Living in a museum

is how it feels to be in the city...


Or should I say it's more like being on a movie set? 

And you still get to taste comparable to Planet Hollywood Tex Mex.  :) 

Highlight of the week

This week, I was invited to a dinner party at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence. A very high-ranking official from the self-dense was visiting the country (they sent some personnel to monitor the post conflict peace agreement.) The Ambassador invited several UN staff along with some others.

I was very nervous. I always feel a bit self conscious around Japanese people abroad anyways (because I feel like I may not be behaving right sometimes..), but this was a real official thing. Seats were pre-arranged, and the ambassador asked each invitee to talk about the work, our views on the government etc (within 3-4 minutes to be precise). As you know, my Japanese has gotten a little rusty these days, so imagine being especially in such a formal setting. I was so afraid that I would make stupid mistakes. I couldn't taste the food until my turn was over!!

The gathering was very nice and interesting. I was very nervous, but I found it helpful to talk about my work. It almost feels like the more you talk about it, the more you understand your job (in a process of formulating what to say etc..). Besides, it is interesting that after only a few months of joining, I already feel that I am representing the agency in an informal way, when I talk about the work we do to others. 

To be frank, I did not realize how senior this guest of honor was until I went home and checked their website. (Yes, I should have researched before...) If I am in Japan, I will never have a chance to meet with such a high level person (off course not to mention dining with an ambassador!). I really appreciated the occasion. It made me think also that I am working for the (UN) agency really as Japanese this time, and this comes with a set of certain responsibilities and expectations, and I need to be mindful of that. The food was delicious and I also had some sake!! Gochosou sama deshita.

Welcome to the UN Cafeteria!

職場のお昼ご飯がすごくおいしい。うちの機関の建物の１階にカフェテリアがあってほとんど職員は皆そこで昼食を取る。メニューはほぼ毎日カレー。でも飽きない。いわゆるタリという数種類のおかずが同じお皿にのってくるもの。大体、野菜カレー（日によってジャガイモや茄子カリフラワー、肉のカレーも頼めばある）と葉っぱもの、アチャールと言われる辛いトマトベースのピックルとご飯そしてダルといわれるレンズ豆のスープ。スプーンで食べる人もいれば、手で豪快にまぜて食べる人も。週に何回かは野菜カツレツとフライドポテトや餃子（モモと呼ばれる）もあるしバーガーをチョイスできる日もある。これで値段が５０ルピーなので１００円以下。おかわり自由。月末にお勘定が支払うシステムで、紅茶やコーヒーもお願いして部屋まで持ってきてもらうこともできる。

昼食時は他の同僚とおしゃべりできるのも楽しい。うちは職員のフロアが３つもあるし、個室オフィス（一部屋二人位）で話す機会のない人もいるけど、お昼は皆一緒。いつも同じグループで固まっているというわけでもないし、ナショナルの人もローカルスタッフも結構ミングルして座っている。

My favorite time at work is off course lunch. The lunch break is between 1 and 2 in the afternoon. There is a cafeteria at work where they cook one or two kinds of dishes everyday. They keep track of what you eat and tea you order, and you get billed at the end of a month. Each meal is 50 rupees (less than $1 or 100 yen). It is so-called “Thali” style where a few kinds of curries come on a same plate. It comes with dal (lentil soup), vegetable curry of the day (meat if you like), leafy things (spinach or others that I can’t quite identify) and another spicy (normally) tomato based condiments with rice. Curries are slightly different every day. I knew I liked Indian food, but I am surprised that I have not gotten tired of it. If I don’t eat it for a few days, I find myself craving for it and it’s almost addictive. The lunch time is also fun since you can chat with your colleagues. In our office building, we are all separated in a small office of 2-3 people, so there is not much time for interaction other than during lunch. 

The cafeteria also makes dumplings called "Momo" and vegetable cutlets with French fries, which are both quite good.  

New Camera

I bought a new digital camera today, so stay tuned for photos!! 

