Worldman

Home

2012-01-26T06:36:00.001+01:00

Home. I am at home. OK, not for a long time, in 10 days I go back to Liberia.

I am busy with yearly tasks. Like filing the income tax return (and pay them, well, not right now), review the insurances: I have to see if I should extend them or change the coverage. And I will get rid of my car which is still in the parking lot. Accidented since 2 years. Also, my yearly medical check up is due. I am still feeling fine and expect to have the same results as I had last year. No diabetes, no high blood pressure, no prostata problems, no cholesterol, nothing. My doctor (who knows me since 20 years) told me the last time that he thinks that one day "we will have to shoot you". Perhaps he bought the gun now :-).

I, of course like everybody, took some New Year resolutions. No, not to stop smoking. But look better after my blogging friends by visiting their blogs and making comments. And I really want to do that.

The year will be an interesting one, as our activity will change with some new programs we want to put in place to assist the people in need. A lot of challenges ahead, but also a lot of pleasure, a lot of satisfaction and, above all, the feeling of having done something useful and good.

You will know about it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-30T04:31:00.001+01:00

Happy New Year to All of you and your families and friends, with my best wishes for a prosperous year 2012.

And here, for the first week of the new year, some little stories:

MONDAY
The mother of a 17-year-old girl was concerned that her daughter was having sex...
Worried the girl might become pregnant and adversely impact the family's status, she consulted the family doctor.
The doctor told her that teenagers today were very willful and any attempt to stop the girl would probably result in rebellion. He then told her to arrange for her daughter to be put on birth control and until then, talk to her and give her a box of condoms.
Later that evening, as her daughter was preparing for a date, the mother told her about the situation and handed her a box of condoms.
The girl burst out laughing and reached over to hug her mother, saying:
'Oh Mom! You don't have to worry about that! I'm dating Susan!'

TUESDAY
A man went to church one day and afterward he stopped to shake the preacher's hand. He said, 'Preacher, I'll tell you, that was a damned fine sermon. Damned good!'
The preacher said, 'Thank you sir, but I'd rather you didn't use profanity.'
The man said, 'I was so damned impressed with that sermon I put five thousand dollars in the offering plate!'
The preacher said, 'No shit?'

WEDNESDAY
Brenda and Steve took their six-year-old son to the doctor.
With some hesitation, they explained that although their little angel appeared to be in good health, they were concerned about his rather small penis.
After examining the child, the doctor confidently declared, 'Just feed him pancakes. That should solve the problem.'
The next morning when the boy arrived at breakfast, there was a large stack of warm pancakes in the middle of the table.
'Gee, Mom,' he exclaimed. 'For me?'
'Just take two,' Brenda replied. 'The rest are for your father.'

THURSDAY
One night, an 87-year-old woman came home from Bingo to find her 92-year-old husband in bed with another woman.. She became violent and ended up pushing him off the balcony of their 20th floor apartment, killing him instantly. Brought before the court, on the charge of murder, she was asked if she had anything to say in her own defense.
'Your Honor,' she began coolly, 'I figured that at 92, if he could screw, he could fly.'

FRIDAY
A Doctor was addressing a large audience in Tampa . 'The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago.. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High fat diets can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. However, there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have eaten, or will eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?'
After several seconds of quiet, a 75-year-old man in the front row raised his hand, and softly said, 'Wedding Cake.'

SATURDAY
Bob, a 70-year-old, extremely wealthy widower, shows up at the Country Club with a breathtakingly beautiful and very sexy 25-year-old blonde-haired woman who knocks everyone's socks off with her youthful sex appeal and charm and who hangs over Bob's arm and listens intently to his every word. His buddies at the club are all aghast. At the very first chance, they corner him and ask, 'Bob, how'd you get the trophy girlfriend?' Bob replies, 'Girlfriend? She's my wife!' They are knocked over, but continue to ask. 'So, how'd you persuade her to marry you?' 'I lied about my age', Bob replies. 'What, did you tell her you were only 50?'
Bob smiles and says, 'No, I told her I was 90.'

SUNDAY
Groups of Americans were traveling by tour bus through Holland ... As they stopped at a cheese farm, a young guide led them through the process of cheese making, explaining that goat's milk was used. She showed the group a lovely hillside where many goats were grazing. 'These' she explained, 'Are the older goats put out to pasture when they no longer produce.' She then asked, 'What do you do in America with your old goats?'
A spry old gentleman answered, 'They send us on bus tours*.

Season Greetings

2011-12-22T04:58:00.001+01:00

Amazing, how time runs fast. Another year is gone. More experiences. good ones and bad ones, and a lot of joy have been my year 2011. I came to Liberia in February for 6 month and I will stay until the end of 2012. The refugees start to move back to Côte d'Ivoire but there is still a lot to do.

I have been a poor "poster" during the year. And, more important, I have been an extremely poor "commenter" on your posts too. I promise that I will improve next year. The workload is a bit eased off and the internet connectivity is becoming better.

All my colleagues, having smaller kids, are now going on Year End Leave, I stay behind to hold the fort. But in January 2012, when they all come back, I will go home for 3 weeks and see my family.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God bless you.

After all, I cannot get drunk every night, can I?

2011-12-03T13:36:00.001+01:00

From Darfur, where there was no beer, to Liberia, where is is plenty of beer, it was quite a way. Now, I am here in Liberia; the year is coming to an end and about 10 days ago I got the news that I will stay (if I like and yes, I like) till the end of next year.

As I am here since February, I have my life nicely organised. And have good moments when I am in Monrovia, almost a lush life. Of course, when I am in the bush, it is quite different. But then, I am used to bush and it does not give me great discomfort. And when I am back in Monrovia, I can profit from the various places where one can get excellent food. I will talk about (if I don't forget) in another post.

So, when I am in Monrovia, I go out from time to time and have beer with some colleagues. But not often. Also, the work is demanding and so I like to enjoy some quiet evenings in my little apartment. I told you before, there is not much of TV to watch (one channel and IT IS CNN). And then I am not big TV watcher anyway.

A few month ago, I found on the internet an interesting game. An airline simulation game. I played a little bit with and got completely hooked.

I created a virtual airline. The map shows my network. My airline flies from Geneva to Colombo in Sri Lanka, to the Gulf States and from there also to Sri Lanka. My aircraft (Baron, attention) are various Airbus planes. I have 24 of them. And that keeps my quite busy in the evenings. I spare you all the details, it is simply just a lot of fun. I spend hours on it almost every day and it helps a lot to "clean" the mind from the daily worries.

And it prevents me from getting drunk every night.

About Management

2011-11-26T11:27:00.000+01:00

In May last year I made a post about "Multitasking" (read it here). I stated that, in my opinion, multitasking is not possible. Some did not agree with me.

Management is complex. If you don't want to multitask, you have to be well organised. And to be so, you need an organogramm. In my long carrier, I have seen many organograms. And none seemed to really work. They were, most of the time, too complicated. Recently, I have come across one that to me is THE perfect one. Nothing more to say.

50 Years

2011-11-23T18:40:00.000+01:00

The United Nations World Food Programme WFP is living an important moment. Soon, it will start the celebrations of its 50 years of existence. During one year, this event will go on. And during this one year I will, from time to time, make a special post on WFP.

It is now since 8 years that I am involved with WFP. 8 fantastic years. With the knowledge that me, a simple link of this fabulous "chain" which WFP is, I have helped in a very little way to alleviate the suffering of people. And that fills me with pride. And also with humility.

Change

2011-11-06T12:01:00.000+01:00

The picture above says: "Ahead". But change is already behind. As you see, the layout of my blog is a bit different. Not really the layout as such, but the color.

A few weeks ago, I decided that my "dark green" was a bit to dark. And then I tried the new dynamic look of Blogger. Which was actually not bad, except that all the sidebar info was missing. It had other shortcomings and I did come back to the classic layouts.

I hope you like the new color. I think it is pleasant on the eyes. And what I like most are the birds on top of the page. They fly, they are free. Just like me who, though being a law abiding human, always saw to it to remain as free as possible.

Swiss politics

2011-11-05T10:26:00.002+01:00

I have explained to you before how certain things work in Swiss politics, like that the president is in "power" for one year or that the ministers get elected by the Parliament.

Well, the Parliament (both chambers) is having a legislative period of 4 years and then the members have to stand up for election again. Last month we had this election.

You also know that I have been complaining about the strongest party in Switzerland, the "Swiss People's Party SVP".

It is a right wing party, very far right and to me almost extreme right. They are narrowsighted. And there is a cleavage within this party. The Zurich branch are extremely hardliners, whilst the Berne branch are more concilliant.

Now, during this election, the SVP lost seats. They are though still the strongest party. The lost seats went mainly to

"The Citizen's Democratic Party BDP". This party was created in 2008 by members of the SVP who got sick and tired from the Zurich branch dictature. And they were able to bring in our actual Finance Minister. Who, most probably, will loose her seat in December when the new Parliament elects the ministers. Because the BDP is not one of the big parties (3 of them) who can claim two minister seats.

So, from January next year, the new legislative period of 4 years will start with a new parliament and a new government. Where SVP will be a member.

I do not have much sympathies for the SVP and I said that many times. They do, even though they are the strongest, not represent what Switzerland really is. A country that opens to the world inspite of SVP's effort to keep us locked in the Alps.

I don't like their leaders either. Except one.

Oskar Freysinger from the Valais branch of the party. He has only one problem: He is in the wrong party :-)

But he is honest and he stands to his word. He does not turn around according to which way the wind blows. In forum discussions he remains straight forward (though defending the wrong position of SVP), making his point, listens to his contrahents and accepts their arguments.

He is a decent man, the SVP does not have many of them.

A lifted face (bis)

2011-10-29T10:24:00.002+02:00

You noticed. I have come back to the traditional (former) layout of the blog. I did though like the new modern version. But I have received complaints that there were page breaks and it could not be well read. And then, very important, all the information in the right column were not present in new version. And I consider them important. In particular all the ones refering to my appartenance to the Dudeist movement, something I am proud of and happy to be. I have added in that section "The Dude De Ching" which is the Dudeist version of "The Tao Te Ching", the Holy Book of Taoism. If you click on the picture, you can read our Holy Book online. I am sure that you will enjoy it. It will enlighten you, it will make you think and it will make you smile. And it will show you that, in life, not all the things are very serious. Or, perhaps, they are?

More struggling (almost wordless)

2011-10-27T14:39:00.000+02:00

We hope the rains will stop soon. It is very difficult to bring the food to the people who need it dearly.

And more of it (s..t)

2011-10-26T15:09:00.000+02:00

Well, luckily, the rainy saison is soon coming to an end. And our struggling on the roads too.

Shit happens

2011-10-24T13:14:00.001+02:00

Liberia/Africa: Rainy Season. Bad roads, slippery roads. A lot of trucks in trouble, daily. And some have terrible mishaps. Like this tanker. And now people siphoning fuel into their platic containers. Are they employees from the fuel company or villagers from nearby? Who knows.

A lifted face

2011-10-16T10:10:00.000+02:00

My blog has a new face. From time to time. It looks modern, it is magazine type. I like it. And there are different ways you can look at it. If you click on the menu bar on top, you can choose the way you would like to see my blog. I like the "Flipcard" style very much. It shows all my posts and you can click on any of the squares and see the correcponding post.

The magazine style gives you my actual posts. If you click on the title, the whole story comes up.

The "old" blog will, however, still come up from time to time. Just for the people to see what I have on my side bar.

So, enjoy my facelifted blog.

A lot to tell

2011-10-15T08:09:00.000+02:00

Yes, it is quite some time since I posted last. I have been very busy and had also little access to internet. I have been spending a lot of time in the bush, along the border between Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire. To look after the refugees from the latter country.

It is a complex affair. Often, refugees are settled in camps. And then it is easier to follow them. But here, most of them are scattered all over, mainly in villages along the border. I will explain this to you more in detail in other posts.

The picture above was taken in Harper, in Maryland County, right at the border with Côte d'Ivoire. With my colleague Josephine from Kenya and our driver we are having our breakfast at one of those numerous "boui-bouis" that make delicious fried egg sandwiches and lovely tea or coffee.

I am now here since February, the year is soon coming to an end and it seems that I will still be around here next year.

Since May we have the rainy season which did make travelling not very easy. I have never been in a place before where the rains are so heavy. But soon the dry season will start.

And soon, I will post regularely again.

Very pleasant

2011-06-29T06:45:00.002+02:00

Madame Christine Lagarde, the French Minister of Finance, has been appointed the new boss of the IMF International Monetary Fund.

I have always admired Madame Lagarde for her intelligence, her behaviour and her elegance. And though I am not French, I am extremely pleased and very proud that she was chosen for this high and for the world very important function.

Hello, I am still alive, kicking wild and back online soon!

