Traffic is horrendous. It isn’t bad driving but I think that’s only because there is too much of it to travel at any speed. It really can take an hour to travel 10 or 15 kilometres, perhaps longer. You also don’t really want to be getting out of your car and venturing around on your own so it seems. So the rule is, give yourself 2 hours to get ANYWHERE no matter how far or close you think it is. That in mind, it took about an hour and a half to get to the hotel from the airport.
The project documentation prior arrival did state, “Exercise extreme patience at all times” and that is what I am going to have to do. It’s all good!
(Click for more)
I got into the hotel and waited to see the guy at reception. I waiting in line to fill out the form. I then waited some more while he prepared the key card. I waited for him to copy and return my passport. I waited some more while he dealt with someone else. The best of it all was when he came back and said that the room wasn’t ready and would I mind waiting an hour? “Another hour you mean?” An hour in Africa can mean the entire day. I gave up and decided to just get to the office and go and meet my new family away from home.
Everyone is really great. I haven’t come up with any catchy nicknames yet so they will be left unnamed for now. That wont last long. My head hurts so I don’t want to stretch my brain cell anymore than absolutely necessary. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home. It didn’t take long for them to start complaining about the quality of internet and remote access services. I felt in place and ready to save the world. I just didn’t have a clue as to where to start.
My boss that will be based in Houston was in Angola (until tonight when he flies home) arrived from the remote site up north and so the handover started. My head hurt even more after that. There is just so much to take in with very little time. We got through quite a bit in a short space of time. Before I knew it the day was over and I went to go check in. My room was only just ready. I’m quite glad I didn’t wait that hour downstairs. I went up and had a quick shower before coming back to the office to work another hour or so. The big boss then announced he was taking us all for dinner.
We went to a really nice seaside restaurant in an area called something translated into “The Island” or something like that. I don’t recall the name of the restaurant either but it was really nice and almost on the beach. I think it was called Coconut or something. After a lovely dinner I was introduced to the really high cost of living in this place. $90 per person and we didn’t really splash out. It was a really pleasant evening and a really nice introduction to the project. I must admit, I was really happy to see my bed! It did not take long for me to fall asleep. Can I say “really” one more time in a paragraph?
Day two, ie today was just as busy trying to get my head wrapped around all the critical issues at hand. I found out a few things about my assignment which raised my eyebrow a bit but I am not going to even quantify it with discussion and I will just let the lifecycle play out as it must, no matter what. You see, I am going to do my best to remain in a good place? This is time for Happy Hoox. Thrive on the good and deal with / accept the the bad and move on!
It’s now time to kick ass or hit the sack. Another long day tomorrow. It’s way too early for my assessment of the place. I think I’m still shell shocked and feel like a deer stuck in headlights. Watch this space.
God I love project life!
Recent Comments