I thought finding the time to write would be the biggest problem here, but finding the right time when it comes to the weather is even more essential. It's about 40degrese Celsius outside and I'm laying on the floor so close to the window(meaning a small hole in the wall) that I get traces of a chicken fence pattern on my face.
My melheffa is soaked in sweat. A melheffa is a three meter piece of fabric that the women here gracefully wear everyday. Is is one of the many Saharawi traditions that are so important and alive in this society.
Ane and I chose to wear the melheffa during our stay in a desperate attemt to blend in, but also to show that we support their struggle towards the independence of their country. The melheffa along with their language (Hassania), their tea and their derrah. Is to show their identity and their unity.
We try as best we can to understand and adapt to their culture and everyday life. But no matter how much interaction you've had with estranged cultures before, the life in the camp will come as a shock to any globetrotter.
For me as a Nordic woman used to my personal goals and being just me, myself and I have a difficult time getting used to this society.
You can say that these women are strong and have control of the family and the household, but when
it comes to the world outside these brick walls. I see that the men have almost total control.
Ida
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