Where I was... the place!

[kvetina]

Now that i am back, my head is full of the things i need to get done before the next trip to R. (I will fly on Sunday) and that i really need to find an apartment till then. Basically I only have Saturday to figure this out! Well, I am a very optimistic person, but keeping your fingers crossed won't do any harm either

Comments

[lindawonderland]

heh, i agree with Viv, it does make you realise how much luxury we have here in europe. I was wondering btw, you're there for work, right? But what is it that you do there, workwise?

[kvetina]

as i replied to viv, it´s not so much the comfort, that i miss - more my old social life and that people define a social life in an other way here..

my job includes working with 3 NGOs in different places - that is why i am travelling - and specifically i will support and help with the marketing activities of cacao, in ways to apply better what organic certification institutions oblige farmers to do (like keeping all activities, costs, etc registered), also helping with organizing and helding workshops etc.
right now i am reviewing a document on micro-credit policies (mmh, like i am an expert on that! ha). it is interesting but requires so much patience - at the same time people expect me to sit down and do magic with things (because they believe i know everything!). haha.
any more questions? ;)

[lindawonderland]

i can imagine, especially after reading how difficult it is for a white woman to socialise with the locals. It's surprising me in a way as i've always had the impression people in that area of the world are so welcoming and hospitable etc...

Ok, yes, i remember you studied International Business and if i understand well you're there to help maybe reorganise in a better way so the cacao plantations run better? I can imagine it's frustrating if people believe that you come there as a sort of superhero to do magic and you're not sure of it yourself.

[kvetina]

well, generally people are friendly towards you and very curious. they ask all kind of questions right away, if you have chilrden, are married, how old you are etc.
but to make a friend here is not so easy, i'd say. because friendships here work differently than we are used to it.
but i don't think it is impossible.

no, not the agrotechnical part of how to cultivate better cacao. No, i am here for the registers and the cost analysis of the cooperatives I am working with. plus i will advice farmer, who want to open their own "business" eg. like a bakery, chicken farm, producing cocolates - i will help them with their business plans, understanding where their break-even point is, etc. very basic business tools, actually. but believe me, it is very much a challenge!

[lindawonderland]

Ok, have you figured out in which way these friendships work differently then, i'd be curious to know.

Ok, i think i get it, really the business/organisation part of the job. I can imagine it's a challenge as people might not always want to accept your suggestions, like you mentioned before