Team Salberg - Into the Wild

Day 324 – Friday 17th December 2010

2010-12-15T11:19:00.003-08:00

Our flight home leaves at 8:30am and we land in England at 3:45pm, just in time for a cup of tea.

I think it is going to be cold and very strange!

Day 323 – Thursday 16th December 2010

2010-12-15T11:19:00.001-08:00

Today we leave Zanzibar at lunchtime and frantically travel around Dar, picking up our bags and doing last minute shopping trips.

And then we will try and get some sleep!

Day 322 – Wednesday 15th December 2010

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We planned to get an early start but got sidetracked with breakfast overlooking the city.

We did however get going on our cultural tour and shopping spree, and had great success, not getting lost and finding most of what we wanted. Everything is very small, apart from some of the fish in the market, but it is busy and fun.

However, it was over 36 degrees by 11am and we were exhausted.

We made a detour to the Cathedral, which has a rich and troubled history, to meet up with a friend of a friend from Tabora. The cathedral was built on the former slave market.

After a short break for lunch and little sleep we ventured out into the streets, exploring the old palaces and markets. Armorel managed to convince me that she needed some henna done too.

This evening we went to watch the sunset, but missed it, and enjoyed the sea view as the darkness roll in instead, and then had a high quality traditional meal.

We are feeling very sad that this holiday, and this adventure are soon but over.

Day 321 – Tuesday 14th December 2010

2010-12-15T11:07:00.001-08:00

We woke nice and early and embarked on a large, leisurely breakfast. We are going to miss the plates of fresh tropical fruit.

Packing didn’t take too long and we had time for a quick dip in the ocean and some sun bathing pool side.

Just after 12pm our taxi arrived and we headed to Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital.

Awesome!

Our first impressions are a place full of life, rich cultures and adventure opportunities everywhere. This is exciting.

We got dropped a 5 minute walk from the hotel and made our way down tiny alleys and streets until we found our home for the next two nights, The Zanzibar Coffee House. It is a tiny coffee shop with 8 rooms above, full of character and charm.

We were treated to a wonderful iced coffee before we headed out to explore the town. I can’t think of words to describe it, and the photos can’t give you the smells and sounds as you weave in and out of narrow streets, but stunning comes close.

We spent most of the afternoon just pottering and getting lost before arriving back at our hotel for an evening drink on its roof terrace.

We had heard of some local music and dancing going on, and decided we would head along. Maybe we have been treated to exceptional standards in Tabora, but this was poor. We soon made our escape.

Our restaurant for dinner was wonderful; a small roof terrace overlooking the sea and the city, where we sat surrounded by hundreds of cushions eating fresh seafood. The only downside was the fact that we were the only customers!

It really is not tourist season.

Day 320 – Monday 13th December 2010

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Today is our last full day at the beach and we intend to take full advantage of it by doing very little.

We had success in the morning.

We ventured along for breakfast, but then back to the room and sat outside in the sun reading our books.

Hot and getting peckish we wandered along for some lunch before another session of reading and doing nothing by the pool.

Armorel did however visit the spa at 4pm for a pedicure. I stayed by the pool drinking tea and eating cake.

For our last night we were given a treat.

The staff wanted to say a special thank you to us and so we had a private dinner outside our room overlooking the sea. We had our own chef, Andrew, cook us fresh lobster, kings prawns, calamari, octopus and a couple of fish. Delightful!

A perfect way to end!

Day 319 – Sunday 12th December 2010

2010-12-15T01:58:00.001-08:00

I think it is even hotter today.

After another large breakfast we packed up a day bag and went for a short walk around to the next cove.

Again we seemed to have found a private beach, just us, the sun and hundreds of crabs skittering along.

We got caught up in our books and the beautiful surroundings and before we knew it the afternoon had arrived. My stomach needed some food.

With the tide now out we walked out to find the sea. The sand was too hot to walk on, and the sea was like a bath. How are we going to cope in a week’s time?

It is too hot to do anything, so after a small bite we sat by the pool until the sun started to set.

For dinner tonight the waiters placed us on the beach, with the stars and fireflies.

It is stunning!

Day 318 – Saturday 11th December 2010

2010-12-15T01:57:00.001-08:00

The sky is clear this morning, not a cloud to be seen. That is good news as we are off for a day trip snorkelling and a picnic.

A hearty breakfast was had before we embarked upon a traditional dhow boat at 10am.

After a 30 minute motor against the tide we arrived at a small Indian Ocean reef. Just us, our guide and our boat.

