Good development but bad design. I blame these construction companies that lack creativity and inspiration. I'm would be really hesitant to ever use them for anything.

Narniah;845076 wrote: I lived in turkey for an entire year, Istanbul to be exact as an exchange student. I just got back two weeks ago. I had the best time of my life there. I had some of my friends from my school with me so I wasn't completely alone but I was the only Somali in my group. I must warn you about a few things... Turkish people are outrageously curious, just like Somalis but just a tad bit worse. Nothing is off limits for them! Anything that comes to their mind, they will ask you. During my stay there I got stared at, pointed at by everyone, literally EVERYONE lol. They will stop what they are doing and just shamelessly stare at you. My Turkish friends reassured me that it's because they love what they see, otherwise they wouldn't be starring. I learned this was true after a few months down the line. But at first you gonna be like 'why they all starring at me' relax they are just marveling at your beauty. Turkish people love brown/olive skin, everywhere I went the Turkish women would circle around me and literally touch my skin and say chok guzal ai ai lol which means oh beautiful nice. I had strange old women pinch my cheeks and kiss me all over my face meh. At times it was overwhelming. Turkish people love Somalis, and they all know about the famine that happened. Everyone who asked me where I'm from and when I said Somalia, they all wanted to know if the money they sent came to the right hands! A lot of you don't know this but most of the money that came out of turkey didn't all come from the government but out the pockets of Turkish citizens who took it upon themselves to fill forms and send money directly. You will find people from all over the world in Turkey, but not many blacks. Some Turkish people have what I call 'The shoe face' they just show no emotion and come across arrogant. But I found that some of those same people surprised me at times when they offered to help me with my luggage or allowed me to cut through the queue. Turkish people will protect you at their expense if you are ever wronged. No bystanders will watch it like Europe or America where every man/woman is selfish and will mind their business. Turkish people have a lot of pride! Can we blame them they used to rule the world. One thing I must mention is Turkish men's immense respect for females. I never stood on a bus/ underground, the men will never let a woman stand they will all get up to offer you their seat. MashaAllah. And no man is ever allowed to talk rudely to a woman if he does he gets jumped by all the men. I was a witness of this several places, women there are empowered! Don't travel alone unless you are ready to be wooed by their Turkish men, they will not waste a chance to speak to you. The best thing about Turkey is hearing the Azhan! MashaAllah, there's a mosque every corner. I haven't seen any Somalis in turkey, none. If you have any questions do ask. Sounds like a great experience! Hope to visit this great nation one day.

Appears to work today lakiin what will happen in 2047 when the transition period is over? Will be interesting to see if we live to witness such a time.

Make sure you visit and spend some money in the markets to support local traders. And get out of the city/cities if you can and spend a few days in the countryside. Enjoy it.

Beautiful piece and an inspiring story. I could only hope that this and similar success stories are spread around the world to counterbalance the continual talk of the negative aspects of home and Somali youth. Thank you for sharing.

^^I believe the 'iya' in Somaliya has it's roots in Somalia Italiana....or Italian Somaliland. Anything other than the Somali Republic would appear to have foreign influence.

It will document the lives of those returning to Mogadishu from North America, Europe and East Africa. A deeper look at the lives of diaspora and also those already living in the capital. If you are interested, they are still seeking some contributors. It's not clear the organization behind the series, but its a great project. The website is: http://www.returntosomalia.com.

The change in Xamar Cadey is tangible and palpable. It's amazing to witness. Even after all of these years, Xamar is still #1 in commerce, ingenuity and dhaqaalaha. There's a trickle of returnees now but the masses are still on the sidelines in Nairobi, Dubai and around the world; it will not take long to rebuild and exceed its past glory.

What is that idiom about broken clocks? LOL, I kid of course. Mr. HornAfrique, good to see you are still around!

AUN marxuumka.

It's good to see the young girl giving back. The young men, on the other hand, are living an unearned, upper class lifestyle and I'm sure corrupting a few locals along the way. They should be put to work and earn their keep.

^^^Bashbash iyo barwaaqo waa isku mid. Prosperity and abundance. I think kabay is fixing something. duruuf

^^High risk, high reward. The first entrants to a market or industry -- in this case upscale hotelier and restaurateur -- always command a high price/value. With improved security, he will face more competition but also will likely be able to reduce his significant personal security expenses. Other cities could learn from Xamar. Few have high calibre venues. What Somalis would also really welcome, I think, is a clean, modern coffee/lounge chain with excellent customer service and atmosphere. Our own version of Starbucks. I am accepting offers of partnership....

^^Hide and seek? Isgaf

I am guilty of Googling you yesterday! Just curious to know what the reference to this Dr was. Ok, my conscience is at ease once again. LOL. :-P Keep up the blogging; it's exactly what we need and provides a great window for those looking to return or contribute somehow. PS: You are a great writer. Salaam

Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar;833194 wrote: Ottawa Citizen Sambuza Village in Ottawa is a good restaurant. It's nice to see they are getting some publicity in the paper. Last I heard, it was now partly owned by Hindi or Pakistani (I think some of the cooks are as well). My only issue with the restaurant is that it's far too small. There is nowhere to sit so one is forced to take away. And the story is true that it is very difficult to access it from the road...but it's success despite that fact. It goes to shows that there is a great demand in the city. They would do much better if they relocated and could serve a larger audience. Salaam

Who would let this man in the door?

The SOLer that participated should give us an insider's view of the proceedings. Our very own inside reporter. PS: It is nice to see the youth taking part in these and not only the odayaal. Masha'allah.

I did the whole 'backpacking around Europe' bit a number of years ago...ah, to be young again. Anyhow, Amsterdam is a beautiful city. Beautiful people, atmosphere and foods. The city is easy to get around with the trams (you can hop on and off...don't think I paid). The 'red light' district is quite small and touristy...but you can find it if you try hard enough! LOL. Thankfully, drugs aren't as prevalent as one would imagine. For a really interesting country, try any in the S.E. or far North (Iceland/Greenland - beautiful countries). Enjoy, mate.

The chase continues! "Courtship is the period in a couple's relationship which precedes their engagement and marriage, or establishment of an agreed relationship of a more enduring kind. In courtship, a couple get to know each other and decide if there will be an engagement or other such agreement. A courtship may be an informal and private matter between two people or may be a public affair, or a formal arrangement with family approval. Traditionally, in the case of a formal engagement, it has been perceived that it is the role of a male to actively "court" or "woo" a female, thus encouraging her to understand him and her receptiveness to a proposal of marriage. " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtship

Best of luck saaxib. You are living the dream; I hope to return soon, iA, to explore opportunities and hopefully start a venture. It is a big transition so hopefully you do not depart SOL and can impart your insights on the rest of us. It is your duty, after all, to lead by example in this quest to rebuild a nation. Don't leave your captive audience disappointed. So, with that, details, details and more details. Safe journey and glad tidings.

Mario B, for a national campaigner he is not campaigning across the country too well....I am sure he would receive a great welcome which would give him political capital.

^^That song is based on the maahmaah. Nin lagu seexdaw ha seexan. http://www.somaliroots.com/Xarafa%20N.dwt. #653. :-)

Goods from Dubai kulahaa. We all know nothing is made in Dubai; it's only a transit point. As business people - who have been trading with the Indians and Chinese for hundreds of years, why don't Somalis go directly to the source and cut out the middlemen? Dubai is retail; we need whole sale purchasing.

d/p