It is amazing to think that I have been here two weeks already, the time is literally flying. While touching wood, much to my surprise I am yet to come down, or really be affected, by the food and water here. This will come as a surprise to many. It may have something to do with the constant consumption of 1.5 bottles of spring water, thought apparently the tap water is okay, as well as most of my meal being taken in hotels. I have to say, brochettes of beef and tuna fish sandwiches are getting a little tiring but on the whole the food quality is good. So far we have eaten out in a Thai, Lebanese and Ethiopian restaurant. We are all keen to try the local pizzeria though, Guidos. Sunday afternoon was spent at the Grande Marche, having been entirely swamped by would-be guides, Saturday afternoon involved a 5km walk in the countryside during which I must have sweated out all of the water that I had drunk that day. Also, with the combination of the sun and taking Doxicycline, my cheeks were far redder than normal. It did not add up to a pretty sight! Well, the donkey did not seem to be impressed.
Yesterday was the first real day of work, having finished the 2.5 day induction course fall new starters. So many people are arriving that the training centre is completely overwhelmed. The air conditioner in the room struggled to keep the temperature below 30c. That said, it could have been a lot worse and the staff are really trying. It was amazing to hear that the UN has a whole portal of online accredited courses for staff to take that are completely free. On top of this there are over 30,000 books that can be downloaded. This really was music to my ears. We heard about the background to the conflict in the North, as well as the situation at present. The South of the country is largely at peace and the population centres in the North are fairly secure. That said, it is not recommend to land on Kidal's air strip as it is literally just desert. An improvised explosive device also detonated just metres from the air strip. Luckily no one was injured. There was discussion on international humanitarian law, how the Geneva Conventions have been adapted to cater for internal armed conflicts. Fascinating to know that they apply everywhere, regardless of whether a state is a signatory or not.
So, for the first time I will be moving to an apartment without an address! The road outside literally has no name and so we have to describe it as a block of flats close to the roundabout with the monument of the candle in its centre. Very random. It was a tussle with security to let me move out of our very well protected hotel. We will miss the Benin Peacekeepers walking around in their blue helmets and automatic weapons. I won't miss having my I.D. checked everytime we get home and our bags scanned through x-ray machines! The compromise was that we have to have razor wire placed all around the perimeter wall, extra bolts placed on the main bedroom door so it can act as a safe room, and 24-hour security guards outside! Don't be alarmed, this is much more than most have, unfortunately it was unavoidable if I wanted to be reimbursed for my rent.
Today is Labour Day in Mali, so happy that. See you all soon x.
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