WOW!

There are so many fish, and so many colours. As a nature geek I was fascinated by the different swimming techniques of the fish, Armorel not so much.

The next two hours we spent floating around this tropical oasis. Truly jaw dropping.

Exhausted but wanting to stay down for ever we climbed back into our boat and headed off for a picnic lunch.

We have our own private island with a huge spread of food, and china plates. (Armorel was very excited by this)

The afternoon soon disappeared as we slept, read and swam, before we left for the hotel, but this time sailing across the seas with a peaceful southerly wind.

And to finish off our majestic day we were treated to a private dinner on a deck above the ocean, where we enjoyed 4 courses of exquisite food.

A magnificent day!

Day 317 – Friday 10th December 2010

2010-12-15T01:53:00.001-08:00

The sun has properly arrived. This is wonderful.

We spent the morning outside our room overlooking the sea, and doing very little, waiting for the tide to come back so we didn’t have to walk miles to go for a swim.

With the extreme tides now on the change we were able to hit the sea in the early afternoon. We had a lovely little snorkel just off the beach in what felt like the bath.

To cool off you had to leave the sea and jump into the pool.

The day has just disappeared and we find ourselves enjoying an ocean view for dinner. Each night the waiters rearrange the tables and seat you somewhere different. You arrive for dinner; they consult their list and lead you to your table. Today we are poolside.

Day 316 – Thursday 9th December 2010

2010-12-15T01:52:00.001-08:00

The sun has arrived!

We spent the morning by the pool. It is so hot that you can only cope with about 15 minutes before you need to submerse yourself.

After an early lunch we headed off for an adventure.

Canoe, snorkel and fins, and the Indian Ocean.

With these extreme tides we struggled to find some deep water. After 20 minutes paddling straight out to sea the water still only just covered Armorel’s waist.

We headed to a small island to explore. The water is so warm. After a complete trip around the island, we headed back with the tide to the hotel, stopping for the occasional fish or bird.

Tomorrow will be another day for snorkelling adventures.

Day 315 – Wednesday 8th December 2010

2010-12-15T01:50:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately the sun has yet to realise that we are on holiday and has not yet arrived.

After a lovely, but large breakfast, we went for a little walk to the next cove. It is a new moon at the moment and so we are having extreme tides, with changes of about 200m. This meant you could in theory walk around the whole island. We settled just for one cove.

On our trek we did find an animal which has stumped me, a cross between a large rat and an anteater. I have no idea what it is?

We spent the rest of the day immersed in our books, and taking in the surroundings, with a quick afternoon swim in the Indian Ocean.

It was like a bath!

The sun is trying its best.

Day 314 – Tuesday 7th December 2010

2010-12-15T01:48:00.001-08:00

We didn’t need the alarm as we were both awake. Maybe it was the rain that woke us or the 35 degree heat or maybe the fact that we needed to shed 18kg from our luggage for our flight to Zanzibar.

Luckily the hotel is going to look after a bag, so all non-essentials were re-packed.

We arrived at the small domestic terminal and had a very easy check in. We had managed to shed more than we thought and came in 8kg underweight. “More shopping” was Armorel’s immediate reaction.

Our tiny plane was a new experience for us both, and although cramped, was great fun. You get a truly wonderful view, though we can’t seem to see the sun.

Thirty minutes later and we are already there and getting picked up and taken onto the hotel.

It is stunning!

With the clouds still above we decided to explore the plot and the beach, with shell gathering already beginning. I have given Armorel a limit of 10!

We have spent the rest of the day swimming and reading before a wonderful candlelit dinner for two. However, we did struggle to see all the food as the candle was pretty dim.

Armorel was too scared to eat the octopus. It didn’t taste of too much.

Day 313 – Monday 6th December 2010

2010-12-15T01:45:00.001-08:00

And there is still no power, so I am afraid all of you waiting for the blog will be waiting a while. Probably until we are back in the UK.

Our last day in Tabora.

It is a sad day, and we feel really strange. It isn’t helped by the downpours and grey skies. We spent the morning finishing off the packing, checking the weight and trying to give away lots of our things.

We had a slight panic when a rumour hit us that the plane had been cancelled. After a quick phone call to the boss the heart rates could descend. We have to check in at 2pm.

Wait....now its 1:30pm!

We load the car and head to the clinic to drop off the last of the gifts and hand the car back.