2011-06-17T05:17:00.000+02:00

Out of Africa

2011-04-22T17:09:00.001+02:00

I am here again. It is Easter Holiday. And though we work, I have a few moments of relaxing. Before a next meeting. Nobody is at the office at this moment. I was thinking a bit and all of a sudden some rememberings and souvenirs came to my mind. Good ones, bad ones and funny ones. Let me tell you a funny one.

All told, I have spent more than 25 years of my life in Africa. A fascinating continent. And everybody tells me that I know the continent well by now. Well, I start to know it. Because a lifetime is not sufficient to know Africa. It is a very complex continent, a beautiful one. Even if there are troubles here and there. Which might not necessarely only the African's fault. But that is another story (history).

I lived great moments in Africa. For example 7 years in Niger were I worked mainly in the desert region and got to know the fabulous tribe of the Tuareg. The nomads, the blue men. They did teach me how to become patient. They showed me that the best thing in man's life every morning was the rising sun. And I tell you, the sun coming up in the desert is something exceptional.

When our teams went to the desert with our Toyota Landcruiser Pickups, the drivers came back from time to time (and then more and more) with a broken tyre. And those tyres, special sand tyres, were very expensive. Really expensive. When I asked why the tyre had broken, the drivers said that they had hit a stone tree and the tyre bust. So they had to use the spare wheel.

They brought the busted tyre back. As evidence. I accepted the fact. But what is a stone tree? Well, thousands of years when there were trees and when the climate changed the trees petrified. And so you have pieces of trees hidden in the sand. And, indeed, it could be that you hit one of those pieces. But our area of intervention was 320'000 square kilometers and petrified tree chunks are rather rare. One from time to time. I don't know, perhaps every 50 kilometers.

I was thinking about that and one day, when another stone tree was apparently "hit", I looked at the busted tyre. And somehow I had the feeling that this tyre looked old, anyhow, much older that it could have been from our car. Did the drivers sell our tyres? Perhaps yes, perhaps no. I did not want to make a fuss. And if they did sell them, this meant that they were in need. Because their families are big and not everybody had work. So, many people did depend from a money earner. Who had also to follow traditional rules of support.

I told the drivers that they should not take me for a fool and think that I did not know what was going on. And we settled the case like this. I was though still hoping that one day I will "get" one of them.

The "one day" came. I went on an inspection tour on some outpost. We had been driving for hours and it was hot. I saw that the driver was tired and I told him to stop, that he should go to the back and rest and that I will drive. He was happy, we stopped for a few moments, ate a bite and drank a lot of water. Then we resumed our journey and I was crossing dunes, up and down, drove through dry wadies and had a great time.

All of a sudden, the car made a jump, I had to hold the steer very tight, the car swayed a bit and stopped. I got out, the driver too. We looked at the front. We looked at each other. And we started to laugh.

I had hit a bloody stone tree. And a busted tyre.

A mess and Brussels No but Zurich Yes

2011-04-04T11:42:00.001+02:00

Yes, I am still alive. And kicking wild.

I have been away. For a break. At home. And was busy cleaning up messes. With the income tax inspector for instance. Then also I had to prepare the Annual General Assembly of my historic railway company. I barely had time to take care of my family. But that was OK, they were busy themselves a lot too. But we had good moments, short ones, together.

Now, I am on my way back to Liberia. Where there is another mess. With the situation in Ivory Coast not improving and getting worse and worse, we have a huge influx of refugees. There will be a lot of work waiting for me. And the whole team. We are ready, we can intervene any time. But other organisations are wasting to much time in meetings (and we have, basically, to attend them but try to escape if and when we can) instead of "acting on the ground". Well, let's not loose hope. They might improve. They can be lucky because of Libya, Japan and some other "hot" issues, CNN is not very much interested of what is going on here.

Well, with my travelling I made some experiences. I passed, for the first time since 25 years, through Brussels. A very convenient airport. But NO smoking places at all. None, zilch, nada. Very painful after 7 hours in an aircraft. I also passed, for the first time since 10 years, through Zurich. I still do not like that airport. Not convenient at all. But they have smoking lounges. A lot of them. Very pleasant after 1 hour in an aircraft.

So, thats some brief news from me. I will make an effort to be more present in the blogoshere. As I am not going to church, I can spend time on Sundays. I will.

CNN

2011-03-12T09:34:00.002+01:00

I love CNN. I think it is the best news channel. Because it explains things well to stupid, uneducated people like me. People who have difficulties to understand what is going on in this world.

It is important to catch all the issues. Thank's to Piers Morgan's "Tonight", we all know now that Charlie Sheen has problems. They seems to be huge, because in Morgan's show, they talked for days about it.

CNN is a global channel. And they want the people to know it. That is why they show their "Connect" and "Go Beyond Borders" spot about every 10 minutes. For us (for stupid me) to understand.

The nicest thing about CNN is that they show us that the world has not many problems really. Only one, at any given time. Yesterday, we had during one hour "Breaking News" on the earthquake in Japan. I got all the details needed. They showed the tsunami waves and the devastating effects. They showed the water flowing cars away. Unfortunately, they showed this only 3 or 4 times, so I did not have the chance to count the number of cars.

I then went for a shower and had dinner. Then I switched my TV on again and there was another CNN show making "Breaking News". I was very comforted because again, I saw the same pictures and videos and now I really had understood what was happening. So, I went to sleep, satisfied.

And this morning, drinking my coffee, I was so happy. There seems to be no problems anymore anywhere. The only problem in the world is the earthquake in Japan. I was well informed again about it.

I still could not count the cars washed away. But I can tell you that it is the same number.

I love CNN, they show me how stupid I am. But they do a good job educating me.

NA!!

PS. CNN is the only channel I have on my TV. The landlord did not renew the TV subcription yet. People, soon I will be graduated.

Slow

2011-03-06T06:26:00.000+01:00

I have a slow internet connection. Very slow. But at least, I can connect. But it is a bit cumbersome and it takes time. Normally, this would frustrate me because I cannot satisfy my big web surfing need.

But something else is slow. Our response to the needs of the refugees from Ivory Coast. At this moment we have 72'000. And most probably soon more. Things are getting worse in Ivory Coast and I think we are not far from a civil war.

I said our response is slow. I don't mean us. We are here, we are working a lot to procure food and send it to where the people are in the border area. The problem is the system here with all the UN agencies and NGO's. We are spending and wasting our time in meetings in Monrovia. Instead of doing our work in the field. Luckily enough, we (WFP) have field offices in the areas where assistance is needed.

But the meetings are killing me. And I wonder about the sense. Just to give you an example: On one day we have at meeting at 11 am, lead by an agency. There some 60 participants attend and then the sector heads make their briefing. The next day, there is another meeting at 9 am lead by a different agency. And the same 60 participants are getting the same briefing by the same sector heads. And each of those meetings are lasting a long time. So, you imagine the time wasted.

When I was in Darfur, we took care of 1'500'000 people in need and we had two meetings a week. When I was in Sri Lanka, 300'000 people were in need of help and we had 4 meetings a week. It seems that the less people in need, the more meetings are needed. That is why for 72'000 people we have at least one meeting per day.

facebook, sms and communication

2011-02-20T08:19:00.001+01:00

I have been thinking. That happens to me from time to time.

The world has become a global village. We know what is happening somewhere immediately. And if we want to go somewhere far away from our homes, we can do that. Most of the time travelling (by air) has become relatively cheap.

And to communicate has become easy too. When I was in Rwanda in the mid sixties it took a letter from Switzerland 6 weeks to reach me. To phone home to tell my people that I was OK was impossible.

But things have changed with the coming of the internet and mobile telephony. Communication is now instant. And we have great tools to do so.
Like facebook. It is amazing how this thing has become so big, spanning the whole world in just a few years. And you can communicate anything, make your network of friends. Whereby I though wonder if it is possible to have 764 friends. Here, I am afraid, that the word "friend" is diluted, loosing the real sense of the word. And then, some people complain about the privacy. To me that is not a problem. You have the choice of what you want to put. And then, Big Brother is watching us anyway. He can watch me, I have nothing to hide.

facebook has made me find people that were dear to me and just a few days ago, people to whom I was dear found me. After more than 30 years.

Mobile phones are now a basic equipment for a majority of people. With somehow sometimes funny things. A few month ago I saw a TV show on mobile phones and their use. At a certain moment, they showed a 7 year old girl holding a mobile phone. They asked her watch she was doing with it. The girl said not much. Why did she then have a phone. Her mother wanted her to have one so that she can call the girl in an emergency. Then the girl was asked since when she had the phone. 6 month. And how often did the mother call? Never.

Mobile phone are great to call. Except when you are away from your home network. And overseas. It is still easy to call home. But it will bleed you to death. Like when I call home through my (excellent) Swiss provider, I have to pay 4 dollars per minute. There are solutions (like Skype, VoIP, but that will be a different post). One solution is to buy a "world" SIM card. It is cheaper but often not very reliable. I tried several of them.

So we have the sms to communicate. It is great, specially now were one can write 3 kilometer long sms. It is an easy way to tell home that you are OK and that you love them. Of course, if a guy terminates his relationship with his girlfriend or wife by sending an sms saying "Bye, that's it" or something like that, then this is utterly stupid and enormous low class.

Now, all those social networks and sms and other, will it drive people to be lonely? Perhaps. But I am not so convinced. Because if you are a "loner", you will remain one. But I know of people who felt lonely and thanks to those means of communication came out of solitude. And who from, in some cases (probably there many worldwide), had their virtual communication changed into real face to face communication with their online buddies.

Well, if you send me an sms I will answer. And perhaps one day stand at your door.

My Countries CV

2011-02-19T08:44:00.001+01:00

I am doing fine here in Liberia, you will get detailed "accounts". But we are very busy with this refugee situation. But I have a small moment and I thought it would be interesting to make particular CV. Because yesterday, I was talking with a colleague about where we have been,

1943 - 1965 Switzerland. I grew up there and tried to become a man. The army helped me to grow.

1965 - 1967 Rwanda. My first taste of the big wide world. In the middle of Africa.

1967 - 1969 South Africa. A beautiful country, nice souvenirs.

1969 - 1972 Belgium. There is not much sun in the sky, but the people have a lot of sun in their hearts. A place with a lot of fun (at that time) and many, many delicious beers.

1972 - 1975 Ghana. Working on a big farm. Very interesting. And a lot of fun. And a Grumman AgCat aircraft spraying the crops and scaring our staff with its noise.

1975 - 1979 Mauritania. A desert country. When I arrived, I was shocked. When I left, I wept. And since then, I love the desert.

1979 - 1980 Chad. There I had the biggest rank ever in my career. I was the World Bank Resident Representative. I even had an office. Just me. Five days after my arrival, the war broke out. I survived.

1980 - 1986 Niger. Working on a lifestock project covering an area of 320'000 square kilometers. And meeting a fantastic tribe: the Tuareg.

1986 - 1997 Switzerland. We had to go back, the kids had to go to school. I worked 11 years for the same company. 7 years were great, 4 years were hell because mismanagement started and the company disappeared.

1998 - 1999 Russia. A wonderful country, with very wonderful people. And, as you can see, the mafia did not catch me.

2000 - 2004 Kosovo. When the Balkan wars stopped, there was a lot of humanitarian needs and I worked for the Swiss government's aid.

2005 - 2008 Sudan. Again, war striken Darfur had enormous needs. We feed 1.5 million people per month.

2009 - 2010 Sri Lanka. The civil war ended during my stay and a once more, I tried to help hungry people. If in 1965, instead of going to Rwanda, I would have gone to Sri Lanka, the rest of the world and my Swiss family would never have seen me again. A paradise. With lovely people. When, finally, I will stop moving, I will go and settle there. And when I have to go (most probably not to up there, but rather down there) I will take my last breath overlooking the Indian Ocean.

2011 - ? Liberia. There are problems in Ivory Coast, The people flee to Liberia. They need food. And water, and health facilities and, and, and.....

That's it. Perhaps I will be able to add more countries to this CV?

A very short one

2011-02-17T05:33:00.000+01:00

I see from your comments that you are "hungry" to hear from me. All is well, I am working like "hell" and I appreciate Liberia's local food and beer. Soon (Sunday Inch'Allah) you know more.

Settled in

2011-02-06T09:35:00.000+01:00

I made it. I am in Liberia since 3 days.

I had a lovely flight with Brussels Airlines. It is the first time I flew with them and they are excellent. It is a relatively small airline but the offer services like a big one. I was really impressed. And then, I was on my favorite aircraft, the Airbus A330-300 (Yes, Baron, I know....). After a flight with a cozy ambiance I landed in Monrovia. There was a big signboard with my name on it. It was from the airline informing me that my luggage will be delayed. Well, this can happen and as an experienced traveller I had some spare cloth in my backpack. And meanwhile, my luggage has arrived too.

