In a continuing effort to maintain close friendship among UNMIS peacekeepers at Bor team Site, the Indian Contingent held a Christmas celebration on 25 December 2009 at their camp and invited all of us, the Military Observers and several other civilian staffs. The holiday seasons in Bor team Site – Sudan, though surely no snow ever fall here, still the holiday spirit is indeed are felt like everywhere else.

All personnel belong to UNMIS Office’s sections were invited and later gathered around to commemorate the day. This was also meant to introduce “the taste of India “ through its culinary experience. One thing I know well the name of the dishes are some among many, such as chapatti, curry, yellow fried rice, etc.

As the time showed a half past twelve, the guests started to show up, then welcomed by the Contingent Commanding Officer and few of his men. The interesting part to my observation that everybody was received with “Merry Christmas” greetings, though indeed not all of them were celebrating Christmas.

Time has passed for the initial chit-chat, the usual courtesy talks between the guest sand the host, then the main program began to unfold. “Lunch time, ladies and gentlemen, please” said the host.

Like most of us in the field, as an UNMO, we were born to be ready for a free lunch. Although, I noticed that at the beginning some muslim colleagues began to ask around and concerned regarding the “halal” status of the meal. Then I saw them went further enjoying the meals, learning that it was confirmed the ‘halalness’ of the dishes.

Having Christmas celebration in Sudan, practically Bor team site is in the middle of nowhere, but with the enthusiastic crowd and togetherness, I found that indeed this was a rare moment to enjoy, and to add the experience of Indian cuisines, exposed me to some new taste I’ve yet been familiar. Definitely, a lot of us went for round and round, ensuring that we tasted all those sort of dishes and not missing any single dishes.

I had to say, personally that the cuisine taste uniquely interesting, understanding that I have been less or not being exposed to Indian Food ever before. I was sure, by seeing how other fellow Indonesian Peacekeepers as they enjoy the dishes, they must have different thoughts and impressions. But, personally, I was more inclined to say that my preference is home-country meals fit best.

It just struck me that when, my fellow countryman UNMO shared to me that my cooking taste better than those dishes. I just wondered why he felt that way, understanding the fact that, I could only cook best; Instant Noodle Soup and fried rice. That’s it!.

This must be because, it was also his first time having to taste Indian Cuisine. That’s gotta be the reason why. Surely, I guess having been assigned in such peacekeeping mission where colleagues around us came from all different cultures, we shall be exposed to all sort of cultures, to include its cuisine.

Seeing everyone else consistently made rounds and rounds on that table, they gotta be enjoying, indeed. I should be more flexible with my taste with similar events to come. More cuisine of the United Nations awaits me, and I know by then that I’d be a little bit more experience to say on variety of international dishes, by the time I conclude this assignment.

Well, it was a moment that would be remembered by all participants which have attended that celebration. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year of 2010. My best regards to all of you, from the Bor Team Site, in Sudan.