Monthly Archives: March 2008

After orientation yesterday I pottered about around this area of Philadelphia, doing a few chores, getting my bearings. Then I checked e-mails and did some OU work. I was about to head out for dinner when the phone went – it was Irina, one of the other fellows, a Romanian, so we went for dinnerContinue reading “Day 2”

A great first day of meetings! If it’s all like this, it’ll be a) super-interesting and b) quite hard work! I started off with a visit to an organisation called Wireless Philadelphia, a public/private/NGO tie-up to deliver broadband to as many Philadelphians as possible. A bit out of my knowledge zone, but interesting on theContinue reading “First meetings”

So, here I am! I got here totally hassle-free, which is always the best way. Things started this morning with a coffee with Tiffany my Programme Officer and then we headed to the Eisenhower Office. I met lots of people there, including short meetings with the Director, Vice-President, Alumni Director etc. Got my laptop (they’reContinue reading “Arrival in Philadelphia”

So, almost exactly a year after applying for the Eisenhower Fellowship, here I am in sunny Philadelphia! I left Brussels on 16 March. Abi drove me to the airport (thanks Ab!) and came in to stand in the queue with me, even going off to get coffee and croissants. I wasn’t super-overjoyed at the thoughtContinue reading “Here at last!”

Today’s the last day as a Spokesperson! and on Monday I’ll be in Philadephia. Seems there are a million things still to do (all a little more difficult when you have a caiprinha fueled hangover after a great goodbye party with Brazilian barmen making fresh cocktails…). Packing tomorrow, flight is Sunday morning. I’m out tonightContinue reading “Brussels’ last post”

Less than two weeks now till I leave! I can’t believe it. Tiffany from the Eisenhower organisation, has been amazingly helpful in the programme design – there must have been times when she just wished I’d stop spamming her with ideas for the programme! It’s coming together now and though there will be changes, it’sContinue reading “Getting closer”