Thank you for checking out my newest blog entry.  As you all know I have recently finished my degree in African studies, from Columbia

 University.  Many hours of field work were put in for my thesis.  Here I will share with

you some of the highlights of my time in eastern Africa over the summer of 2007.  I did

recover from the  awkward tan I received from the African sun exposure.

 

 

 

My first stop was in the eastern country of Sudan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Sudanese guides met me at the airstrip.  Look, I even got a free red hat!

 

 The first half of my summer field study would be with the modernized people of Sudan.  After a few days of nonstop binge drinking with the tour guides I was ready to begin my travels.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                     

 

 

I traveled from town to town on a moped I purchased for 60 Sudanese pounds

(Don’t follow my example kids, always wear your helmet)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon my arrival to a small fishing village on the banks of the Rahad River, I befriended a few fishermen.  I was very fortunate to arrive during tiger fish season.  They sure can make a fish sandwich!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was even asked to stay a few nights with a “small” African family.

 

 

 

After this photo was taken, these punk village kids beat me up and took my new red hat.  The Chimboi tribe should really teach their kids some respect.  Soon after I was mugged I returned to my moped and continued my journey to the Ethiopian bush!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This man, named *tuitoo (* denotes click sound), and I crossed

 paths deep in the Ethiopian bush.  He and his fellow tribesmen

were spear hunting wild zebras.  My request to tag along was not denied.

 

 

 

I was immediately given honorary membership to *tuitoo’s tribe. 

I joined in many hunts with my fierce boomerang. 

(Contrary to popular belief the boomerang is a fine hunting weapon)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the first victim to my amazing hunting skills.  This beast would become the main course for a feast sponsored by the village elders. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some babes I met before the village feast. You should notice how wonderful the jewelry is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here I am with a few villagers.  These guys loved to talk about hip hop from the late eighties.  After the festivities were over I packed my belongings and traveled to Addis Ababa for my return flight back to the states. 

 

 

 

During my African field study I observed many things, many people and many different cultures.  I obtained the research needed to complete my studies, and I also made many lifelong friends along the way.  It is no wonder some consider Africa paradise. -J