It really is hard to say goodbye. (Monika, our house lady and friend with Arms)

Armed with our small goodbye party of 2, the clinic is its busiest on Monday afternoons, we headed to the airport, where we met a few more friends wishing us a goodbye.

Our luggage was under the limit and we waited. Strangely they announced the plane would be early.

So at 3:30pm, half an hour early, we boarded. The tears had passed and we were filled with a strange emotion of ‘not knowing’. Not knowing the future, the next ste p, when we would return, what are we going to do?

And then we found out our plane was now taking a detour to Kigoma. Our 2 hours flight would now be 4 hours at the least.

Luckily we had managed to nab front row seats and had acres of leg room.

We arrived in Dar to an intense humidty and a power cut. Our hotel room was hotter than most saunas. We attempted to cool ourselves with a drink in the hotels car park and prayed for the power to return and the fans to work.

At about 9pm the power returned and we enjoyed hamburgers and chips. Amazing value at £1.30 each, and tasty too.

The alarm is set for 7am.

Day 312 – Sunday 5th December 2010

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Our last service this morning and we will miss our quirky small church family. We treated them all to sodas and snacks after the service to say thank you. They have been a great support to us.

After a quick lunch, Armorel visited the clinic with Ruth to do her official handover, and we then visited our friends Emmanuel, Eliza and Gaby for a goodbye drink. It was a very sweet and kind goodbye, and yes it did involve apple juice.

They wanted us to do a short communion before we left and had bought expensive posh juice, which happened to be apple. I didn’t have a choice, though did pray the taste would be taken away.

On the way home we said goodbye to the shamba, which is looking impressive, and then home. There is still no power!

This evening we headed out for a goodbye meal at the Orion, which was very strange. Saying goodbye to people we don’t really know. There are very few expats left, and the longest serving apart from Ruth is 5 weeks. Very strange!

We are going to bed with very mixed feelings. How do we actually feel?

The thunder is rumbling.

Day 311 – Saturday 4th December 2010

2010-12-15T01:43:00.001-08:00

This is going to be a long day!

Luckily we have power and it is not raining, though there are some very dark clouds.

8am sharp the ladies arrived armed with huge pans and food and were soon organised and on their way to creating a feast.

Armorel then disappeared to Noelina’s to help get her speech translated.

I then disappeared to my last football. As a goodbye we had bought them all a football shirt, which they wore with pride. It was a hot day and the football wasn’t much good, and my team got hammered. I will miss these boys!

We both got home around 12pm and set to work on decorations and being ready for 2pm.

What......Tanzanian’s arriving early? It is only 1:30pm.

We had a wonderful time, full of fun, laughter and emotional goodbyes. The staff organised dances, songs and even a sketch. It was just awesome.

Thank you all so much and we are going to miss you all!

For the rest of the day we did very little but drink tea in the dark. The power is off again!

Day 310 – Friday 3rd November 2010

2010-12-03T11:52:00.003-08:00

The last day of work for Armorel.

We arrived to no power but luckily none was needed to announce and award the first nurse of the month. The initiative has really worked and all the nurses have got on board. We hope that it continues. Well Done Eliza!

I then jumped in the car and headed off to buy some stones. We spent the morning driving around to find the right ones and then shipped them back to the Shamba. These stones are the final pieces for the dam. It is such a shame that I won’t be here to see it finished, but it will be so exciting if it all works.

Armorel’s quiet morning was taken over by having to run the cardiac clinic as there was a bit of a doctor shortage.

Luckily after that interlude she was just able to enjoy herself, relax and be with the staff, which also included peeling over 100 potatoes. We also had to pop into the market to buy 100kg of rice and beans!

This evening Ruth came over for some dinner and we have been preparing for our leaving party tomorrow. We are having a joint leaving / Christmas party for the clinic staff.

The cooking team arrive at 8am tomorrow morning.

Day 309 – Thursday 2nd November 2010

2010-12-03T11:52:00.001-08:00

Armorel started the day with her last training session for the nurses. This included a walking tour of the ward and its cupboards, so that all nurses now know where things are and how to use them. So if you need oxygen this is the place to come!

I spent the first few hours in the office but the power was soon gone. So I headed into town and bought 20 bags of cement, and then we headed up to the farm. The house now has completed windows and doors, and they are starting with the flooring. The next big project is finishing the water tank, which is why we need the cement.

The rest of the day was filled with doing bits and pieces.

We then rushed home and finished packing.

Most of our luggage has now been dropped off and is being shipped to Dar. It is both a relief to not have to worry, but a worry that it is our off our hands.

