NationStates Jolt Archive

Has anyone here ever been there? If so, which countries?

For those who haven't been there, would you like to go? If so, which countries and why?

I've always wanted to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), because I'm fascinated by its history, cultures, people, etc., and because it has some of the most beautiful environments in the world, as well as rare and fascinating animals like gorillas, okapi, bonobo chimps, etc. But mostly, it's the people that interest me.

Africa? Nope, never been.

Had to contribute something, though.. that other thread made me feel guilty about my uselessness. :)

My mom says there are allot of black people in Africa.
*hopes like hell someone gets the reference*

I'd like visit one day, but because of safety issues and all that it's not very high on the list. (I'd like to explore off the beaten track)

What countries did you have in mind? All have their share of danger, but very few are too dangerous to visit (exceptions being CAR, Democratic Republic of the Congo, parts of Chad and Sudan, Somalia, and most of Nigeria).

I'd love to go to Africa one day. But then, I find every part of the world fascinating. I'd like to go to east Asia, central Asia, subSaharan Africa, and go back to the Pacific - maybe to Tuvalu or Vanuatu (so far, I've only spent a brief week in Fiji).

As to where exactly in Africa, I don't know... Senegal? Kenya? Ethiopia? Mali? Lots of interesting places.

Those interest me, as well. Although, Senegal and Mali would be tricky, as I don't speak French. Same with Ethiopia (I don't speak Amharric, either).

My mom says there are allot of black people in Africa.

*hopes like hell someone gets the reference*

Cartman, South Park.

Where's my cookie? :D

I'd love to go to Africa one day. But then, I find every part of the world fascinating. I'd like to go to east Asia, central Asia, subSaharan Africa, and go back to the Pacific - maybe to Tuvalu or Vanuatu (so far, I've only spent a brief week in Fiji).

As to where exactly in Africa, I don't know... Senegal? Kenya? Ethiopia? Mali? Lots of interesting places.

I'd like visit one day, but because of safety issues and all that it's not very high on the list. (I'd like to explore off the beaten track)

Cartman, South Park.

Where's my cookie? :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/Choco_chip_cookie.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/Choco_chip_cookie.jpg

That's...a big cookie. :eek:

*breaks it apart, shares with everyone*

Thanks! :p

Cartman, South Park.

Where's my cookie? :D

Nice.

{digression}

Whatever happened to Cartman's mother, anyway? Dressing him up like Hitler, feeding him odd racist ideology.. all that ended after the first few seasons it seems.. not much of a character anymore..

What countries did you have in mind? All have their share of danger, but very few are too dangerous to visit (exceptions being CAR, Democratic Republic of the Congo, parts of Chad and Sudan, Somalia, and most of Nigeria).

Hmm...I'd visit any of them given the funds to do so. I have rudimentary French language knowledge so there aren't too many places i'd rule out on that basis. I read up on Ghana a while ago however, and by my understanding it's currently one of the more stable and safer places to visit.

The advantages of being French and British simultaneously.

Although the problem with the French language is the accent. Québec, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, francophone African countries... They all speak French with accents that are sometimes hard even for a French person to follow. ;)

lol

Hmm...I'd visit any of them given the funds to do so. I have rudimentary French language knowledge so there aren't too many places i'd rule out on that basis. I read up on Ghana a while ago however, and by my understanding it's currently one of the more stable and safer places to visit.

Yes, Ghana is quite safe. Very friendly people, too, I've heard.

Nice.

{digression}

Whatever happened to Cartman's father, anyway? Dressing him up like Hitler, feeding him odd racist ideology.. all that ended after the first few seasons it seems.. not much of a character anymore..

Fixed. ;)

Although, Senegal and Mali would be tricky, as I don't speak French.

The advantages of being French and British simultaneously.

Although the problem with the French language is the accent. Québec, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, francophone African countries... They all speak French with accents that are sometimes hard even for a French person to follow. ;)

Somolia. Rwanda and Zairre ages ago. South Africa. They all smell like shit. Somolia smells like shit and is dusty. Rwanda smells like shit and is very pretty. SA is a cool place-the coast line is awesome and the mountains that line the coast are beautiful. It reminded me of texas somehow. But it still smells like shit. I'd go back in a heartbeat. You're right about the frnch in the congo btw--couldn't understand a word unless it was english lol!

