Things I like

There are many things that I love about this country and where I am living.  Firstly the climate, despite the present rainy season, it is  such a contrast to the UK. When it rains, as I’ve said before, it is warm rain. The locals think it is cold but they don’t know the English cold.  But more importantly it passes, usually very quickly, and the sun returns.  Yesterday was a point in question the clouds were right down on the mountain giving a damp feel to the day, I walked to my school with my umbrella up but by mid afternoon it was a different day and as I returned from school it was down to short sleeves again.  Secondly there is wonderful countryside.  If you are a walker, like me, it is paradise and I often pinch myself as I walk these wonderful valleys and pathways.  At the moment I could be walking through English countryside and forests. I explore new routes all the time and sometimes even get lost. The other day took a new route and found that the river was too high for the stepping stones and so shoes off and I wade across. There is constant dapple light and scented smells in the mornings.  There is still so much to explore.  Then of course there is the mountain.  You wouldn’t know it was there over the last few days but today there was clear skies and there it stands in all its majesty with its icing on top.  For me when I see it there  it is always a beckoning to climb.  But the most important thing that endears me to this country is the people.  Their generosity of spirit, the community feeling you get and their willingness to welcome you into their homes. They look out for each other. They have so little but offer such a lot.  The other day I was walking from the village in a thunder storm and I was very wet when I passed a house and they insisted I come in to shelter and of course as soon as you enter some ones house it is their custom to offer refreshment.  A hot cup of tea  followed and I sat there dripping wet on their carpet drinking tea. I meet many people as I walk to schools and to the village who usually want to talk to me, to know what I am going.  These of course are acquaintances but they ask your name and when they see you next they great you with it.  But unfortunately Bob and Babu – grandfather in Swahili sound very much the same!!  But for me the thing that I value the most is the friendships that have been established. The people I work with directly with who look after me and care for me. Mama Mlay from the project shop who always is concerned for me and pleased to see me.  Mama Sandi who I work with everyday who has a very phlegmatic view of life.  Fadhili, one of my headteachers, who always calls me sir and has so much patience with me.  Rogate, my house girl, who is so cheerful and nothing is too much trouble.  Then there is Gladness, my adopted daughter, and her daughter Elizabeth.   There are many more who share my life and help to shape my perspective.  There is much to learn and understand. But I do miss home. I will be pleased return to the UK on the 9^th June for one month and look forward to seeing my  UK friends.