Tonight we had a wonderful dinner, full of laughter and fun with Lucas and Noelina. We are going to miss them so much. They have become really close, good friends. The reality of leaving is starting to hit home.

Me and my health insurance forms

Day 308 – Wednesday 1st December 2010

2010-12-01T13:00:00.001-08:00

And still no power, but at least water is being delivered this morning. However, we can’t pump it up from the well without power!

Armorel was off to Mwakashindye for her last village clinic. She was busy as usual seeing over 180 babies and over 350 patients in total. The clinics are a wonderful thing, but they only scratch the surface with so many more health needs not being met.

I went to the clinic this morning and did all the paperwork I could. The power was still off so I popped into town to do my list of jobs. The town was so busy. It is the first of the month so everyone has some money to spend.

The power eventually came on at 6pm!

This evening we had a goodbye meal with John, Joha and the kids. It was wonderful. They went to a lot of effort to host us at their house, and we had great fun. Especially when we introduced the kids to bubbles!

We will miss them!

Packing is nearly finished. A large amount of our stuff is being shipped to Dar tomorrow. It is getting very close now!

Day 307 – Tuesday 30th November 2010

2010-12-01T12:59:00.003-08:00

It is still not on!

Bread and butter are losing its appeal.

Today is the last day of school. I arrive early to help finish off the student reports. It is so unorganised and the head is not the most gifted leader. He struggles to make any decision. Finally he decides that we will start the assembly at 11am.

The head talks for 1hr30 straight. All the students and staff stopped listening and drifted off. No mention of thanks for me. I don’t do it for that, but some acknowledgement would have been nice. Definitely been an experience.

Armorel had her last training session and ran a mock graduation for them all. Unfortunately, they had to rush things as there was an emergency that came in, and so she is going to finish on Thursday. The emergency turned out to be stomach ache!

After doing some more bits and bobs and a venture into town we headed home.

Still no power!

That is it; we are heading out for dinner!

Day 306 – Monday 29th November 2010

2010-12-01T12:59:00.001-08:00

Our final week of work begins.

School continues to amuse me. Today the staff are having to write out class reports for all students in duplicate. I asked why they weren’t using a photocopy for the duplicates.

“We didn’t think of that!”

I then spent the rest of my school day waiting for them to finish so that I could add my comments. I shouldn’t have waited. I will try again tomorrow.

Armorel continued to hand over her work and preparing her new policy / guidelines folder. It is very impressive; we just hope it gets used.

Armorel then headed into town with Mama Ndugu to the internet cafe to help her on her course, and I went back to school to referee the final football game of our tournament. It was a hot and long game, needing extra time and penalties, which were won 1-0.

We have returned home to no power and no water. I really need a shower!

We have tried to pack in the dark and have given up with dinner. Who knows when power will return!

Day 305 – Sunday 28th November 2010

2010-12-01T12:58:00.001-08:00

I am speaking this morning at church. Armorel is actually down on the rota but I have kindly stepped in. I have decided to move away from the title, in fact suggesting the title is wrong. Those wanting to have a theological argument, the title was ‘The hope of the lord is coming’. I argued it was and is here.

We spent the rest of the day trying to get organised and to continue the packing. We are making slow progress.

This evening we headed down to Jim and Margaret’s for dinner, though not with them as they left earlier today. Instead we were welcoming a new volunteer from Ireland.

It is now late and we both need some sleep.

Day 304 – Saturday 27th November 2010

2010-11-27T12:13:00.003-08:00

It was an early start as Armorel and I headed into town for some early morning shopping. We are buying gifts for everyone and so ended up with 25 kangas for the clinic ladies, 45 buckets for all the clinic staff and 20 football shirts for my football boys.

Armorel was then clinic bound and I was off to football. It was very hot and luckily the boys decided we would play using one goal, which would greatly limit the running distances. I then treated them all to a lift home in the car. I wish I had the camera. 15 boys and 1 white man in a car!

This afternoon I have failed to watch rugby because of power cuts and Armorel has been busy doing countless jobs, which included cleaning all 45 buckets!

She has also done some great organising. Look at her with her proud bags!

Day 303 – Friday 26th November 2010

2010-11-27T12:13:00.001-08:00

We had an early morning game of football between Form 1a and 1b, and controversy followed. Somehow 1b managed to play the first half with 12 players, and held a 2-1 lead. Teams were sorted out for a goalless second half, with countless yellow cards and a red for a horrendous two footed lunge which was criminal! I asked for an exclusion! After a committee meeting, me and the science teacher, it was decided that 1b be disqualified. A small riot ensued!