My old one has problems with batteries, and that is why I haven't been able to post photos on this website. 

I went to a department store where there were only three options for digital cameras, and they were all sony cyber-shot! I can't even dream about Future Shop or Yodobashi Camera (japanese equivalent or better) In any case, I know nothing about this type thing, so it served me well. 

This camera didn't come with a warranty or anything, so I hope it will work at least until the time when I go to NY early summer this year (to be confirmed).    

*I translated an entry, pleas scroll down.... 

Fun Sunday

I will translate the entry later when I have time.... 

仕事頑張る宣言をしたけど、レポートを家に持って帰ってきてもほとんど開かず。ま、ワークラフバランスも大事だしね。今日は野菜市場で買ったヒラタケ？キノコの一種でキノコバーガーを夕食に作って食べたら美味しかった。

すごく楽しかった日曜日のことを忘れる前に書きたい。長くこの国に暮らすとこんなことで感激しなくなるかもしれないので。

昼前に待ち合わせてご近所さんの日本人の女性にKTM散策に連れて行ってもらった。まずは、この国では初めててのミニバス試乗（？）ガイアナやマラウイでは主要交通機関だったのにこちらに来てからはルートも分からないしタクシーでいつも移動しているので乗ったことがなかった。ショッピングモール（大した物はないのだけど何とか買っても良いかなーと思えるものは数点ある）を冷やかして、ニューロードというエリアへ。そこで地元民で行列のできるというお菓子屋さんでフルーツのスナック菓子を購入、それをつまみつつ色とりどりのサリーのお店などが並ぶ通りを見学。途中でこれまた地元の人に人気のサモサ店で揚げたてのを食べてみた。１個、多分２０円位だったと思う。衛生状態は疑問だけど、皮がサクッとしていて本当に美味しかった。その後、お目当てのビーズマーケットへ。そこはカラフルなビーズを売っている小さいお店が集まってる一角。お店のおじさんが次から次へと違う色のを出してきてくれる。色を組み合わせたりもできるし、その場ですぐ作ってくれる。私はシルバーと水色が組合わさったものを買った。値段もびっくりするほどお手頃。ここから少し歩くと今度は生活用品を売っているマーケットに突き当たる。ここでは、香辛料や真鍮や銅でできた桶やヒンズー教の道具などが売ってあり、見ているだけでも楽しいし、興味深いものばっかりだった。

その後旅行者の集まるエリアで、自然石けんとボディクリーム（この国版ボディショップみたいな感じです）とピアスを買って、遅いお昼を食べた。

すごく楽しい一日だった。お洒落なレストランで食事をするのも良いけど、せっかくこの国に来てるので、ここでしか味わえないことを見たり、食べたり、経験するのは大切だと思う。ちょっとくらいお腹壊してもね。（大丈夫だったけど）

後日談で、現地人の同僚にフレッシュジュースを飲んだ話をすると、”そんなの容器をちゃんと洗っているかも分からないのに不衛生。ジューサーを家で買って作るべきよ”と言われてしまった。ローカルの人に言われるとは思ってなかった。でもこっちのばい菌にもお腹をならしていかないとなーとも思うのですが。

２月の目標は/ Objective of the month

The objective of this month is to contribute to work little by little. The goal of January has been more or less reached, which was to build a basis of life. My apartment is all equipped now leaving just a few more things to buy, made a few nice friends, met many people. Since last week I have joined a choral class (we will have a concert in May).

To be honest, I have been feeling pressure at work recently. This is pressure that no one is creating but myself. I feel, it has been more than a month since I started, and I can’t use the excuse of “I am new” any more. I work here as an international staff, making much more money than my national colleagues, and I think about how I should make contributions to the work and to the agency. I feel I have to be so competent, shine, impress people and justify hiring an international staff. I should not compare myself with others who have been here six months or a year, but there are so much I still do not know. I feel a huge gap between my own expectation (for myself) and the reality. I want to produce "results". 

