Shorter by demand

So I’ve been getting feedback after practically begging for comments, which people aren’t leaving primarily because my posts are apparently too long (as Boris said, “You like to include every detail”), and because you have to log in to leave one. Anyway, I don’t think I’ve done much this week since getting back from Barcelona, mostly relaxing and researching.

I’ve obtained a research assignment with the Philippine Mission to the WTO. I emailed the person I talked to for my cultural drop-off asking if I could do interactive research with him, so now I’m working on profiling different industries within the services sector. I’m not sure how interested I am in services but I took what I could get, and at least this way I’ll learn whether or not I want to work in it. It seems like a sector that’s been growing a lot recently, as it apparently makes up 2/3 of the world’s economy and is pretty important to development, since it encourages education and training of employees.

The weekend was pretty uneventful, after attempting to go out in Geneva Thursday night with friends and, in short, failing miserably, I’ve been pretty discouraged against going out. Current cravings are Movenpick pistachio ice cream, cucumber salad, and a nice long relaxing bath (with Lush bath bombs!). Tonight I invited my friend Ria over for dinner; my mom made potatoes au gratin served with ham, yellow pumpkin, and salad. For dessert we had coupe Danemark which was amazing (vanilla ice cream served over homemade chocolate sauce). It’s been kind of trying not seeing people every day, but so far I’ve had human contact with at least one or two other people from the group on the train or at the UN library.

I’m hoping and thinking that the month will pass quickly, as I only have about a week and a half before leaving for London over Thanksgiving break. After that we have a week to finish our papers and a week of presentations, and my parents are coming! I’m definitely going to miss speaking French, hanging out with my awesome host mom, and the amazing views all over Switzerland, but I can’t wait to be home and see everyone again. A bientot!