Since 2014 my career has focused on understanding Somalia’s economic, political, and security troubles. Prior to visiting Somalia, I envisioned barren land and scarcely covered by pockets of flat steel roofs, children and goats leisurely standing alongside a dirt road, a concrete checkpoint guarded by an armed man in plastic sandals, and a blown-up truck resting far away from any sign of civilization.
My vision was not far from the truth but certainly was not complete. Somalia is dry, but also has an inviting blue coastline. Rockets are a reality, but so are patches of public spaces where first dates take place, tea is shared, and Instagram posts are made. Many Somalis seek asylum abroad, but some come back to vacation in their home country. Misty, the young woman in the photos, is one of them. As the sun sets below Somali horizon, she tells me that life is Mogadishu is better every day.