I stayed for 3 days in a hotel and yesterday I moved into my residence. As you can see on the picture, it does not look bad. It is not bad, at all. The building has three apartments on each floor, air conditioned, free WIFI and the apartments are nice. I have a small one with a dining/living room, a bedroom and a bathroom. It is very pleasant.

I have done all my red tape and have received my dog tag (UN Idendity Card) and am now ready for "business". And content to be in the field again.

Packing

2011-01-29T07:10:00.001+01:00

I am packing. Well, there is not much to pack. I just will go with two suitcases. Much to the surprise of my agency. They always give me instructions on how to prepare the itemised list of my belongs, with packing details so that they can ship the 200 kilograms I am entitled to.

I don't need 200 kgs. OK, I did need them 20 years ago. Because I took all my long play records with me. About 200 of them. But then I lost them in Chad because of the war there. After, when I moved, I had the CD and they required less space. And now I have about 300 CD or albums on my iPad. Which weighs 700 grams.

I will take about 10 T-shirts with me. And, oh yes, a jacket, a shirt and a tie. Because I was told that for official functions, formal dress is required. I don't remember when I wore a shirt and a tie the last time.

My packing will be done quickly. I will do that next tuesday. Because I am leaving on wednesday.

Move...

2011-01-15T07:59:00.014+01:00

During our mission, we spoke to a number of UN organisations and NGO (Non governmental Organisations) like UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, CARE, ICRC and other. All of them will remain and some even strengthen their teams to be prepared to assiste the people. There was even talk that I might stay in Ivory Coast with WFP. But finally, my agency decided that we should be acting both in Ivory Coast (supporting organisations with funds and other means) and in Liberia also with staff, as an influx of refugees can be expected.

And so, in about 2 weeks I will be off to join WFP in Monrovia as Refugee Programme Coordinator.

This will be my 6th assignment with WFP in the 3rd country. Everytime I finish a mission, WFP has to fill in a PER (Performance Evaluation Report) to be handed to my agency. In the last one, they said (among other things): "The WFP family will miss him a lot". It goes without saying that I did miss them a lot too.

Well, I am joining the family again: Hourray!

Up, up and away! More....................!

2011-01-12T07:12:00.000+01:00

I don't believe it, but it is true.

In 3 days, I go back home, my assessment mission will be completed.

And by the end of the month, I will go for 6 to 12 month to Liberia to join the WFP family again. With what is happening in Ivory Coast, we have to be ready in case of an influx of refugees into Liberia.

So...............

Up, up and away

2011-01-01T06:33:00.000+01:00

I feel free, like a bird. I am flying. Here is the story.

As you know, my mission in Sri Lanka was concluded on of August (last year. Yes, we can say that since 1 day). Mid-September I had to undergo a training course for the "Rapid Response Unit" of my agency. I was integrated in this unit as I am retired and am, in principle, available to go on an emergency mission within a few hours.

Just before Christmas I was at the agency for an experience exchange forum. I was approached by one of the desk officers who told me that "next year" (now this year) there might be need for staff to be seconded to WFP in Liberia in case the situation in Ivory Coast deteriorates and there is an influx of refugees to Liberia. He told me that they, most probably, would propose me to WFP as I have a profound experience with them. I said that this would be fine with me. And was looking forward that such a mission might take place.

Christmas was spent with my family and the year end period was a good moment of calm, taking care of a million little "year end to does".

Two days ago, I received a phone call from the agency asking me if I could go to Ivory Coast. I asked when. They said immediately. I said OK. Yesterday I went to the agency to take care of the administration reed tape, get my equipment and the briefing of my mission.

I will be attached, with three colleagues, to the Swiss Embassy, and my task is to assess what emergency actions and with whom the agency could do in case of an influx of refugees or internally displaced persons because of a possible deterioration of the situation.

This is my first "Rapid Response" mission. It will last 2 weeks.

Up, up and away. I am flying. Like a bird.

Breaking News

2011-01-01T02:00:00.001+01:00

I am leaving tomorrow for Ivory Coast where I will be a liaison officer for my agency, preparing with my colleagues assistance and support for people in need in case the situation comes to the worst.

More to come soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-31T03:00:00.001+01:00

More New Year Countdowns Comments

I wish you all, my dear Friends, a very Happy New Year. May it be filled with love, joy, health and happiness.

In Between Days

2010-12-26T08:29:00.000+01:00

We are in between Christmas and New Years Eve. A period where I am torn between joy and sadness.

Joy because of being with the family, except for the son who is flying around somewhere. Being together, have a nice meal and talk about millions of things.

Sadness because I think of all those people in the world who do not have the luck to have a good life. Like children who did not get a gift, like refugees living away from their places, like......

Now, the "In Between Days" are the boring period of the year. Recovering from Christmas, we prepare now for the New Year Celebration.

Do we need a cure? The best cure is to listen to "In Between Days" of "The Cure".

The New Year Eve celebration for me will be a simple one.

Earlier in my life, I went out to party. And came (most of the time) home at daybreak in a non presentable state. With a big need of Alka Seltzer. And then, as years went by, I started to cool down. And today, I am in such a condition that I barely can stay up until midnight. And if this happens again this year, I simply will go to bed.

I can give the New Years wishes to my wife the next morning. And tell her that I love her. Which I can do any day of the year.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T04:51:00.000+01:00

My dear friends anywhere in this world, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, with a lot of peace and love.

Vas-y, bouges tes fesses

2010-12-18T08:07:00.000+01:00

The title of my post: Buddy, move your bum!

I have not been serious about posting the last few weeks. And I have not been serious at all about following and commenting on my friends blogs. That is not like me. OK, I am not a very organised person, but I, normally and basically, succeed doing things.

From now, I will move my bum again.

I have been doing a lot of futile things and turning around in circles. But I also have been busy with serious things. I have written to organisations and companies to offer my services as a consultant. And I am now in the databases (serious ones) of about 15 organisations and companies who will call me. It is a bit particular because I only want short term assignments.

And then, my agency still has me on the roaster. I even had to make a training course for rapid response in case of an emergency coming up. Where they will call me to leave withing 24 hours.

And last week I was busy. The Montreux Christmas market is on since end of November until Christmas. It is a beautiful event and people are coming from far to visit.

I was selling Christmas tea in the "Wood Choppers Log Cabin". It is nicely spiced tea. A cup cost one dollar. If you want a shot of rum in it, you pay 3 dollars and if you like the double shot of rum it will be five dollars.

Not that I wanted the people to get drunk, but arguing that the weather was cold, I was quite succesful selling double shots.

This year's guest of honor is Russia. They put up a restaurant with Russian food. Where vodka is flowing. So, for certain, the people are not suffering with cold, Russian vodka and my Christmas tea helping. The good thing is that most of the people are coming with public transport. Which just underwent its yearly time schedule change and is offering 14 % more trains and busses. They do that every year.

Now, the festive season is on, but I will be online. Regularly.

Because I am moving my bum.

Doing Nothing

2010-11-26T05:49:00.002+01:00

It is 3 weeks since I posted last. One could think that I was busy. I was.

Doing nothing. Actually, I was running around. Doing nothing. Of course, I had to catch up with my paperwork. But that it is done now. I attended my training course. But it is now close to three month that my mission has ended.

And I think it is enough of spending time in my lovely country. There is the urge to do soemething more than just to watch the news on TV (I don't watch much else on TV). Ok, I played a lot with my iPad and downloaded amazing applications. Among them, one which permits me to follow flights all over the world. The big world, not the tiny Swiss world.

And then, I am also busy with my historix railway company. The year end is soon here and the annual accounts have to be prepared.

But all this is not satisfactory. I need to do something more. It is not that I cannot just sit around and enjoy my retirement. I will eventually get used to that. But it is the knowledge that so many problems still exist where people are badly needed to help. And where it is diffult to find people.

Two days after my return from Sri Lanka, my agency called me to ask if I could go to Pakistan. Of course I could. But then the mission did not materialize.

I joined an aid website and put my CV on it. Then they offered to send it to 500 organisations for the cost of 75 dollars. I told them to do so. And I got replies and am now in the database of about 15 organisations who said that they would contact me when they have something for me. Let's hope that they have soon something.

Meanwhile, I will be, early December, busy for one week. I will sell hot spicy wine at Montreux's Annual Christmas Market. And freeze my bum. Today it started to snow.

I don't want to be busy doing nothing. I have though a daily highlight. Cleaning my teeth with my new fancy ultra sound tootbrush. I don't need to go to the dental hygienist anymore. My teeth are so clean. But that is, twice a day, 5 minutes.

In between, there are many more minutes to fill.

Cabinet Reshuffle

2010-11-03T03:25:00.000+01:00

Something very rare in Switzerland. A reshuffle of the government. With the recent departure of two ministers it happened. I try to make it simple.

Swiss President Doris Leuthard and Minister of Ecomony is handing over her department to the newly elected Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann.

Outgoing Minister of Finance, Hans-Rudolf Merz, is handing over his department to (now former) Minister of Justice and Police, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf.

Outgoing Minister of Transport, Energy and Communication, Moritz Leuenberger, passes his ministry to the President.

Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf hands over the Justice and Police Department to the new Minister, Simonetta Sommaruga.

And now its easy. Didier Burkhalter remains Minister of Interior Affairs.

Ueli Maurer is still Minister of Defense.

And Micheline Calmy-Rey will continue as our very sharp Minister of Foreign Affairs.

And now, that this shuffle (which created a lot of discussions and fights among some parties) has been done, the Swiss can return worrying about trains running 3 minutes late.

A cheat!

2010-10-29T17:53:00.000+02:00

This is the new Nokia N8. A fabulous mobile phone. You know that I am a mobile phone freak. But this time, I will not buy it. Because I really would not have any justification to give to my wife. But I was interested by the price. At my phone provider it cost around 620 dollars if you don't take a contract. This is a bit high; normal, the phone companies want you to sign a contract.

It just so happened that I was passing through Geneva Airport Duty Free. And I saw the N8. I thought that one gets a good deal. I asked for the price: 615 dollars! In the Duty Free!?! Since quite some time, I am buying my phone from a company at really good prices. The N8 costs there 495 dollars.

Duty Free? A cheat.

Well, sometimes it is not bad. Whenever I pass at Doha Airport, I buy my favorite Dunhill cigarettes at the Duty Free. For 17 dollars per carton. In Switzerland they cost 70 dollars.

Our President (3)

2010-10-24T05:15:00.000+02:00

I don't want to drag the story eternally. But it is of actuality. Yesterday, Mrs. Leuthard opened the summit of the French speaking countries, the "XIII sommet de la Francophonie". With the attendance of around 40 head of states or government.

Is she trying to seduce the French President, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy?

Of course not. But it is nice to see that some of our leaders, with all the worries they have, still can smile.

We, the Montreusiens, are having big smiles as the event takes place in our lovely town. The more so as a lot of light is coming to Switzerland as this is the biggest summit that was ever organised in this country.

Our President (2)

2010-10-22T04:26:00.000+02:00

Following a comment from "A Lady's Life", I have to explain something. She raises the question about what a President can do in one year of office. Indeed, a good question.

Here is how it works. The Swiss President is not elected with electoral votes like in the USA or by the population like in France. Our President is simply confirmed by Parliament. Our Government is composed of 7 Ministers. They are elected by Parliament. For a legislative period of 4 years. Ministers, in most of the cases are serving between 2 to 4 terms. Recently, the Minister of Finance resigned after 7 years in office and the Minister of Transport and Communication after 15 years.

One of the 7 Ministers will be President, for a year, whilst remaining Minister. So, in the case of Mrs Leuthard, she is at the same time President and Minister of Economics (for the time being). One can say that she is "primus inter pares". Should she stay in office for another 8 years, she will be President again in 7 years. She is coming to the end of her first term of 4 years. Mrs Leuthard is still young and excellent and chances that she will be in office for quite some time are big. Thank God.

The President's role is to lead the Ministers meeting and to represent Switzerland. And, of course, add his or hers personal touch.

There is, however, considerations that the President's mandate should be 2 years. Before he hands over to the Vice-President who will become President.

A final remark: With the resignation of the two Ministers above, Parliament elected two new ones. And now our Government of 7 Ministers is composed of 3 gentlemen and 4 ladies.

An achievement when you consider that until the 1970ties, the women in Switzerland had no right to vote.

Our President

2010-10-20T07:25:00.001+02:00

Mrs Doris Leuthard is the President of Switzerland. Since 1st January of this year. And until 31st December of this year. Only for one year she is President. That is because of our system. Next years's President will be the actual Vice-President (I don't even know who it is, it slipped my mind). But formality wants that the Parliament has to confirm the new President and, of course, the new Vice-President who will become President the year after.

