The Internet connection

The internet has become a life line for me and I am always pleased to receive emails from friends and family.  I am very lucky that the building I live in has an internet cafe on the ground floor which is used constantly by locals for 1200 shillings a hour (60p) but I am even more fortunate because I have access through a wireless connection on the second floor which means I can use the internet and receive e mails when the cafe is shut.  I must say I never use after dark as it is  really dark and the movement to the top floor needs courage!  However I am an early morning man and I tend to write e mails in the evening, off line, and post first thing the next morning.  The system is slow and is fraught with  loss of text when the electricity goes down and so you have to pick your moments.  But last week we had a new faster system installed which entailed a technician from Moshi visiting and attaching a new piece of equipment to the dish on the roof of the this three story building.  I was amazed to be woken by the hammering outside the building to find a ladder being build from lengths of wood.  This was too heavy to build completely and so it was build it situ and amazingly they had to add bits so that it could get over the overhanging roof.  I was astonished to think that anybody would climb up this ladder let alone work on the platform built at the top.  But the man from Moshi arrived in smart cloths took off his shoes and did just that. See for yourself.  I was asked if I would like to test the ladders strength -I declined!!

The school garden

All schools have there own garden which they cultivate to provide the maize and beans for their daily lunch.  The children have the same lunch every day - maize and red beans.    I had noticed that land close to my accommodation have been cultivated since my last visit.  By cultivating themselves they reduce costs to the parents. Lunches are usually paid for by the provision of fire wood for the oven ovens where the food is cooked and pupils troop passed by bedroom at 6.45 am with their wood.  I saw last week with concern that  pupils were using a short handled hoe to turn over the soil and most were working in bare feet.  I didn't like to watch and I wonder what their risk assessment had been. They were swinging their hoes with such ease However, I did note they were supervised by a teacher!

Kissinger's Bar

I had an exciting evening on Friday.  I visited the local bar Kissingers.  A very hospitable landlord and a very lively clientele.  There was singing and dancing and I met some very interesting people.  Unfortunately it was so dark in there I would never recognise them again.  As the sun went down they all seem to disappear into the background.  I bought a round 8 beers which cost me £3.50.  I must go there again!!!

Thoughts after a week

I can't believe another week has almost passed by.  I'm in the office today so trying to catch up on all correspondence.  What can I tell you about out here that will give you a flavour of what it's like. Live is very poly poly -slowly.  The climate is wonderful.  Even if the day starts cloudy it brightens up as soon as the sun comes out.  The sun streams into my bedroom window by 7.00 am.  Where I'm based 6000 ft its mainly 26 oc but as you go lower it warms up and in Moshi in has been in the 30s.  The sunsets are wonderful at 6.30 but it becomes pitch black by 7.  The stars are something to see - so clear and the milky way needs to be seen to be believed. I am getting used to being in the building at night -its so dark and quiet when the sun goes down.  The hardest part is the electricity which is hit and miss.  Its hardest when your cooking- you have to be prepared torch in hand and kerosene stoves read.I had some friends around for dinner and was dreading it going off.  Camping skills are useful.  Having a house girl is very strange.  She cleans everyday and washes clothes and irons.  I could get used to this.  I was embarrassed the first time she washed to find my undies out on the bushes for all to view.

The local community have a generousity of spirit and make you most welcome.  I went to the local bar yesterday - Kissengers! I'm not sure you could call it bar.  It was a mud hut with a few chairs inside.  As darkness descended you lost sight of everybody there.  Around of 8 beers cost me £3.50.  I shall visit there again.

The work has started and I have been to meetings at two of the schools.  I'm starting a table tennis club tomorrow with improvised tables and nets and a big thank you to Evans of Longton for their kind donation of equipment.  I am starting work shortly with infants.

At the moment I still feel I am holiday but I am in the office at 7.30 am each day!!

Thoughts after a week

The Leaving Party

Last Saturday I was invited to a leaving party for the computer technician which started at 5 pm.  It was held at a bar half way between my accommodation and the Marangu Village. There was plenty of drink and cooked food to eat.  All very civilised and friendly with lots of chatting with different people.  When it came to the speech time formal exchanges were given and presents were produced.  At this point the chanting began and the parcel was handed from guest to guest who had to sing the chant and sway to the rhythm of the music.  Two beers and no inhibitions I whole heartedly joined in the singing and dancing and then the present finally reached the recipient  Toni who open the box.  When the second present came around the singing  and dancing continued.  This was a bulky present and in the fading light looked like any other present. I think the saying is 'a live chicken in the hand is worth ten in the bush'  All good fun.

The First week