work life

Working at UNESCO has proven to be one highlights of Hanoi. The work in practice is far removed from Adelaide with not a calculation yet completed. I have entered a new world of project planning, logic models & liaising with partner organizations all with that familiar hydrological & environmental theory as a backdrop which makes the transition more manageable.

Being the new kid in town there is a lot of background reading to be done to ensure that you don’t look too stupid in the many meetings. I have managed to plough through many documents and haven't come too far unstuck yet.

I have two few specific projects for the year ahead, looking at how to conserve traditional drainage structures in the World Heritage area of Hue whilst facilitating upgrades to modern water & sanitation standards and looking after the early stages of a disaster mitigation & flood mapping project for Hoi An & My Son.

There are also a large number of activities and programs which I am involved including Man & Biosphere Reserves and helping with some of the more biological/environmental questions around the place. I have even had to write a press release?!?

Everyone has been very helpful, speaking English when I am around & taking me to meetings/lunches with some regularity. I have been lucky enough to meet with the senior officials from the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation, World Conservation Union & the Vietnamese Man & Biosphere Committee. These have been some amazing individuals which is adding to the humbling nature of this experience. I am off to the central provinces next week to meet some of my counterparts and attend a seminar :~)

After works drinks seems to be a global phenomenon which I am accustomed and have enjoyed here, something new was the Karaoke last Friday with a group of 6 Vietnamese staff from work. Wow they take their Karaoke seriously, sipping juice munching on watermelon pumping out my best rendition of eternal flame and many other eighties classics/doosies which my voice was not made for. Good times indeed just glad there was no footage taken.