stephanie) in New York. It was amazing! Seriously the most fun I've had at a wedding ever. We danced all night, the bride (and entire wedding party) looked smashing, the food was awesome, the people were amazing. It was just fabulous.
Some pictures compliments of Alison Amato.
DC Weather
DC weather is weird, unpredictable and super confusing. One day it's 95 degrees and humid, the next it's 60 and windy. In fact, on the first official day of autumn, we broke 90 degrees down here. Also, according to Capital Weather Gang, September 2010 is the hottest its ever been since 1980. For the record: it was actually a beautiful, fall day today. And the rumor is the rest of the week it's going to be mid 70s and sunny. Finally....I can see clearly now the rain is gone!
I want this Diet
For the next 60 days, the head of the Washington State Potato Commission, Chris Voigt, is going to eat nothing but potatoes. He said he is fed up with the negative reputation spuds get, and wants to prove that eating them will have no poor impact on his health. The only downside, he can't add anything to them,
New York State of Mind
New York City is really the greatest city in the world. Something about it just makes me smile. Especially when you run into not one, but two people from high school. Without planning or trying. Just at a random bar and a random street corner. But the bars are open late, the food is delicious, there is always something to do. It's just so fun.
Comparison
It's really weird watching the first season of The Office compared to the newest season. The first season is so much better...and so much more awkward.
Fall is officially here
LivingSocial had a deal today for a pumpkin facial. I am not sure what that means, but I am sooo tempted to buy it. Since it's officially autmn, every place from Starbucks to Bed, Bath and Beyond has fall and pumpkin themed things. Including Meghan's new apartment, which already has Halloween stuff up and she just moved in yesterday.
End
I was going to end with a picture, but it's late and I'm tired. Oh and Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion just started on Encore. Watch it.
Some highlights since my last post...
Wedding Fun
I went to the Postle wedding (aka Mike and Stephanie) in New York. It was amazing! Seriously the most fun I've had at a wedding ever. We danced all night, the bride (and entire wedding party) looked smashing, the food was awesome, the people were amazing. It was just fabulous.
Some pictures compliments of Alison Amato.
 |
| Me and Samantha |
 |
| The picture everyone is talking about. |
 |
| So happy we could all be together for the day |
 |
| The wonderful couple's first dance. |
DC Weather
DC weather is weird, unpredictable and super confusing. One day it's 95 degrees and humid, the next it's 60 and windy. In fact, on the first official day of autumn, we broke 90 degrees down here. Also, according to Capital Weather Gang, September 2010 is the hottest its ever been since 1980. For the record: it was actually a beautiful, fall day today. And the rumor is the rest of the week it's going to be mid 70s and sunny. Finally....I can see clearly now the rain is gone!
I want this Diet
For the next 60 days, the head of the Washington State Potato Commission, Chris Voigt, is going to eat nothing but potatoes. He said he is fed up with the negative reputation spuds get, and wants to prove that eating them will have no poor impact on his health. The only downside, he can't add anything to them,
New York State of Mind
New York City is really the greatest city in the world. Something about it just makes me smile. Especially when you run into not one, but two people from high school. Without planning or trying. Just at a random bar and a random street corner. But the bars are open late, the food is delicious, there is always something to do. It's just so fun.
Comparison
It's really weird watching the first season of The Office compared to the newest season. The first season is so much better...and so much more awkward.
Fall is officially here
LivingSocial had a deal today for a pumpkin facial. I am not sure what that means, but I am sooo tempted to buy it. Since it's officially autmn, every place from Starbucks to Bed, Bath and Beyond has fall and pumpkin themed things. Including Meghan's new apartment, which already has Halloween stuff up and she just moved in yesterday.
End
I was going to end with a picture, but it's late and I'm tired. Oh and Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion just started on Encore. Watch it.
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