the move

Perspective is such an important word. One can have different points of view on each situation and for our case, the location. For those who don't know, Bonn is the host to the United Nations in Germany and recently some things are shaping up for us logistically. That is, we just moved to this new building, Langer Eugen, which is one of the few skyscrapers in this otherwise, provincial city. It has 29 floors (maybe too low for New York standards but what the heck) and I'm at the 15th. I've got the view of the city and if the day is clear, one can also see some parts of Cologne. But if you're facing the other side, i.e. the Siebengebirge, Plittersdorf and Bad Godesberg, you'll realize what a "green" city Bonn is.

From my view, I realize how busy the Rhine is with cargo boats, how plenty the churches are in the area and almost did not recognize the Museums Meile from here. The Post Tower, which dominates the view is so futuristic, I can even imagine people in Star Trek costumes walking by. And another thing I really appreciate is when we're somewhere beside the Rhein, I can easily point out to the building and say "That's where I work" and be proud. Finally, the UN can be seen.

Last July 11, the UN Campus in Bonn was officially inaugurated by no other than Koffi Annan with Angela Merkel. My hubby and I volunteered for the ushering and were wearing traditional clothes. It was cool to see him personally and we even had a staff meeting with him, allowing 6 questions to be posed. It was like a private chat although I had an impression that his world is the UN HQ in New York but our issues are not his. Oh well, it was still nice to see him and have some hype on our work.

It still does not diminish the fact that I am proud of my work and contribution to the whole world despite much criticism of the UN. Because at the end of the day, after all the discussions and hullabaloo, someone still has to do the dirty dishes.