- UMRA
The universe is an interesting jumble of dichotomies. Some have suggested that its wildly conflicting and mysterious nature reflects the mind of God.
In Nairobi, one woman experiences childbirth in the full glare of the public outside of a striking government hospital. A few kilometers away, another is surrounded by a team of top specialists with cutting edge birthing techniques, technology and state-of-the-art equipment.
Rich. Poor. Same universe.
In Kabul, the populace cowers day and night in paralyzing fear of the Taliban – a religious, political and military movement that is tightly synonymous with terrorism. The world still reels, and will forever be haunted by extreme, needless terrorist attacks meted on innocent civilians. Those wounds run deep. They never will heal.
Upon forcefully taking over Afghan rule in August 2021, Taliban leaders appealed for a clean slate, and urged the world to forget the past. But just as the fabled scorpion stung the gullible frog, won’t the true nature of the Taliban prevail?
In the meantime, nestled in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland is the tranquil watchmaking city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, where for a resident, the biggest concern of the day would probably be a choice between Toblerone or Lindt for the dinner dessert menu.
War. Peace. Same universe.
The diversity of New York City with over 800 languages spoken; the high octane and dizzying pace of about 9 million inhabitants; the terribly dirty pavements…make an icon of this metropolis. Ertz summed it elegantly when she said, ‘It was never built for the comfort and happiness of its citizens, but to astonish the world.’
Frozen in time, and ensconced within the Indian Ocean, lies Lamu Island. The peace, quiet and tranquility experienced in this isolated spot is unrivalled. The 25,000 people that inhabit the island epitomize core African values of caring, kindness and friendliness. They have managed to preserve their ancient culture and traditions over the ensuing decades.
Donkey and man co-exist perfectly side by side, the former being the only means of transport within the narrow alleyways. There’s no traffic, no motorized transport, no mad rush. Pole pole ndio mwendo. Slow is the pace to go. This underlines the island’s totally laid back, unhurried lifestyle.
Modern. Ancient. Same universe.
Alternate realities play out the intriguing game of life. Some people can select the environment that presents to perfection their desired realities. The world…their oyster. They pick a favorite spot on the dichotomous line of life. They see choice. Others weather their circumstances as best as they can, stoically playing the hand that they have been dealt with. They see no choice.
Numerous stories of Africa tell of people who exercise their choice, leaving the continent for better prospects in far-off foreign lands. A favorite destination for the majority of young people is the USA. As long as one makes it to this economic super power, they instantly become the pride and envy of their peers, families and friends. Real and imagined accounts of their exploits are told. Setting foot in the USA is seen as a sign of success.
Indeed, there was a time when proud parents ferried bus-loads filled with ululating members of extended families to the airport, to see off a young person departing for America. Total complete circus.
Conversely, there is no fanfare or admiration for those who journey to settle back home. Instead, they encounter a deluge of dissenting, incredulous voices. Why did you come back to Africa? Why did you leave all those jobs over there? Now that you are here, how do you plan to earn a living? You know there are no jobs here…and on and on and on it goes. Due to these unwarranted psychological assaults, those who choose to come back to Africa are but a mere trickle.
Umra, in the prime of her youth, is one of the few people who swam against the tide when she left New York for her home town, Lamu. She says, ‘My husband had to go on a business trip. It was September, and I looked out and I saw winter around the corner. And I say to him…what if I also come to Africa? I will wait in my mother’s house until you’re done with your work, then we’ll go back.’
She never left.
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