First week & weekend

So it's Sunday afternoon now, and I feel like I've been here for weeks already! Is that good or bad, I don't know...

First week at work was definitely interesting...all the same challenges of NGO development work as the UK, with the added dimension of a different language, a different concept of time, and a work culture which feels very laidback and non-pressured compared to the UK (but may turn out not to be!) As most of you know, patience is not one of my strong points but I think it will have to become one if I'm going to make the most of this!

Anyway, trying to keep an open mind and looking forward to the challenge (I do like a challenge!)

Apart from that, main things of note so far are:

Early to bed: Galle is SO quiet and there is almost nothing to do at night - everyone is in bed by 9pm and although there are a few hotels with bars, they're all deserted so even having a drink is like being in a ghost town (not much fun). This will be v good for my liver!

No grey areas: All the conversations we've had so far with Sri Lankans about the security situation have been very "black & white" with strong belief in the government.

Rigid social structures: From religion to caste to class, social mobility doesn't really seem to exist as a concept.

Family life: Family life is the framework for everything and although I imagine that can be tricky, it's nice to be part of a big family in the guest house.

Life of luxury: Things that are completely beyond the reach of the average Sri Lankan are dirt cheap to us, which means we're able to live a life of luxury - e.g. using 5 star hotel gym facilities for less than 20 quid a month, having a beer for less than a pound. Don't exactly feel comfortable with this but then again, better to spend cash in local economy than not? Answers on a blog comment please...


Pace of life: I am slowly adjusting to the pace of life here but it's taking a while - am so used to doing everything so quickly and that is just not what happens here. Things still happen just in a different way (I may come home a changed person!)

Climate: Also adjusting to climate slowly but surely - was v glad to see rain the other day as it cleared the air, and am managing to sleep through the night now without dissolving into a pool of sweat.

Hope everyone is keeping well and that life in Scotland is ticking along smoothly - I wonder who's making the decisions in the absence of politicians at the moment?!

Love to all

(PS - can't seem to upload pictures at the moment but will try another time)