When I thought that Angola was really at the end of the world (with heavy oil company investment, of course), two very interesting events snuck up on me this week. Ok, ONE was an event, the other was an occurrence.
The Event
Tom Peters, the “guru” of modern management, blessed us poor lost souls with his presence this week in the Centro de Convenções Talatona (Convention Center).
Let me start off by saying that I can’t remember the last time I inhaled so deeply.
The main conference room was half-packed with executives from most of the large companies (domestic and foreign). Poised and ready to absorb global knowledge, we waited patiently for the whirlwind known as Tom Peters to begin.
He was fan-freakin-tastic. Minus the quasi-drool, I had to make a serious effort to close my mouth once in a while. Yes, the topics (invest in human capital, hire for attitude, promote inter-departamental communication, leadership, smaller offices the higher up you are) were not novel, by any means, which was exactly his point. We are living in a world where there are few Southwest Airlines, Googles, Apples, and Luiza Magazines. What we’re left with is a handful of wanna-be companies that have altogether forgotten how to do business…start with a killer smile, charm them with your language skills, and dance them to death. Delicious recipe. Why aren’t we making more of it?
So, after a day of brilliant examples, freezing cold temperatures, relatively tasteless food, and BAI´s heavy year-end report (bank sponsor), I left energized, giggly, and overall more complete. Hadn’t realized how much I was craving some global action…and English. Unfortunately, for those non-English speakers, they got less than little with the terrible translation service…alas, we’re still in Africa.
So worth the $2500 per person price tag the company picked up. Caught that? $2500! Who wants to volunteer to come to Angola next and talk about what to wear?
The Occurrence
Here I was, driving through Luanda´s traffic a bit later than usual and my eyes start wondering. They wonder right. They wonder left. And they wonder down…to a bumper sticker with OBAMA/BIDEN 08! I mean, you THINK I’m kidding, but I’m NOT!
Angola (heart) Obama. And just like that you’ve got your next bumper sticker.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Storms in Africa
I just downloaded the Enya “Watermarks” collection from iTunes. Track # 4: Storms in Africa.
The funny thing is, we’ve had this CD at home for years and not once did I realize the name of this song. And then, a zillion kilometers from home, tada, I find the perfect soundtrack for the beginning of the rainy season (ahem, summer) at my other home, in Angola.
I haven’t written in a while (4 months). Think I got so caught up with life, that I started giving less importance to the moments. I know, bad. So let me make it up to you.
From my window, I see a papaya tree so dry that I’ve started seriously doubting its fertility. The dirt that lines the paved road is red and sandy. The baobab trees are straining for water. There’s a vanilla-scented candle burning in my office, and my IPhone is pleasantly quiet.
Last night for dinner I made a delicious osso buco, which unfortunately had very little “buco.” I bring this up because to my shocking surprise, there IS osso buco in ANGOLA! Other delicacies that have started hitting the shelves include: parmesan cheese, asparagus, soy milk (different flavors, even), more wine from Chile, different shapes of Barilla pasta, and an aisle FILLED with Mars bars and their buddies. Luis likes chocolate. Unfortunately, several other yummy items are still stuck at the port in huge containers…pizza, hearts of palm, spinach…you know, the usual. I´ve been blessed that tea has never failed…thanks to the little packages I receive from New York every so often…ok, I cheat a bit.
News of the YEAR: Internet connection has finally gone up to 4MB! Oh yes. Which MEANS, Naama is on internet much much more (without the massive amounts of frustration that used to follow “signing in”). Which MEANS, Naama has become addicted to Mafia Wars on Facebook, Time.com and FT.com…and LOVES the recent news that the model and actress, Xenia Siamas, has joined Palms for Life Fund as Ambassador of its global alliance to end hunger and poverty. Lovin´it…
It’s raining now…and I can just FEEL the papaya tree smiling.
The funny thing is, we’ve had this CD at home for years and not once did I realize the name of this song. And then, a zillion kilometers from home, tada, I find the perfect soundtrack for the beginning of the rainy season (ahem, summer) at my other home, in Angola.
