at last

26th January Saturday

We’ve arrived and all’s well so far. Apart from the Internet. I don’t know when this will get posted as the connection is very slow at the hotel but I’ll write now while the mood is upon me and also I might feel differently in a few days.
The flight over was uneventful apart from Phil being put on a later flight for the first leg of the journey to Frankfurt and the nearly missing the Asmara connecting flight. I’d decided I’d refuse to board the plane if Phil’s flight didn’t arrive in time but luckily we were spared the experience of a showdown with Lufthanasa by P’s appearance 5 minutes before take-off. Five other volunteers were on the flight, nearly everyone else left at Jeddah so we almost had the flight to ourselves for the final hour to Asmara. Arrived at 10.30 by which time we were all in a zombie state and staggered through all the airport formalities including registering our mobile phones and changing money to pay the tax on them. We were met by a welcoming committee from the VSO office in Asmara who
Left us at our hotel with medical and induction packs and promises to return the next day.

27th January Sunday

Decided against joining the optional walk to the edge of the escarpment to see the baboons in favour of sleeping late. An afternoon walk around Asmara (partly in cloud) and an evening meal with the other in-coming volunteers and two on-going volunteers gave us a really good first experience of the place. The main street – Harnet – is just as we’ve seen in photos. It’s still hard to believe we’re really here.

28th January Monday

Up at seven for breakfast at the hotel followed by the first day of the in-country training at the VSO office. This lasts for two weeks after which we start our jobs. Four of us are based here in Asmara and the other three are going to jobs in the villages outside Asmara. Today was mainly a bits and pieces day, this morning was spent filling in forms for work permits etc etc. and then this afternoon was a getting to know Asmara tour – great fun. Lunch and dinner with other volunteers. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, volunteers and all the staff at the programme office. We’re definitely still in the first euphoric stage of culture shock.
Language lessons start tomorrow.

8 days to go

Panic's setting in, so much to do, so little time. Just received a welcoming letter from the VSO office in Asmara telling us what to do at the airport when we arrive and giving us an optional schedule for Sunday. Suddenly everything seems real and very exciting (and frightening?). Can't wait to go now.

Just been into work (ex). it was lovely to see everyone although there were quite a few people I didn't see (Shenagh? Jane? Rupert? Tina?) Everyone please keep in touch, I will answer emails! Also please remember me to Kenny.

C

Less than 2 weeks to go

It's Sunday and the house is finally feeling emptier - still a way to go we're getting there. All we need is a tenant now ...

P

Is Panic Setting In?

Only just over two weeks and we're on a flight to Asmara. Still packing, no interest in the house but apart from that we're all set. The dilemma of what to take is helped by the 25kg limit.

We've also just done a quite intensive but very interesting 5-day VSO course "Skills for Working in Development" something my IT colleagues could argue I have always lacked! As usual the other volunteers on the course and the trainers made it a real pleasure.

P

Not long to go

It's 2008 and we've got three weeks left in the house. It's all starting to get serious now. Box packing is under way and we're off to Birmingham on Thursday for VSO courses.

C