Friday 19 September 2008

First Post!



Photos of my leaving party...... doing the Macarena!! and Sian presenting me with a fantastic chocolate cake complete with a map of Uganda and two elephants!!
Photos of my fundraising Curry Night in early September, which raised a fantastic £1,200!
Welcome to my blog!

The plan was that I would be writing this first entry having arrived in Uganda in September but unfortunately luck was not on my side. I was due to fly to Entebbe on the 18th September to start my 2 year placement, but as a result of an accident whilst painting my kitchen window I ended up with a torn ligament in my knee, which went I couldn't travel as planned. At first I thought I'd be delayed by about 3-4 weeks, but unfortunately it turned out to be a bit more serious and 3 months later, after some knee surgery and numerous physio appointments I'm now finally on my way.

I'm flying to Kampala tomorrow evening - I've been waiting to get to Uganda for what seems like ages, so I'm anxious to getting going and to get stuck into my job there. I'll be working as a volunteer for Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) for the next two years. I'll be based in Masindi, which is in the North West of Uganda and will be working as an assistant manager in a small hotel. My main responsibilities are to develop the business and to train the local staff.

I'm hoping to post weekly entries on this blog ( power and internet access allowing!), so you can all keep up to date with how I'm getting on and hopefully have a look at my photos. You can leave comments to let me know what you think.
Here's to the start of a big and I'm sure challenging but hopefully hugely exciting 2 years! Watch this space!!






5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad you've arrived safe and sound..together with your luggage. Must be a good sign! Look forward to following your blog and seeing lots of pics...electicity depending of course.

Melvyn said...

Hi

Good top hear (and see) that you are settling in so well. The national parks close to you are amazing. It must be great to have made a circle of friends so quickily to. How have you founfd the food outside the hotel?

Take care!

Melvyn

Caroline Patterson said...

Hi Shiv, great to hear from you.Glad you're feeling better and settling in. Wishing you a great new year and good health. look forward to reading your blog ans keeping in touch.

Caroline Patterson

Sian Williams said...

Hi Shiv

Great to hear you are settling into the swing of things. You sound as though you are having a great time and I am dead jealous, especially the trip to the Nile. I am definitely coming to visit you!!!

had a wicked time in Japan only got back last week so have been feeling really rough over the last week but better now - buggered my left knee skiing - so i have joined the club!!

Going out with the bearwood possie in a few weeks so we ( I ) will have a few drinks for you

Hope to hear from you soon

All the best and happy New Year

Sian

Hi also from Hide , George and the guinea pigs

Caroline Patterson said...

Hi Shiv, It sounds like you're getting stuck in and having some fanastic experiences. I'm quite jealous! I love the pictures because can't image what it is really like. I knew you would take the most of every opportunity and take the rough with the smooth.Keep uploading the pictures! speak soon and take care. Caroline P. xxx