Great post! You obviously have made an effort to gain some insight and knowledge vis a vis your current situation, environment and employer. Too few expats(diplomats included) make the effort of "knowing their neighborhood". I may not always like where I am or where I live, but at least make an effort to have abit of local knowledge. Too many expats arrive looking for work and don't make any attempt to leave their hotel, let alone get to know the country they reside in.