Moving to Somalia!

[Rifter]

Buy and learn how to use a AK-47.

Im not kidding.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

They ended the study abroad program to Africa (South Africa/few other countries) at my university because a couple girls were raped/one guy was beaten within an inch of his life, etc.

Good luck.

 

[ShockwaveVT]

There are thousands of kids in this country that need tutoring and mentoring... and yet you fly halfway around the world?
I guess the slums in america don't have camels. Enjoy your African vacation.

 

[JMapleton]

Does the OP have any clue how dangerous Somalia or the Horn of Africa is?

 

[JMapleton]

And the OP is a girl!?! Have you lost your fvcking mind?

Being a wide eyed college kid can put you in some dangerous situations. I doubt there is anything this forum can say to you change your mind, but you have no idea the danger you are in, being a Western woman in such an dangerous area ripe with kidnappings, assaults, and killings.

You can help those kids without putting your own life in danger.

 

[JMapleton]

Read WikiTravel, and even that doesn't begin to describe the violence over there:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Somalia

I understand you'll be in Somaliand, but still being so close to so much violence is not a smart idea.

 

[TechAZ]

I'm not expert on the area, but most stuff I read says that Somalialand is nothing like the chaotic cluster fuck that is Somalia proper.

Kinda like Cancun is nothing like Jaurez, Mexico.

If it were me considering doing this, and I was looking at crime stats, I would have to factor in the fact that I am a white American. To compare the crime stats of Phoenix to Somalia, it would only be fair if I somehow made myself look like a Mexican drug runner here in Phoenix (and Juarez). Most murders and crime are due to gangs and drugs in Phoenix(and Juarez). If Americans are targets in the horn of Africa, then it is dangerous regardless of what the crime stats are.

 

[AlienCraft]

Good Luck and take great care.
Get a pistol and learn to use it.
Keep it with you at all times.

 

[KMFJD]

There are thousands of kids in this country that need tutoring and mentoring... and yet you fly halfway around the world?
I guess the slums in america don't have camels. Enjoy your African vacation.

LOL , typical what about the needy at home bullshit....they aren't as needy as the ones in Africa

 

[qliveur]

You are either very brave or very foolish.

Good luck.

 

[Miramonti]

Atleast Somaliland pretends to have a government.

Somalia is a different story. You can never really appreciate the beauty of civil war and anarchy until you're in the middle of it's lawless rape and pillaging. Our standard of living is way too fortunate compared to the atrocities and desperation that exists over there.

Best wishes. This sounds like a wonderful experience that might help shape the rest of your life.

 

[JJChicken]

Best wishes and looking forward to some stories and pictures

 

[MrChad]

Best of luck to you. It should be a life-changing experience, and hopefully you can make a positive impact in a place that really needs some good news.

Somaliland is not Somalia, but please stay safe and remember that this cause is not worth your life or safety. If the going gets too tough, please come back home.

 

[sdifox]

Are you joining the Al Queda?

 

[OlafSicky]

I can't believe anyone would be this stupid she must be trolling. If this is for real who is stupid enough to send you there? What organization? Perhaps you just came back from your hiking trip to Iran and just want a change of scenery?

 

[Capt Caveman]

I can't believe anyone would be this stupid she must be trolling. If this is for real who is stupid enough to send you there? What organization? Perhaps you just came back from your hiking trip to Iran and just want a change of scenery?

The only troll is you.

 

[Rill22]

I sincerely appreciate all those who are giving me good-hearted warnings without the implication that I'm an idiot and am completely oblivious to everything your military buddies have told you.

A lot of you have claimed that I'll be fortunate if I escape death, rape, and/or beatings. Most of you have made up your mind regarding what it's like there, regardless of never having been there and never having spoken to people living there in the long-term. This is an established school full of westerners. To date, not one of them, man or woman, has experienced kidnapping, rape, or beatings. The worst that has ever occurred has been petty theft.

I am not fresh out of university, I'm not some closet female misogynist, and I am not going to spread the word of Christianity. I have no illusions regarding what it's like. I'm pretty sure I have a much more accurate idea of the place I'm going than most on this forum. What your military buddies have witnessed is probably not the same place I'm headed.

So thanks again to those expressing their support, and even those with kind words of warning. I'll be sure to post lots of pics a few weeks down the road.

 

[vi edit]

If it were me considering doing this, and I was looking at crime stats, I would have to factor in the fact that I am a white American. To compare the crime stats of Phoenix to Somalia, it would only be fair if I somehow made myself look like a Mexican drug runner here in Phoenix (and Juarez). Most murders and crime are due to gangs and drugs in Phoenix(and Juarez). If Americans are targets in the horn of Africa, then it is dangerous regardless of what the crime stats are.

But she isn't going to Somalia even if the title of the thread indicates that. If someone says they are going to Korea there's a big difference if it's North vs. South Korea.

 

[nick1985]

Buy an AK47 here and practice assembly/dissassembly of the firearm and get yourself familiar with the overall mechanics and operations of the firearm.

Thats the most useful skill to take with you there.

 

[dfuze]

Sounds like an amazing experience awaiting you there. I look forward to your album updates on it all.

Be safe and make like summer camp and do the buddy system.

 

[JMapleton]

I can't believe anyone would be this stupid she must be trolling. If this is for real who is stupid enough to send you there? What organization? Perhaps you just came back from your hiking trip to Iran and just want a change of scenery?

Iran on the other hand is actually a decent country if you can fit in and look like one of the population. I wouldn't go there as a Western woman (I'm a dude) but I wouldn't mind touring the country.

 

[zinfamous]

lol, stay classy, ATOT!

OP: you are doing a wonderful thing, and much luck to you. but do be wary and STAY SAFE!

98% of the xenophobes, teabaggers and in-bred bigots on here don't have nearly the stones you do to go into a place like this, and much less the passion to do anything for anyone beyond themselves.

 

[rasczak]

Are there not under educated children in Denver that could use your help, to make this country better?

Or is it all about the $$$$$$, which I guess I can understand.

Why are you taking this stance? Just wish her well or say nothing at all.

 

[Rill22]

Thanks zinfamous, thanks rasczak. And to the others that have been positive and encouraging.

You'll all be shaking your fists at the heavens out of jealousy when you see me frolicking through the fields of dusty desert with my pet camel!!

 

[dmcowen674]

Thanks zinfamous, thanks rasczak. And to the others that have been positive and encouraging.

You'll all be shaking your fists at the heavens out of jealousy when you see me frolicking through the fields of dusty desert with my pet camel!!

???

Not likely