Nearly 8 months since my last post: time to fill in the gaps methinks.
So, here goes.
August 07 - returned to the UK for what was meant to be a short trip to sort a few things out.
October 07 - decided to take a month off the PhD to make some big decisions.
November 07 - decision made. No more PhD.
January 08 - offered a short term post with SDN, came back to Nigeria.
February/March 08 - work, work, work. Kept very busy with the job - coordinating a project working with 2 local goverment councils to create best practice guidelines for development. Oh, and I climbed the Mountain of Death.
April 08 - SDN job finishes. New job in the pipeline...
More soon!
06 April 2008
16 August 2007
Just one of those days
You know. The ones that never really get going, when nothing really happens, when it feels like you and everyone around you is encased in some kind of lethargy-inducing jelly?
Yup, one of them.
Doesn’t help that it’s been grey and miserable all day – intermittent thunder and the occasional cloud burst. Pathetic fallacy indeed.
Oh, for a bottle of wine, some lovely chums and some crap telly to shout at. I guess I’ll have to make do with a warm beer and my laptop for company. [cue violins]
Roll on Friday, say I.
Yup, one of them.
Doesn’t help that it’s been grey and miserable all day – intermittent thunder and the occasional cloud burst. Pathetic fallacy indeed.
Oh, for a bottle of wine, some lovely chums and some crap telly to shout at. I guess I’ll have to make do with a warm beer and my laptop for company. [cue violins]
Roll on Friday, say I.
13 August 2007
The return of the long-lost blogger
Hello. Remember me? I’m Ellie (that’s Ellie as in elephant without the ‘phant’, not as in Ellen, Erin, Helen or Eileen by the way)*, the long-lost PhD student researching community development in the Niger Delta. You know, the one who kept promising to post lots of insightful and witty musings about life in Nigeria but who, ummm, never quite got round to it. Ring any bells?
Does this help any?
No, didn’t think it would. But it’s a cracking photo, no? Move over Attenborough...
Anyway. I’m pleased to report that I have not – despite appearances to the contrary – been kidnapped by militants nor have I been forced to marry an aged chief or struck down with a hideous tropical disease involving cold sweats and maggot-filled boils [shudder]. Far from it. I’ve just been, well, a bit crap at getting round to writing. Which is a shame as now I’m actually tapping at way, I’m really rather enjoying it. Ho hum.
But I digress.
I did contemplate writing one huge long post about everything I’ve done since I last wrote but decided that the chances were the nepa** would go (hasn’t yet, touch wood, but it’s been on for more than a couple of hours so isn’t likely to last much longer) or I’d bore my readership of 1 (hi mum!) to tears or the lure of Prison Break season 2 (gotta love the Chinese DVD pirates, a-haaar me hearties etc) would prove too strong. So, instead, I’ve resolved to write an amusing anecdote (okay, an anecdote) a day (okay, a couple of week) until the end of the month. I’ve also resolved to (stop) (using) (parentheses) (with) (such) (wanton) (abandon).
Here’s a taster of what’s to come…
“The perils of research in tropical climes” complete with gory photos
“These animals are liable to be dangerous” – zoos, Nigerian-style
“All but essential travel” – an ode to the FCO
“Africa’s answer to Milton Keynes?” – welcome to Abuja
“The anthropologist’s dilemma” – when witchcraft strikes
See? I can tell you’re hooked.
* This, I have discovered, is the best way to introduce myself, much to the amusement of most Nigerians.
**nepa: Electricity. It’s actually an acronym, NEPA - Nigeria Electric Power Authority (aka Never Expect Power Always). Now formally known as the PHCN - Power Holding Company of Nigeria (aka Problem Has Changed Name).
Does this help any?
No, didn’t think it would. But it’s a cracking photo, no? Move over Attenborough...
