Life in monochrome

Remember how colorful our walls were in the 70's? We painted one wall red in our living room in Fairview Park. Than we moved on to more subtle colors, with yellow in the kitchen, green in the sun room, a light pink in the bathroom. Our recently remodeled kitchen in Jacksonville and our condo in Chicago are shades of brown and white with hints of gray. Monochrome. Well, when I sent some neighborhood compound pictures to my family last evening, my sister Beth remarked the buildings were almost monochrome. Not what she expected after life in Africa with all it's various color. She's right! No wonder I find it rather soothing here. Yes, I have come to actually love the neighborhood we live in and I run in each morning.

I don't know that I can add my pictures to this blog, but if I can, I will. Monochrome is a good description. Shades of white, brown and gray --- the colors of the desert. Duh! That's where we live now and I have just come to expect it. Funny how I constantly marvel at the building that is going on around me. The piles of rocks and sand are only temporary since I know tomorrow the piles will be moved and progress will be made on the "palace" next door or on the next block. In a month, I have not tired of walking around this compound each morning and evening. The work men never rest and I am always curious what new place they have made on the premises they call "home" while they build in this compound. Normally, it is just a cement block structure with no electricity and no windows. I know they live there because their shoes neatly line the doorway and sometimes there are clothes hanging outside.

In contrast, the surroundings we live in are huge homes with winding staircases and floor to ceiling windows. I marvel at the progress and the lack of safety equipment used to protect the workers. Do they have workers compensation here? I rather doubt it resembles what we have. Probably, it is called deportation and a one way ticket home. Life in the desert.

So, where is the color? Underneath, I suspect. In the Souq, colorful clothes are sold and the shoes on the women I see walking around in black covered from head to foot betray the colorful
life that is hidden from public view. So far, I have only seen glimpses. I will pay more attention!

Well, I tried to upload some pictures from Kodak and I failed. As you know, I am computer challenged. Although I have learned a lot from trial and error and a lack of support help here (Sandy and Diana!!!!), I can't seem to figure out how to transfer my photos! If someone wants to help, I could use the advise.