Sounds beautiful doesnt it? Yoonis, Its a letter(email actually...who has time to send letters when they are sprouting internet cafes all over the place? LOL) sent to me by my cousin. I just edited names and personal information out but the rest is the same. I wanted the description of the place and his experience to remain. Salaam

Somalia is looking like a good place to settle from the positive experiences of many who went there to vacation such as the person below. Weep, cry, be jealous or start hating, cause i'm having the best time of my life in boosaaso, you won't believe how beautiful this place is, the beach, the hotels, the seafood, the halwa, and may i remind you once again "tha Halwa"..... and of course the huge "SOUQS" or markets, that stretch from tens of blocks, and like always it's the somali women who have like a 70% of the market these somali women, someone please ship them to the moon, lol, sike, pick up to all the hard working somali entreprenuerial women!!!! I don't want to leave boosaas, !!! lol, well that's not because i'm in a 4 star hotel, with a bathroom made entirely of ceramic tiles, shower's, t.v., a toilet made to look like Golden seat, lol, i'm so serious, they colored the damn toilet with gold, lol...telephone, computer, room service( yes, you pick up tha damn phone and order from da damn menu, and the room attendents bring it to you, lol).... The hotel i'm staying in is made purely from pure ceramic flooring tiles(which resemble and look like marbles), from head to toe, this hotel is happening, and for only $12 dollars a night, for two seperate beds for two people, damn that is cool. The cafeteria is on the main level of the hotel, they offer cappacinno, espresso, hamburgers( correction, it contains beef, or camel meat, lol), all kinds of beverages from coke, fanta, sprite to mango drinks in all kinds of brands!!! Boosaaso is like the headquarters of puntland, i went to the sea port, and there are literally hundreds of ships loading and unloading all kinds of goods, from inda, dubai, and some to oman, arabia, and ofcourse all the bananas go to the damn italians, lol...... and yes there are shopping malls or should i say "arwo" in somali, which contain the lattest purfumes, from tommy girl to hillfiger, and all the different shades of hip hop jeans, lol.... i saw a young guy today, he owns his own business, he has never left somalia, and he now has over hundred thousand u.s. dollars, and more in investment, and he is younger than 30......and he never went to the west to save up, imagine if we come with loads of money, lol, we will control the damn markets....i'm serious, there is just too much money to be made and potential.... so all the somalis in the west, wake up, invest in your country, and you will see immediate profits... anyways, it's too bad i came to boosaaso when there is only 1 week left of my departure from somalia, :-( , meaning i only have two more days to enjoy all that "the city by the sea" has to offer!!! and the rest of the days i have to start preparing and book a flight out of somalia to dubai, since it takes like a week to find space from Galkayo to dubai!!! p.s. all those who will prepare a fat cheeseburger and fries on my arrival in canada, will get to see all the places i've been to on video.... God bless somali women. Ameen. :cool:

To me...an intellectual is any person who can read a post by either Mutakalim or Sophist without crumbling, cursing savagely and spending precious minutes flipping the oxford dictionary with a frown and/or headache. Being intellegent is successfully getting yourself out of a box. Whatever the box might represent.

^Being called a dog isnt something to smile about. Neither is 'nigger' 'qumayo' 'b!tch' or any other degrading label. That is the most disgusting show of arrogance and selfishness I have ever seen. It amazes me that the woman is so proud & gets off humiliating her husband....that she offers classes. I have to say though... her husband is a wimp who deserves every inch of disrespect he's getting. Triple uff. P.S. I saw her on oprah. Apparently alot of women relate to her.

Im sorry for your loss, Nafta. That was sad and senseless act of cruelty. May he never live in peace...and always look over his shoulder. P.S. Did he take the child with him? I hope not.

Ducaqabe, Prison might seem the right thing to do or a payback to you but we know it causes a great deal of torment and a severe mental anguish. Excuse me? Isn't that the whole point of locking them up? For them to experience the punishment...mentally, emotionally & physically? I'd hate for a person to go to prison and enjoy it. Prison is not a luxury retreat to escape to. I mean...that would just ruin the whole concept of paying for your crimes. Zephrine, Brave, brave woman. At least talk-wise. Ngonge, One thing I'm not is obtuse. I knew you were being sarcastic. I choose to ignore it. On the issue of torture...I believe that in some cases its needed & should be used. Although I don't know what Islam says about the subject...If a person is known with certainty that they have commited an unforgivable crime---ex. treason, rape, kidnapping a child, pedophillia, and you want more info...I would say light torture should be used. I dont feel any sympathy for people like that. They deserve what they get.

