I remember those days, when the break is just around the corner.. and I was raedy to leave the team site for Monrovia, the capital. Partoling the bushes, eaten by bugs and mosquitos, hopping in and out from a chopper just like people hail taxis back home.
All of these not to mention malaria hazards preying over and the longing of those loved ones back home – guess folks in Monrovia are the next best thing to recover before long kiss good bye out from the mission.
Yes, it was 0400 GMT, the chopper landed at Spriggs Payne airport, the domestic airport that UNMIL Operates its local air hub, transporting logistical supplies and movement of personnel both civilian and military personnel.
My countrymen were just standing there awaiting as I walked away from the chopper, the smell of hot asphalt on the tarmac really strong, however I could stand a bit longer as I knew that I’d enjoy real-good meal afterwards. Rundown from the hill – or known as “Turun Gunung” is the common terms for us, military personnel – especially the Indonesian Military Observer often use to inform colleagues that one would be leaving the team site to regain some sanity back.
Jumped on the Nissan Patrol, heading to the headquarters building, as another colleague will join for the get-together-dinner. How I loved normal food compared to the battalion’s kitchen menu that mostly serves Pakistani dishes all day – everyday.
As the sun sets, the headquarters was overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the sea breeze and new surrounding – other than the thick bushes and gravel road seen daily when assigned to the region. Some shots are taken while waiting.. though the tummy was kind of screaming already. There was always a time for some snap shot.
For those who read this, feel free to write me here and also here. For folks at other peacekeeping mission, in DR Congo, Sudan, Nepal and in Lebanon, how’s your day went out? care to share? :-)
Hope to read yours over comment links below.
finding a serenity in the midst of myriad-endless workload proves to be a real challenge. when gotten, a sweet treat indeed. wishing all the very best for making a better world through the peacekeeping missions :)
greetings from buruhnya Bu Ani :)
Mau tanya ongggggggggggggggggg…
beneran gak sih di Afrika sana masih suka perang2.. terusssssss… apa bener, mereka para tentara apalah namanya itu suka ngebunuhin satu kampung secara sadis ga tua ga muda ga besar ga kecil, pokonya abisssss..
Bener ga sih… kenapa sih.. apa yang dicari??
Terima kasih..
Siska
Interested bgt ma perdamaian dunia tapih belom dikasi kesempatan untuk terjun langsung…hehhehe yang penting de2k mendukung bgt perdamaian ….met tugas yah om..salam untuk keluarga…..
matur nuhun
Mas Ambar, memang deh.. meski udah bau prengus (baca: domba) tetep aja masih nyempetin foto2.. (sama-nya juga ama kita2 koK!) gimana perjalanan ke Amsterdam dan sekitarnya? ditunggu updatenya yah..
Is now or never, really candid? Momen yang bagus memang sayang kalau tidak terekam, sepertinya wajar kalau sekembalinya si lensa tetangga agak baret-baret, gak ketebak habis beraga giga dalam 1 tahun kalau tiap jalan jepret …..by the way, Is alles o.k. met u? Vergeet niet brengen me iets van Nederland ja Mas….En niet daar ongehoorzaam ben. Zie u recenter en goed geluk.
Wish Sudan “as easy going as” Liberia for taking pictures. Some places are quite interesting in Sudan!
New article from Sudan will be publish soon we have an aproval from Luigi….Good Luck!
I can imagine how it really feels to be there having those activities particularly missing all the food we like..hehehe…… high respect for all the peace keeper out there…
greetings from Jakarta who also tries to keep peace here… :)
Wah, asyik juga membaca catatan-cacatan menari dari Bung Baret biru Muda UN peacekeeper!
salam kenal Mas Ambar,
Setuju bgt klo there always time for snap shot!! makanya selalu bawa kamera(meski yg pocket) kemanasaja pergi :)
Biar dikata orang NARSIS…but never mind lah..lha wong kita sendiri yang bakalan nikmatin itu dan menjadi kenangan kita di masa yang akan datang…sukur2 bisa buat cerita ke anak cucu…
best regard from Indonesia…..Aryo