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

Departure to Tanzania

Hi to all - this a new experience for me -blogging that is.  I depart for Tanzania on the 28th August.  My e mail address is robert.phillips210@ntlworld.com.  My postal address is PO BOX 737, Marangu, Tanzania.  It needs to be an exact address as shown or it will be unlikely to reach me.  Parcels from home are very welcome.

I shall be based in a community building on the site of MIshiri Primary School.  It is at 6000ft in the middle of an equitorial forest and 40 minutes work to the nearest metalled road. It is beautiful countryside and there is much to be explored.   The accommodation is good with water, flush toilets and electricity and I will be based on the third floor of the building.  It has all the luxuries of home!!  However electricity is very hit and miss and no booster system so by 8 pm its usually head torch time.

The nearest village is Marangu which again is about 40 minutes down hill at 3500ft and it takes a little longer to walk back.  There is a bus pick up here to Moshi the nearest large town.  It is here where I shall shop each week for food.  The bus service is interesting, crowded and a good chance to meet the locals and hair raising (no problem for me). Only two speeds stop and flat out.

I shall be working mainly with three primary schools, their staff, heaadteachers and District Education Officers.  I shall also be working on Introducing a community play and sport programme.  Evans of Longton Sports Equipment Company have kindly sponsored all equipment and are also paying for all transport of the equipment.

At the moment I am trying to get all my affairs at home sorted and making the hard decision as what I can take with me - only 20 kilos.  Also trying to fit in all the lunch and dinner dates with friends and family plus occasional games of squash with Arthur Cross and tennis with Phil Gadsby.  Its a hard life this retirement!

This is a test page.  Let me know through e mail if your were able to access this