It is a pitty that Mrs Leuthard is in "power" for only one year. She is (and soon was) a great President. Very active. And running around in the world a lot during her mandate. Much to the dislike of some narrow minded Swiss people. For me, it was great that she travelled a lot and "sold" Switzerland. She is a good "sales" lady.

She has been very sharp (she is also the Minister of Economics, will though change and take the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Environment next year) throughout her political career. Being a member of the Christian Democrat Party she was a member of Parliament and then became the party boss. From there she joined the Government.

She has achieved many things as a Minister and President. She is clever, has a good sense of humor and is simply:

A Great Lady.

I miss them

2010-10-19T07:38:00.001+02:00

The "crowd" is gathering. For my farewell (24.08.2010).

They have covered me with flowers and have given gifts.

A few words of thanks and encouragement from me.

The last time together.

I miss them, a lot.

15.10.2010: Sissi (not the Emperess)

2010-10-16T07:29:00.000+02:00

A huge event, yesterday, for Switzerland, for Europe. The completion of the drilling of the Gotthard railway tunnel. 57 kilometers. A world record.

The moment everybody was expecting: Sissi, the drilling machine, breaking through the mountain.

Celebrations can start.

Joy and Pride.

The guys behind it: Former Transport Minister, Adolf Ogi, who started it and actual (soon also former) Transport Minister, Moritz Leuenberger, who continued to fight for it.

These are the heroes who did it.

They worked for close to 15 years to make this tunnel. They lost 8 of their comrades. But all of the 2'000 workers will go down into history.

Swiss and European Railway history.

The whole world will be looking at us (well, at least the French speaking one)

2010-10-15T05:17:00.000+02:00

Next week, a major event takes place in Montreux. The summit of the French speaking countries of the world. About 70 head of states will be for 4 days in our small, but lovely town.

So, police and army are busy setting up the security measures. Which has an impact on our "freedom of movement". The area of the Montreux Palace Hotel and the Montreux Convention Center will be a "No Go" area for us, the common people. Unless we get from the city administration a special "macaron" which will allow us to pass. But I am not special, so I will not get one.

Of course, Montreux will do its best (as it always does) to show what a great town it is. We could feel the preparations since quite some time. In the last few days we hat our famous army pilots of the "Patrouille Suisse" flying, very low, over the city and performing their act over the lake. It was fabulous to see. They will present their show to all the participants.

You will recognise on TV all the head of states coming and see a lot of famous people.

You will not see me. Because I will not get the "macaron".

Jazz on the 5th, Nr. 28

2010-10-05T01:05:00.002+02:00

I thought it is time to bring again something from my favorite musician, Woody Herman. Here we see "Days of Wine and Roses" played by his "Swinging Herd". It is from 1964. It is a "calmer" tune but even then, at the end the boys are blowing at you. And the master has joined the saxophone section. (The video does not play directly, click on "Visionner on YouTube").

60

2010-10-03T07:53:00.000+02:00

Some people see things differently. And have their views, different views which makes this world interesting. And everybody has his own opinion (or at least should have). I am having my opinion. For instance, about retirement. Now, I am not talking about MY retirement which was two years ago and I have, as of today, not seen much of it yet. But that is my thing, as an individual.

I am talking about retirement in general.

Right now, since weeks, there is a big fuss in France about retirement, putting the French President and his government under a lot of pressure and strain.

Because they want to change the retirement age from 60 to 62. Mass demonstrations have taken place, more will come and there might even be a general strike. Of course, it is natural that people get angry when one of their social benefits gets modified and changed for the worse.

But in this case, is this uproar really justified?

In Spain, the government is considering to put the retirement age from 65 to 67. In Switzerland, as civil servant and providing that the head of your department agrees, you can work until you are 70. Naturally being of good health. And, as a rule, retirement at 65 seems to be the common practice.

People are living longer and look younger as they age. And some would like to work as long as they can. Which is OK because, today, at 65 one is not old.

Of course, many people have rough and tedious jobs. But for them, there is "retraite à la carte". Which means that they have to possibility to retire earlier.

So I really do not understand all the fuss the French are making about this issue. Perhaps I am too dumb?

No!

2010-09-25T08:29:00.001+02:00

I made a comment on one of Anji's posts. Which leads me to make a post here.

Since I am back, I have been busy running around. First, I had to go to my mission debriefing at my agency. A week later I had to go back for a training (me, the retiree) for rapid response interventions (I mentioned this before).

And then a lot or private stuff to tend to. And go and visit my mother. Which I always did by car. But as you know, I made an accident in March. I decided not to repair the car and not to buy a new one. I wrote about this too.

So, I hit the road with public transport.

First, I took the bus in my town. There is one every 10 minutes. And I am living 100 meters from the bus stop. It is a 10 minutes ride to the railway station.

There I took the Intercity double decker train to Bern - Olten (where my mother lives). Of course, I travel first class. With the Railway Card. Giving me a 50 % reduction on the fare. Which amounted to 50 dollars. And included the bus ticket in my mother's town. And the trip takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. For close to 200 kilometers.

Reaching my destination, I am taking this bus (running every 30 minutes) to go to my mother's house. Bus station is 100 meters from her house. And, as said above, no need to buy a ticket. It is already included in my train ticket. And these busses are modern, running on earth gas.

Then, of course, a lot of bla bla with my mother and she wants to know every thing. So, the 4 days pass quickly and it is time to go home again,

And this time I take the ICN (Inter City Neigezug) on a different route Biel - Montreux. the "Neige" stands for inclination. Because the train inclines in the curves and can keep the speed. So, the travel time is 1 hour 56 minutes. And it is still close to 200 kilometers. And the train stop en route 4 times.

No!

I don't need a car anymore. Because they say that every inhabitant, statistically, lives 300 meters from a public transport station. Me, it is only 100 meters. And I don't have to spend 2'000 dollars a year just to have a car. Just to have it, not even running it.

For Anji and A Lady's Life (and others who might "complain")

2010-09-12T05:54:00.001+02:00

Thank you for your comments on my post below.

I have to specify something: The missions I will make are not long ones. They will be 2 to 3 weeks in case something happens somewhere in this world. Like inundations or earthquakes or massive movement of people due to anything.

Then I will be called to go on the spot with a team to assess the needs and based on our findings, the agency will send one or more aircrafts with the necessary emergency aid equipment. Then, my mission will be completed and if need is, the agency will send the regular "troops".

So, there is a lot of time to profit from "free" life.

Resting?

2010-09-11T07:53:00.001+02:00

For the time being, yes, I am resting. I came home 10 days ago and did take care of my family. And of some personal, pending issues. Like satisfying some requests from my income tax inspector. For once, not a complaint about me not having paid the taxes. Just a query about the travel expenses I had submitted with my last income tax return.

And then I had to go to my agency for the debriefing of my Sri Lanka mission. This was a whole day event and I had to meet and discuss with quite a few people. And three of them asked me if I was still ready to do missions. Well, I did not say no.

As a matter of fact, I arrived back home on Monday of last week and I had barely settled in when on Wednesday they called and asked if I could go for three weeks to Pakistan. But finally, there was no need to go.

But it could well be that I will go again on mission. Tomorrow? In three weeks? In two month?

Well, at anytime I might be again convoying like in the photo above.

Next week, I have to go to a training course to be a teamleader for the "Rapid Response Unit". Which definitely means that I will be called for action.

But why is ma agency so keen to send me on mission though I am retired? Well, it is because I have a huge experience in the humanitarian aid work. I have worked for my agency's own projects and I have been seconded to UN agencies who were in need of people.

But the major thing is that the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit is like a militia corps. Many members are working. When they receive a request to go on mission, they have to talk to their employer if they can go for three weeks. Most of the time, the employers agree because they signed an agreement with my agency. But if one is called in spring to go to Haiti and then in autumn again to go to Pakistan, the empolyer has the right to refuse.

And so, the agency is depending a lot on freelancers (as I was) or retired people (as I am). But we, the retirees, are only a few. Because of one important thing: You have to be physically fit. And you mind has to be sharp. Which is absolutely no problem for me. As you know, I am only 35 years old.

And thus, you will in the future again read my stories about countries I will go to.

Jazz on the 5th, Nr. 27

2010-09-05T05:41:00.000+02:00

Oye Como Va? One of Santana's top hits in the 70ties.

But it is a composition of Tito Puente, the great latin music man, the king of timbales. Tito was also a good latin jazz musician. Here is "Oye Como Va?" played by the composer and his band.

Well, come and gone!

2010-09-05T05:33:00.002+02:00

I arrived home last Monday. Everybody was happy to see me. I relaxed a bit. I unpacked my suitcases and showed all the gifts my Sri Lankan friends have given me. But somehow, still having Adrenaline flowing through, I had to cool down. I did. But on Wednesday, I received a phone call. From my agency.

They asked how I was doing. And they said that they are happy for me to have come back. And they asked if I could go to Pakistan immediately. Immediately? Yes, they said, on Sunday. Which is today. Then they called again and said that it is postponed. Because my job would have been to distribute tents. But they have not arrived in Pakistan yet.

So, I am expecting a call any day.

Come and gone!

Good Bye Sri Lanka

2010-08-29T06:27:00.002+02:00

It hurts to go. Very much. When will I see you again, my lovely island? When will I see your beauty again? When will I see the smiles of your people once more, many times more?

A bit of pride

2010-08-21T04:34:00.000+02:00

My mission, as said before, in Sri Lanka will come to an end and I will be leaving at the end of the month. I will be home and finally retire (?). Yes, a question mark. Because, when I was home in March, at my agency they told me (smiling): "Oh, it seems that we can send you to Haiti soon". But that was 5 month ago. Will they change their mind and are thinking of Pakistan?

Anyhow, last week I received a phone call from the office in Colombo inquiring if they could have a photo of me wearing a t-shirt. I did not have any. And then came to my mind that I had put one on my post two years ago when I celebrated my 65th birthday. I copied it and sent it to them. But why would they want a photo from me?

I was soon to know. Two days ago, we had our mid year review. And at the end of the day we were invited for a gathering at the hotel bar at 8pm. We were there and all of a sudden, it turned to be out a Good Bye Party for me. I was surprised. And full of emotion. My boss was reading a document. It will be put, it seems, on the WFP intranet too. As I said, I was full of emotion. And a bit proud too. I share it here with you:

A word of thanks to the SDC Secondee, Mr. Peter Voegtli

Always in his neat colorful T-shirts of wide varieties, mostly reflecting the Swiss yearly concerts, Mr. Peter Voegtli is a Swiss national, who has been seconded to the World Food Programme by Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) since 2004, WFP’s standby partner for several years. With concurrent extension, Peter served WFP for over six years. The highly motivated and committed Peter, not only is considered as a true WFP humanitarian aid worker, but also a human being with a big heart and adorable personality, always extending his support to whoever needed it.

With over 30 years of substantive field and Hqs experience in SDC and other entities, Peter first joined the WFP team in South Darfur/Sudan at the height of the Darfur emergency and the large IDP influx in 2004. He served in South Darfur Area Office for five years as the Head of the Zallinge Sub Office and later as a Programme Officer in the AO. After completion of his service in Darfur, following a request by WFP Sri Lanka, SDC was again kind enough to recall Peter from his retirement and second him to WFP for an important assignment in one of WFP’s major operations in Vavunya, northern Sri Lanka. His experience and his great personality added value to the emergency operation during the critical period of the conflict in the north, where hundreds and thousands of IDPs were trapped by the conflict and after their release in camps following the end of the 26-year long war in May 2009.

The smiling Peter, at his age, never says he’s tired or exhausted but rather continued to display commitment, full of energy, to help those who are the under-privileged and that are dependent on WFP’s food aid. Standing in the hot and dusty IDP camp in Manik Farm, Peter led one of WFP’s special arrangements to ensure the direct targeting of IDPs with timely and appropriate food ration, taking over direct distribution from the Government. His cordial and diplomatic relationship with government counterparts and WFP partners has always enabled to break through negotiations, which at times, were difficult to succeed. Peter has always been appreciated by his team and WFP donors for his extraordinary job and command of adjusting to local conditions, appreciative of traditional and cultural values.

As he prepares to complete his services with WFP by end August, the WFP team in Sri Lanka wishes Peter a happy retirement, busy as a bee, and good health full of adventures.

Azeb Asrat, WFP Sri Lanka
16 August 2010

I am not naked anymore

2010-08-20T16:44:00.000+02:00

I am not naked anymore. My mind is OK again. I am dressed.

Well, not really well dressed like George Clooney. But I am not like the statue in the previous post anymore. And I have a lot to tell.

I am busy winding up my Sri Lanka mission and will leave this lovely place broken hearted in 10 days. That's it for now.

