I have been in Islamabad just under a week now, but it seems like an age it has been so fun-filled and action-packed :) We've had Urdu training every day for 2 hours - bahut dilcasp (impressive huh!). Actually, it has been really good, and I have been constantly surprised at how similar some Urdu words are to European languages - kameez is shirt (like in French) and mez is table (like in Spanish I think!). Anyway, we have also been taken shopping (where I had to buy at least one more shalwar kameez as they are so beautiful (even though I bought about 5 with me). My excuse was that I need at least one with long sleeves. The place we went shopping was a lot more like I expected Islamabad to be - a proper bazaar. Some of the others walked past a shop selling goats heads and brain, but I was spared that pleasure (thank goodness).

In addition, we have had a session with 3 CEO's of various NGOs in Islamabad, who talked about the political situation, which was really interesting, given all that is happening at the moment. I won't give you an in depth political analysis here - you can always email me....

I also have learnt a lot more about the NGO I am going to and the job I am going to do - it sounds excellent. Hopefully I will get to travel round the different projects and interview people who have benefitted and then write it up, as well as help evaluate how successful their projects have been. Aso, the accomodation sounds fab - I am sharing with another volunteer, and we have 2 lounges (!) and a terrace. Apparently it is in the rich area of town, with all the other expats, which will be good security wise I think.

Another important matter to mention is the food. I thought before I came I wasn't too fussy, but after a mere 3 days of rice, chappati and daal for lunch and dinner I had had enough, especially as my mouth seems to be particularly delicate, so I have to drown it all in yoghurt to dull the pain (!). Oh the joy when we had pizza one lunch. Given that I have hardly survived 5 days with this diet, it doesn't bode well for the next 360.... Though most of the volunteers who have been here a while have said tht they have actually put on weight!

I was also able to go to a Catholic church today, which is really good. It was a bit of an odd experience though as it was mainly a Phillippino community and we had some really good Phillippino food after the service! But it was good to go to a place where I could feel at peace.

I am going to be in Islamabad for another week of training, and then off to Mansehra next saturday...

Anyway, i think that is all for now. Thank you so much for your messages and emails xx