Celebrities don’t rough it when they go on peace-keeping and refugee missions to third world countries. A company called AFEX Group offers permanent and on-demand housing for UN officials. Accommodation in the field is provided at around $200 a night in gated luxury tent compounds outfitted with all the necessary amenities. Gourmet food, internet access, big screen televisions, a fitness center and driving range make their camps in dangerous Sudan and Kenya more resort-quality than pup tent:
Ever wondered why celebrities like Angelina Jolie have been rushing off to war zones? Life for international peacemakers may not involve quite such danger and hardship as we imagine. It seems to be more like living in an Ian Schrager hotel.
UN, UNICEF, foreign correspondents and the staff of most big aid agencies spend their time in camps run by a company called Afex. For more than $200 a night, foreigners trying to stop the war in Sudan live in luxury gated compounds (with names like Hotel California) enduring wi-fi, ensuite tents that wouldn’t look out of place in Wallpaper, satellite TV, games rooms, fully stocked bars (in this otherwise dry country) and espresso cafe.
Food-wise there’s everything from Mexican themed nights to curries, carveries, chinese buffets and ladies’ party nights.
Plus “logistics and security” experts Afex have a private army at your beck and call. They offer “asset protection” (ie can shoot anyone who looks twice at your laptop), and
“access control” (guarding you from having to come into contact with locals etc).
[From the PopBitch e-mail newsletter, January 25, 2007]
You can hardly blame them for wanting somewhere nice to stay, and I’m not saying it takes away from their charity work because it’s not like they demanded to be equipped with life’s luxuries while in the field. Of course they need security and a decent place to stay. It just seems like that money would be better spent on the very desperate people they’re trying to help, but surely I’m oversimplifying the problem.
Makes sense. They want to max the number of celebrities that go out there, and some folks are squeamish about “sub-optimal” conditions.
$200 per night doesn’t seem like luxury to me but then I’m looking at the US hotel prices–is the UN footing the bill or the celeb in question? BTW, Angelina is not the only celebrity involved with the UN — why only her photos?
Kailie I will add some more photos. I was kind of lazy about that and just thought of Angelina as she is the most high-profile person.
kailie2- why so hyper sensitive about AJ? I really wish you would stop defending her so much- I mean I know you like her and all but lighten up already.
I completely understand why a picture of Angelina was used – she is the publicity whore when it comes to being a do-gooder. I mean this woman has adopted 2 kids from foreign countries and never hesitates for one moment to shove it down everyone’s throats.
Most of the stuff about UN travels states that
(1) Angie pays her way out of her own money
(2)Roughs it with UN colleagues, sleeps on their couches, eat whatever food is available etc. So if this an attempt to again put Angelina down – check your facts before you run your fingers across the keyboard.
Many of you want to believe the worst of her, go ahead if it covers up your own faults.
To whoever wrote this story, shame on you. In your haste to write another Angelina Jolie story to add to your hits you have misreprested her. She has been praised by the people working close with her that she infact endures the same conditions as the aid workers.
But hey, who cares about the truth with there are hits to be gained from a negative story.
Sleep tight.
there was a blip about this in people magazine…about how it is that someone who is posing in photo pos with the worlds most deprived pictures…goes and then stays at a hotel that costs 3000 a night. Angelina answered to that herself saying that as a mother etc, sne needs a place where the water is safe to drink and that is safe for her.
i dont know, the united nations is notorious for mis spending and wasting funds designated for the needy to their ownselfish wallets. to find a celebrity like her going around with them is not surprising. just remember that its mostly bullshit. (sad but true)
Welcome to Cele BITCHY! 🙂
There are plenty of stories that portray AJ and other celebrities in a positive manner.