Miss America

It was a great day. Class went well, I think we covered some really good things. We were able to finish early and just talk about business for a while before a few of us went back to the office. There is a lot to do and not much time available that won't be spent teaching.

I almost feel guilty that I'm taking the weekend off for my safari... almost.

After work a few of us got together and went to Dragonair. My friend Paul apologized to me that it was an "American" style restaurant, but I told him not to worry. It was so much fun. It was sort of African/Chinese and how someone imagines American restaurants. We sat outside in an absolutely lovely space that was tastefully decorated with pretty lights all over the place while Dolly Parton followed by the Eagles followed by some dance music played. It was very quiet there tonight, I'm told this is place is swarming with people on Friday and Saturday nights. In spite of the small crowd it was still a hardy wait for the food. Paul said that it almost seems slower when there are fewer people. Much of the discussion was about Obama's visit and how the motorcade would be showing of the symbol for the project. It's quite an honor.

As we were getting ready to call a cab a Zambian fellow at the next table heard us saying we were at the Arc hotel and he offered us a lift. The only catch was that he only had one seat and one of us would have to sit in the back. Paul lives in walking distance of the restaurant so he didn't have to worry. Dr. G was wearing a dress so I was the one who got to sit in the back. He was very nice and funny. He teased me and called me Miss America. He's working to start up two chicken farms in the area. Sounds as though Morogoro is going agri-business.

I think I have my second safari all set up now, which is a relief. I feel almost as though the safari tomorrow is like going in the pool while holding on to the edge and the next week is like going in the deep end. I'm scared and excited.

For tomorrow, we have arranged that my driver will pick up one of my students, Bohari, and take us both to the bus stop. We will catch a bus to the TanSwiss lodge where my journey will begin and Bohari will continue on to his home. I just confirmed that TanSwiss does not appear to have internet access so you will not be hearing from me for a few days.

Since the news of the day is pretty short, I'll leave you with some observations and sights.

I haven't felt bold enough to take pictures of the Masi walking the streets of this town, but it's striking. It actually kind of reminds me of seeing the Amish in cities. They wear the traditional dress and carry the staffs that they are famous for, but it's very impressive.

The people in this town seem to fall mostly into two categories: exceptionally tall and thin or shorter and bulkier -- not fat, mind you, but rounder and very strong looking. I am about the height of many of the men I meet. I think everyone I have seen is exceptionally beautiful.

My friend Dennis read my blog and wasn't sure what was missing from the picture of the shower. He informed me that shower curtains are actually not the norm. Apparently the fact that water will go everywhere has nothing to do with it. So my head is now adjusted to recognize shower curtains as a luxury.

All toilets that I've seen have hoses for cleaning

All of the toilets that I've seen here have these hoses next to them. I have been told that, yes, that is for cleaning and there is a particular method for cleaning toilets that involves a bucket and smaller cup.

It appears that all bathrooms are unisex. There is often a stall designated for males and another for females with a common sink area.

The ceilings of all of the places I've been are exceptionally high. All of the doors have windows above the door frame for letting in sunlight.

All meals seem to have bananas and limes served. As I saw in Mozambique, morning "tea" is a whole meal. Today's "tea" was Cocoa yam (sort of like a potato but grainier) and Maandazi (the donut-like pastry that I spoke of earlier,) and a hard boiled egg.

It was dark when I took the picture, but  all doors seem to have this window at the top.

In the past few days I've had two types of banana stew (one soft bananas and one hard bananas), mchicha (spinach) nyanya chungu (bitter tomatoes), chapati, samaki (fish), ng'ongbe (beef), and filigisi (chicken gizzards).

I'll let you know what else I eat and see if/when I get back on line on Sunday.

Dragonair

The courtyard of the Amabilis Centre of the
Mgolole Sisters (nuns) where the class was held.