I've never been and kin of want to go, mostly to see nature in action a bit to score a South African chick, but Northern Africa really interests me more, i want to see the Pyramids and the battlefields of WWII.

but Northern Africa really interests me more

Me too, I think. Plus there's the added advantage of no mosquitos (and their associated diseases :p)

Somolia. Rwanda and Zairre ages ago. South Africa. They all smell like shit. Somolia smells like shit and is dusty. Rwanda smells like shit and is very pretty. SA is a cool place-the coast line is awesome and the mountains that line the coast are beautiful. It reminded me of texas somehow. But it still smells like shit. I'd go back in a heartbeat. You're right about the frnch in the congo btw--couldn't understand a word unless it was english lol!

Ooh, when did you go to Zaire? Was it as a vacation, for work, or...?

Me too, I think. Plus there's the added advantage of no mosquitos (and their associated diseases :p)
Near Cairo and Alexandria there used to be plenty of them.

I've been to Tangier, Morocco. But that's it. Moroccan mint tea is to die for.

I want to go to South Africa in 2010!

'54-'74-'90-2010!

I have never been to Africa, but my sister has, namely to Tanzania. It is very beautiful and the people are nice, but the police are extremely corrupt.

been to kenya. it's like traveling back to the 80ies.

i'd love to go to africa one day, but i don't really have a specific country in mind.

maybe, if i finish med school i'd like to go working in africa for an NGO.

I toured Morocco about thirty years ago, with my parents and younger sister in a rented car. We spent about three weeks there. I have no other experience of Africa.

Morocco were having a war with Algeria at the time, there were roadblocks, so we stopped going east, turned south to Marrakech. We spent a few days there. I found it fascinating, but my sister was scared the whole time by how old men leered at her. She couldn't go into mosques (which were beautiful and peaceful, btw) either, and she and my mom would wait outside, getting leered at.
She was about ten, I was about twelve, if I remember correctly. I wanted to hang out with the toothless guys and smoke opium, she wanted to buy one of the baby goats. They were very cheap.

Decades later, my sister went back to Morocco with a boyfriend. She found it unpleasant still, was swarmed by carpet salesmen and 'guides.' Me, I've never been back.

Been to Kenya, helped out on my cousin's Archaeological dig there. Not that we found damn-all.
Only interestin thing that happened was when we got roped in to help hunt down an old Lion who'd gone after a couple kids. The four of us from the dig, six rangers and another half-dozen local shooters. Caught the poor thing napping and shot it about three dozen times, altogether.
We had a range of guns, from .22LRs up to one of the rangers' .45s (I had my old .303). We all emptied our guns into the beast, and it still struggled up onto it's forepaws and roared at us! One of the rangers walked up and put a bullet between it's eyes to finish it.
Apparently, the old guy'd been the head of a local Pride for about ten years. I can believe it - he was tough.

I would love visit Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and South Africa. Beyond that, Africa holds no interest.

Has anyone here ever been there? If so, which countries?

For those who haven't been there, would you like to go? If so, which countries and why?


Er.. I was born there (Zimbabwe, when it was still called Rhodesia). Lived in Malawi and South Africa too..

Er.. I was born there (Zimbabwe, when it was still called Rhodesia). Lived in Malawi and South Africa too..

Zimbabwe is big news nowdays, isn't it? 'Reverse' racism. Dunno about Malawi, but SA is big news too!
Tell us some stuff ... this thread is pretty thin. :)

never been there, and i don't really think I want to go there either.

Whatever happened to Cartman's mother, anyway? Dressing him up like Hitler, feeding him odd racist ideology.. all that ended after the first few seasons it seems.. not much of a character anymore..

I'd assume it was the crack.

But, there are certainly parts I'd be interedted in visiting. Perhaps Kenya seems decent enough, Morocco is enticing.

Give Ethiopia another decade of modernisation and liberalisation and it could wind up being pretty sweet too.

I've been to Tunisia, but that was when I was very young.

Not yet. I plan to got to the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa though. :)

Not yet. I plan to got to the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa though. :)
Good for you. I don't care about being there though, all I care aout is that Poland doesent get pwned by freaking rookies.

I've always wanted to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire)

Hence, the name (Congo-Kinhasa) I'm guessing?

Egypt. :)

I've been to Egypt too OMG!

I'd like to visit South Africa (the country) as well as southeastern Africa (the region), because for some masochistic reason I like traveling.

I'd love to go to Africa one day. But then, I find every part of the world fascinating. I'd like to go to east Asia, central Asia, subSaharan Africa, and go back to the Pacific - maybe to Tuvalu or Vanuatu (so far, I've only spent a brief week in Fiji).

As to where exactly in Africa, I don't know... Senegal? Kenya? Ethiopia? Mali? Lots of interesting places.