Today, there was one thing I felt happy about. My boss has asked me to produce a briefing document. It was just one-pager about the health care in the country with a particular emphasis on the status of reaching Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and some relevant statistics. It was a simple document, but this was going to be used at a meeting between the Minister of Health of the country and the Executive Director of my agency. When I thought about that, I got so excited. Something written by such a junior staff (off course my boss has instructed me and he edited after I completed it) will be in the hands of the ED. It made me realize that even though I am working in a small country office, I am still a member of this organization and my work is somewhat situated in a global system.     

I figure you cannot accomplish a lot in one day, so I should try to complete what I have everyday and make a small contribution. Realistically, how can I (especially with my own capacity..) impress people after a few months? It is important to be on my toes, but no use to pressure myself unnecessarily.   

日から２月。今日は節分だったのを家に帰ってきてからNHKのニュースで見て気が付いた。

今月の目標は仕事で少しずつ貢献できるようになること。１月の目標だった生活の基盤を作ることは、ある程度達成できたと思う。アパートも多少買わないといけない物を残して落ち着いたし、お友達と呼べるような人も数人できたし、色々な人と知り合うことができた。先週からコーラスのクラスを週１で始めて、５月の発表会に向けて練習している。またこれについては書きます。その他の習い事についても。

実は最近、自分に対する仕事の期待で少しプレッシャーを感じている。もう１ヶ月以上経ったし、来たばかりで分からないという言い訳は通用しないように思う。外国人として現地で働き、ナショナルの人に比べると高額のお給料を頂いている身で、なにをどう貢献できるのだろう、素晴らしいと思ってもらえるような働きをみせなければ、と焦りを感じてしまう。半年や１年もいる他のスタッフと自分を比べるべきではないのだろうけど、まだ分からないことが多い、でももっとバリバリと仕事をしたいという自分への期待と現実のギャップに悩まされてしまう。

今日、嬉しいことが一つあった。特別アシスタントの仕事で上司にブリーフィング文書を書くように頼まれた。それはただ１ページでこの国の保健、特にミレニアム開発目標の達成度など人口問題の統計の基本的な情報等を箇条書きでまとめた単純なもの。でもこれはうちの機関の事務局長と私の赴任国の保健省大臣との会談に使われるのだ。それを考えると、私みたいな下っ端が書いた（もちろん上司の指示のもとに書いて、彼が再度手直ししたのだが）文書が彼女の手に渡り読まれるのだと思うと恐れ多いしとても感激で　１国事務所での取るに足らないような仕事もグローバルなシステムの中に位置付けられていて、私もこの機関の１員なのだという気がした。

毎日できることは限られているので、与えられた仕事を確実にこなし少しでも貢献できればと思う。現実的によっぽどの天才でもない限り、赴任数ヶ月で皆にアッと思ってもらえるような実力を発揮するのは私のキャパシティからしても無理な話。ある程度の緊張感は必要だけど、余計なプレッシャーを自分にかけるのは止めなければ。

Two Hats

I have two hats to wear at work. My terms of reference have two parts: one to work on gender programmes and other as a special assistant to the head of the agency. So, some meetings I am wearing the gender hat and other occasions I am wearing the other hat. This gets a bit confusing at times, and I try to make sure I am aware of what role I am supposed to play in each setting.

I still do not feel that I am “working working”. Off course I have been working, but I have not been given substantial tasks to manage by myself. For the gender part, I have been involved in making the work plan for this year. Our work is roughly divided into two parts: response to gender based violence (GBV) and participation of women in nation/ peace building after the conflict. We have come up with strategies as to how we allocate our resources in these two areas. I look forward to implementing the activities that we are planning in collaboration with government agencies and national NGOs. Gender is a new unit established last year. We presented our general work plan for this year in an internal meeting this week. We were applauded for our effort, and the team members (three including myself) were very happy. I feel that we are developing a team spirit, and I really like my manager and the colleague.   

