Out of the Ordinary #2

My driver today told me I looked like a Filipino. He was friendly and talkative. I took it as a compliment. Although I have been here long enough, maybe I am starting to look like everyone else around me.

The security guards at the hotel laugh at me every morning now as I come back from work. They have to search my bags before I can go in but my glasses are all fogged up and I can hardly see. One of the first days I made a joke about it and now they see me and start to laugh. I am glad I can bring some joy into their lives. They also remember that I am done for the day so they say good night to me, even though it is 6 AM. They also always have dogs that work and they smell for drugs and bombs. The dogs seem so nice.

The safety standards are definitely not the same here as it is at home. I saw a worker doing some welding on a joist that was at least 3 stories high. He was not tied to anything; he did not even have shoes on, never mind eye cover. I could not believe what I was seeing.

The building I am working in is just over a year old. I was in the ladies washroom and out of 6 faucets only one worked. It looks like it could be more like 10 years old. The floor is so bumpy you can feel the waves while walking across the carpet.

From here, they told us that we could not go anywhere alone. Now that I am alone, people tell me to go out. It is safe. I have second thoughts though. There was another kidnapping here just this week. I have been encouraged to take a tour, but what kind of tour is available from 9 PM to 6 AM? I do not think I would be interested in it.

I hope no one is expecting gifts! Sorry, I have not been to any stores here. There are a lot of stores but I have not had the time or the opportunity. Perhaps I can pick up some stuff at the airport.