First thoughts

So been here for a couple of days now. Haven’t really seen the city – they sort of wanted me to hit the ground running as they say. The office staff is really nice and funny, I share an office with Keith who is in charge of the medical programmes and the office has a window where every so often I get a lovely warm breeze coming through. My supervisor Evelyn is a lot younger than I thought and super fun. I do have to get used to the rhythm of life here it's much different from the scheduled and structured work I'm used to - sometimes causes me stress but I'm learning to get over it and go with the flow - everything will happen eventually. My apartment is not ready yet so I’ve been staying at the youth hostel which is nothing like any other hostel I’ve ever stayed at there is a high percentage of nuns and other members of the religious community (I think it is connected to the Catholic parish here) can’t say it’s a ton of fun but then again I haven’t made much of an effort to talk to the other guests, only staying there for one more night because I’m heading up north for about a week of training and orientation around the IDP camps (so don’t expect any postings for a while I’m not sure about internet access). Just figured out that I didn’t really pack any shirts for the field so I’m not sure what I’m going to be wearing…… just pants I guess ha ha ha.
It like a 20 minute walk to work along a paved but very dusty road that is crazy busy, cars, minibuses crammed full of people, boda-bodas (scooter taxis) the later two often offering me rides – apparently it’s weird that I like to walk. Besides the walking I look strange too - everywhere I go I get stared at!!!! The best had to be the kid on the way to work today who stopped dead in his tracks, stared at me and then just as I was almost completely past him he say hi how are you? He was like 8 or so – it was pretty funny. I’ve been told I’ll get used to the staring. The traffic is terrifying, no lanes, little rules, lots of people and they drive on the other side of the road from us at home.
Ah the big question food: so far I’ve eaten matooke (mashed plantains – can’t say I’m a fan but will have to learn to like it) as well as some sort of sweet potatoes, groundnut sauce and some pea sauce thing. It’s been interesting because we all have lunch together at the office (pay once a month and get lunch for the month super cheap!!) so it’s definitely let’s see how the Canadian likes our food and Mom you’d be proud I’ve eaten everything on the table both days though there was talk of grasshoppers which I may decline as apparently the heads remain on……
It is a huge change from life in Canada but I think I’m doing ok – it’s better when I’m around other people the nights at the hostel have been kinda lonely but up country I’m sharing a seriously tiny room with another new staff member at the base camp in G-town so I don’t think loneliness will be a problem then when I get back I can move into my apartment and get settled. Plus Jessica will be arriving then too so lots of excitement. I do miss you all though and enjoy your comments and emails so keep them coming even if I can’t check them while I’m in G-town. Will hopefully have pictures to show you when I get back. Love ya tons!