Animal Farm, I don't really care whether its the east, west, south or north. Makes no difference in my eyes. If you commit a crime...you damn well be prepared to pay the price. I am not going to hang around psychos...family or not. And I would not trust them as far as I could throw them. There was this cousin I was introduced to over msn. We talked...I thought him funny...entertaining...and overall a good person to chat with. Then a couple of months ago...I found out that he had shot and crippled his younger sister for going with a man of a different tribe. And his family did nothing! Nothing at all! He ruined his sister's life and he's free to go around continuing on with his? Is that fair? Is that right? That is disgusting. I quickly deleted and blocked him and there is no way in hell I would ever speak to him again. That was the least I could in that situatoin. P.S. If I was the father...I would break both his feet. How dare he? P.P.S. Closing your eyes and ears to the truth will benefit no one. How can you stomach that? Do you think qofkaas oo kale inuu asxaan adi kuufalayo? Ngonge, Indeed I am under moral obligation , Mr. Ngonge. You see...we are all citizens of the earth and creatures of Allah...we owe it to one another to protect each other to our outmost ability. Don't you agree? Sky, My aunt is like a second mother to me. We have had many, many arguments...and she generally respects my opinion. She wasn't angry...just disappointed. I can handle that. Zephrine, I know. Some people really are confused and have a whacky sense of loyalty. You havent answered my question. What would YOU do? (I keep thinking....would I put my own mother/father/sibling/child behind bars? Am I capable of that? Or is it all talk at the end?) Baashi, I dont think of that. I think of the people they have hurt and where my responsiblity lies. I think about what they might do next. I think about what they might do to me? I am not too naive to think that I am save from their evil. How can I be sure I won't be next? Must I always live in fear becaue of someone else's actions? Fidel, Why are people so selfish? Its good to care about your girls. But how about the children of others? Are they not important also? Should they not be given some sense of justice? LOL@Fair game. A lot of people would agree with you. Jawa, If everything in life was easy...we'd all be doing it. The hard stuff in life is a test. X, Excellent points. Can't believe your agreeing with me. Must be the weather. :cool:

I had this surprising, heated arguement with my auntie a couple of days ago. She is an interesting person & I often ask her hypothetical questions; this time it was "If one of your children or close family member commited a henious crime---ex. murder, rape, and/or terrorism, would you turn them in to the police or hide them?" I was shocked by her answer...she said, without hesitation, "Thats my child, my flesh and blood. How can I turn my child over to have his life ruined?" I couldn't believe it...I said if she did anything like that...she would find no safe haven with me. Not only would I turn her in...but NEVER talk to her again or even think about defending her. Hadee waxaas ii suubiso...ani mixii ii tari? Needless to say...she told me that I was an evil child who cared nothing for family bonds and had no loyalty. She wan't the only one...I talked with many others who had the same feeling about the situation. Some claimed that they would not turn them in...but neither would they hide them. Just keep silent and let them deal with it their own way. That just had me spinning. How can a person in their right mind think about defending a monster? To justify it? Honestly...if genetics was so important...I'd marry my brother. But its not, not in my book. Sharing a couple of strands of DNA does not automatically make a person love another. Unconditional love is sick, twisted and unreal. I think thats the big problem in the world. When blood is given a priority over morals and justice. What do you think?

Why doesn't the women with the degree and high paying job work for a few years (4-6) to help her husband through school? So he can acheive something himself? Just because he isn't Mr. CEO doesnt mean he's a loser. There are alot of other factors people tend to ignore when they are so quick to judge. Of course, If I (black, muslim, woman---> three stricks against me) am able to accomplish something with my life...I expect the same or better from him. However, having a low paying job isnt something to be ashamed of. It's still better than begging, which we should all avoid if we are able to.

There is nothing wrong with growing a beard and shortening one's trousers! When has that become an insult? Khayr, I can't bother to think today. What are you trying to say in the midst of all the quotes?

Originally posted by YACQUUB: Here is a map of whole somalia showing even the smallest village. Explore your country's geography people: http://www.biyokulule.com/Somalia_map.htm Jazakhallah Kheyr Yacquub. First time I've seen my little village on a map, and I've been looking ages for it. This would be of great help.

^Optimist arent you? I would disown my family and run away with the guy. Disgusting. Yeah...I know talk is cheap. But thats some sick shidh. :eek:

I don't think that a person can be the same to different people. It just not possible. I think you try to match the personality of the specific person who are with at that time.

