Wednesday, 3 November

These last few weeks have been busy for me! Last week there was a planned visit by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State - The visit was cancelled at the very last minute because the weather was too bad for his plane to land - relief all round!
I have also been busy helping to develop a medium-term strategy for the implementation of the UN mandate in my area of responsibility. This means that there is even more work for me to do...
The Head of Office is currently away on holiday so things are running better than usual!
Over the last weekend I was given the responsibility of helping a group of UN experts researching arms trafficking. I spent an interesting time meeting all kinds of dubious characters!!
I have also been busy settling in at my new house (picture to follow) - although I only expect to stay there for a couple of months.
I have still not made a final decision whether to renew my contract - I have to decide by next week...
Here in Beni we are busy following the U.S. elections - very exciting... I am supporting Kerry, though things are not looking so good - it is very British to support the underdog. I don't even want to think of another 4 years of Dubya!

European Tour: 17-19 September

Mount Ararat

I saw this mountain from the plane - it is located where the borders of Armenia, Turkey and Iran meet. In mythology it is where Noah's ark landed after the great flood. I have always wanted to visit the mountain (and Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia located at the foot of the mountain). I do not like plane travel much as I feel that you pass over so much that would be interesting to see close up...

Place St Michel

It felt good to be at Roissy airport asking for a ticket to Paris...back in Paris and marveling at the novelty of the developed World - When I came back I took a while to readjust to the European way of life. I did not miss the dustyness of Beni too much...and it was really good to see some familiar faces again!

Soiree at Cite Universitaire

Here are some good friends who I lived with for a few months at Cite Universitaire - Hircham, Alexandra and Augustin!
More info on Cite Universitaire can be found on http://www.ciup.fr

Market at Maubert-Mutualite

This is a little market on Boulevard St Germain - very colourful. This is a nice area of Paris close to the Pantheon.

Place de la Concorde

Nice sky...

Cafe Panis

Here is a cafe where I sometimes go when in Paris - although nearby Bar Onze is much better!

Jardin du Luxembourg

This is a really nice garden in Paris - always full of flowers. The building in the background is the French senate. See http://www.senat.fr

Ducks at home

...in Jardin du Luxembourg

Going to Italy

Me at Bercy station about to get the night train to Florence... See http://www.sncf.fr