Hot and Cold

Monday

The Australian Red Cross arrived today. I thought it would be two or so people, like when the Finnish Red Cross came. There is maybe 8 or so people. Pretty much all of MRCS attention is on them now, so I really have to push if I need information from them. Due to this fact and the excessive heat, much was not accomplished by me today. I did a bit of work on my report for the Climate Centre today, mostly organizing and writing up a bit on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Otherwise I was looking for volunteer work/internships for the fall while I wait to hear from Peace Corp. I suppose I should try to figure out something to do with my expensive degree. Any ideas would be appreciated :)

The weather was a tease today. This morning when I woke up it was 70. Amazing. I actually did not break out in a sweat on my way to work. But the joke was on me. 86 degrees. No AC in the office either. I do not do well in temperature extremes.

Tuesday

Last night I could not sleep, it was awful. It was so hot and I was uncomfortable and I had a lot on my mind. And seeing as I was not incredibly productive yesterday, I did not have much to tire me out. Around midnight it started to rain and I got the fan adjusted right, and BAM I was sleeping like a baby.

When I woke up, cloudy and 57. Hallelujah! On a normal day I probably have taken a light sweater, but not today. I walked slowly to work and enjoyed the cool weather. And it stayed cool all day!

As I am sitting working away, I get a phone handed to me. Its Zoloo telling me to go with the driver, there is a fire exercise going on and I should come. I really had no clue what was happening, as seriously hoped I did not have to participate in anything as I was wearing a dress and sandals. I was kinda mad that I did not know about this yesterday. When I got there I found out the drill was at the State Department Store. Nomin, the company that owns the store, ran this drill jointly with MRCS and NEMA. NEMA practiced using a ladder truck to get people off the roof and practiced using fire extinguishers and the fire hose. MRCS practiced their first aid. I found out afterward that MRCS had just found out about the drill this morning. So I guess it was good practice to respond in an emergency.

Putting out the fire

Using the ladder truck

First Aid

Little girl getting some items from MRCS


Afterward Nomin invited NEMA and MRCS personnel to their office to discuss the drill. I also finally met the Secretary General who was really nice. He was friendly and made jokes. And everyone was of course curious as to who I was. White girl? Climate change? Masters degree? So young! Yea yea yea people I get it all the time. But at the same time it gives me a real confidence boost...I'm doing something pretty awesome.