Anyway. I’m pleased to report that I have not – despite appearances to the contrary – been kidnapped by militants nor have I been forced to marry an aged chief or struck down with a hideous tropical disease involving cold sweats and maggot-filled boils [shudder]. Far from it. I’ve just been, well, a bit crap at getting round to writing. Which is a shame as now I’m actually tapping at way, I’m really rather enjoying it. Ho hum.
But I digress.
I did contemplate writing one huge long post about everything I’ve done since I last wrote but decided that the chances were the nepa** would go (hasn’t yet, touch wood, but it’s been on for more than a couple of hours so isn’t likely to last much longer) or I’d bore my readership of 1 (hi mum!) to tears or the lure of Prison Break season 2 (gotta love the Chinese DVD pirates, a-haaar me hearties etc) would prove too strong. So, instead, I’ve resolved to write an amusing anecdote (okay, an anecdote) a day (okay, a couple of week) until the end of the month. I’ve also resolved to (stop) (using) (parentheses) (with) (such) (wanton) (abandon).
Here’s a taster of what’s to come…
“The perils of research in tropical climes” complete with gory photos
“These animals are liable to be dangerous” – zoos, Nigerian-style
“All but essential travel” – an ode to the FCO
“Africa’s answer to Milton Keynes?” – welcome to Abuja
“The anthropologist’s dilemma” – when witchcraft strikes
See? I can tell you’re hooked.
* This, I have discovered, is the best way to introduce myself, much to the amusement of most Nigerians.
**nepa: Electricity. It’s actually an acronym, NEPA - Nigeria Electric Power Authority (aka Never Expect Power Always). Now formally known as the PHCN - Power Holding Company of Nigeria (aka Problem Has Changed Name).
17 January 2007
Hazy days
So THIS is what the Harmattan is like! Having only ever known PH during its seemingly never-ending rainy season, it was quite something to arrive back in a bone-dry and distinctly dusty city yesterday afternoon. The sun was shining through the haze and there was a cool breeze blowing - an altogether pleasant change from the damp dreichness of Edinburgh.
That said, I woke up distinctly chilly this morning and then had to endure a cold shower. Urgh. Goosebumps aplenty!
Still, it's good to be back.
That said, I woke up distinctly chilly this morning and then had to endure a cold shower. Urgh. Goosebumps aplenty!
Still, it's good to be back.
01 January 2007
A very Naija Christmas
Happy New Year! I hope your head doesn't hurt as much as mine after last night's festivities. Alcohol is no friend of mine...
As my brain is not up to anything more than quietly sipping tea I thought I'd just pass on this link to an interesting wee article about Christmas in my second home.
Happy reading!
As my brain is not up to anything more than quietly sipping tea I thought I'd just pass on this link to an interesting wee article about Christmas in my second home.
Happy reading!
22 December 2006
This really IS the last post for now.
Hope you have a Happy Happy Christmas (or, non-specific holiday celebration)!
e xxx
e xxx
Oh, and another thing
I'm back for 3 and a bit weeks so will hopefully be seeing lots of you lovely people soon-soon. I might even find the time to catch up with this blogging malarkey and [shockhorrorwouldyouadam'n'eveit] some work.
You never know. Stranger things have happened.
You never know. Stranger things have happened.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful!
I am very much confused.
Where are the pawpaw trees?
And the yam sellers?
And the okadas?
And the dust and the heat?
Why has no one said hello to me today?
What is this strange breakfast of grilled bread and fried pig meat?
And why are all the trees frozen?
And why is it so bloody cold?
Help!
* This post comes to you courtesy of the zippy wireless interweb connection in first class on the GNER train from London to Edinburgh. Yes, yes, I know, I know. PhD student in first class, what is the world coming to and all that.
One word for you: fog.
Where are the pawpaw trees?
And the yam sellers?
And the okadas?
And the dust and the heat?
Why has no one said hello to me today?
What is this strange breakfast of grilled bread and fried pig meat?
And why are all the trees frozen?
And why is it so bloody cold?
Help!
