1 week anniversary

It's been a week since I arrived in the country. It's Christmas and I am off work today.

I was invited to a Christmas eve dinner at my colleague's, so you can be assured that I was not alone. It was a half Finish and Basque dinner with people from several countries, and was very nice. 

Slowly getting things done. I got my UN ID, opened a bank account and had my prospective apartment inspected by the security office (!) I am doing this all during my work hour by sneaking out of meetings etc. Trying hard to remember everyone's name at the office as well as a long list of acronyms. Lots of intake of info more than my little brain can handle.    

Just a few things I have noted about the country and the life here:

• Local people are all very polite and nice (and short!)
  
• Interesting to see the mixture of people especially Indian looking and Mongoloid (Chinese looking) and I was told that I can pass as a local
  
• Traffic is crazy, I am very nervous crossing major roads. No pedestrian crossings and seemingly no traffic rules...
  
• The 10 hour power-cut everyday can be difficult. A flashlight is a must when venturing out after 6 as it is a total darkness
• Lots of nice stores and restaurants in the neighborhood, there are still so many touristy areas that I haven't even begin to explore. The part of the city where my office is and where I will be living probably (apt details TBC) sort of caters to the expats community.  

Wishing you all a merry Christmas!!

こちらに来てから１週間。少しづつ慣れてはきた。毎日、仕事の合間をぬって銀行口座を開いたり、国連のIDを申請したりと走り回っている。早く落ち着いて、仕事に集中したいけど、こればっかりは腰を据えて、こちらの生活になじむまで待つしかないな。昨晩はフィンランド人の同僚の家でのクリスマスディナーに呼んで頂いた。今日はクリスマスで仕事はお休みです。