I then escaped to the clinic. Armorel was busy continuing to tie up loose ends and trying to stay out of the ward so the nurses get used to her not being around. It is easier said than done.

I was then soon recruited for a shopping journey, and headed into town to buy doors, maize, nails, wood, paint brushes, varnish, nails, door locks, bolts and a blue and white kanga!

Exhausted we headed to Ruth’s for dinner. I had a bet with her a couple of weeks ago about rain, and the loser was baking a black forest gateau. Ruth lost!

It was wonderful!

Day 302 – Thursday 25th November 2010

2010-11-27T12:12:00.003-08:00

An uneventful day!

Armorel was working on putting together a procedures folder for the nurses. Basically she is writing an algorithm for any procedures the nurses may have to do in the hope that one they do it, and two they do it correctly.

I played geek this morning, and redesigned some of my tracking sheets and did some analysis to see progress over the year and the comparison between boys and girls. Boys continue to outperform the girls, but the gap is closing, and the top score from the end of term test was from the girls!

First games of the sports tournament, and we had a shock as Pre-Form 1 beat Form 1B 2-0 in football! Armorel had fun with the netball girls and saw a thrashing by 1B.

This evening we are at the Orion for dinner and there seem to be hundreds of white people. I really don’t like it! It doesn’t help that none of them try to speak to the waiters in Swahili and are just rude.

Do we want to come back to more of these people?

Day 301 – Wednesday 24th November 2010

2010-11-27T12:12:00.001-08:00

The last day of exams, and I have the pleasure of invigilating the 2 hour chemistry exam. I was so bored.

The funniest thing was watching the students who blatantly had no idea how to answer most of the questions pass the time. One girl decided to see if she could tear a piece of paper into 1000 pieces.

The wind hindered her efforts as the pieces flew across the room.

So now what? The exams are done, the teachers aren’t going to teach, and the students have nothing to do.

I gave my exams back, and we have organised a sports tournament. We need to do something, school doesn’t close until Tuesday!

Armorel was at Kilungu today for her penultimate village clinic. It was a very quiet one, as everyone is busy in the fields preparing for the next big rains and the planting to begin.

Tonight we had Lucas, Noelina, Dixon and Faraja over for dinner, and a special treat, quarter of a pig. Mama Ndugu had given us a wonderful chunk of her pig, and so I embarked on a roast.

I must say I was impressed, and the crackling was so good!

Day 300 – Tuesday 23rd November 2010

2010-11-27T12:11:00.001-08:00

Armorel started the day with her next nurses training session. Today they started the Respiratory System. Funnily, the nurses asked her if they were going to get a graduation for attending these lessons.

Hilarious!

I have completed marking the English exams, and luckily a couple of students have done very well and impressed me greatly. However, the overall performance is a little below par. A view also held by the headmaster it would appear. He was less than happy that as the ‘expert’ English teacher that I hadn’t taught all the students well enough to get them all 110%.

I smiled politely.

After work Armorel visited Noelina to help her with some translation. We are writing cards to everyone we work with, and though we have written them in English we want to translate them all. Mainly because most of them wouldn’t have a clue what we were saying!

We had rice and beans for dinner tonight, but I struggled. I really have had enough of this meal!

Day 299 – Monday 22nd November 2010

2010-11-22T11:53:00.001-08:00

We leave 2 weeks today. Now that is scary!

This morning started with the students’ end of term English exam. One and a half hours to show me all that they have studied for and learnt.

I have marked half. They aren’t very good.

Am I a very bad teacher or are they just lazy and not very good? The jury is out.

Armorel worked from home this morning, planning her next teaching session on the respiratory system and catching up on paperwork. She arrived at the clinic at lunchtime. Sadly one of the patients, who was on the mend and about to be discharged suddenly died this morning. I think it was quite tough on everyone.

We were soon off again to say goodbye to Philip and Elaine at the airport. I then left the workers and popped into town for a haircut. I knew it was risky to try a third African haircut, especially as the first two had been successful. I am not too impressed.

This evening the time has come.

We settled down for the last episode of ER.

I still want to be a doctor!

Day 298 – Sunday 21st November 2010

2010-11-21T11:35:00.003-08:00

Another cold, grey day and the jumpers came out the cupboard.

Church was its usually mix of comedy and interesting singing. The novelty has really worn off.

