Working

Well my mother recently asked if I'd be starting up my blog again because I have the opportunity to travel with work. I wasn't going to but as I sit here this morning, I say, why not? Why not? Because no one actually reads this is why not but hey, it's a little outlet and maybe if you're unfortunate enough to get some sort of notice about a new post you can read the ramblings of a mad woman.

I recently found out that I'll be headed to Ethiopia for two weeks with work. As you likely know, I've started a job working for CPAR, an NGO based in Toronto that does work in Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. It's a pretty exciting time for me and this trip should prove an excellent learning experience.

Whoop there it is

My supervisor and I are heading over to attend a programs department meeting. I'll have the chance to meet some of my colleagues who I have been communicating and working with strictly over email. This has actually proved to be a challenge because it can be difficult to build a rapport with someone you have never met. It's hard to know if your tone seems harsh, rude, funny (probably funny right?), demanding, offensive, naive or what. As the new kid, have I come in and seemed like chump? Guess I'll find out...

So it's a busy week and half preparing for the trip. Thus far activities have included - early morning expedited passport renewal, frantic but cost-effective flight booking and a trip to a travel doctor that left me with two very, very, very sore arms. The nurse was wrong...the Hep A shot actually hurts more than the tetanus shot. To her credit, I felt neither needle go in.

Off to work...on my way I'll be filling the usual scrip for malaria and travellers diarrhea meds...oh the the glamorous side of international travel.