africa is hotter than norway
Posted by christolles | Filed under Liberia
On the day we left Norway, the temperature was about 20ºF. When we arrived in Liberia around 11PM, it was 92ºF. The temperature has not changed since. Remember back in Science class when the teacher explained that the sun is most powerful at the equator because that’s where you are most physically close to the sun? It’s true!
Despite the sun’s best efforts to vaporize us, Tory and I have been having an exciting time in Liberia. This country suffered horribly during the 1990-2005 civil war, and the wanton destruction of property during that period has offered a unique challenge to those involved in rebuilding. I’m in Liberia to learn how humanitarian shelter work has adapted to this particular climate and culture. So far, I’ve been spending time with staff from the Norwegian Refugee Council, whom I was collaborating with in Norway until recently. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet other organizations working in Liberia, such as Everyday Ghandis, Architecture for Humanity, and Stop Firestone.
One must drive carefully! Below is the interior of a semi-permanent school built by NRC. The foundation and roof and designed to be upgradable if the need arises in the future. Just add permanent walls (plastered mud-brick), a ceiling, and you’re good to go.
Below is Sumo (real name), one of NRC’s construction managers. He’s standing in front of the pump all NGO is Liberia currently use. The standard British pump NRC used to use cost US$3000. The German pump, $1300. The new Indian standard? $350, people, and spare parts available on the open market. Wow. NRC now provides training to beneficiary communities so they can fix their own pumps when something goes wrong.
You may also notice I’ve updated Where Are We Now?, the site banner, and turned off those ridiculous snowflakes. It doesn’t snow in Liberia!
As a send off, please be entertained by the map below. As I’ve inserted it into this post, you can see satellite imagery of Monrovia is all it’s dusty quasi-urban glory. As Tory and I have traveled around, Google Maps has been absolutely indispensable for directions, public transportation, and finding new friends’ addresses. No longer. Click “Map” in the upper right of the map below to see what I mean…
View Larger Map
12 Responses to “africa is hotter than norway”
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Solomonster Says:
April 1st, 2009 at 12:55 amYay tan lines! and hail to Indian water pumps, I’ve always wanted to try to pump from them when I was in India, but instead I took photos like tourists do. I still pray for your safety, stay safe!
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Able Says:
April 1st, 2009 at 9:30 pmIncredible! Thanks for the update, and thanks for the comments on my blog. It’s good to still feel somewhat connected to you guys.
1 road thru there, huh? Sheesh!
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mom Says:
April 1st, 2009 at 10:50 pmLove the update….love the photos…love you both. What, no suntan lotion? Hugs to you both. xoxo
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Maren Says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:17 pmNice that you’ve finally updated your blog. Interesting to read about your experiences. Quite different than Norway. Hehe:) Miss you here though! Looking forward to see you in May.
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andi Says:
April 10th, 2009 at 4:09 amcrazy!!! sounds like liberal has similar weather to phx, minus air-conditioning, urban planning, being significantly north of the equator, and being full of americans, among other things… sometimes i think i miss the 92 degrees when it is still in the 30s here, but then i think again… i miss you both terribly and hope you enjoy the experience!
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andi Says:
April 10th, 2009 at 4:10 amdid i just write liberal??? liberia…
(everytime i type my name it comes out adni) -
Angela Muir Says:
April 14th, 2009 at 11:16 pmWOW! i have been following your blog, it all sounds amazing, that sunburn is ridiculous and the Map is hilarious. Hope your both doing well.
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Teegs Says:
April 17th, 2009 at 11:15 amI don’t know why I check your blog everyday…I think it’s in hopes that maybe you gave us another morsel of your existence and I can continue my life knowing you’re safe and adjusting and all that. I think it means we miss you and we’re thinking of you. So I guess it’s not all that obsessive or creepy or anything=).
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mom Says:
April 18th, 2009 at 8:26 amditto to teegan. ilyb.xoxo
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Nate Says:
April 20th, 2009 at 6:09 pmI love you both so much! Glad to hear Tory’s doing better.
Beautiful photo of the school room, is this where Tory teaches? I love the grass mat walls.
Question, how is the foundation designed to be upgraded? -
mom Says:
May 11th, 2009 at 4:02 pmps you are not in liberia anymore
xo -
mom Says:
May 29th, 2009 at 9:14 ampps now you’re not even in europe anymore. please post an update so i don’t have to keep checking
ppps we’re back safe and sound. had an incredibly fun time with my sibs.
pppps miss you
ppppps no earthquake issue, right? pleaase confirm
pppppps need update (in case you missed the other comments)
