It's a rainy Friday afternoon at the United Nations.  The first week of CSD-16 is coming to a close, but I'm already looking forward to the next five days.

 This is my first experience with CSD.  It's taken me some time to adjust to the language and culture of the UN meetings, but I've finally learned how to follow the dialogue and listen for subtle implications in delegates' speeches (I must at least look like I know what I'm doing, since some people have been asking me for directions recently). I particularly like the side events and panelists, since they give a practical view of problems and potential solutions.  Last night, for example, we learned about how Freshwater Action Network-Mexico supports comunities and civil society organizations as they implement water projects. (I'm very excited for next week because it's a review of water and sanitation policies from CSD-13). 

 Above all, I'm impressed with everyone's kindness and interest. We had a somewhat impromtu meeting with the Scientific and Technological representatives this morning about water supply and purification technologies, panelists are responsive to any sort of question, and nobody is afraid to laugh. 

 Have a good weekend! --Nora