Festa della Repubblica & WHO

Today was a national holiday in Italy to celebrate the independence of the Republic. So many things were closed, people had the day off, yet I have to report to work = ) While the city was congregated around the coloseum to watch an extravagant parade full of beautiful men in uniform, i was meeting everyone in the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe aka my new prison. No, i shouldnt be so negative, I was actually pleasantly surprised at how friendly and welcoming everyone was and that the office was normal and not HUGELY WHO. After the tour and necessary paperwork, I met with my new boss - Dr Kruse. Originally from Norway, she has her DVM and her PHD. This women is very bright and has a laundry list of interesting positions shes held all over the world. She even worked for the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for a time in the states and claims she has strong professional connections there = ). I think im going to like working with her. Shes outgoing and very knowledgeable and isnt afraid to leave me to work independently. Dr. Kruse took me out for lunch today as well and actually believed i spokeIitalian after i ordered! I guess maybe i dont sound that bad after all. My first day was typical, intros, paperwork, and a lot of reading about the food safety programme in Europe. I met a really nice german intern and an irish women active with the American club here in rome (dont ask me, i dont get it either) so things are looking good = )