Sylvia's Journal

At four o’clock in the morning I was wide awake and decided to go for a virtual run around the neighborhood – without leaving the house of course. I was back on the exercise machine and surprised myself on how far I was able to walk-run in 30 minutes. It helped that I was being read to by a great actor reading Melville’s Billy Budd.

I stayed until our house staff arrived so I could tell them in person about Axel’s non return. It is clear they are very fond of him as all were hugely disappointed. One of them, Rabbani, has asked me whether he can participate when I next talk with Axel and that he wants to ‘see him in a picture’ (I presume he means Skype video). We will do this over the weekend.

He showed off his progress with the hoola-hoop. He must have practiced a lot because he can now do it with very little movement of the hips – quite gracefully for a stocky little guy like him. Apparently everyone has practiced, even the cook; the oldest of the three guards has not mastered the skill – I suspect because he is rather self-conscious and is the type that doesn’t like to make a fool of himself in front of others.

I took my time to greet all my favorite colleagues. It was wonderful to see them again and the easing into the office routine was quite painless with only one meeting set up for the entire day.

This was at the ministry to further discuss how we will transition our knowledge and experience about management and leadership training to the general Directorate of Human Resources. A lot of work has been done over the last few years to draw up plans on how to improve human resources management but the general directorate has not been getting the attention (people, money) it deserves – some very brave and passionate people are working on changing this now. Like it or not, we are now also wrapped up in these efforts.

While checking my email I stumbled on this add – a fantasy Axel and I had when we first came here. Now I think not.