I haven’t written in a while (4 months). Think I got so caught up with life, that I started giving less importance to the moments. I know, bad. So let me make it up to you.
From my window, I see a papaya tree so dry that I’ve started seriously doubting its fertility. The dirt that lines the paved road is red and sandy. The baobab trees are straining for water. There’s a vanilla-scented candle burning in my office, and my IPhone is pleasantly quiet.
Last night for dinner I made a delicious osso buco, which unfortunately had very little “buco.” I bring this up because to my shocking surprise, there IS osso buco in ANGOLA! Other delicacies that have started hitting the shelves include: parmesan cheese, asparagus, soy milk (different flavors, even), more wine from Chile, different shapes of Barilla pasta, and an aisle FILLED with Mars bars and their buddies. Luis likes chocolate. Unfortunately, several other yummy items are still stuck at the port in huge containers…pizza, hearts of palm, spinach…you know, the usual. I´ve been blessed that tea has never failed…thanks to the little packages I receive from New York every so often…ok, I cheat a bit.
News of the YEAR: Internet connection has finally gone up to 4MB! Oh yes. Which MEANS, Naama is on internet much much more (without the massive amounts of frustration that used to follow “signing in”). Which MEANS, Naama has become addicted to Mafia Wars on Facebook, Time.com and FT.com…and LOVES the recent news that the model and actress, Xenia Siamas, has joined Palms for Life Fund as Ambassador of its global alliance to end hunger and poverty. Lovin´it…
It’s raining now…and I can just FEEL the papaya tree smiling.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Children's Day
Dear friends, countrymen, and non-countrymen,
It has been a while. Naâma bad.
I continue in Angola, land of russet sunsets, Matias Damasio tunes, and Shabbat dinners in 30ºC…every week…when the oven cooperates.
So, as you might have guessed, the kitchen, alas, has not been redone, BUT, news of the week is:
1) Decided to leave my position at the ad agency, Publivision. I’ve been invited to open and manage the in-house communications department for a civil construction company, Prebuild. Yes, I will BREATHE civil construction from now on. Smells goooood.
2) We’re likely moving out of our spacious yet falling-apart-home to a remodeled Teixeira Duarte apartment, where electricity and water are a constant and the kitchen doesn´t smell like sewer. Really.
3) The mega hole on our street is not likely to be fixed this week but somehow the wonderfully colorful “zungeiras” continue to find their way to our neighborhood with buckets-full of sweet pineapple, juicy papaya, guava, bananas, and fish
Next Monday, June 1st, is Children´s Day. Day off here in Angola.
I don’t like holidays dedicated to one member of society…children, dads, moms. How can a mother give her daughter an extra serving of food on the 1st of June and have her starve every other day of the year? I don’t understand that concept and certainly refuse to accept it. My children will be spoiled from day 1, hear “no” when it’s “no,” and always have enough food on their plate, be it January 1 or December 31.
Why not start “Children´s Day” today. Think of those around the world who aren’t fortunate enough to have food on their plates, books for school, or a good night´s sleep. No guilt trip here, just a reality check. Perhaps one way to make a dent is to check out www.palmsforlifefund.org. Help a few more of us celebrate being under 18.
It has been a while. Naâma bad.
I continue in Angola, land of russet sunsets, Matias Damasio tunes, and Shabbat dinners in 30ºC…every week…when the oven cooperates.
So, as you might have guessed, the kitchen, alas, has not been redone, BUT, news of the week is:
1) Decided to leave my position at the ad agency, Publivision. I’ve been invited to open and manage the in-house communications department for a civil construction company, Prebuild. Yes, I will BREATHE civil construction from now on. Smells goooood.
2) We’re likely moving out of our spacious yet falling-apart-home to a remodeled Teixeira Duarte apartment, where electricity and water are a constant and the kitchen doesn´t smell like sewer. Really.
3) The mega hole on our street is not likely to be fixed this week but somehow the wonderfully colorful “zungeiras” continue to find their way to our neighborhood with buckets-full of sweet pineapple, juicy papaya, guava, bananas, and fish
Next Monday, June 1st, is Children´s Day. Day off here in Angola.
