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

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!

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