Tuesday, April 1

Picture in the GSIS Newsletter

My favorite Guinea picture made it into the GSIS newsletter! Check it out:

http://www.du.edu/gsis/pdf/alumni/newsletter/current.pdf

Friday, March 28

Siguiri Market Burns

Fire ravages Guinea city

AFP
Published:Mar 28, 2008

CONAKRY - A major fire has devastated parts of a city in northeastern Guinea, including the central market where it began, though it was unclear whether there were casualties, residents told AFP.
The fire began accidentally last night in Siguiri at a store where dozens of fuel barrels were stored for sale on the black market, witnesses said. The store owner had been working among the barrels while smoking a cigarette, they said.
Nearly all of the central market was destroyed and residents were fleeing the blaze late yesterday.
Siguiri has no fire station, but employees from Ashanti Goldfields mining company, which operates nearby, had gone to the scene.
Siguiri is a mining city located on the Niger River near the Mali border and has some 60,000 residents.
Guinea has been hit by fuel shortages recently.

Friday, February 1

It's snowing. It's also thundering and lightening. I'm confused.

Thursday, January 10

Guinea general strike called off
By Will Ross BBC West Africa correspondent

Last year's strike ended when a new PM was announcedAfter days of negotiations, trade unions in Guinea have called off a nationwide strike planned for Thursday.
There were fears the strike could have led to a renewal of violence which left close to 200 people dead last year.
The unions last week accused Guinean President Lansana Conte of breaking the power-sharing agreement which ended last year's violence.
They have now agreed to work with the government to ensure the deal holds, leading to a sense of relief.
It is a hand-to-mouth existence for many who simply could not have afforded to strike.
"We have decided to suspend the strike, taking into account the situation which currently prevails," union negotiator Boubacar Biro Barry told reporters.
"The government has made a commitment and we have no reason to doubt it, and religious leaders will be in charge of monitoring the implementation of the agreement," he said.
Violent protests
The trade unions said the decision was made in the interests of peace and even mentioned the forthcoming African Cup of Nations football tournament as one of the factors influencing the decision.

President Conte has clung to power despite poor health
In addition to the personal economic impact, the planned strike was also not popular with many Guineans because of the fear of repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed one year ago.
At the time the government was barely functioning and the trade unions tried to force the ailing Mr Conte from power.
The move was hugely popular, so the unions brought the whole country to a standstill.
But protests soon became violent and when the president turned to the military, close to 200 people were killed.
Despite his poor health, President Conte clung on but agreed to hand over some of his power to a consensus prime minister, Lansana Kouyate.
But in recent months loyalists to Mr Conte, who found themselves sidelined from power and resources, have done their best to derail the peace agreement.
When the president last week sacked Communications Minister Justin Morel Junior, considered by many to be performing well, this prompted the unions to once again raise the red flag.
IMF help
Prior to Mr Kouyate's appointment, to say governance in Guinea was chaotic would be an understatement.
It was not uncommon for a cabinet reshuffle to be announced on state television and then cancelled the following evening.
Guinea was rudderless and corruption grew ever more rampant while the population grew ever more desperate.
What is worrying for Guineans is the return of these signs of trouble at the top.
The country is rich in resources, including bauxite needed to produce aluminium, and institutions like the International Monetary Fund have been trying to help Guinea back on its feet.
However, after years of misrule, that is a huge task.

Sunday, December 23

Is everyone excited for Christmas??!! I feel like a kid this year - counting down the days! I blame it on the fact that last year, I was in Guinea, where it was 90 degrees. Last year, it was hard to listen to White Christmas without dreaming of a normal American holiday season. I was staying with my boyfriend for the holidays in Conakry, and his host family knocked on our door on Christmas Eve and gave us freshly-knocked-off-the-tree coconuts. They said, "we know this is a holiday for you, so, Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)" It was so sweet. I just reread my blog entry from last year, and I realize how simple life was, and how happy I was. But still, it wasn't Christmas.

Without our families and traditions, it didn't really feel like Christmas. But this year is different. I am cooking Christmas Eve dinner at my mom's, and I am so excited! Here's the menu:

**Starter salad with arugula, shaved parmesan, pomegranite seeds, and a balsamic-orange vinaigrette**
**Roasted chicken with proscuitto-herbed butter, mashed potatoes, and proscuitto and goat cheese wrapped asparagus**
**Homemade apple tart a la mode for dessert**

I can't wait!! Plus the Christmas music, the gifts, the festive mood! And then on Christmas morning, my mom, Reid and I are going skiing! What a treat! I am so excited - more excited for Christmas than the last multiple years combined! I think it may have taken me a year away from my home in order to truly appreciate my family in my life, if that makes any sense.

I still wish I could be with my entire extended family. I have missed them more and more as the holidays have passed. Hopefully soon, I can figure out the $ and the time for a trip to good ol' Wheeling.

I hope everyone else is enjoying the holidays. Merry Christmas!!!

