Finding a routine

Well, I definitely haven't found a routine yet, although at one level, I'm living the commuters office life. I go to work by taxi; they can take up to 6 people (4 in the back, 2 in the front) and they pick up and drop off as they ply the main routes round the city at a cost of around 15p per person. Yesterday, I left home at 6.45 and was at the office by 7.15 (about an hour too early), so today I left home at 7.15 and got in at 8.45 (a bit too late). It would actually be possible to walk in about an hour, but it is rather hot for that, and also feels a bit dangerous to me - mainly because of the large holes that suddenly appear at the roadside.

I work in the main Ministries Building (the "Youyi Building" - its marked on Google Earth)and I have to walk up to the 4th floor. Needless to say, I'm pretty sweaty by the time I get there.

My actual office (which I share with my boss)  has a great view and was my second culture shock here: There is air conditioning and it's positively icy. Luckily I brought a jacket and tie with me from UK. I am keeping it in the office, so that I can put it on if needed to warm up! The Ministry staff are all being very welcoming and my boss clearly has an overwhelming workload, so I hope it won't be hard to find ways to support him.

I'm living in the West of Freetown, just off off Wilkinson Road at the Murray town end (try the street name function on Google Earth). I share a first floor flat with a Kenyan VSO, who is a great source of practical advice. The flat is basic but OK - we have electricity (and a fan, but no aircon)and no running water. We pay a guy to wash clothes, bring water cans to the ground floor hall, and clean the house. (I know some would argue that my judgement of character isn't great when it comes to cleaners - but this guy really does seem good!)

I've been to the beach once so far - a great place to unwind from the city stresses. It's quite possible to get there by taxi after work to drink a cold beer in a beach bar if you time it right. Working that out is my next transport challenge!

A couple of people have texted about whether I am picking up emails. Well I am, and it is good to get them - you can email via a link if you click on "my profile" opposite, so no excuses!