As for my other responsibility, I am also feeling my way into the role. I have never worked as a special assistant before. Even though I have a set of responsibilities written on a piece of paper, I am still not very clear how this translates to actual work. So far, I have accompanied my boss to some courtesy visits, helped writing a speech/ remark for an external event, participated in important meetings, researched some issues and compiled relevant information. This role can be challenging as you need to understand systems, procedures and other overarching issues of the agency. At the same time, it is a great opportunity to learn and gain experience. I am very grateful to have this kind of exposure. I am just very anxious to get to the point where I can contribute substantially and produce “results” for my two positions. My past 1 month and a bit flew by so fast, so I really want to make best out of the two years, which is bound to go very quickly.          

Finally connected! Yeah!

やった〜！やっとお家にネットがつながった。嬉しい、これでリアルタイムでブログの更新や、メールの返信もスカイプコールもできる。お待たせいたしました。でも、いつまた使えなくなるのではとハラハラしながらです。

元気にしています。今月の目標は生活の基盤を作ること。毎週末、家財道具を揃えたり、色々な集まりに行ったりしている。今日は仕事で行った式典（ほとんど現地語）の後にカーテンもオーダーしたし、昨日新しいクッション等も購入。アパートメント生活がすごく快適になってきた。

土曜日はカナダ人のボランティアの人（知らない人だけど）に誕生日会に飛び入りで招待してもらい、参加してきた。夜は、同僚が主催のダンスパーティー。小さいパブかクラブみたいなところを貸し切りにしての集まりだった。サルサやメレンゲもちょっと踊れたし楽しかった。最近、この国は１１時以降はすべてのビジネスを閉めないといけないという決まりになっている。１１時に門を閉めて、プライベートパーティーということにするはずだったのが、警察が案の定やってきて１１時半でお開きになってしまった。

I am finally connected! I am so happy that now I can update this site, respond to e-mails and skype call. I am still doubtful that this connection always works, but for now I will take full advantage of it. 

I am still focusing on building the "base" of my life. My apartment is almost equipped now. I just ordered a set of curtains today. I am trying to go to all social gatherings when I am invited to meet people. 

This saturday, I went to a party organized by a colleague of mine (his football team). They rented a small pub/ club type place. I am totally not "clubbing" kind of person (I am too old for that...), but I really enjoyed this time. I met some nice people and also danced salsa. There has been an imposed curfew on business in this country that restaurants and clubs have to close at 11. The plan was to close the gate at 11 and pretend to have a private party. However, as expected, police came and they broke up the party around 11:30. I guess this is part of the experience of living here.   

As for work, I am learning tons everyday. We are still working on the work plan for this year, so I am hoping that once this is finalized, I will be more clear on my responsibilities.  

January 19, 2009

This weekend I celebrated the 1-month anniversary of my new life as well as the arrival of my shipped goods.

I was ecstatic to receive my shipment as you can imagine. I had a blast opening boxes on Saturday. It was like birthday and Christmas together. I was ripping all wrapping paper like a little kid being so excited what turns out from each packet. I was literally talking to my stuff saying “hey, it’s you”, “oh hello there” and “oh I missed you” and I even kissed and hugged some (my duvet, favorite plates and many other things..) I spent half a day decorating my living room with photos and decorative things, which made my place look homey and “filled”. I am fully equipped with kitchen stuff, so I invited a friend (I made a very nice Korean girl friend at work) over for lunch for simple sandwich and salad. I also bought a fridge and a few other house items. Slowly, my life is coming together.

I am trying to meet a new person every weekend. This weekend, I had a lunch with a Japanese lady who heads a NGO here. I had a great time chatting with her and walking around in the neighborhood. She showed me one fruit store where they make freshly squeezed juice (it’s actually everywhere but I just didn’t know). I tried pomegranate (Zakuro in Japanese) and orange mix juice, which was so fresh and delicious.
One more thing I was very happy was that I was able to see the Himalayas. On a clear blue sky, it almost looks like a cloud, floating in bright blue. It is un-describable but so pretty and feels “kokoro ga arawareru” (washes your spirit- Japanese expression). It’s impressive to the extent to almost bring tears to your eyes.