I don’t like holidays dedicated to one member of society…children, dads, moms. How can a mother give her daughter an extra serving of food on the 1st of June and have her starve every other day of the year? I don’t understand that concept and certainly refuse to accept it. My children will be spoiled from day 1, hear “no” when it’s “no,” and always have enough food on their plate, be it January 1 or December 31.
Why not start “Children´s Day” today. Think of those around the world who aren’t fortunate enough to have food on their plates, books for school, or a good night´s sleep. No guilt trip here, just a reality check. Perhaps one way to make a dent is to check out www.palmsforlifefund.org. Help a few more of us celebrate being under 18.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Bug
A couple days ago, I received an email from our good friend, Dan Silverstein, whining about how he hadn’t received a blog in ages…and how he was “over me.” Right. Let’s put an end to that, shall we?
This week I bring you a double header, just to make sure you keep liking me. Just scroll down after you finish “The Bug.”
Back to the blog at hand…I caught malaria. Shrieks, horrified glances, panic etc etc etc. I’m fine.
On Monday, after finally confirming with myself that something was awry in my body (and that no, I was not pregnant), I headed to the neighborhood clinic where a Spanish doctor (taught in Cuba) headed a lovely little practice called AFRUS. Prick on finger, blood on microscope slide, and waiting room for 20 minutes. Doc confirmed, yup, you have THE BUG. Welcome to Angola. She actually said “Welcome to Angola!”
So what did this mean, 6 tablets (2 on the first day, 1 per day after that), lots of juice drinking (yum, mango) and a choice of the other rack of stuff she gave me including a tonic (for strength…made in India…rrriiight), an ear/nose liquid (also made in India, I think), and blue giant pills against “pain” (I’ll stick to Advil thank you very much).
I arrived home and was out for pretty much the rest of the week. The couch became my best friend.
No, no, no, saga not finished yet. Tuesday morning Luis wakes up with a pounding headache, and I tell him, GO GET CHECKED. He ignores my wise suggestion and goes to work. A few hours later I get a call. “Went to the clinic, was really not feeling well. I have malaria.” HA! Picture the two of us, draping the couch in our melancholy, dizzy state…for one week! …And we’re still madly in love…go figure.
To date, I have done the following to protect myself from the evil little mosquitoes:
- Demal 200
- Bug spray the moment the sun starts going down
- Mosquito nets
- Air conditioning in apartment
- Citronella candles
- Mosquito coils
I mean really. What else can I DO???? Suggestions welcome. Say NO to malaria.
Pedido. The Engagement
Once upon a time, our friend, let’s call him Antonio (…because that’s actually his name), met a lovely Angolan girl, Elizabeth. A Spaniard in Angola, Antonio had one chance to continue dating her – the “pedido” aka taking the plunge. Her parents, from a fairly conservative background, required that their daughter end her dilly dallying and get engaged. After panic, frustrations, and much much love, they finally decided to give in to her parents’ request.
And so, one fine day, Luis and I get a call to represent Antonio’s family during the pedido.
The pedido is an agreement between families that sets the stage for the rest of the marriage process. In many smaller villages (and traditionally), the pedido is actually the marriage itself, so needless to say, we were all nervous for Antonio.
This is how it goes:
1) Groom-to-be (GTB) makes request to bride-to-be’s (BTB) family
2) BTB’s family sends GTB a “carta de alambamento” which lists all the items they will need in order to accept the proposal (this list includes everything from cows to whisky bottles) AND the very important “sum of money” (supposedly “symbolic”) to include in the “envelope.” That’s right, ladies and gents, a bribe.
