Introductions...

So here we go...I am in Namibia! For those of you who already know me, this might not be a surprise at all...I am sort of used to receiving messages that end in "...wherever you are in the world...". However, I myself am still trying to get used to the idea of being here, as this experience is quite different to my other (not as numerous as some may think!) travels...

As we have all been taught in university, structure is everything! So let me begin with the basics - I shall introduce myself to you. I originally come from Russia, St Petersburg, however I have spent my last 10 years in the UK. I have been with PwC for the just over the last 5 of those. I mainly work with companies from emerging markets - Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe, and have been fortunate to visit some of the countries in the regions, such as Nigeria, Sudan, Mongolia and Russia (it does count if you go to Sakhalin! Now look it up on the map ;) ).

Fuelled by my business trips, I have become very interested in the emerging economies and international development. I started thinking how I could understand a bit more about what this "development" actually might entail, and came across an organisation called AFID - Accounting for International development. They work with qualified accountants in finding a suitable volunteering placement in the organisations across Africa and South East Asia. Placements typically focus on the financial management side of the NGO's operations, which is often overlooked by the mainstream charity and volunteering work. Long story short - AFID linked me up with the MicroLoan Foundation (MLF), who were looking for a volunteer to support their new office in the North of Namibia, Ongwediva. In my preparation and research I had spoken to someone from Namibia, but living in the UK, who told me that Namibia is considered introduction to Africa. Well, I spent 4 months in Nigeria...Namibia won't scare me I thought. And so, here I am....

It has actually been a couple of days since I arrived in Namibia, but I only just now managed to access Internet. I have never written a blog, or anything with mass audience for that matter, but coming to think of it, it is much easier then repeating myself in the emails to different people! Minimum effort, maximum result =)

Once I figure out how to use available technology to download photos, I will provide illustrations to the story...After all, most people only look at pictures.....;)