Off course, there are other frustrating things, such as internet doesn’t work after the installation, now 16 hours of power cut, got sinus infection last week, got a low degree frost bite (shimoyake) on my toes (this is since I was in the elementary school!) and no one gets my direction after explaining million times etc. But, I am quite happy, trying to focus on positive sides.

I wrote that there are three things in my life in the previous entry, but there is actually one more: staying touch with people back home. In this department I am slacking. I hope the Internet will be functioning at home soon, so I will be better at communicating soon. I miss you all very much.

I will write about work soon.

Namaste….

Jan 16th 2009

My life so far is juggling mainly three things, work, personal life (apt) and trying to meet new people.

More on the power-cut
The load shedding dictates your life here. You have to plan your day around it. For example, there are some days when the electricity goes off at 8 at night. When I come home, I have to jump into a shower immediately so that I can blow-dry my hair. You have to dress really warmly to go to work. When there is no power, essentials such as lights and computers can run on a generator but not a heater. I wear my winter jacket in the office and am now contemplating to bring a blanket as well as a hot water bag. The hour is now going to be extended to 16 hours a day, so I will see how this will even further affect my life. It’s amazing though how you quickly adapt to the new way of life.
No street names
Streets here do not have names. There are only loosely defined neighborhood names. This makes it really challenging to explain where you live. I had numerous attempts to explain the location of my apartment, but combined with the language barrier, people don’t understand my directions. It feels like such an accomplishment that I had water delivered to me this weekend!!
Work
There is so much to learn at work, and my brain is saturated with information. My new big boss has arrived last week. There have been a series of meetings on reviewing 08 projects and planning 09 activities. I was assigned more specific tasks now, so I will soon be “working working”.
Quality of life is expected to improve when my shipment is delivered. It has already arrived in the country but needs to be cleared in terms of custom etc. I badly need some sweaters (I didn’t bring enough warm clothes) and kitchen stuff. I will be so happy to be “re-united” with my things!

Happy New Year and I am still alive

Hello everyone, and belatedly wishing a happy new year!

I haven't had a chance to update the site, as I have been so busy plus no access to internet at home. I moved on the new year day into the apartment. 

There is so much to say, but I am well. I hope to find time to write about my work and life very sooon!

忙しくてメールもブログもする時間がなかなかありません。取りあえず元気にしていますので、御心配なく。

Daily Blackout

I haven't had a "culture shock" moment since I arrived, but the power cut may be the first big adjustment. Now the planned blackout, what they call locally "load shedding" is 13 hours per day, and it is expected to go as long as 16 or 18 hours per day in a near future. 

My electricity experience was not nearly as bad in Malawi or Guyana. 

I walked home from work today just after 6, and it was pitch-dark. I needed a flashlight just to see what I was stepping on and also to be visible to cars, motorbikes and bicycles. As for the security.... I am not trying not to think about it (it is ok but the crime rate has gone up apparently. I am being careful). 

As a partial remedy to the "load shedding", I have installed something called an "inverter" in the new apartment. It is a device to store electricity when the power is on. Once the power is cut, a few lights and appliances can run on a huge battery (attached to the inverter) for three or four hours. Well, you always learn something new when you move to a new country :) This whole system costs about $400 Canadian, and it is by no means cheap. Only handful of wealthy local people and expats can afford it. I spent two afternoons with an electrician and the landlady to put in the system, so that I would not have to live in a total darkness.

I will see how this will work or not work after I move in a few days.  