Naked

2010-07-27T03:05:00.001+02:00

That is how I feel: Naked. In my mind. Completely naked. Bare of everything. It seems that a part of my brain is disconnected. So, I am busy fixing it. To be "dressed" again.

I am bare, like this beautiful statue. I could have put a picture of me naked. But that would have offended everybody. And certainly, it would not be a pleasant sight. I am though well built too. Specially around my stomach.

Lazy? Yes!

2010-07-25T12:42:00.003+02:00

What happened? I have not been around in the blogging world for quite some time. No posting. No commenting. No "Twitter" shouts. Nothing.

Has my lovely, warm, sunny island Sri Lanka made me become lazy?

No nothing of the sort. For technical reasons, we could not go to the field and had to do office work. And office work is boring. Field trips should make me tired. But it is the office work that made me tired. And so, when I came home, I was like the guy above. Just falling asleep.

With one difference, never with a TV control in my hand. I don't watch TV here. Well, now things are better and I am alive, back, with full blast.

Spain: 2010 Football World Champion

2010-07-12T02:58:00.000+02:00

Spain, we, the tiny Swiss, beat you in the preliminary round. But you made it. Congratultions.

Qatar Airways Makes Its South American Debut | Qatar Airways Press Release

2010-07-11T13:54:00.000+02:00

My lovely Airline. Interesting to read.

Qatar Airways Makes Its South American Debut | Qatar Airways Press Release

FIFA World Championship South Africa 2010

2010-07-10T04:33:00.002+02:00

The football championship is also this:

Jazz on the 5th, Nr. 26

2010-07-05T01:06:00.001+02:00

There was, a long time ago, always discussions whether black musicians play better jazz than white musicians. This is useless talk. The musicians are good or not.

When it comes to trumpet or "horns", there were so many excellent players like Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Maynard Ferguson, Winston Marsalis. And above all, Miles Davis, the best trumpet player ever.

When it comes to saxophones or "reeds", there too so many excellent players like Lester Young, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins. And above all, Stan Getz, the best saxophone player ever.

Ok, that is only my opinion. But as you can see, a good balance between Black and White.

Stan Getz had a nickname: The Souhd. A mellow one.

Getting Serious

2010-07-03T03:16:00.000+02:00

I am back but you have not seen me around very much.

We have some turmoil here. Nothing that threatens our life. But some big shots, far away from here, have taken decisions which are not liked here. And now we are restricted in our work. We still can do it, but it involves a lot of red tape. So I have been busy spending time to organise our operations so that they fit into the new "rules".

But now, serious business will start again and I will be roaming on your blogs.

Yes, Sir

2010-07-01T09:31:00.000+02:00

Because of you, we cannot do our job anymore!

Off again

2010-06-26T01:16:00.001+02:00

Ok, I am off again. For my last (?) tour of duty in Sri Lanka.

I will be online again in a few days.

Take care. And see you soon.

I dedicate this one to "A Lady's Life"

2010-06-23T06:30:00.000+02:00

A few days ago, "A Lady's Life" (you find her in my favorite blogs) posted a story "Little Indians" which made me laugh a lot. She often post funny and witty stories. That story made me remember one. Here it is.

Two guys (from Europe) emigrated to North America. They were not very successful in what they wanted to do and decided that they go and settle in Indian territory.

They found a good place and built a log cabin. The year went by and autumn came. Our two guys thought that it would be good to chop some wood for the winter.

They started this and after two or three days, they asked themselves about the quantity they need. At this time they saw 2 Indians sitting on a stone watching them.

"Let's go and ask the Indians", one of our men said.

"Hi guys, as you are from here, I am sure that you can tell us how the winter will be".

The Indians responded: "It will be harsh".

So, our men continued to cut trees for another week. And they were tired and went to see the Indians again.

"Will it be a real harsh winter?" they asked. The Indians confirmed that it will be very harsh. After another week, the men felt that this must be it, that they have chopped a lot of wood. But to be sure, they asked the Indians again.

"Ok, it can be harsh, real harsh or an extremely bad winter". The Indians replied that the winter will be extremely bad.

Discouraged by this news and thinking that they would have to cut more wood and get more tired, the men asked the Indians: "But how do you know that the winter will be extremely bad?".

The Indians replied: "Because we see White Man chopping wood since 3 weeks".

I don't like you, I like you

2010-06-20T03:12:00.002+02:00

Mac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple.

All names that mean a lot to a lot of people. I am certainly not a big fan of the Apple Empire. I don't like their computers, in particular their notebooks. Though the iTunes is good, I am not so happy with the restrictions Apple imposes. But I did buy an iPod mini with 6 GB a few years ago. And it is good. It is small, I have about 1'400 songs on it. I have never come around to listen to all of them yet. And it lasts for hours before I have to go through the time taking recharge process. Actually, once I read that Apple had a law suit from somebody who claimed that the "running time" was far below of what Apple indicated. I tested and let the iPod run, with medium volume set. It lasted 27 hours. I found this to be good.

I am a gadget freak. And, fortunately for me, my wife is quite understanding. When it comes to mobile communication, in particular for mobile phones, I am a convinced Nokia user. But then Apple created the iPhone. I went to their website and clicked on "View the short video presentation". I did. It lasted for about 40 minutes. And when it was finished I knew: I want an iPhone. I went to the store of my provider and ordered one. They said that I would have to wait for about two month, so many orders they had to fill.

No problem, I was leaving for Sudan anyway to com back about two month later. And when I came, for a 10 days break, my iPhone was there. I started to set it up, I played with it. I was surprised to find that it did not have some basic things a cell phone has. I played more with it and after a few days I told my iPhone: "I don't like you". And I sold it.

And thereafter I lived in peace. Until the moment when Apple came up with something new:

The iPad. Of course, I had to find out about it. I surfed on the net and read everything I could. And I found many good tests, comments or recommendations. And finally the Apple Store Switzerland announced that it is available.

The nice thing is that it weighs 700 grams. It is one centimeter thick. It runs on WI-FI. Which is good because in Switzerland we have such networks all over. Except if I go to my mother. There is no WI-FI. But if you pay 100 dollars more, you get an iPad which works on wireless and 3G. Again, I watched the various videos. And I said to myself: "I want one".

I ordered it. I have received it two days ago. I have set it up. I have not discovered all yet the iPad does.

But this time, I honestly can say: "I like you".

There are quite a few David's around

2010-06-19T05:05:00.000+02:00

I am pleased. Because I can follow the FIFA 2010 World Cup whilst I am on leave. At least the preliminary round which lasts two weeks. Three matches a day.

32 teams facing each other. Among them Goliath's. Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal.

And we have some David's.

And, as in history, David's are beating Goliath's:

Mexico did beat France,
Serbia did beat Germany,and

SWITZERLAND DID BEAT SPAIN.

Lufthansa A380 in Tokyo

2010-06-18T07:27:00.000+02:00

12th June 2010

A decision to make

2010-06-17T03:48:00.005+02:00

In March, when I was home, I made an accident. A stupid one. My fault. And my lovely Citroën Xantia was damaged. Not beyond repair. But I figured that it will cost a bit.

Yesterday, I received an estimate. The body work (the whole front is damaged) and some mechanical work (replacing the radiator) would be around 7'000 dollars. That is quite a bit. But then, my car is a fancy one and I even would call it a luxury model. With great technology. True. But it is 16 years old (but still looks modern and has fancy technology) and it has close to 200'000 kilometers.

The car dealer (a decent man, from a small dealership, not pushy at all) told me that all his customers who had a Xantia were broken hearted when they had to decide to separate from it. He also found that it would not be wise to spend 7'000 dollars on a "old" car, after an accident, as there might be hidden problems to come up.

As we discussed, he asked why would I not consider to buy a new car. And that Citroën (I would not buy another brand) has some good offers. Why not?

We looked at different models. And I finally liked the Citroën Nemo. It is smaller than what I had, but it has plenty of space (which we need often as we carry around things). We priced it and it would cost 13'000 dollars. And with this, the dealer would also get rid of the Xantia. Which is good. Because if you want to "garbage" a car without buying a new one, it will cost you about 1'000 dollars.

So, I was quite pleased and told the dealer that I will give him an answer in two days. Because I have to think. And decide. And I decided. The answer is no. I will not buy a new car.

Several reasons. I am retired. Ok, right now not really much. I have to live, basically, on retirement benefits. What I am earning now is just butter for the spinach. I can have a more or less decent life on the benefits. But to have a car, just to have it and not driving it, costs about 2'000 dollars per year. If I drive it, you can count about 500 dollars per month of car expenses. That is reason number one.

How much do I need a car? When I am at home and I have to go somewhere around here, I can use the public transport. Either bus or train. At good prices and efficient service. And if I need a car to go further (like to the Southern part of Switzerland) I can rent a car. From Avis. Where I am the holder of an "Avis Preferred" card. With special rates. And should I need a car urgently, like that, on the spot, there is my son's car. As he is in Dubai, he does not need it. He kept it so that when he is at home, he can move. That is reason number two.

And then my age. This year I will be 68 years old. Ok, you know about my young mind. But the paper age is here. And soon the authorities might make driving restrictions. That you should make a medical every year. Or be accompanied by somebody younger. Or only drive from 10 PM to 4 AM to avoid the risk of being on the road. And then, who knows, I might become gaga soon and unfit to drive a car. So, I don't think that an investment of 13'000 dollars is worthwhile. That is reason number three.

So, I have 3 good reason not to buy a car anymore. And I decided that I will not. I have enough possibilities to be mobile without owning a car. And if things, in view of my age, become really bad I still have a solution:

My wife will push me around in a wheelchair.

At last

2010-06-14T03:44:00.003+02:00

Max Göldi, one of the two Swiss that were held hostage for almost two years in Libya by the authorities (the other one, Rachid Hamdani, came back a few month ago) has arrived in Switzerland this morning at 1 AM.

Our Minister of Foreign Affairs brought him back. She went to Libya on Saturday, accompagnied by the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs.

I am pleased that Mrs Calmy-Rey took him home. Because she has guts. She is excellent. Spain and Germany have been mediating in this affair and we owe them a lot. And it shows that Switzerland can count on friends. This is our Foreign Ministers doing.

Madame Calmy-Rey, congratulations for your succesful mission. Max Göldi, welcome back home.

What happened?

2010-06-11T07:36:00.000+02:00

So many things.

When you work in harsh conditions (basic living conditions, not much possibilities to relax and change your mind from work which is demanding and many other things), you profit from R+R. Rest and relief. A weeks off, to recover. Every 6 weeks. Just to get out. And to come back with your batteries fully charged.

As my mission is extended until the end of August, I started to make my plans for R+R when I came back from my leave end of March. I would have been entitled to two R+R cycles. But when I saw the work that would needed to be done, I decided to take only one R+R. That was a mistake. It meant that I had to be on the spot for 11 weeks before I would take some rest.

The thing was that last year we had to take care of 300'000 people. This year it is the same. But last year, they were all at the same place. And this year, one year after the end of the war, the people are moving back to their places of origin. Scattered in a huge area in Northern Sri Lanka. And we have to see that they get their food. Before, we distributed it in 8 distribution points. Now, they get their food in 160 distribution points. And it has to work. Because the vultures (journalists) are there to report any "bad" thing.

I could write a book on this. But let me be simple. My team and I were on the road all the time from early morning to late evening. Driving for 3 hours to a village to check if school feeding is working ok. And then 2 more hours to another location to see if a distribution point is having enough stocks and that records are kept well. The roads are bumpy and our Toyota Landcruiser, though comfortable, did not give us much comfort. And it is enervating if it take 3 hours to make 30 kilometers.

So, in the evening, when I came back, I just wanted to rest. I looked at my computer and said: "No, today I don't switch it on". And this explains why I have not been around very much. But now, I am at home. I have sorted out my "pendings" and I have a weekend ahead where I will catch up with you "guys".

And to reassure you. I was really worn out. But that has nothing to do with my age. My younger colleagues, both international and national, were as worn out as I.

It is important to take the R+R after 6 weeks. One really needs it when working in crisis situations.

Famous last words: When I go back, I will stay for 10 weeks before the next break. This is called poor planing.

Jazz on the 5th, Nr. 25

2010-06-05T00:31:00.002+02:00

Quincy Jones is a giant in the music world: In recent years, he organised with Michael Jackson the recording of the famous "We are the world" with a huge number of artist gathered together. He also has been co-producer of the Montreux Jazz Festival. In the early Sixties when he was young (and me too), he had a big band. A good one. Here you see him with a tune I like very much and which I have as one of my ringing tones for my mobile phone: "Moanin". And the great Clark Terry plays a solo.

Sooo tired

2010-06-01T00:13:00.000+02:00

You have noticed it, I am sure. I have not been around much these days.