Wow, Zu. *Pats him on back* Your so sweet. Now hurry along & get out of my sight before I start liking you. Tuujiye: Baqti iyo wax ka dharan baa tahey. See ani ii ilowdey on the 'target' section?...kaneeco kilkisha kaa qaniinto. :mad:

Ducaqabe, Not really. You see a man ages much more slowly than does a woman (thats why its much more popular to marry an older guy...nothing to do with maturity on his side...rather vanity on hers). So looks wise...a 80 year old man and a 60 year old woman look physically the same (age wise). And I wouldn't guess a woman's age depending on her hair...cause if they are as vain as most...they wouldn't let a gray hair see the light of day. So in fact...I'm being grossly unfair to the women. Xoogsade, What a man. Proposing to three women in the span of 6 minutes. World record of its kind. And as for perception---hey, what can I say? Some of us were blessed more than others. :cool:

Xoogsade, Your getting brave enough to take little swipes at me now and again arent you? Be careful little one, don't get too big for your macawiis just yet. P.S. Who called YOU old? Think you can trick me? Hehehehe.

Whats the difference between 55 and 65? You can tell a person's age by just looking at them? For me, a man is old when I see visible gray hairs. And a woman, when she has more wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. I am horrible at guessing ages. I've been known to go off by 10-20 years.

Cause we are all pathetic people with no lifes and the little drama that occurs here and there in SOL enriches our sad little existence. *I wasnt being sarcastic* *And I took the liberty of speaking for EVERYONE*

I can't seem to tell apart now-adays from when your joking to when your really serious anymore. :confused:

LOL! The lengths some people will go to make themselves feel better. I'm a black hearted sinner, but doesn't mean that I don't know what I'm doing is wrong. I know it. I do it anyway. But to completely deny it or try to make it something else to fit your little made-up perfect version of Islam is just plain silly. Go on...its ultimately between you and Allah. Just don't impose your opinions on others as 'facts' for you will be responsible somewhat for their actions. Just a thought. I for one...don't need or want that kind of stress. :cool:

Dear Sir, I am writing in response to your request for additional information. In block number 3 of the accident reporting form, I put "trying to do the job alone" as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should explain more fully, and I trust that the following details will be sufficient: I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working alone on the roof of a new six story building. When I completed my work, I discovered that I had about 500 pounds of brick left over. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley, which, fortunately, was attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor. Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the brick into it. Then I went back to the ground and untied the rope, holding it tight to insure a slow descent of the 500 pounds of bricks. You will note, in block number 11 of the accident reporting form, that I weigh 135 pounds. Due to my surprise of being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rather rapid rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming down. This explains the fractured skull and broken collarbone. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley. Fortunately, by this time, I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope in spite of my pain. At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground, and the bottom broke out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel now weighed approximately fifty pounds. I refer you again to my weight in the accident reporting form, block number 11. As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounted for the two fractured ankles and the lacerations on my legs and lower body. The encounter with the barrel slowed me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell onto the pile of bricks, and fortunately, only three vertebrae were cracked. I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay there on the bricks in pain, unable to stand, and watching the empty barrel six stories above me...I again lost my presence of mind...and let go of the rope!

Animal Farm, you dear man, where would I be without you? :confused: Yes I tried eating the sock...even with a dash of salt...it was hard to swallow. I took some scissors and cut up into small pieces and put it between an oreo cookie. It took me two hours. As for the goat's intestine...my mom has a stock of cow tongue...trust me...I can find anything. *breaksdown* Ok fine! I sort of killed the local cat and dismembered it. I had to. P.S. Is there any other cure? I am deathly scared of pain of any kind.

Animal Farm, are you telling me now that I wasn't supposed to eat what was in the sock? :eek: :eek: :eek: *turns a becoming shade of green* *pukes*

LOL! Interesting, Animal Farm. Maybe I should tell you all of my dreams. *cough* Erm...Not all exactly. Some people say that they can tell when they are dreaming. I can't. It always seems so real. A couple of times I actually woke up gasping, tears in my eyes, and all worked up. Most of the time, its because I'm running with lead filled legs in dense, dark woods with a sinister figure chasing me. And just before he catches me....I wake up. Its been years...and so far he hasn't caught me yet. *Now what does that mean* P.S. How can you replay or continue with a dream? You mean while awake? P.S.S. What do I do with the sock?

I had the most strangest of dream last night. I dreamt I was in a car with Micheal Jackson, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton. :eek: . Then somehow the car crashed, and hillary started chasing me with one leg completely missing, Bill started to grab my hair...and Micheal was stabbing me. :eek: I still don't know what the heck it meant...cause I was not thinking about any of them and I haven't read anything about them for a very long time. Any dream interpreters here?