More from the UN
Carrie so kindly allowed me to post more of her stories from working in Jakarta. I was tickled by this. Apparently, things are quite happening over there. Enjoy!

In other news, remember how there was that ridiculous small arms questionnaire that went around the office here? And I thought it was asking about how many flame throwers I own and how often I lob grenades?? Anyway, in keeping with the saga of the UN questionnaire tradition, a new one went around today on. . . . condom availability? Apparently the UN Development Programme office (where I work, dig the British spelling!) was supposed to receive a shipment of condoms from UNIFEM (the ladies UN or something) and we have not, and the resident rep of the whole UN system in Indonesia has gone online asking about this, where the condoms are and what kind of questionnaires are accompanying these critical little devices to facilitate the proverbial "knocking of boots". And so now this morning a questionnaire, entitled "Condom Supply and Availability" has been sent around. Here's my favorite question:

-- Because female condom is not available in Indonesia, UNFPA at the time being could only provide male condoms. Does your organization / staff has any specific request regarding the male condoms? (size, brands, flavor, etc. ?)

FLAVOR!! Yeesssss.... Durian please. Double durian. Or maybe nasi goreng, some tasty left over fried rice funk flavor?! Yeeesssss..

The most mild mannered cat in the office has had to belly up to this one, writing onto the form (which has been circulated) "The office does not make condoms available to staff as condoms are easily bought in the local marker at a relatively cheap price. Culturally, it is not common to talk about condoms in among Indonesians." Oh! he's cringing!

Working here is a riot. I know I am a little juvenile to be laughing at this form, but there's nothing like a big cheesy big-wig chasing around the little people, making them respond to these hilarious forms. Apparently we are all getting it on in Indonesia and there is no shortage of prophylactics!! Sweet.