We arrived home to another power cut. They have been really bad this past month with spells of 5 hours each day without power. Armorel cycled into town to do some bits, and help some of the new visitors get a grip of the market.

This afternoon we headed out for a drink. Armorel kept herself occupied with some work whilst I tried to watch football on a very grainy TV picture.

This evening we enjoyed cheese on toast with David Attenborough and the penultimate ER. This evening we have also been joined by millions of bugs. The rain has filled the sky with loud, flying bugs of all shapes and sizes.

Day 297 – Saturday 20th November 2010

2010-11-21T11:35:00.001-08:00

It is raining!

Armorel was off to work early and I had a lazy morning before football. I stupidly thought that because it was raining when I left it would be nice and cool. How wrong was I? It was steaming, and humid! I must have lost a few pounds.

Armorel arrived home at lunchtime and had a quick sleep before we headed off to the wedding. It started at 3, so we arrived in good Africa fashion 45 minutes late, and were still on time.

Weddings are interesting. They are so formal in one way, but more fun in others. Having three dancing and singing choirs certainly help. The service only lasted about 3 hours and then it was time for the reception.

It was due to start at 7:30pm.

We had another party, for Philip and Elaine as they are leaving on Monday, so headed there first for some food. We arrived at the wedding at 9pm. The bride and groom were not yet there!

They finally made a spectacular entrance with dancing and music about 30 minutes later and then the festivities began. The most interesting was the giving of gifts. All gifts given must be danced up and paraded to the couple, and you can only do this at set times. In total there were 17 different ‘gift’ groups, and it took well over an hour. They ended up with over 3 complete tea sets.

At this stage we were getting restless and everyone else very hungry. At midnight we were told it was food time, and then suddenly I hear my name.

I have been called to the front to bless and pray for the food in front of a crowd of 200. My English and Swahili mix seemed to go down well and food was ready. Though of course you have to dance up to get your food.

We escaped at about 12:30pm leaving the party in full swing.

Day 296 – Friday 19th November 2010

2010-11-19T12:08:00.001-08:00

We wake to grey clouds and rain looming in the air. This is exciting.

I had an uneventful morning helping to organise the next sets of exams. Armorel continued to be busy as usual. I joined her around lunchtime and we did some cleaning and rearranging of storage. We managed to find three mice in the process.

It was then time to officially open the houses at the Shamba. You will have noticed we have been quiet about this for a while. It’s a long and complicated story, which basically left me with limited involvement in the construction. It has been tough but this isn’t about me and the result is wonderful.

The rain then came, and with it the power went.

We spent most of the evening in the dark, heating some soup on the Kerosene stove and trying to keep busy.

We have a wedding tomorrow.

Day 295 – Thursday 18th November 2010

2010-11-19T12:05:00.001-08:00

Today is the start of the end of year exams. First up is Maths, but we had a small problem.

One girl claimed she couldn’t sit the exams today because she had been possessed by a demon, but she would be able to do it tomorrow. I didn’t know how I should answer or respond. Would this be an acceptable medical excuse in the UK?

Armorel continues to be busy at the clinic with countless jobs, tasks and training to get done. This morning she ran a session on cardiac problems, which seemed to be well received.

This evening we headed out for dinner to say goodbye to Emma. It was a strange night, and made us realise we are going to miss her. It is so nice to have someone who has been out here as long as us, and we don’t have to have the same conversations over and over again.

A quick ER, only 3 more episodes to go, and then bed.

Day 294 – Wednesday 17th November 2010

2010-11-17T12:18:00.003-08:00

A bank holiday, and so a treat of cereal for breakfast.

Armorel went into the clinic first thing for a ward round with Dr Jim, and finished off everything from last night.

She returned home just after 10am and we then went to the market to get some fruit and veg. This afternoon we have started to pack!

Scary I know, and very early, but we don’t want to be rushed. Emma also popped round for an afternoon cup of tea, which turned into juice as we had no power.

We are gutted she is leaving on Friday.

We have just watched an ER and are now heading to bed.

The twins and best friend from our weekend adventure.

Day 293 – Tuesday 16th November 2010

2010-11-17T12:18:00.001-08:00

We knew it was going to be hard to hear a 6:30am alarm call after a long weekend, but it seemed even harder to get up this morning.

Today is my last day of teaching!

In celebration we decided to do a fun quiz, with a selection of English questions and a few random ones thrown in. All the students won a prize of a dictionary which have been kindly been provided by a very generous supporter. Their reaction was wonderful!