I am so tired. Worn out. A lot of work, a lot of visitors. On the road all the time. Two hours to go somewhere, do the work, two hours to drive back. It takes its toll. But I enjoyed it and did a lot of good work.

And in 4 days, I will enjoy my whisky with some ice. I will fly home. For a break of 3 weeks. I need it.

A380 Roll-in-Event 19.5.2010

2010-05-28T01:12:00.002+02:00

Emotion, speechless. That is why I don't say more.

It seems that I am prolific?

2010-05-24T14:23:00.000+02:00

I have received an award, a big one from A Lady's Life and I consider this a great honor. If I am blogging since 4 years now, she has started much later than me but she has a huge output. Putting me in troubles because often I lack time to comment on all her posts. And that is a pity. Because between serious issues and funny posts, you will find a wealth of things to please you. She is really prolific.

Now, I have to pass this award on.

The rules for this award stipulte that:
Each Prolific Blogger Must:
1. Pass it on to at least 7 other deserving prolific bloggers.
2. Link to the blog from which he/she acquired the award.
3. Link back to this post which explains the origin and motivation for the award.
4. Visit this post and add his/her name in Mr. Linky so we may all get to know the other fellow winners.

Now, I am at a loss. I have to pass the award to seven other deserving bloggers. As I think it would be silly to just pass it back to the people who gave it and received it, I will take some time to fulfill the 4 obligations.

But I will come back. With, hopefully, good choices. And very soon.

They got it!

2010-05-20T01:38:00.000+02:00

My great Lufthansa received its newest aircraft.

The huge Airbus A 380. Let me fly in it.

Soon!

Bullshit and Rubbish

2010-05-16T03:18:00.005+02:00

Today I am in a nasty mood. That is perhaps because I am to "kind-hearted". My boss says I am like that. She might be right. The thing is, when you do my kind of work, you need to become a bit hard, but you never should "close" your heart. To be continously exposed to the suffering of people needs a balance of hard and soft. But for me, the "soft" is much bigger. And more important. I am fully in my work. And since so many years. And I have come across a lot of rubbish.

I mean rubbish of words and talk.

In the last weeks, we had a lot of visitors. All kinds, donors, international agencies and others. For various reasons they come and see what we all do here. When they come, there is always a briefing for them. Of course, they will be hearing situation reports with figures that are often wrong. Or you have to listen to endless presentations on a subject nobody is interested in. And when the visitors ask questions the often get useless answers because the question was not understood.

And also, they get beautifying answers just to give a good impression. In my field the question is often asked: "Do the people sell the food you give them?" Or: "Are you sure that the people receiving the food are the right people?". Many say "No" for the first question and "Yes" for the second. And this is rubbish. People sell some of the food, they have some needs like medicine and they have no cash. So they trade a bit of their food. And there are people who are getting food and should not and you have people who should get food and don't. But these are things you cannot avoid when cater for hundreds of thousand of people.

I don't like when talk is rubbish. But I frankly hate when I am bullshitted.

There was one visitor who came, stayed a week and came again and always said how terrible the situation was and that assistance to the people will be needed for a long time and that he will recommend that funding will continue to be made available. For us to learn a few weeks later that funding will stop.

I understand that there were ecomomic and political reasons and that the situation has improved and is now a "post crisis" one. Of course! Bullshit!

Is it true that the situation has improved? A family returned to their place of origin. Comfortably sitting on chairs, plastic ones. They were back home. Under a tree. Because they could not go to their house. One meter behind the tree was a yellow band along their land. With red signs attached to it. It said: Danger, Mines.

Rubbish and Bullshit.

Canadians, Kiss me!

2010-05-12T17:10:00.002+02:00

And I hope that the two first Canadians to do so are "Baron" and "Lady's Life". Today the Swiss Federal Railways announced the order of new trains for the amount of 1.8 billion USD. And where did they shop? In Canada. The order went to Bombardier.

We will have beautiful double decker trains.

You can see that Bombardier also makes airplanes.

On the lower deck, second class will look like this.

And on the upper deck, I will travel first class.

Congratulations, Canada, and thank you, Swiss Federal Railways, for this good choice.

Multitasking

2010-05-08T05:00:00.002+02:00

I know a young lady. A charming one. Fresh, witty, funny. With a heart that cares for people. A heart that bleeds when she sees the suffering of people. When she is around, there is no "Sound of Music". But her laughter is like "Sound of Music". She is British. Well educated. And speaks English with a perfect accent. And she has a huge sense of humor. She is black. So, I told her when I met her the first time: "You are British, you say, but the United Kingdom not being known as a place that is very sunny, may I ask you were you got your suntan from?". She burst out laughing and told me where her roots were.

Once she was on field trip and we had breakfast together. She was preparing her breakfast drink: A little sachet of Nescafé to be torn open, another one with Coffee Mate, also to be torn open and a spoon of sugar. During the same time she was talking to her husband with her mobile phone. Squeezed between her ear and her shoulder. When she had finished, I told her that she had created her first stress situation of the day. Smiling, she answered: "Oh, but I am multitasking". Aha!

I started to think about this. And then I looked up "Wikipedia" for the definition of multitasking:

Human multitasking is the performance by an individual of appearing to handle more than one task at the same time. The term is derived from computer multitasking. An example of multitasking is listening to a radio interview while typing an email. Some believe that multitasking can result in time wasted due to human context switching and apparently causing more errors due to insufficient attention. Other research illustrates our brains are capable dealing with certain 'dual multiple tasks' at the same time.[citation needed]

One sentence struck me: "Some believe that multitasking.......". I believe strongly that multitasking is not possible. Just be it the sheer combination of tasks. A farmer, for instance, cannot milk his cows and drive his tractor at the same time. Or, look at the picture below:

Apparently a perfect multitasking work place. You can work on your computer whilst you talk on your phone. So, you perform two tasks at the same time. And whilst you do that, a third task might have to be done. But as soon as that task is completed, you will be reduced to singletasking. Because you will need both of your hands to complete the third task.

So, I am not really convinced about multitasking. Unless you revert to the method as shown in the poster above.

But again, I doubt it. Because if you use this method, you will be able to perform just one task: Trying not to go crazy.

Jazz on the 5th, Nr. 24

2010-05-05T01:44:00.003+02:00

A jewel. A short one. "Bugle Call Rag" performed by Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. Pure swing.

Lovely sounds

2010-05-02T10:31:00.000+02:00

It is so nice to travel in this world and having good music on one's iPod. I have good music, at least for my taste. Over the years I "collected" from various sources, online, from other "machines" and even mobile phones with bluetooth transmission. But the best way is still from a CD. Because you can choose to put the whole CD or only certain songs on your player. A few month ago I came across something that lets me put the whole CD on my iPod: Putumayo.

It is a company that specializes in world music.

They are absolutely great. The CD's are thematic.

The choice of music is fantastic. And it is music you can listen to. Every track, on every CD.

They take you to regions of this world and

have CD's dedicated to countries.

Visit Putumayo. You will be astounded by the styles, types and varieties they offer. You can also listen to samples of the songs. And they are on the move all the time. To know what Putumayo is up to, I have put their blog into my favorites.

I am sure you will like what they have. And what you will hear.

This post looks like an ad for them. Somehow it is, but Putumayo is not aware about it. And I simply wanted to share this experience with you.

Why the top of my blog "Swiss" heavy is

2010-04-30T01:19:00.003+02:00

Before my posts come, you have noticed certainly that Swiss "things" are prominent on my blog. This is because I am proud to be Swiss. Very proud. It has not always been so. Actually, there were times were I was not proud at all to be Swiss.

But as one grows older, things are seen in more moderate way. And taken cooler.

Switzerland is landlocked. And the Alps and Jura mountains shielded us from bad things and agressors. And this probably made that our minds were "landlocked" too.

And when I came back after my first two years of foreign experience, at the age of 23, I was suffocating. I could not identify myself anymore with these "people". I had seen the world, I had seen suffering and problems and all the Swiss worried about were trains running 3 minutes late. At that time, in the mid sixties, there was no unemployment, everybody had work. Except the employees of the unemployment office. They were at work but had nothing to do. And so I left my country soon again.

And for a long time, I did not worry about my country and not even care. But perhaps being away from it and having been influenced by "foreign" people who had been to Switzerland, I started to see things in a different way.

Of course, we have this horrible right (almost extreme right and strongest) wing party with its awful leaders (and one in particular) who want our country to be landlocked. And yet some of those leaders are filthy rich by doing business with the whole world.

And, of course, we have stupid votes like the anti minaret vote.

Or the head of the Department of Immigration who recently made racist statements.

But we also have legalized prostitution and euthanasia. Being gay or lesbian is almost no problem (but it can still be a problem) anymore.

Yes, we are known to yodel, to make cheese, chocolates and watches. But we are also very strong in "high tech" with two "Ecoles Polytechniques", one in Zurich and one in Lausanne. Where some important discoveries have been made.

And we have two absolute great ladies in our government. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs is absolutely fantastic and has worked very hard for Switzerland to have an important presence in world matters. Our Minister of Economy is also our President and will most probably receive this years "Swiss Humor Award". Because she burst out laughing when she had to reply, in Parliament, to a motion of the above mentioned party.

Many more things make that I am proud of my country. And that's why the the top of the blog is "Swiss" heavy.

First, most prominently, a photo of Montreux, my hometown. A "sexy" town throughout the year. But definitely the most "sexy" town in the world during two weeks. In July when the Jazz Festival is on.

About "Swiss things". There I put headlines that cover a particular subject or happening concerning Switzerland. Or they are of special interest. And I add always a comment or statement. Either amused, puzzled, funny, nasty or serious. I suggest that you take time and read these "things".

And then "swissworld". In my opinion, the best site to get information about my country. 360 degrees. If you visit this site, you will discover what Switzerland is and has to offer. And also see why I am now proud to be Swiss.

Post Scriptum (posted on May 1): Following "Trotters" comment, I have shifted most of the links described above to the right column of the blog.

Trains; their (my) dreams, their (my) stories

2010-04-24T04:58:00.001+02:00

I have posted already several times about trains. Trains always had a great fascination for me. Normal, when you live in a country which has an efficient train system. And when you started traveling on a train at the age of 6. Alone. But that is another story I will tell.

Of all the trains in the world that have ever existed, the most mythic is certainly the "Orient Express". On its journey from Paris to Istanbul, Kings and moguls traveled. But also, sometimes, spies and Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot had to solve a murder case during the journey. The train has been the star of many movies. There is a preservation society which has revived this train and now you can enjoy a trip from Paris to Venice. At a prohibitive cost. Which means that my dream to take this train will probably never come true.

However, it did once and partially. We have a trade fair in Basle and one of my suppliers (I was then a decision maker in a company) invited its customers to attend this fair. And to make it special, we did not just get a free entry to the fair and then the obligatory presentation of the supplier with sandwiches. No, They took us in the morning by train from Lausanne (two hours trip) and back in the evening. With saloon and dining cars (picture above) of the Orient Express attached to the regular train. Breakfast in the morning including champagne. Five course dinner in the evening. Absolute first summit class. Whilst I was enjoying my meal, my mind started to drift off and I wondered of which country I was the King. An extraordinary experience.

Less lush, but still lush enough to be enjoyed were the "Trans Europe Express". This great trains crisscrossed Europe until the 1970's I made many trips with them. A few times even in first class (At that time I could not afford it all the time, today I travel exclusively in first class on trains). Taking a TEE was always something special.

When I was living in South Africa, I never had the chance to take the train above. The "Blue Train" traveling in 3 days from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Two reasons: Long booking in advance needed and the cost (again). But I took the train from Johannesburg to Lourenço Marques (today called Maputo) in Mozambique. I remember the lovely dinner whilst we were moving through Eastern Transvaal and then coffee, brandy and cigar on the open terrace car at the end of the train.

Making a journey with East African Railways was quite an experience too. Single bed cabin, with own lavatory. Traveling from Kampala to Nairobi. With a gentle knock on my cabin door at 5 o'clock in the morning: "Good Morning Sir, here is your morning tea". British inheritance.

Why should I bother to take a plane from Kumasi to Accra in Ghana, spend money for a hotel, do my business, spend more money on a hotel and fly back? Well, I did. Until the day a flight was canceled. Troubles, because it was a must that I attend a meeting. What to do? Somebody suggested: "Why don't you take the sleeper?". I did and from then, I never flew to Accra again. Ghana Railways had this superb overnight trip. You slept good (of course, in a first class cabin), you did your business and took the train again in the evening. And saved the hotel money.

And so, over the last 40 years, I have spent hours and days in trains (besides Switzerland and the countries above also in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Norway). Soon, I will travel on the train above. In Sri Lanka. When I leave for good I will travel on the intercity from Vavuniya to Colombo.A days journey through this lovely country.

