I've Been Exchanged

An update is in order. On Tuesday afternoon, I ventured into Jamaica Plain, trying to find the "downtown area." Apparently I didn't walk far enough, but I did stumble upon a food co-op so I was able to get some groceries for the week. The store carried Equal Exchange products - it was the first time I've seen them in a store - so that was exciting. I then trekked back home with my groceries in hand. It was probably 10 blocks. I was exhausted by the time I made it back. I rested up for an hour and then walked to the T stop near my house. I took the subway into the North End of Boston, which I had never been to before. I wandered around for a bit and realized I was walking along the Freedom Trail, so I decided to follow it. I saw the Copp's Hill Burying Ground, the second oldest burying ground in Boston, and then walked along the shore for a bit. I also walked past Paul Revere's house. I will add photos of all this soon.

Wednesday was my first day at work. Everyone has been so nice and welcoming here at Equal Exchange. There are a lot of 20-somethings and a couple other recent-ish college grads. I think I will fit in well. I take a van pool to and from work with some of the other employees who live in JP (Jamaica Plain). It's about a 30-35 minute commute each way. Luckily, I'm the last to get on and the first to get off. Tonight EE is having "Band Night" after work - with food, drinks and music - so it will be a nice way to get to know my co-workers in a relaxed environment. (Actually it is always pretty relaxed around here. No dress code!)

I've mostly been going through orientations and trainings. I have a lot of materials to read through to get myself familiarized with co-op business models, EE policies and ideologies, fair trade, coffee/chocolate/tea markets, etc. Next week I will start doing actual writing.

I am invited to two birthday parties this weekend - one for a coworker and one for my roommate. Should be a fun first weekend in Beantown!

Much love,
a/k/s