Today was another day in planning with the IFDC staff here in Dushanbe. Most of our efforts focused on the Voucher Program for Apricots, Lemons, Tomatoes, Watermelons, and Onions. In addition, there will also be a Voucher Program for a Beef Pre-Mix. In all cases, the Voucher Program follows a series of demonstration plots and educational programs centered around those particular commodities. We also discussed the various demonstrations that will take place this year with these commodities in different locations from last year’s demonstration program. Input suppliers, who will be selling the inputs covered by the Vouchers will be encouraged to conduct their own demonstration plots this year with the assistance of the IFDC staff.
We also spent time today discussing how IFDC can best partner with Mercy Corps on the upcoming Trade Fair happening in early February in the southern part of Tajikistan, down by the Afghanistan border. This next month will be very busy for the staff as they work through the Voucher Program, the Trade Fair and a 2 day Staff Retreat at one of the mountain ski resorts. I thought it was funny yesterday when we were first told about the pending retreat, that if there is snow we won’t be able to get to the ski resort and if we can get to the resort, there won’t be any snow for skiing. So it should be interesting either way.
The last two mornings we have had snow, but it is melted by the afternoon. Our agronomist with the project is very happy to see the snow as this has been a very dry year here in Tajikistan. The wet snow has made for some muddy walking to and from the hotel to the office and from the office to the cafeteria next door where the various NGO’s go to eat lunch. I spent less than $2 today for a large bowl of soup, a salad and some tea. Dinner cost three of us, less than $12 tonight. So meals are very reasonable here.
Yesterday, I started the second round of shots for my diet. I am finding it very hard this time around to eat the correct foods that are part of the diet. However, I am working at trying to follow the diet to the best of my ability. I may explore moving into a guest house or an apartment for the rest of my stay here, in order to better meet the requirements of my diet. But as long as I am not gaining weight, I am moving in the right direction.
Well it is late and I am still facing the effects of Jet Lag. So I will sign off now and wish everyone a great day.
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