APT

お家が決まりました！

引っ越しは１月１日（！）です。色々見た所、場所やサイズやデザイン値段と総合してなかなかこれ！と思えるところがなかったけど、適当なのが見つかった。一軒家の二階をアパートにしてあり、玄関は大家さんとは別。主寝室と客室、トイレお風呂（シャワーだけだけど）が二つとキッチン、リビングダイニングの間取り。バルコニーも大きくて、お友達に遊びに来てもらうのに丁度良い大きさだと思う。決めてはwood floorとごてごてしてない内装だった。見学した家やアパートはかなりの確率でピンクの壁で金色の縁取りが壁にしてあるなんてのがあった。おかしかったのが、お風呂場のタイルがお姫様模様（ドレスを着たお姫様の柄）というのがあった。家具はほとんど付いているけど、いくつか買わないといけない。カナダから送った荷物が届くのがすごく楽しみ☆　職場までは徒歩で２０分位でいけると思う。野外野菜市場のすぐ裏で、スーパーも近いし、タクシーもつかまえられやすい立地です。肉屋さんの前を毎日通らないといけないのが少し憂鬱だけど。（生きた鶏や他の鳥が籠に入っててヤギの顔なんかも店先においてある．．．．。）大家さんは少し年配の現地人の女性で、良い人そうです。

仕事は正直、読む物や覚えなくてはいけないことが多くて、少々プレッシャーだけど、頑張ります。取りあえずアパートが決まって良かった。

I found a place! I am moving on the January 1^st. I have looked at several places, but nothing suitable in terms of size, location, design and price. This apt is on the second floor of a house with a separate entrance from the landlady’s. It’s got a master bedroom, guest room, two bathrooms/shower, kitchen and living/dining room with a balcony. It will be a good size to have some friends over! During the course of my apt hunting, I have seen some really funny ones. In general the design is a  bit tacky, such as pink walls with a gold trimming. I also saw a couple of places where bathroom tiles had a pattern of a princess. I can’t wait to receive my shipment from Canada. It’s about 20 mins walk to work, and it’s right behind an outdoor vegetable market near a supermarket. I don’t like that I have to walk by a butcher (with live chickens in a cage and a head of goat etc…No~~) The landlady seems nice too.     

As for work, there is so much that I have to read and learn, and I am a bit overwhelmed to be honest. But, I am up for the challenge! I am staying in today to get some reading done.

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。

My 1st week

The past few days have been hard. I feel like I am having two totally separate lives: the life of going to work and getting busy with settling into a new job and a country, and another one where I come back to the hotel and mourn the loss of someone who was close and special for me. It is tough that I am so far from Canada and also I have no one to talk to about this here being new and not knowing anyone too well.  

I have spent the most of my weekend with a real estate agent. I have looked at many places, but nothing perfect yet (if there is ever a perfect apartment).  Similar to Malawi, you can have a huge house for a relatively reasonable price. But, the question is do I want to live in a large house on my own? Everything that I have seen is within a walking distance of 15-20 minutes to the office, which is good. However, there are constant power cut, and I have to consider the case where I work late and have to walk back in darkness. So, the route to go home and access to taxis also matter. I would say that security is utmost important in considering a place to live. Too much to think about…..

The agent guy is very nice. He told me that he is from the low caste of Dalit, and he has been very poor. He showed me one road that he helped construct when he was as young as 7 years old. He also showed me his grandson’s picture, and he is very proud that the father of the boy made it to the university.

The biggest accomplishment of the weekend was that I got a cell phone. It was a rather rigorous process, as I had to submit a photo, copy of my passport and fingerprints. I was happy that I ventured out on my own to the main road and walked around quite a bit. I also slept through the night, so I may be adjusting to the time zone little bit.

For work, it’s fine so far. My days (two days) were spent mostly on admin things, such as attending a security briefing, getting a bank account application form and reading reports and docs. It’s a busy time of the year, so I am just keeping to myself for now and trying to understand how things work. I participated in training on facilitation skills Friday half day, and tomorrow I will be sitting in a review meeting for one of core programs of the agency. I see my colleagues working, and I can’t wait to get busy, but I know I have to be patient and take one thing at a time. Moving to a new country for a new job never comes so easy.

I have arrived

After spending three days in lovely Copenhagen, I flew over many time zones and finally arrived in the country. 