And then, probably having finally (perhaps) a period of rest and (perhaps again) retirement I will start to plan for two train trips I want to do since long: The Trans Siberian from Moscow to Vladivostok and the VIA from Toronto to Vancouver.

The Power of Nature, the Weakness of Man

2010-04-18T02:57:00.003+02:00

Sometimes, nature does something that looks impressive.

Or even beautiful.

But it can have also a dark side.

Since days, European Airspace is closed. No flights. And nobody knows how long it will last. The airports are empty.

The aircraft are grounded. Are they happy to have some rest? They, surely, are happy not to have to fly through the ash cloud covering the whole of Europe.

What to do? Well, if you want to travel within Europe, you can take the train.

But can you really when you see signboards like this?

Guys, do something about it. I worry. I fly on June 4th. That gives you enough time. To face the Power of Nature!

Here is some "technical update":

Ash cloud over Europe deepens air travel chaos

Sunday, April 18, 2010
LONDON: Europe’s air travel chaos deepened on Saturday as a huge cloud of volcanic ash spread southeast across the continent, halting more than three in four flights and stranding thousands of passengers worldwide.

European aviation agency Euro control said no landings or takeoffs were possible for civilian aircraft in most of northern and central Europe because of the ash spewed out by an Icelandic volcano, which was still erupting.

It expected only 5,000 flights in European airspace, compared with 22,000 on a normal Saturday. On Friday it said there were 10,400 flights compared with the usual 28,000. “Forecasts suggest that the cloud of volcanic ash will persist and that the impact will continue for at least the next 24 hours,” the agency said in a statement shortly after 0900 GMT. The plume that floated through the upper atmosphere, where it could wreak havoc on jet engines and airframes, is costing airlines more than $200 million a day and has thrown travel plans into disarray around the world.

The disruption is the worst since the Sept 11 attacks on New York and Washington in 2001, when US airspace was closed for three days and European airlines were forced to halt all transatlantic services. The volcanic eruption appeared to be easing up on Saturday but could continue for days or even months to come, officials said.

There was no quick end in sight to the travel chaos, which coincided with the end of the busy Easter holiday period in Europe. France said Paris airports would remain closed until at least on Monday morning, and Italy extended a shutdown of its northern airports until then.

British Airways, hit by strikes last month that cost it around $70 million, cancelled all Sunday’s flights. Europe’s biggest tour operator, TUI Travel, said it was cancelling all trips until at least 0800 GMT on Sunday.

Disruption spread to Asia, where dozens of Europe-bound flights were cancelled and hotels from Beijing to Singapore strained to accommodate thousands of stranded passengers. In Singapore, a major transit point for Europe-bound air traffic, 22 flights were cancelled early on Saturday, Changi Airport spokesman Ivan Tan told Reuters.

“We don’t know where to stay,” said German citizen Dirk Kronewald. “Singapore hotels are full.” American Airlines, a unit of AMR Corp, said it was able to operate flights to and from Spain and Italy but had cancelled 56 others to and from Europe, the same number as on Friday.

Benches

2010-04-13T03:44:00.000+02:00

Many of you know Susanne and her blog with magnificent photos. She is a professional photographer and Swiss like me. And not living in Switzerland either.

Since quite some time, there is a "thing" going on between us. About benches. A long time ago, when she showed the first picture of a bench, I mused that for me it should be time now to sit on a bench. Since then, Susanne posted several photos (of course, all beautiful) of benches. And every time when I commented, she said that I was to young to sit on a bench.

Perhaps. But the fact is that this year, I will be 67 years old. And officially retired since close to two years. I have not been very successful at it. But then, today, at my age, people are younger. And our life expectancy is higher.

And I still am only 35 (in my mind). And as I am eating LifeTea (based on green tea) tablets, I expect to come to the physical age of 100. Well, perhaps a year or two less because of my smoking. By all means, right now, no time to sit on a bench.

But sitting on a bench, eventually, I will. And then I have a dream: I would like to be like Forrest Gump (my most favorite movie with Tom Hanks) and sit and just talk on and on about my life.

With a good box of Swiss chocolates.

Grandfather, Father, Son

2010-04-11T06:28:00.001+02:00

"Crazy" people have always existed. And always will exist. I put CRAZY in hyphens. Because I mean it in the positive sense. You have the bad crazy, but I am not talking about them.

There is people who believe in something. Like all those "crazy" mathematicians and physicians who "play around" with their particle accelerator of the CERN institute in Geneva. They do something which we, the common mortals, don't understand. They are searching for something and we don't really know what. They do. And, one day hopefully soon for them, they will find it and scream "Hallelujah".

I admire them. Because of people like them, the world has been progressing. I admit, sometimes in the wrong way. But thanks to these searches of a quest, we have many comfortable (and sometimes uncomfortable) amenities.

In Switzerland, we do not lack of such "crazy" people. Like the Piccard dynasty.

Auguste Piccard was an eminent Swiss scientist.

In 1930, an interest in ballooning, and a curiosity about the upper atmosphere led him to design a spherical, pressurized aluminum gondola that would allow ascent to great altitude without requiring a pressure suit. Supported by the Belgian Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS) Piccard constructed his gondola.

On May 27, 1931, Auguste Piccard and Paul Kipfer took off from Augsburg, Germany, and reached a record altitude of 15,785 m (51,775 ft). During this flight, Piccard was able to gather substantial data on the upper atmosphere, as well as measure cosmic rays. On August 18, 1932, launched from Dübendorf, Switzerland, Piccard and Max Cosyns made a second record-breaking ascent to 16,200 m (53,152 ft). He ultimately made a total of twenty-seven balloon flights setting a final record of 23,000 m (72,177 ft).

In the mid-1930s, Piccard's interests shifted when he realized that a modification of his high altitude balloon cockpit would allow descent into the deep ocean. By 1937, he had designed a small steel gondola to withstand great external pressure. Construction began, but was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. Resuming work in 1945, he completed the bubble-shaped cockpit that maintained normal air pressure for a person inside the capsule even as the water pressure outside increased to over 46 MPa (6,800 pounds per square inch). Above the heavy steel capsule, a large flotation tank was attached and filled with a low density liquid for buoyancy. Liquids are relatively incompressible and can provide buoyancy that does not change as the pressure increases. And so, the huge tank was filled with gasoline, not as a fuel, but as flotation. To make the now floating craft sink, tons of iron were attached to the float with a release mechanism to allow resurfacing. This craft was named FNRS-2 and made a number of unmanned dives in 1948 before being given to the French Navy in 1950. There, it was redesigned, and in 1954, it took a man safely down 4,176 m (13,700 ft).

And that is when Auguste’s son Jacques, also a scientist, came in:

With his Trieste submarine (proper name: bathyscaphe) able to reach depths of 24,000 feet, Piccard and his colleagues planned on an even greater challenge — a voyage to the bottom of the sea. On 23 January 1960, Piccard and Lt. Don Walsh reached the floor of the Mariana Trench located in the western North Pacific Ocean. The depth of the descent was measured at 10,916 meters (35,813 feet); later, more accurate, measurements in 1995 found the Mariana Trench to be slightly less deep at 10,911 m (35,797 ft). The descent took almost five hours. The bathyscaphe carried no scientific equipment and no experiments were conducted; the mission's purpose was merely to prove that the depth could be reached. The descent progressed without incident until 30,000 feet, when the crew heard a loud crack. They continued the dive, however, finally touching down in "snuff-colored ooze" at 35,800 feet.

When they reached the featureless seabed, they saw a flat fish as well as a new type of shrimp. Marine biologists later disputed their observations, claiming that no fish could survive the 17,000 psi pressure at such depths. Upon discovering cracks in the viewing windows, Piccard cut the voyage short. After only a 20-minute stay on the bottom, they began dumping ballast for their return to the surface, and the damaged vessel returned to its escort ships without incident in three hours and 15 minutes.

As we say: “Jamais deux sans trois” (Never two without a third), there is now Jacques’s son Bertrand. He is a medical doctor psychiatrist. He has always been attracted by the air (Grandfather oblige). His dream was to travel non-stop around the world in a balloon. After first unfruitful experience were he had to land in the Mediterranean Sea a few hours after take off, he succeeded.

On 1 March 1999 Piccard and Brian Jones set off in the balloon Breitling Orbiter 3 from Château d'Oex in Switzerland on the first non-stop balloon circumnavigation around the globe. They landed in Egypt after a 45,755 kilometre flight lasting 19 days, 21 hours and 47 minutes. In recognition of this accomplishment, he received awards including the Harmon Trophy, the FAI Gold Air Medal and the Charles Green Silver.

He could have rested on his laurels. But his urge to do something else drove him on.

In 2004, he co-announced a project, in cooperation with the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), for a solar-powered, long-range, one-seated glider named Solar Impulse. The project is dubbed "a great human adventure". He has financial and technical backing from several European firms, so it looks as if the Solar Impulse will be a European craft, not a Swiss one, despite scientific support from the EPFL. The plan is to circumnavigate the globe with several pilots in relay, flying above cloud cover during the day and at lower altitude at night sometime in 2012. In April 2010, Solar Impulse made its first long test flight in Payerne, Switzerland.

He is known for his flamboyant declarations, using expressions such as "the Invisible Hand" (la Main Invisible):

• "I went in search of new ideas blowing in the wind, to try and live better on Earth in my roles as doctor and human being."
• "Consciousness is perceiving one's soul."
• "Welcome to those who believe in the power of dreams and who would like to join me in my exploration of life."

And I think that it is statements like these that make “crazy” men go on with their discoveries.

There is a lot more to say about the Piccard's. The net is full of it if you are interested.

(Data on the Piccard's exploits contained in this post are from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

Mountains

2010-04-09T03:39:00.000+02:00

Of course, I am mountain boy. Or should I say a mountain man, as I am grown? I am not a Yeti. Because they are only in the Himalaya Mountains. Which are much higher than the Swiss Alps.

I know my Alps very well. Because when I was in the army, I was doing most of my service in Alps region.

I saw the beautiful Matterhorn close to Zermatt and, probably, our "show off" mountain.

I also saw, but never climbed (I would not be fit to do so) the Eiger with its famous (or infamous?) North Face which attracts so many climbers and were many of them lost their life's. Because they did not listen to the people from "there". When they say it is not good to go on a particular day, then you better stay put. Because these people from there, they feel it. They are attuned to the mountain.

I have been walking in the Alps (as far as my "technical" capacity would let me do it), I have crossed glaciers and I just sat on a peak (not very high ones) and looked into the far. As much as this is possible in the Alps.

I also have been flying in the Alps. With small aircraft.

But in the last years (many years), I have been crossing the Alps in big airplanes. Because, if you want to land in Geneva, and you come from the South, you always cross the Alps. And have a spectacular sight. If you have a window seat.

I love my Alps.

Jazz on the 5th, Nr. 23

2010-04-05T01:43:00.001+02:00

It is about time that I put something again of my favorite big band. As I told you before, Woody Herman and his orchestra have "shared" my life since 50 years now.

What you see here is from the famous "Jazz Casual" TV shows of Ralph Gleason.

Happy Easter

2010-03-31T03:00:00.002+02:00

Here, in Sri Lanka, the majority of the people are Buddhists and Hindus. There are also Muslims and Christians. And Easter will be celebrated. It is also a national holiday. And people are very serious about it; almost everything will be at a standstill and shops and places closed.

In my close past, Easter went unnoticed by me. I was living in countries where no celebrations were made.

When I went to school we had Easter camps. The school organized a 4 day trip to somewhere. During 7 years, my parents offered me these trips. But I cannot tell about these travels. Because. Every time when we got up, there were clouds and it started to rain. We all gathered at the railway station, ready to go. And then the teachers decided to cancel the journey.

Happy Easter to all of you.

Women: the Frontline Against Hunger

2010-03-29T15:11:00.001+02:00

Women: the Frontline Against Hunger

Today, one year ago

2010-03-26T05:56:00.004+01:00

Today is the Annual Convention of the Humanitarian Aid of the Swiss Government. Where the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit will be celebrated. The event is important and it has about 900 participants. One year it takes place in the German part of the country, the following year in the French part. This year it is in Montreux.

The Montreux Convention Center is the place of the venue. So, today, there will be different "sounds". Because the center is also the place where the jazz festival takes place in July every year.

I will attend the meeting, before flying back to Sri Lanka tomorrow.

A year ago, today, I attended the meeting too. It was during the coffee break that I was approached and asked if I would accept to go to Sri Lanka. Well, I don't think that I will be approached this time.

Weather Frogs (a trip that was a flop)

2010-03-19T06:36:00.013+01:00

I admit: Weather forecasts, today, are reliable. In particular when it comes to short term. On a Friday, you can plan your activities for the weekend, according to the weather, and can be (almost) sure that it will work out fine. But it was not like this a few decennies ago.

