The South Will Rise Again!
A quick entry on the sometimes sad and sometimes funny irony of Mombasa, perhaps all of Kenya, and perhaps the developing world.
As you walk through Mombasa Town (the main island city center of Mombasa District) or most of anywhere else in Mombasa, you will notice not only traditional Swahili, and Muslim dress is prevalent but also quite a lot of clothing that is obviously from the identified "West." This clothing is the donated through aid agencies and sold on the streets of Mombasa to any and all. You'll see advertising on t-shirts for 1987 UNC Tar-Heels volleyball and hats promoting Midas Brakes. This last weekend I was walking through the village of Miritini to hilled area with arid vegetation. As my small group came over the hill, I witnessed a breath taking view of the west coast of the island where the fresh water river of meets the Indian Ocean.
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a small mud hut on the side of a hill. Hanging on the clothes line was a turquoise green Jacksonville Jaguars Fred Taylor jersey.
The most amusing incident happened as I was walking down the heavy traffic of Moi Avenue and coming to a corner to turn onto Digo road a tall, muscular, dark skinned Kenyan came around the corner. He was wearing a cut off t-shirt with the Confederate Jack running down the torso with a skeleton riding a motorcycle in the middle. Printed on the shirt was the inscription, "The South Will Rise Again."
Welcome to Kenya.
Comments
It's kind of like the time my friend presented things that should not really go together in his monologue. The thing he was referring to? A Confederate flag doorag.
Posted by: Britta Grand | June 15, 2007 10:59 AM
The mzuri landscape must be spectacular as you look to the Indian Ocean. I hope you are able to keep a visual record with your camera.
Oh... the opportunities this summer scenario affords you!
Be safe,
Love,
Dad
Posted by: Bob Marcy | June 15, 2007 11:41 AM
Great stories, Ben!
This morning, Kenyan runner, Wesley Ngetich, came in first in Grandma's Marathon (Duluth). He's the big news here on a Saturday morning.
The Minnesota/Kenya connections just keep coming!
Miss you, sweetie!
Love,
mom
Posted by: Mom | June 16, 2007 05:01 PM
Perhaps the t-shirt fits if one interprets it as 'south of the equator'. (Flag notwithstanding). Another fun example of paradox,closer to home, is the Much Ado Abouit Nothing adaptation Jen and I saw at the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival in Forest Park. It was played in western mofif, but Dogberry really did fit the role of 'goofball sheriff'. Love you, cuz, and our thoughts are for your safe journeying and productive instigation of positive change. I know Ralph would be proud of your long hours and dedication, as we all are.
Posted by: Scott | June 18, 2007 07:50 PM
Dear Ben
,Always great and relieved to here from you and your adventures. So glad you have this opportunity to see another part of the world and it's contribution to humanity as a whole. I hope you received my letter. It was a sort of test of the mail receiveing process in Kenya. Let us know if there is anything we can do to further the cause with the persons involved in your internship.
It was great to hear your voice on the phone on Father's Day.
LOVE ALWAYS
Grandma & Grandpa
Posted by: Grandpa & Grandma | June 19, 2007 02:32 AM
Just a "hi" to let you know we are thinking of you!
Hope all is well with you!
You know I can get Tshirts and stuff from the Auction, so just let your Dad know if you need any for there! Me and the auction! Hahaha!
love you,
Aunt Dawn and Uncle Tom
Posted by: Aunt Dawn | June 20, 2007 01:53 AM
Great writings Ben! No doubt you have so many different feelings right now-- thanks for sharing them. I can't wait to read more and actually talk to you about it when you return...I will be talking to a different person by then, no? :) My best to you- and keep on running. You are one crazy fool and I love it!
Posted by: Angie | June 23, 2007 06:49 AM
I didn't come to the page to add any comments on the current topic, hell I dont even know what the topic is about. Im just using this site to say hi to my homie Ben. I hope all is well and hope that your visit to the mother land has been a great one. Holla at me as soon as you get back. Peace!!!
Posted by: Tally Squires | June 23, 2007 07:00 PM
Ok I just read the blog about The south will rise again. I can picture all the apperal that the Kenyans would value and what we make take for granted makes me appriciated what we really have. Sounds like the experience is great keep em coming. Holla Blaq & Peace!!!!
Posted by: Tally Squires | June 23, 2007 07:11 PM