It was quite an adventure as usual and expectedly, but I am OK. I checked into a very nice hotel and already went to work this morning. My day started with attending training and then half a day at the office. I have met with most my colleagues, and they all seem to be very nice and friendly. I am sure that there will be many challenges ahead, but I am very excited about the opportunity. I even went to a wedding reception for one of my colleagues. So far so good. 

I will write more on the weekend. Happy Friday!

無事に到着しました。時差ぼけだけど、仕事初日はスームーズにゆき、同僚は皆フレンドリーで優しそうな人達でホッとした。また週末に詳しくコペンハーゲンでのことやら書きたいと思います。

See you!

I am off to Montreal tomorrow morning and then will leave for Europe for training. I will arrive in the country Thursday evening. Please keep your fingers crossed that I will get there (with still some paperwork pending...) 

明日モントリオールで１泊し、友人達と会って翌日の日曜日に出発です。まずはデンマークで研修を受け、木曜日の夕方に現地入りします。 

Crunch Crunch Time

I have not been busier. I have been literally running around to get things done. Three more days before my departure and still a lot to do and many more people to see. 

I visited Guelph and Toronto one more time this weekend to see Lynda and other friends. It was quite an emotional visit. 

To make the matter worse, there has been a big snow storm and (un-relatedly) the Ottawa bus company is on strike (hence no bus services in the city) from today. I had two more vaccine shots, made another visit to the bank as my banking information was not correct to process a wire transfer, lunch with a friend, a haircut and shooting e-mails in-between. 

I hope that I survive this week.... sigh 

オタワは昨日の大雪で道路はすごいことになってる。しかもバス会社のストでバスが走っていない。この一番忙しいってときに長靴で雪の山を越え、雪道をザクザク歩いていかないといけない。出発まで残り数日。どうなることやら。 

Getting ready

Little by little, I am getting prepared for the departure. 

I have booked my flight leaving on the 14th, shipment is waiting for my green light (I have to find an apt first) received the flashy blue passport, getting immunization shots and a prescription for malaria pills among many other things. 

The hardest part is the mental preparedness. Since I was thinking that I would leave in January, I feel the decision was made so suddenly to leave in December. It was just probably for over a week when I was entertaining the idea of January departure and but got quite comfortable with it. I know it would have given me a time to get rest and spend a time with my close friends. 

This is like a pulling the bandage off. It's going to hurt anyways, so you might as well do it quick and get over with it. Along with tying some loose ends and run a whole bunch of errands, the next week will be a very emotional time saying good-byes to many people. 

I am excited about my new adventure though! 

着々と準備は進みつつあるが、残り１週間になってしまった。リンダが末期がんと宣告されたことや、友達のプライベートなショックな知らせなどで、少し感傷的になっている。忙しい中でもなるべくリラックスできるようにしなければ。

Last Day at work

今日でお仕事納め。

ほぼ1年半ここに勤めたことになる。良い上司と同僚に囲まれて、のんびり働かせて頂いて感謝。念願のカナダNGO勤務だったけど、そこに到達すればしたで、次の目標（限界？）が見えてきてしまって、丁度良いタイミングで辞めることができたのではないかと思う。仕事も担当していたことが一段落着いて、当初はもっと早く赴任する予定だったけど、最終的には良かったです。

職場でサプライズでピザのランチと午後のケーキまで用意してもらってしまった。お別れ会の第一弾です。今日は仲良しの同僚とエチオピア料理を食べにいきます。明日はもう一つのNGO（雇われている方の）で見送りランチをして頂きます。2つのNGOを行き来するへんなポジションだったけど、これもおもしろい経験でした。

さて、出発が決まったような。12月14日にオタワを発つことになりそうです。まだ飛行機の予約もできてない。どうなることやら。1月出発のつもりで準備をしていて、ここで急にすぐに来てくれと言われてしまった。どこかでまだ、だいどんでん返しがあるハズとは思ってはいたが．．．。 To be continued.....