So, after much persuasion I have finally been dragged into the world of blogging! I am now in South Sudan after what feels like a whir wind few days.  The company are a GIS running a workshop here in Juba for the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining's geologists.  We hope this will help us build a strong relationship with the ministry, while also training the geologists that will most likely join us in the field next month.

The day seemed to be going quite well, the workshop started at 9am and everyone had turned up by 10am - impressive to say the least in the world's newest country.  As always in African countries the participants started out very shy and reserved, paying more attention to their phone on the desk in front of them than to their teacher.  The first day finished successfully, and David - their teacher, asked them to fill out some 'what do you like and dislike about this course thus far' forms.  We anticipated some people being confused over the content, maybe hoping for more direction and one on one teacher time...here is a summary below:

'the room is too dark and needs painted'

'there was not enough tea at the coffee break'

'the food was not enough at lunch'

'we need more water to drink and maybe some soda'

So, all in all it seems like it has been a good day!  Only 5 more days to go...

I've included a photo of the view from my hotel room - which has internet!!!  Amber says I shouldn't write too much and should just post photos - but considering I was arrested in South Sudan on my first trip here over a photo, I am going to stick to some long distance shots!