Wow, I can't believe someone else on this planet, much less this internet forum not only knows about Tuvulu but wants to visit it. I thought I was the only one!

Back to Africa:

I have absolutly no desire to ever set foot on the continent ever.

I know a family from Sudan and well, I think they left for a good reason.

Has anyone here ever been there? If so, which countries?

For those who haven't been there, would you like to go? If so, which countries and why?

I've always wanted to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), because I'm fascinated by its history, cultures, people, etc., and because it has some of the most beautiful environments in the world, as well as rare and fascinating animals like gorillas, okapi, bonobo chimps, etc. But mostly, it's the people that interest me.

Considering the current situation, I wouldn't touch Africa with a 10 foot pole or prodding device.

Considering the current situation, I wouldn't touch Africa with a 10 foot pole or prodding device.

Considering Africa is a rather large place, I think that you'll find places where "the current situation" isn't too bad.

I'd love to go there, I'd be nice if I could go and volunteer someplace there or do doctors without borders (haha, like I ever could get into med school) or the like.

I'd love to go there, I'd be nice if I could go and volunteer someplace there or do doctors without borders (haha, like I ever could get into med school) or the like.

If you are British you could the VSO (http://www.vso.org.uk/). (But something makes me doubt you are).

Perhaps you can see if there is a similar volunteering thing that operates from your country.

Not yet personally - though I hope to in the future.

My grandfather served in the Congo in the 60's and father served in Namibia in the 80's.

Apart from that, Egypt and South Africa.

no, but my mum was brought up in ghana.

Zimbabwe is big news nowdays, isn't it? 'Reverse' racism. Dunno about Malawi, but SA is big news too!
Tell us some stuff ... this thread is pretty thin. :)

Malawi went cautiously down the road to ruin, picking it's way through the rocks down to the valley. They were fortunate that their "President for Life" was eductated. And educated by the british.. His whole goal in life was to enter the class society and live like a lord, caring for the people who worked on "his estate" as was pretty common in the romantazied view of the british isles as he was a young boy..

Zimbabwe on the other hand is a case study in despotism, and impregnated hatred. Many of the freedom fighters were educated by the russians and the chinese and set out to "prove" capitalism couldn't work - there was never any concern for the ordinary people, excacerbated by the fact that the native people who lived in that chunk of land had never had any love for each other or commonality in over 300 years.. Crossing the country from north to south was like moving to two different worlds, one where a native belief was that crops would grow and presents would come and one where a work ethic and dedication to ranching and provision were gospel. Unfortunately, the wrong people won, possibly proving that the majority shouldn't always have their own way - certainly not if they cannot justify and logically defend their position and arguement. The breadbasket of Africa is now a basket case. A tragic epoch to rival the sinking of Atlantis, the fleeing of the elves to the new world or predicated extermination of art, beauty and life simply because it cannot be controlled.

And SA? Well, conversely it's hope lies in Zimbabwe's downfall, and the causes of that downfall... A warning to be heeded, but with 11 different "nation states" and an economy the world cares about (the US might be content to let China get it's hands on Zim's uranium, but if they ever start fucking around with the gold, diamond and plutonium reserves in SA, someone's going to do something), might just save SA. But my personal theory is that sea helps.. It's difficult to carry on hating when you can end a hot day by the sea with a cold beer and a fire.

Watch Blood Diamond.. Maybe you'll understand how Africa was, and will be. Only the weapons are more efficent. The wants (good and bad) and the methods used to get them haven't changed in Africa in a 2000 years or more... And no amount of fancy philosophy, investment, war, famine, sickness, natural wealth, stoicism, violence, generosity will change it. Africa takes care of itself - the people are just mists in time. Africa is different. It's a continent that heaves and sighes to the natural rythymes of the birth, life, decay and death - a metaphor for the earth in a way that other continents are not. And a metaphor we would all do well to heed.

Went to Kenya last summer on a semi-charity trip. Spent two weeks at a camp for street children out west near Lake Victoria, bit of Safari, climbed Mt Kenya and a few days on the coast in Mombasa.

Was awesome, and also extremely eye-opening (the largest slum in East Africa is down the road from an extremely expensive polo club and the mansion of the President of Kenya who claims that the slum doesn't exist. But the primary school with the best results in the country (better than the super-exclusive private boarding schools) is also in the same slum.

Mind you, was mildly uncomfortable when they mentioned British actions in Kenya:( (and the Iraq war as well).

I want to go to South Africa in 2010!

'54-'74-'90-2010!

South Africa is extremely dangerous.

Not yet personally - though I hope to in the future.