Armorel had a long day with a number of patients being admitted onto the ward. One patient is particularly sick and has a heartbreaking story too.

She is 26 years old suffering from AIDS. Her husband was transferred to the regional hospital this morning for palliative care and is not expected to survive the morning. He is also suffering from AIDS. They have a 5 year old son.

At 6:45pm the lady died, the same day as her husband, orphaning a 5 year old boy.

Armorel and I spent the evening at the clinic so she could sort out the paperwork and support the nurses on duty.

The highs and lows of life.

Day 292 – Monday 15th November 2010

2010-11-17T12:17:00.001-08:00

We arrived for breakfast at 8am to be told that they had run out of beans. Not a good start to the day.

We had a leisurely morning before heading off just before 10am, via the supermarket. We had been given several shopping lists from the Tabora community. It is so novel to be able to buy things like cheese and would you believe bacon.

The journey then began home. Well sort of, as traffic was so bad that it took over an hour to get out of Mwanza. We finally escaped and hit the open road.

And then our tyre blew!

Words cannot express the comedy that then ensued. Firstly, our jack was too short for the high chassis. Then we got the locals coming to offer support and advice, and suggesting that we lift the car. That didn’t work and so after finding some suitable rocks the tyre was changed.

The they all wanted paying for their hard work! We tried to keep the peace by buying a soda for everyone, which appeased all but three, who claimed they had done the most work. One had held the nuts, one had placed them on, and one had tighten them.

They got little sympathy and we were soon on the way.

A quick stop in Shinyanga to try and get the tyre repaired, and after a small panic and visit to every shop in town we were successful and could continue our journey.

Then would you believe we got stopped for speeding!

My initial tone of disbelieve that you could be stopped for speeding in Tanzania was put in its place by the policeman producing a speed gun!

I was not expecting that.

Nor was I expecting what happened next. The fine was set and agreed and I was just about to pay when Armorel decided to chat up the policeman and ask for a receipt. One of the methods worked because we were soon sent on our way with a strict warning to adhere to the limits, but with no fine needed!

Luckily the rest of journey was trouble free apart from the plague of termites which caused our vision to be hampered and our windscreen washer to run out. We arrived home at just after 6pm.

Exhausted!

Day 291 – Sunday 14th November 2010

2010-11-17T12:16:00.001-08:00

We hoped we would wake to glorious sunshine but instead couldn’t see the sun for the clouds. It was cold as well.

To make our morning even better was the power cut which left us without hot showers and coffee.

We trudged into town for a potter and to get some lunch. We stopped for a lovely pizza in a little street cafe.

The best pizza in Africa so far!

The only downside was that by now the rain had arrived and I was sat in the wrong seat. I got a bit wet!

Our walk home was even wetter and we arrived back to find still no power and so no hot showers or even a cup of tea. Disappointed we headed to the bar for a drink, but didn’t stay long.

Someone had turned on a red light. We couldn’t believe it! The hotel bar had turned into a glorified brothel, and I was in serious danger of being accosted. The management have been told.

We spent the rest of the day trying not to get too bored or scared about our experiences and headed out for a bit of Indian food for dinner. Luckily the power had returned and our food was hot.

The adventure is nearly over, home tomorrow!

Day 290 – Saturday 13th November 2010

2010-11-17T12:15:00.003-08:00

It was so quiet last night and we slept so well.

We spent the morning at the school and somehow managed to end up taking 20 kids for 4 hours of games activities. We are not sure what had happened to all the actual staff.

We did have great fun, though exhausting. The highlight was when a hawk decided that the football was some food and came swooping in to attack. More worrying was when he then came in for the students too!

After a quick lunch we headed on towards Mwanza for a bit of a break on Lake Victoria.

We were welcomed by a downpour of biblical proportions!

We made it to our hotel just after 4pm and settled into our lovely room, which was on an old boat and had lovely views across the harbour. It was wonderful!

As luck would have it we then met Adrian and Emma who had also come up to Mwanza. Unfortunately it is because Adrian has been made redundant and has to leave Tabora. So we had a celebration of new beginnings over a Chinese.

Day 289 – Friday 12th November 2010

2010-11-17T12:15:00.001-08:00

Shinyanga here we come!

We are going off to visit our friend Salome and her twins who have moved to Shinyanga. Salome is working in a large and impressive international school there. It is about 3 hours north of us.