Monday, December 17

I have found my leaf sauce

Last night, after a long day of skiing, Reid and I went to our newest favoritest Indian place. As I was contemplating what to get, I asked Reid, "do I feel like a saag?"

"Ewww... that's just leaf sauce! But with spinach, not sweet potato leaves." he replied. As many of you know, I LOOOOOVVED leaf sauce in Guinea. I would buy the ingredients for my family weekly so I could be guaranteed my favorite sauce once a week. I have missed it dearly since I have left. I have not tried to make it, as I don't know where to get manioc or sweet potato leaves. Lately, I have had dreams about slicing leaves in my hand with my family and eating leaf sauce over rice with my hand.

So, I ordered the aluu saag, and ate leaf sauce once again. It was a different leaf sauce, and I ate it with a fork, but it satisfied that craving, and I am happy.

Monday, December 10

Interesting article on irrigating the desert

Timbuktu's Climate Change Fight

Eucalyptus, eh? I am always amazed by man's ability to overcome geography and climate. With appropriate investment and work, impoverished, land-locked nations may be able to overcome thier unlucky locales.



Wednesday, December 5

Hotel Rwanda

Last night, Reid and I watched Hotel Rwanda, which was probably a bad idea.

After seeing Guinea fall apart for a couple of weeks last January--going to sleep to the sound of gunfire, seeing the black smoke of protestors, and living the chaos that is African political change--watching true war/genocide was a bit much. I think it just hit too close to home.

Interestingly enough, I only cried at one part - when the foreigners abandon the Rwandans. All the white people with their passports rush to get on busses to evacuate, and Paul learns that the rest of the world does not care and will not send any intervention forces. I think deep sentiments of guilt still linger in my heart, as I abandoned my family and friends for safety. And then for the American life. And I have yet to go back.

Thursday, November 29

Life is good.

I have finished my Masters.

Yesterday, I got an email from my favorite professor, George DeMartino, saying he had graded my "Substantial Research Paper" (SRP), and I had gotten an A! An A!

When I picked up the paper this morning, there was the following comment:

"Nicely done. Beautifully writtten and well argued. You demonstrate the theoretical sophistication of a scholar AND the writing ease of a journalist - a rare combination indeed."

I am so happy! I feel that my efforts in the last 3 years have finally paid off. This paper really brought the whole experience together - Peace Corps and GSIS. I invested a lot in writing it--so much so that I was scared for others to read it. But it has paid off, and I am very proud of my accomplishment.

So, now onto the celebrations!

Thursday, August 30

http://www.globalresponse.org/content/DU%20Chancellor%27s%20reply%20re%20Murdy%20Award.pdf

Korbel Dinner

Absurdity. Closed-minded. This was just in the "Buff News", a little thing that goes out via email to students of CU Boulder regarding events, student groups, etc.


UNIVERSTIY OT AWARD CEO OF INTERNATIONAL LAW-BREAKING CORPORATION

The CEO of Newmont Mining, the world's second largest gold-miner, will be receiving the "International Bridge-Building Award" from Denver University. Newmont is alleged to be involved in police and military repression of Indigenous communities in the United States and Latin America where its cyanide, arsenic, and mercury-polluting mines are unwanted. Thursday August 30th on the South UMC terrace at 4:45. We bus to Denver and join the broad coalition event to stop the award.


These people know nothing of the work Newmont is doing. Please, everyone, shut up and listen to the facts. Please read Newmont's 2006 Social Responsibilty Report, which has been accredited by World Monitors, Inc.

Thursday, August 23

I received the following email this morning protesting the recognition GSIS is giving to Wayne Murdy of Newmont Mining. I am deeply embarassed by the GSIS community of students and faculty right now, as they refuse to open their minds and look deeper into the issue before opening their mouths and putting their signature on such a letter.

I am not shocked by the email I received, just disappointed. In the past, I would have also been appalled by GSIS honoring a man from the world of mining, but with further research, I see that Wayne Murdy is one of the few good men in a horribly corrupt business. He has a vision that I share - a world in which big business is no longer at odds with the advancement of civil society, development and the preservation of the environment.

I have been a part of the corporate programs that train Newmont in 21st century business skills that focus highly on ethics. I have watched the idea of sustainable development infiltrate the minds of the leadership of Newmont. It has been marvelous!

I have also lived in a gold mining town in Guinea, West Africa, and I know what kind of development occurs with such an extractive process. Lots of money pours in, helping greatly in the short run, but little long term development takes place. Wayne Murdy has a bigger vision, and I support GSIS' decision to honor that.

I suggest we GSIS students open our minds a bit and not condemn a man for his company's past, but rather thank him for his struggle to change its future.

If you would like to talk more about this and the good Newmont is doing, please let me know.

***************************************
Here is the aforementioned closed-minded letter:

Dear Member of the University of Denver Community,

If you share our concern, please sign the attached letter and send it back to sandras112@yahoo.com by August 24th.

