It begins.

I remember quite clearly what I assured so many of you: no blog. 

And, yet, here we are. 

Brazzaville.

Well, after over twenty-four hours of traveling, waking up at 2:15 a.m. and sitting through some of the worst movies that could possibly be offered on an international flight, I've arrived safe and sound in the Congo. There were a few delays with the flights, namely we circled Addis Ababa for about twenty minutes before landing, and then our flight to Brazzaville took off late after waiting for over an hour on the tarmac.

Here in Brazzaville it's hot and humid; I've already dealt with blazing sun and long-lasting torrential downpours. This place truly has so many surprises, I don't know what to expect. After leaving the airport I was taken to the office, a rented house outside of downtown Brazzaville. Around us is a bustling neighborhood with lots of taxis, children, music and conversation. During my time in Brazzaville I'll be staying in one of the spare bedrooms at the office, so there won't be much of a commute at all. I was given a tour of the premises and introduced to my new colleagues, then treated to lunch by the executive director. After lunch we returned to the office, and by 4:00 p.m. I finally lay down for a nap. I didn't awake until the next morning.

Saturday morning I was able to see some of downtown Brazzaville. There isn't much of a city center, but it's a very beautiful area along the Congo river with scenic views of Kinshasa. Some time this week I'll return downtown to find the post office, bookstore and the French Cultural Center, which has its own library. 

Monday I began work. Our executive director is traveling on business in the Philippines, and most of yesterday was spent getting caught up on Azur's various projects in the Congo, as well as learning about their partner organizations. As the days pass I'll have a better idea of which projects I'll first be involved with.