Well, I am finally in Islamabad (and managed to get to an internet cafe!). Things are going well, and I feel sorry for all you guys stuck in rainy England as the weather has been clear blue skies but not too hot (typical British to talk about the weather first). The flight out was OK - thanks to all you guys who had a word with the man upstairs as I wasn't afraid at the airport at all (though a tad upset, but that was inevitable). Unfortunately I got a little airsick (well actually it was horrible) and the advice my wonderful brother gave me before I left (not turning up with vomit down my front) was quite apt, as I was feeling terrible when I finally met the person I am going to be working with for the next year.... (But now we are getting on well)

Anyway, there are about 12 VSO people who are all in Islamabad for the 2 week in country training - a few form the UK but some from Canada, the Netherlands and the the Phillippines as well. The training has been excellent so far, and the VSO porgramme office really helpful and has made the transition easy and exciting. We've had a session about security, which was reassuring, and we have also started having Urdu lessons, which have been really fantastic - I've really wowed the team with my knowledge of saying mera naam Georgina hai. The guest house we are staying in is great, and it is easy to forget that I am in the developing world at some points - it is really luxurious compared with the dingy dirty place I stayed in last year in Calcutta. Islamabad is an odd city, though I don't think we are in the centre, but there are loads of wide fast roads, a lot of green space, and many building sites - not like a typical Asian city at all. Things don't happen on the street like they did in Calcutta - I think Rawalpindi might be more like that.

Anyway, that is all for now, but thanks so much to people who have emailed!