My grandfather served in the Congo in the 60's and father served in Namibia in the 80's.

Apart from that, Egypt and South Africa.

Which Congo?

Hence, the name (Congo-Kinhasa) I'm guessing?

Yes. That, and I RP as Zaire.

Has anyone here ever been there? If so, which countries?

For those who haven't been there, would you like to go? If so, which countries and why?

I've always wanted to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), because I'm fascinated by its history, cultures, people, etc., and because it has some of the most beautiful environments in the world, as well as rare and fascinating animals like gorillas, okapi, bonobo chimps, etc. But mostly, it's the people that interest me.

Yes, the Congo does have GORILLAS. It also has GUERILLAS.

Yes, the Congo does have GORILLAS. It also has GUERILLAS.

Believe me, if I do go there, it won't be in the foreseeable future. Much as I want to see the country, I don't believe it's worth getting killed for.

Zimbabwe is big news nowdays, isn't it? 'Reverse' racism. Dunno about Malawi, but SA is big news too!
Tell us some stuff ... this thread is pretty thin. :)

Malawi was ruled by quite an interesting character. Dr. Banda was...odd, to say the least.

Which Congo?

The Congo Congo.
Early 60's, 'served', Congo. "What was going on there at that time..... hmmm.... *scratchs chin*" ;)

(If I meant Brazzaville, I would have said)

Jabotville, Niemba et al.

South Africa is extremely dangerous.

See, now before I thought you were nuts for wanting to go a destroyed and dangerous place like the DRC/Zaire..

With that comment, however, you've shown yourself to be a stark raving looney.. Or mis-informed (uninterestingly, the more probable option).

See, now before I thought you were nuts for wanting to go a destroyed and dangerous place like the DRC/Zaire..

With that comment, however, you've shown yourself to be a stark raving looney.. Or mis-informed (uninterestingly, the more probable option).

Okay, maybe I am misinformed. But I'm also a stark raving loony. ;)

And I've never been to S.A., but I've heard its crime rate is absolutely horrendous. At least in the DRC, some of the larger cities are (relatively) safe.

The Congo Congo.
Early 60's, 'served', Congo. "What was going on there at that time..... hmmm.... *scratchs chin*" ;)

(If I meant Brazzaville, I would have said)

Jabotville, Niemba et al.

Ah, that Congo. I thought that's what you meant, but even so, I thought I'd double-check. ;)

the only countries in Africa that I would ever reasonably visit would be Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa, which are relatively interesting and/or safe (in my opinion at least).

Okay, maybe I am misinformed. But I'm also a stark raving loony. ;)

And I've never been to S.A., but I've heard its crime rate is absolutely horrendous. At least in the DRC, some of the larger cities are (relatively) safe.

Well, look, it's a very long time since I've been anywhere near the DRC - however, I seriously doubt that a country that has had 2 civil wars, mercenaries from at least 6 different nations and pratically no infrastructure (even in the "main" cities) can possibly be called relatively safe. Unless Somalia or Iraq are your reference points..

The crime-rate in SA is over-publicised because it makes good copy. What are you more likely to read?

Tourist Abducted in Broad Day Light!

or

Minister Opens New Hospital in SA


Probably the first one (even if there was a newspaper in the western world that would write the second one - and I very much doubt it. SA is fine in all areas except Johansberg (where crime is higher - but that's mostly because of the Nigerian mafia, half a million refugees from Mozambique and Zimbabwe all vying for not enough resources. But a little bit of common sense applied will reduce your risk to nil (too many people travel to Africa and behave like they do at home - i.e. wave arouund wads of cash, leave brief cases visible on the back seat of cars, go to neighbourhoods they shouldn't - we're tourists, they won't hurt us.. Wrong. Poor people the world over don't care about headlines when their hungry..

In comparision, I'd say the DRC requires you to pack a little common sense AND a semi-automatic to preserve the same safety level. (Admittedly, this is mainly to protect you from the hoards or zimbabwean soldiers stationed there who haven't been paid in about 2 years, nor recieve regular rations. Poor people with state-sponsored uniforms and artilery are going to affect your safety quoitent.

I've lived in Kenya, Sierra Leone, Botswana and Zambia. I've also visited various other countries in Africa.

I've lived in Kenya, Sierra Leone, Botswana and Zambia. I've also visited various other countries in Africa.

Were you in Sierra Leone during the civil war?

Were you in Sierra Leone during the civil war?
No. I was little when my family lived there, so I don't recall the exact period I was there, but it was either from 1986 to 1988, or 1987 to 1989.