* This post comes to you courtesy of the zippy wireless interweb connection in first class on the GNER train from London to Edinburgh. Yes, yes, I know, I know. PhD student in first class, what is the world coming to and all that.
One word for you: fog.
14 November 2006
May the farce be with you*
Sorry. Etc. Again.
One of these days I'll manage to start a post with something other than a grovelling apology... No, really, I will.
Right. Time is short (as am I) so here's a top ten run down of things that have happened of late. I'll leave you to add the Smashy & Nicey sound effects:
Coming straight in at number 10 is my new-found talent for wangling invites to top-level meetings with government, oil companies and NGOs. It seems that all the networking is beginning to pay off. 500 business cards distributed already – time to order some more methinks!
At 9, we've got my fun and games with immigration... Through no fault of my own I was, for a short while, considered an illegal immigrant and stripped of my passport [cue massively high blood pressure and sudden need for medicinal quantities of beer and chocolate]. Luckily, the powers that be decided that I wasn't a threat to national security after all and gave me my passport back yesterday. Cue a huge sigh of relief and some celebratory bangers and mash.
Up next at number 8, and closely linked to number 9, is my forthcoming holiday with the wonderful Melon. We're off to the Gambia for a week on the beach... It's sod's law that just as things step up a gear (or 3) with work, an excellent holiday opportunity comes along but, hey, such is life. So I'm off to Banjul via Dakar tomorrow evening for a week of beaches, beers, books (of the non-academic/-worthy/-challenging variety) and my very bestest friend.
At number 7, there’s that great feeling that I somehow belong here. I really feel settled into my life and work/research here and, more importantly, that the people around me are beginning to see me as part of the gang.
Sneaking at number 6 my trip to see El Presidente in Yenagoa last month. The big man was - in theory at least - there to inaugurate the Assembly of the new Bayelsa Partnership Initiative. As it turned out, the Governor of Bayelsa - the Honorable etc Goodluck Jonathon - had tired old Olu out so the soiree was a bit of a non-event. He did, however, manage to make it along the ExCo chambers of Government House for a speedy ceremony so all was not lost. Didn't get to shake his hand though as I was too busy fending off the advances of a randy Texan businessman [yee-hah, etc].
And now for the top five...
Straight in at number 5 was the launch of the "Prevent Child Abandonment Today" (PACT) campaign in Eket a few weeks ago. The campaign was organised by a small Nigerian organisation which is working to rehabilitate abandoned and abused children in Akwa Ibom State, with support from Stepping Stones - the British NGO established by the fantastic Gary and Naomi (more about them soon) - and the Akwa Ibom State government. There were a couple of really inspiring speeches from missionaries (yes, you read that right), a deeply moving performance by the choir from the camp for streetkids that CRARN runs and a full-on scrum for the free campaign t-shirts and caps.
Up one place at number 4 are the links I've forged with a fantastic local NGO (CSCR) who monitor the social and environmental impacts of Shell's operations and community engagement. Needless to say, they are proving to be an invaluable source of advice, experience, knowledge and support for this fledgling researcher.
At number 3 was the workshop I ran for SDN and some of their partners on effective facilitation a month ago. Me, 12 participants, a small mountain of flipchart paper, post-its and felt-tips: an altogether ace combination. The photo I posted last month was taken just after we wrapped up the last session on day two (and was not, as some cheeky sod alleged, evidence of me moonlighting as a gameshow host!).
Coming in at number 2 is the massive leap forward my research has taken in the last few weeks - I've now decided which community to focus on and have got some great gatekeepers sorted out. I'm not usually one for fatalism but it's hard not to feel like something/one somewhere is giving me a helping hand. After a couple of months of confusion, everything has suddenly fallen into place. There's hope for this thesis yet!
And, finally, straight in at the number 1 spot, we've got my weekend in Kabba with a couple of Irish priests, a gaggle of VSOs, some other assorted oyibos and a disgusting quantity of beer, a box of silly hats and a pair wind-up grannies. I think my liver is now on strike but, my god, it was worth it. Hats off to the Kabba boys for another quality bash!