3) BTB’s family sets the date (Antonio really tried some hard negotiating on this point…with no success)
4) GTB and BTB select family members who will be present (Antonio’s side had a myriad of 15 foreigners from Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Brazil, and France…there were some physical similarities…really)
5) Day of (Antonio panic comes back into full force) BTB’s family awaits anxiously for GTB and family to appear at their home (“home” in this case was the complex of the Spanish Cooperation)
6) We arrive. BTB’s family on one side of the room, GTB’s family on the other side…and the bargaining begins
7) The “carta de pedido,” which includes the famous “envelope,” is presented and we each introduce ourselves…some of us blabbering in a somewhat cohesive Portuguese
8) …and finally the BTB arrives (after having to pay her “taxi”…the pedido is all about how much money the BTB’s family can suck out of the GTB’s family)
9) Bargaining in full force.
10) Families come to an agreement. Ring placed on finger. Champagne bottle opened. And DJ begins.
Tada! We had to sit through an hour of this…we were all sweating but relieved. Antonio is engaged.
Doesn’t this sound a LITTLE like Jewish engagements or is just me?
And so, one fine day, Luis and I get a call to represent Antonio’s family during the pedido.
The pedido is an agreement between families that sets the stage for the rest of the marriage process. In many smaller villages (and traditionally), the pedido is actually the marriage itself, so needless to say, we were all nervous for Antonio.
This is how it goes:
1) Groom-to-be (GTB) makes request to bride-to-be’s (BTB) family
2) BTB’s family sends GTB a “carta de alambamento” which lists all the items they will need in order to accept the proposal (this list includes everything from cows to whisky bottles) AND the very important “sum of money” (supposedly “symbolic”) to include in the “envelope.” That’s right, ladies and gents, a bribe.
3) BTB’s family sets the date (Antonio really tried some hard negotiating on this point…with no success)
4) GTB and BTB select family members who will be present (Antonio’s side had a myriad of 15 foreigners from Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Brazil, and France…there were some physical similarities…really)
5) Day of (Antonio panic comes back into full force) BTB’s family awaits anxiously for GTB and family to appear at their home (“home” in this case was the complex of the Spanish Cooperation)
6) We arrive. BTB’s family on one side of the room, GTB’s family on the other side…and the bargaining begins
7) The “carta de pedido,” which includes the famous “envelope,” is presented and we each introduce ourselves…some of us blabbering in a somewhat cohesive Portuguese
8) …and finally the BTB arrives (after having to pay her “taxi”…the pedido is all about how much money the BTB’s family can suck out of the GTB’s family)
9) Bargaining in full force.
10) Families come to an agreement. Ring placed on finger. Champagne bottle opened. And DJ begins.
Tada! We had to sit through an hour of this…we were all sweating but relieved. Antonio is engaged.
Doesn’t this sound a LITTLE like Jewish engagements or is just me?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
New Year, New...
SHOES (two pairs, delivered by hand by my sis who attempted to surprise visit me but couldn’t due to visa invitation letter), giggles, smiles, laughter, chuckles, screams, whispers, yelps, tears (happy ones), spices, cook books, invented recipes, kitchen tiles (really REALLY, this time), fishing rods, DEMAL 200 (the ultimate anti-malaria remedy), sneezes, surprises, deep breaths, whispers, kisses, caresses, mattress, sheets, pillows (brought to us by Maayan ltd), bathtub, hot water, camping gear, friends, plunges, adventures, turquoise oceans, seas, rivers, skype bills, photos, paintings, sleep positions, sitting positions, literature (vampire books, anyone? ANYONE??), additions at the local supermarket, driver’s license, all-nighters (but not the way they used to be), stolen glances, sounds, trees, smells of the wind (intertwined with smells from the kitchen), lunches, dinners, afternoon naps, gestures, slangs, apartment, candle-lit moments, pasta shapes, babies, door handles, baths (as in bath bath BATH), families, new airplane meals, new satellite internet system (really praying for this one), tickles, hugs, cheese sandwiches (not of the stinky variety), keys, questions, curiosities, guesses, solutions, accents, hairdos, naildos, cocktails, clients, beats, harmonies, Putumayo CDs, board games, climates, celebrations, world leaders, tribal leaders, irreverent ideas, conversations, cartoon characters, visions, words for indescribable feelings.
I showed you mine. Now show me yours.
Happy New Year dear friends, wherever you may be.
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