No. I was little when my family lived there, so I don't recall the exact period I was there, but it was either from 1986 to 1988, or 1987 to 1989.

Ah, so it was pretty laid back then.

Ah, so it was pretty laid back then.
Quite, in comparison to the civil war. :p Still had problems, but nowhere near what it was like during the war. I don't remember much about the political situation (we left when I was five or six), other than there were places both within Freetown and throughout Sierra Leone that we absolutely avoided.

Quite, in comparison to the civil war. :p Still had problems, but nowhere near what it was like during the war. I don't remember much about the political situation (we left when I was five or six), other than there were places both within Freetown and throughout Sierra Leone that we absolutely avoided.

Still, you're damn lucky to've gotten a chance to go to Africa. :(

Still, you're damn lucky to've gotten a chance to go to Africa. :(
And don't I know it. I'm trying to convince my boyfriend that we should save up money for a vacation to Botswana, but he's still iffy on the whole Africa thing.

And don't I know it. I'm trying to convince my boyfriend that we should save up money for a vacation to Botswana, but he's still iffy on the whole Africa thing.

Botswana's a place I'd want to visit, too, but I heard it's damn expensive.

Botswana's a place I'd want to visit, too, but I heard it's damn expensive.
I like Botswana a lot. I haven't been back since I left at the end of 1995, but I know it's developed a lot since then so I wouldn't be surprised if it's gotten quite a bit more expensive. I'd be staying with friends for much of the time though, which would defray my costs considerably. :)

I would love to go to Egypt, if that counts as Africa and not the ME.

Other than that the only place I'd go to would be Ghana.

have been to SA

I would love to go to Egypt, if that counts as Africa and not the ME.

Other than that the only place I'd go to would be Ghana.

I don't count Egypt as Africa, but many others do, so sure why not.

Well aside from supplying a group that thinks I am god, I got nothing else.:)

Been to alot of Africa myself. Morocco nearly every year. Been to all of Morocco's neighbors which include the Westren Sahara, Mauritania, Algeria and Tunisia. Went to Egypt once. Also took a trip years ago to South Africa via Kenya. Every country had its good things about it. The beauty is amazing and the contrasts of the continent is also amazing. If you are planning to go I would suggest Egypt as your first stop. Although that really isnt Africa as many envision. If you want to see the Africa that most people think of I would suggest Kenya and or South Africa. I would strongly suggest everyone take at least a trip to somewhere in the African continent. Its a beautiful place and would be worth your time.

My friend, you hear too much and don't listen enough.. If you're earning in $s, £s, or €s, nowhere in Africa is expensive.. Sure, you can find game lodges that will charge you a USD$1000 a night - but you'll find yourself living like Sun King at Versailles (and probably better).

Do your research, and have fun. Botswana is a beautiful place. And one of the few African countries to have anything like western saftey standards..

Believe me, I definitely plan to visit there. :)

Botswana's a place I'd want to visit, too, but I heard it's damn expensive.

My friend, you hear too much and don't listen enough.. If you're earning in $s, £s, or €s, nowhere in Africa is expensive.. Sure, you can find game lodges that will charge you a USD$1000 a night - but you'll find yourself living like Sun King at Versailles (and probably better).

Do your research, and have fun. Botswana is a beautiful place. And one of the few African countries to have anything like western saftey standards..

We honeymooned in The Gambia and had a great time. It was 14 years ago, so may have got a bit more commercial since then. The guy who looked after the pool earned £8 a month, so we hired him as our unofficial driver and got to see loads of the country that are off the beaten track.

Visited South Africa many times, as well as Madagascar and Kenya.

On an unrelated note, I plan to go to Kenya this summer (or try to, at least).

How safe is it?

On an unrelated note, I plan to go to Kenya this summer (or try to, at least).

How safe is it?
I wish I could be more helpful, but all I can do is point you here (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_923.html) and here (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1151.html). I'm sure you've already checked there, though.

Has anyone here ever been there? If so, which countries?

For those who haven't been there, would you like to go? If so, which countries and why?

I've always wanted to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), because I'm fascinated by its history, cultures, people, etc., and because it has some of the most beautiful environments in the world, as well as rare and fascinating animals like gorillas, okapi, bonobo chimps, etc. But mostly, it's the people that interest me.
Never been there, honestly I have little interest to go. Africa is a really sad place though, so much senseless death and no end in sight. Its one of the few things that makes me question my faith.

I wish I could be more helpful, but all I can do is point you here (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_923.html) and here (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1151.html). I'm sure you've already checked there, though.

I have, thanks. :)