Hi everyone,
So as some of you may know…I have now moved into my new flat. (Pictures to follow) It already feels like home, and am now used to the 4 locks I have to get through before I’m through the front door (!). It’s not that this area is any less secure than other places, just that I happen to live with a very lovely, yet slightly nosey and security conscious landlady. Though perhaps she should be more worried about people inside the vicinity not out, as her husband rather fancies himself as a hit with the ladies! I am on the ground floor, the landlady and her family live above me, and another British woman is on the top. I’ve been very busy recently, so still not had a chance to pop up and say hello to this mysterious ‘Lynn’ they speak of, but am sure I will bump into her sometime soon.
The area I’m living in is the best location I could wish for. Lots of shops/supermarkets/ fruit and veg stalls/bars/restaurants/cafes nearby. Really is a lovely area, and close to about 15 other volunteers too, can’t complain! Takes me 45mins to walk into work each day, prefer to walk due to the crazy bus drivers, though have to say that if I’m having a down day then the walk in does nothing to help my mood - busy streets lined with men ogling/making crude comments…you’ve heard it all before so will stop there. On a good day, I let it wash over me, and focus on the great things about the city, it’s vibrancy for example, and the fact the days are beginning to get longer and much hotter. I’m in short supply of t-shirts, so Mum if you are reading this…any chance you could pop a few of my tops I left behind into the next parcel you are sending?! Nearly combusted on my way into town today!!
My last blog talked about work and their expectations, and have to say…not a lot has changed. In fact, I have continued to be thrown in at the deep end, and have been putting 100% into it. In fact…I’ve only had one real day off this month, as weekends have involved AGM’s, strategy planning, workshops, all of which I’ve attended in hope of building better relations with my colleagues. As this is the workload they are used to, they can’t see why I might be feeling tired/bogged down, yet in truth this week has been a little too much for me, and have been told by my country director to say no to weekends and look after my health, or I won’t be able to keep it up for the year. Was hard saying no, as I really want to prove to them why it was VSO chose me for their organization, and when I say no to work I feel like I’m being lazy/not trying. This is something I will have to get better at, and learn not to feel guilty about giving myself time off. I know I am trying my hardest, and that is all that counts. Look forward to enjoying my work, and not feeling anxious about what the day will hold/what they think of me. I’m sure that will come with time. So once again, a very honest account of how I’m feeling, though see no reason in pretending otherwise. I’m a little homesick, a little out of depth at times, but know it will pass and I will look back with fondness about my time here.
Hope that the cold weather isn’t getting people down, I know If I was back I’d suffer from a few grumps and slumps due to the short/cold days, so anyone with the same problem as me….I advise numerous cups of tea, biscuits and a nice warm bath. If it snows again….be sure to build a snowwoman, who ever makes the best Helen look-a-like will win a fabulous prize (not too sure what yet, but I’ll make it a good’un!) Much love all round. H xx
p.s…..Oh dear…. my landlord is playing 50Cent, and singing along very badly, making a bad song that even bit worse. Delightful!!
p.p.s…..I don’t have easy access to skype from now on, but if any of you wish to contact me…you can add credit to your skype accounts, and call from your comp to my mobile. Works a treat! 6 hours ahead of UK, and about 12 hours ahead of U.S in case anyone fancies a good ol’ Rathbone Chinwag!!
977 980 3977307