What you see above is the weather observatory of the Jungfraujoch. It is located in the Bernese Alps. In that particular area, three mountains "stick" together: Eiger (with its famous, and for climbers dangerous North Face), Mönch and Jungfrau.

In the display above, you see these three mountains. The arrow points to the region where the weather observatory is. And where the highest railway station of Europe is. At an altitude of 3'454 meters. This place is popular among tourists.

In particular Japanese tourists. Who go up there by hundreds. And Americans on their "Europe in 7 days" trip. The place is like Zermatt in the Valais Alps or St. Moritz in the Grison Alps. If you have not seen it, you have not seen Switzerland.

So I thought that it was about time for me to go "up there" too. Sometimes in 1979 (I don't remember exactly when, but it was after I came back from Chad), I decided to make the journey to the Jungfraujoch. On a Sunday.

In Saturday's evening news the "weather frogs" gave a great forecast for Sunday. Beautiful weather for the next 3 days.

I set off very early in the morning, the travel takes quite some time. The weather was indeed beautiful. I travelled first class (excusez du peu). First, one hour to Berne, then another to Interlaken from where it took a further hour to Lauterbrunnen (where supposedly Sherlock Holmes died after his fight with Moriarty). And then the "climb" started with the Wenger Alp Bahn (again almost an hour).

And finally I was sitting in the "Jungfraubahn" (you see behind the train the Jungfrau) for the final leg up to the station. This is quite an amazing trip, but I will make another post on this soon. What you have to know is that the train is going up inside the mountain. It was, I think another hour before we reached the Jungfraujoch-Station.

I got off the train, walked away from the station towards daylight. All excited. I would see this. The Jungfrau Glacier in beautiful sunshine. With the mountains sticking right to my face.

Well, I saw NOTHING. Because the sky was like in the weather chart above. Thick clouds and fog. The time I was in the train going up (in the mountain) the weather had completely changed. Visibility was less than 5 meters.

What a disappointment!

I had to pay around 100 dollars to get up there; I ate terrible food in a self-service restaurant and I had a terrible "altitude" headache. I spent an hour up there and then started my return trip. Completely frustrated and cursing the weather forecasters.

I think that I have some courage. But I, surely, will not attempt again to go to the Jungfraujoch. Unless I have a written guarantee by the "weather frogs" for bright sunshine up there.

Greed (but a few cents can amount to a lot)

2010-03-17T06:17:00.005+01:00

Things happen and sometimes one cannot believe them. But what I am going to tell you is absolutely true.

We all (well, many of us) enjoy nice things in life. Like a good bottle of wine. When I am at home, I have a glass of red wine with my lunch and another with my dinner. Over the years, trying wines from different countries, I found my favorite: Antu Ninquen from Chile. An absolute high class wine, at a decent price and good to keep for years.

But many years ago, when I had less means and started to enjoy wine, I bought wines from various countries in one liter bottles. Those wines were simple but good. From Italy, Spain, France or Switzerland.

These bottles were not closed with a nice "liege" cork but simply with a crown cork like a Coca Cola bottle. And you had to take a plastic case of 12 bottles. For the case there was a deposit of 5 dollars and for each bottle one of 50 cents. Which I paid once as I always exchanged the empties for the "fulls".

Then I moved to Mauritania. And we could get wine. In liter bottles. It came from the Canary Islands. Either by plane or by ship. And there was no deposit. You bought one, two or more bottles and when they were empty, you just threw them away.

And the local people collected them and had many uses for those bottles. Like putting oil for their petrol lamps (Mauritania is a desert country and the people were living away from town) or fuel for the cars.

But there was a guy who was very interested to get empty bottles.

In those years, most of the African countries had "technical cooperation" programs. Infrastructure was built, health services were put up and a lot of educational assistance was also given.

France was very good at it and sent a lot of teachers. They worked all year and when the summer holidays came, they all went back to France for two month. They had their tickets paid and an allowance to take cargo home.

It just so happened that I was at the airport when the teachers left for home. One teacher came with 5 metal trunks. The customs officials asked him to open them. He did. The trunks were full of empty one liter wine bottles. I was surprised to see that. In the evening when I met my buddies at the bar of the "Oasis Hotel", I told them what I had seen.

They laughed and said (the ones that had been here for some years) that the guy is known for this. He collects the bottles during the year, takes them home to France and turns them in at the bottle exchange to collect the 50 cents deposit per bottle.

Had I thought of this, I might be a rich man today?

I was lucky and that is why I am still alive

2010-03-13T07:35:00.007+01:00

As you know, I did not like school. Except for one subject: Geography. And that is why, probably, I am running around in this lovely world.

But the man below might have been instrumental for this:

René Gardi, a famous Swiss explorer. He wrote books and made films of his travels. And he also came to schools to show one of his movies and then to discuss it. He came to my school and showed us a movie on Chad, the country in the middle of Africa. I was impressed and my mind started to wonder.....!

A few years later (I still went to school) I saw the movie "Roots of Heaven" with Errol Flynn and Juliette Greco. It played in Chad. And from that moment, Chad became my "dream" country. This was in the late 50ties. And never would I have thought that one day I will be in Chad.

I arrived in N'Djamena, the capital city, on February 5, 1979. I was excited to be in Fort Lamy (the old name of the city). I got a room in a small hotel with a big name: Grand Hotel.

But at that time, the country was in turmoil. There was the President, Felix Malloum, and on the other side were two rebel leaders, Hissen Habré and Goukouni Weddey. The situation was very tense. I did not have much chance to stroll on Avenue Charles de Gaulle. One week after my arrival, the civil war broke out.

We were about 5 customers in the hotel. There was no staff anymore because they could not come to work. The fighting in town was heavy. We were stuck. There was no way that we could have gone somewhere. What to do? We went to the kitchen and broke the cold chamber open to find some food. We drank water from the tab, when there was water coming out. And we did hide in our rooms. Without any exageration, we all thought that this was our end. It was really bad.

After about 5 days, the door to my room was opened violently. A huge black guy in combat fatiques entered and I thought that now I am done. But then he turned around and I saw on his arm the French armoiries. He was a soldier from the Foreign Legion. He told me to get ready with a small luggage and that he will come and get me in 30 minutes. And he went. To come back a few moments later saying that there is no time for the luggage and that we are going immediately.

They took me out (and the 4 others) in an armoured car and took us to a safe place at the camp of the Foreign Legion. They pampered us with food (and good one too). We stayed there for a few days and were able to "cool" down. And then the French Army flew us to Cameroon with their Transall aircrafts.

A few weeks later, I was back in Switzerland.

On July 14, 1982 I was in Paris and saw France's National Day celebration. With an army defilée on the Champs Elysées. All the troup categories passed. But when a company of the Foreign Legion passed, they were covered with a roaring applause.

Me, I looked at them with tears in my eyes.

I will never forget that these brave men saved my life.

Changes (useless ones?)

2010-03-10T01:53:00.002+01:00

I played around with my blog and took some things of. And added others. Like my "Day to Day Small Talk". Where I just put a daily short on what hits my mind, in the morning, very early morning. Its an extract from my "Livejournal". And most of the time it does not make much sense.

Then you will find "Sunday's Wisdom". There I put small things I found and find on "A Lady's Life". They make a lot of sense and if not, they make you smile or even laugh. But a lot of sense you will find in "The Toilet Paper". Sense that makes sense.

And finally, on top right you will find headlines about things that are related to Switzerland. The small writing under each headline is simply a comment from me, related to the story. And of course, these comments are very seldom serious. Sometimes nasty. Or silly.

As you can see, a bunch of useless things. But perhaps they can give, on a few
occasions, a tiny wee bit of sense.

But is there any sense wanting to run after sense, all the time?

The only sense right now is that since 3 days I am having a break. At home!!

Jazz on the 5th, Nr. 22

2010-03-05T02:03:00.000+01:00

You know that I am a Big Band fan. This video is great. I don't know who they are. But they play great. The tune must be their signature tune. The video says "The Opener". It does not really matter. It is just good Big Band sound.

I could have, I was, I could not have, I wanted

2010-03-01T01:36:00.001+01:00

In the middle age, poor Swiss men often went to France to serve in the various King's army. Like in the one of "Le Roi Soleil". Had I lived in that time, I could have done this too.

When a Head of State visits Switzerland on a State Visit, the Swiss Army makes guard of honor in front of the Federal Palace. I was a soldier in the Swiss Army. And I stood a guard of honor. But never for a Head of State.

The smallest country in the world, the Vatican, is ruled by the Pope. And he as an army. The Swiss Guard, I could not have been a member of it. Because you have to be a bachelor and a catholic. And I wasn't both.

When I left the army, I wanted to join the French Foreign Legion. That would have put me in troubles with Switzerland. But this could not have bothered me. Because, after having finished my tour of service, I could have received French citizenship. I did not join them. But in 1979, in Chad, the Foreign Legion saved my life. And that is why I am still here to post.

It does not matter who the hell you are

2010-02-24T17:05:00.009+01:00

Perhaps you are the King of the World.

Maybe you are the most dangerous..........

Maybe you are independent........

Perhaps you rule others.......

It could be that you are loved by everyone......

Either you are a gentleman

or the most dangerous killer.

But the fact is, when you are at home:

Wife is wife!!

And it does not matter who the hell you are.

And!

2010-02-21T06:51:00.008+01:00

You know me. I am simple guy. I have made some exploits in my life. But I don't talk much about it. Because I do not like to brag or to bluff. But there are things I can now start to talk about. I have acquired some life experience.

Girls used to run after me. Because there was a time where I was young and handsome.

"Young and handsome"! If you have the chance to be it, then the world and many things are open to you. I did not have to chase, I was rather chased. Ok, it was not all the time, but from time to time. And then of course, I came into a relationship which landed up in marriage.

And then, as life has it, things change anyway. Girls knew that I was married. So, they stopped running after me. And me, I could not have run after them. First, I was married. Second, where the hell would I take my breath from?

Yes, a long time ago, I was "young and handsome".

Today, I am only "and".

Sex for a married couple

2010-02-20T01:40:00.002+01:00

Thank God we are reading books and manuals to enjoy a healthy sex life.

Hommage à Dr. John

2010-02-16T16:02:00.002+01:00

He left us, he leaves us alone.

Dr. John, our dear blogging friend, has left this world. He is now with the one he cherished much, the one he served all his life: God.

We are now orphans and we will miss him, his love and his wit and wisdom.

Dr. John, we will never forget you. I am sure you will rest in peace.

Meetings

2010-02-13T02:33:00.006+01:00

When a meeting lasts 2 hours, I fall asleep.
When a meeting lasts 1 hour, I don't listen.
When a meeting lasts 30 minutes, I am happy it is over.
When a meeting lasts 5 minutes, I wonder why there is a meeting.

I SIMPLY HATE MEETINGS. I always hated meetings. You imagine 10 people in a 2 hours meeting. That is half a work week of one person. The problem is that there are many meetings during a week.

The international community, in particular in crisis situations, is fond of making meetings. Of course, this is normal, we have job to do. And a good one. So, first we have the interagency meeting: There John, Mary, Paul, Christie, Cat and I have to talk about this and that. But then we settle down to do our work. But not for long because we have to run to the intercluster meeting.

And there John, Mary, Paul, Christie, Cat and I talk about the same thing we talked in the interagency meeting. Natural, we have to be sure that everything is understood.

But there is one particular subject that troubles people and so John proposes to make a special meeting on this. An unscheduled meeting. Where can we fix it in? Because Mary also needs to make a special meeting on some issue.

What the heck. It is now evening and I go back to my dwelling to enjoy my beer. The problem is that in the country I work, there are only big beer bottles. And, always, when I am halfway through the bottle, a phone call: "Peter, we have an emergency meeting in 15 minutes". F..k!!

But eventually the week goes by and we can have a rest. Much needed, because Monday morning in the first meeting, I will be asked: "Peter, were you able to do this or that?".

Hell no, I spent the whole week in bloody meetings.

Well, of course, I was able to do this or that. Because!?:

I DO NOT ATTEND MEETINGS ANYMORE. Except one.

Sri Lanka, here I am again

2010-02-07T01:55:00.009+01:00

Since a few weeks, I am back in my beautiful island, with its beautiful people.

The war is finished and the nation is bulding itself up again. There is a long way to go. But I am not a politician. And it is for the Sri Lankans to find their way.

So, I will speak, in the future, about other things from Sri Lanka. Like how one changes from a coffee drinker to a tea drinker.

I will talk about my encounters with Sri Lankans in my daily life.

I will tell you about the kids here who are smiling at you and don't run away, like in other countries, when they see me.

And I will try to give you a bit of the "douceur de vivre" that prevails in this lovely country with its lovely people.

Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.