[*thanks to a certain Agent Nana for the quality title]
One of these days I'll manage to start a post with something other than a grovelling apology... No, really, I will.
Right. Time is short (as am I) so here's a top ten run down of things that have happened of late. I'll leave you to add the Smashy & Nicey sound effects:
Coming straight in at number 10 is my new-found talent for wangling invites to top-level meetings with government, oil companies and NGOs. It seems that all the networking is beginning to pay off. 500 business cards distributed already – time to order some more methinks!
At 9, we've got my fun and games with immigration... Through no fault of my own I was, for a short while, considered an illegal immigrant and stripped of my passport [cue massively high blood pressure and sudden need for medicinal quantities of beer and chocolate]. Luckily, the powers that be decided that I wasn't a threat to national security after all and gave me my passport back yesterday. Cue a huge sigh of relief and some celebratory bangers and mash.
Up next at number 8, and closely linked to number 9, is my forthcoming holiday with the wonderful Melon. We're off to the Gambia for a week on the beach... It's sod's law that just as things step up a gear (or 3) with work, an excellent holiday opportunity comes along but, hey, such is life. So I'm off to Banjul via Dakar tomorrow evening for a week of beaches, beers, books (of the non-academic/-worthy/-challenging variety) and my very bestest friend.
At number 7, there’s that great feeling that I somehow belong here. I really feel settled into my life and work/research here and, more importantly, that the people around me are beginning to see me as part of the gang.
Sneaking at number 6 my trip to see El Presidente in Yenagoa last month. The big man was - in theory at least - there to inaugurate the Assembly of the new Bayelsa Partnership Initiative. As it turned out, the Governor of Bayelsa - the Honorable etc Goodluck Jonathon - had tired old Olu out so the soiree was a bit of a non-event. He did, however, manage to make it along the ExCo chambers of Government House for a speedy ceremony so all was not lost. Didn't get to shake his hand though as I was too busy fending off the advances of a randy Texan businessman [yee-hah, etc].
And now for the top five...
Straight in at number 5 was the launch of the "Prevent Child Abandonment Today" (PACT) campaign in Eket a few weeks ago. The campaign was organised by a small Nigerian organisation which is working to rehabilitate abandoned and abused children in Akwa Ibom State, with support from Stepping Stones - the British NGO established by the fantastic Gary and Naomi (more about them soon) - and the Akwa Ibom State government. There were a couple of really inspiring speeches from missionaries (yes, you read that right), a deeply moving performance by the choir from the camp for streetkids that CRARN runs and a full-on scrum for the free campaign t-shirts and caps.
Up one place at number 4 are the links I've forged with a fantastic local NGO (CSCR) who monitor the social and environmental impacts of Shell's operations and community engagement. Needless to say, they are proving to be an invaluable source of advice, experience, knowledge and support for this fledgling researcher.
At number 3 was the workshop I ran for SDN and some of their partners on effective facilitation a month ago. Me, 12 participants, a small mountain of flipchart paper, post-its and felt-tips: an altogether ace combination. The photo I posted last month was taken just after we wrapped up the last session on day two (and was not, as some cheeky sod alleged, evidence of me moonlighting as a gameshow host!).
Coming in at number 2 is the massive leap forward my research has taken in the last few weeks - I've now decided which community to focus on and have got some great gatekeepers sorted out. I'm not usually one for fatalism but it's hard not to feel like something/one somewhere is giving me a helping hand. After a couple of months of confusion, everything has suddenly fallen into place. There's hope for this thesis yet!
And, finally, straight in at the number 1 spot, we've got my weekend in Kabba with a couple of Irish priests, a gaggle of VSOs, some other assorted oyibos and a disgusting quantity of beer, a box of silly hats and a pair wind-up grannies. I think my liver is now on strike but, my god, it was worth it. Hats off to the Kabba boys for another quality bash!
[*thanks to a certain Agent Nana for the quality title]
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