On August 30th, Wayne Murdy the Chairman and CEO of Newmont Mining Corporation will be given a top honor at the Graduate School of International Studies' prestigious Korbel Dinner. This blatant conflict of interest with GSIS' values is inexcusable. Newmont mining is honoring someone whose company is accused of perpetrating the abuses many of us work everyday to prevent!
For more information about GSIS's honoring of Newmont, the Denver Post has published this article: http://www.denverpost.com/allewis/ci_6541381

In fact, Oxfam America is currently circulating the following letter about Newmont:

"Late last year, Father Marco Arana and Dr. Mirtha Vasquez Chuquilin were working on behalf of poor communities near the Yanacocha Mine in Peru, when they became the targets of death threats, harassment and surveillance at work and in their homes.

An investigation by the Peruvian publication La Republica revealed that a firm hired by Newmont Mining to provide security at the mine was involved in the surveillance."

If you are as appalled as we are, please join us in sending a letter of protest to the University of Denver administration with a copy sent to the Denver Post editor. You can add your voice of protest by sending your name, degree, graduation year, and current position (optional) to Sandra Sirota at sandras112@yahoo.com by August 24th. The dinner is at the end of the month, so we have a short time to make our complaints known.


Sincerely,

Sandra Sirota, Anne Coughlin, and concerned GSIS Alumni
**************************

Tuesday, July 31

I would like to propose a toast to those going back.
Enjoy it for all of us.
Good luck guys!





Tuesday, July 17

New Post Needed

Ok, so I haven't posted in a long time. I wish I could say I have been away from computers or been too busy or been doing at least something! But I can't. Truth be told, I have been too boring to write anything. I work, I eat, I workout, I sleep. Occasionally, there is a movie, a new restaurant, a new friend, but it never seems worth a posting.

America is just not as exciting as Guinea, although it is nice not to have to worry about survival every day. No bush taxi adventures here - I drive an Altima. No sheeps head-butting me - only dogs passing by when I walk in Wash Park. No hazardous bikerides through downtown Siguiri - I ride stationary bikes at the gym now.

So, pardon the boringness and lack of posting. I need to find the small inspirations in my life again.

Monday, June 25

Day in Summit County

Reid and I just spent another Colorado-filled weekend. Saturday, we drove up to Loveland Pass and spent the afternoon in Keystone by the creek. Here are some pictures:

Reid along the trail:


Me in the June Snow:


Where are we going to go next weekend?

Monday, June 18

Failed State Index

Foreign Policy's Instability Index of 2007

Please note Guinea is number 9, the highest Peace Corps nation on the list. Well, I guess Peace Corps isn't actually active there anymore. Crazy. I remember before I left seeing Guinea on this list and being a bit scared. I had heard stories of evacuation and all, and I was oddly fascinated, but I never thought it would be me. And now look at where I am...

Let's all hope for a brighter future for Guinea.

Sunday, June 17

Day in Rocky Mountain National Park

Reid and I spent the day in Rocky Mountain National Park, and on the top of Trail Ridge Road, we tried to take a picture. But it was so windy, Reid decided to take a video instead.



For more pictures, click here.

Tuesday, May 15

I am about 4 weeks into the American dream, and I hate it right now. I am not sleeping enough, I arrive home tired and cranky to my boyfriend, and I don't have time to take care of myself.

The combination of working and grad school is kicking my butt. But it's going to be over soon, and I hope things get better once the Masters is done. But there's a part of me questioning whether this is the life I want or not. Don't worry, everyone... I'm not quitting my job; I'm not leaving the apartment; I'm not going back to Guinea. Well, not yet. But to a small piece of me, it all sounds appealing.

We'll see how long I last here in the real world.

Saturday, April 28

So, I was all excited to go to the Sushi Boat last night. I got all pretty after the gym, Reid looked good, we jumped into the car, and my spirits were high. After all, who doesn't love to go back to their favorite restaurant after a 16 month hiatus?

We drove all the way down I-25, exited on Hampden, made a left on Locust, and turned into the parking lot. But everything was dark. "Maybe I am in the wrong parking lot. Where did the Sushi Boat go?" I asked myself. I looked around a bit more, and then I noticed the last remnant of the Sushi Boat - a giant wooden boat on top of the building that used to say to me, "Welcome, Amy. It's great to see you again! Come and let me get you a caterpillar roll and an asparagus roll. We know they are your favorites! Oh, and for dessert, let me bring you two beautiful pieces of unagi." Well, last night, the boat on top of my favorite sushi place no longer talked to me. Everything was dark. The Sushi Boat had been boarded up and closed down.

Now, I know it wasn't the most popular place. I know the people of Denver always prefer the Sushi Den. In fact, before I left for Guinea, I called to make reservations for my party, and they asked me, "Wait, a reservation for 20 people? This is the Sushi BOAT, not the Sushi Den. Ma'am, did you mean to call the Sushi Den?" No I did not! I love you, my dearest Sushi Boat!

It makes sense they couldn't stay open. Often Heather and I were one of three tables seated on Friday night. But they never brought me a bite of sushi I didn't like.

They will be missed. Now, where am I supposed to go????