Settling in

It's been five weeks since I left the UK to take up my new role as International Midwifery Specialist with the UN in Bangladesh. I am feeling more at home now, living in an apartment with two other UN staff, one Italian and one Russian. My rent (£235 per month) includes all bills and the services of a lovely maid six mornings per week. We have a washing machine, a microwave oven, kettle and toaster, two fridge-freezers and air-conditioning - positively luxurious compared to many places where I've lived before. On next week's shopping list are a small electric oven and a laundry basket! Our flat is on a quiet dead-end street by a lake and its proximity to two hotels with cafés, restaurants, spas and other facilities give us options on the doorstep when Ubers are not available (frequently!)

I made fresh pasta with my new rolling pin - it was delicious

I made pancakes for the ladies' breakfast

I've joined a church and signed up to the music group and the ladies' breakfast; joined the British social club (mainly to use the pool but my membership gives me access to various other expat clubs in Dhaka); joined a gym, bought a new phone and worked out how to use various Apps that make life here easier - Uber for getting around in taxis and CNGs (tuk tuks), FoodPanda (for groceries and fast food) and an App for the all important internet data top ups! I have also started taking Bangla language lessons. 

With Thomas, my Bangla Teacher.  We have lessons in the hotel café next to my house

 I already have many national friends from the Bangladesh Midwifery Society and it is a joy to reconnect when they are passing through Dhaka. Sharmin and her husband Jewel have given practical help in so many ways, especially sourcing things that I can't find a supermarket. I am now the proud owner of some new bedding, a rolling pin and board, waste-paper bin, wooden spoon and a reusable mug! 

With midwife Mim

Just some of the food on offer at the ladies' breakfast last Saturday

In the hotel gym

Having a manicure and hand massage at the hotel spa.  I fell asleep :)

I'm beginning to feel more confident at work too, with ideas emerging in my role leading the midwifery team. We have several partner organisations, some national and some international; each is supporting a different area of midwifery in Bangladesh. I have been familiarising myself with all of their programmes as well as that of other teams within our own organisation whose work intersects with midwives. Midwifery is our flagship programme here so the work of my amazing team has huge significance nationally and internationally. 

At a recent workshop

With Sharmin and Tuhid in my office - we've been working together for 6 years, now with me in a different role

Off to a meeting last week

I look forward to taking my first field-trips out of Dhaka soon (just as soon as my security training is complete) and my first international travel; I have booked a mini-break to Dehradun (India) in September to stay with family there (Aunt, Uncle, cousins) then an October rendezvous in Turkey with Stephen.  There may be work-related trips to Kathmandu and Athens so the next few months will fly past. I am grateful for such an amazing network of family, friends and colleagues, here and afar, travelling this journey with me. I hold you all in my heart, none more than my beloved Stephen and Hannah, who, along with all of you, make my world a better place.

My photo wall at work