We had a lovely journey up, using a hand drawn map with 7 town names written on it and a few other instructions.

“Turn right after 55km” was the first one.

Amazingly we arrived in time for lunch and then had a tour of the impressive school with much better resources than most UK schools. We also met with the head who offered us jobs.

It was so great to see them all and we had a fun evening catching up and watching “Home Alone”.

Day 288 – Thursday 11th November 2010

2010-11-11T11:54:00.001-08:00

Armorel ran her cardiovascular teaching session with the nurses this morning. Initial feedback was good, but they found the topic quite hard so have asked for the session to be repeated on Tuesday. We are excited by the willingness to learn.

The rest of the day was spent doing wound dressings and giving advice on baby care and feeding. She also started part of her handover, training one of the nurses how to discharge patients.

The students and I struggled with the heat today, with energy levels severely lacking. We pushed on through and managed to get some good work done.

It was then time for sports and games, which was also a struggle. The students didn’t really get involved but that could have been from the morning pep talk they received, “if you play football, get injured and fail your exams it is your fault!”

This evening we had Christopher and his wife, Grace, over for dinner, which was lovely. It was great to catch up as it has been a long time since we saw each other. Christopher was my first line manager in Tabora.

We are now packing! We are going on a small adventure for a long weekend.

Will fill you in on Monday!

Day 287 – Wednesday 10th November 2010

2010-11-10T10:37:00.003-08:00

It didn’t rain and we wake to a bright, hot morning.

Armorel is off to Umanda for her last clinic there, and I am going to attempt a novel idea. The students are going to write and then mark some of their own practice exam questions.

It didn’t work too badly at all, and we are going to continue this tomorrow. We have created quite a good bank of revision questions.

Armorel had a busy but fun day today. They usually run the clinic in some primary school buildings but today there are some national exams, so they had been kicked out. Picture the scene; Armorel dealing with the babies under a tree, one doctor consulting on the back seat of the truck and the other on a tree stump, the pharmacy in the back of the truck with reception and the lab was set up under little tree. This is Africa!

This evening we have sat and tried to make Armorel’s hand-outs for her cardiovascular teaching readable. The photocopier seems to have missed most of the words.

Only 5 more to go!

Day 286 – Tuesday 9th November 2010

2010-11-10T10:37:00.001-08:00

It is raining!

It started about 9pm last night and was pretty steady. We even were woken by a sudden downpour this morning, though by the time we left for work it had stopped.

It was a cold, dark morning, which wasn’t helped by a lack of power. I taught my single Tuesday lesson, finished writing my end of term exam and popped over to the clinic.

No power there either so I wasn’t much use.

Armorel had one of those days where you never manage to get anything done because of various interruptions. She got so fed up that we escaped a little early and managed to get some bits done at home.

This evening we had dinner at Ruth’s with various others. The food was excellent as usual, and not huge amounts of medical talk which was nice.

I think it might rain again tonight.

Day 285 – Monday 8th November 2010

2010-11-08T11:57:00.007-08:00

We are both a little tired this morning!

I had another frustrating day at school.

Halfway through my second lesson of the day I was told I had to stop because we had an important guest arriving. My attempts to explain that the students education was more important fell on deaf ears.

1 hour and 30 minutes later the guest arrived. Do you think I might of had time to finish my lesson?

Our guest arrived, gave a quick speech and left 10 minutes later.

“This is ridiculous.”

Was met again by deaf ears.

I arrived at the clinic to find a crazy scene. Armorel was having to admit 4 patients all at once and her stroke man was fading fast.

I hid in the office and did some paperwork before Armorel re-appeared at about 3:30pm. She had been busy!

This afternoon we planned another of her teaching sessions on the cardiovascular system and enjoyed a game of bananas. We have just heard that her stroke patient has died.

It brings it home to you, when you know that if he was in the UK he simply wouldn’t have died.

But what can you do?

Day 284 – Sunday 7th November 2010

2010-11-08T11:57:00.005-08:00

Having missed two weeks of church we set off in the hope of some excitement, though if I am honest I struggled to stay motivated. It is joyful in so many ways, but lacks a certain energy.

We came home via the breadman with a couple of fresh out the oven loaves and promptly ate one. Just wonderful!

After an afternoon of job hunting and some work, we headed over to the doctors house for a birthday cup of tea. Armorel had made a fantastic chocolate cake. They are meant to be balloons.

Nature night was postponed today. We have been invited by a local business man, Amrit, to a Diwali meal at the Orion.

It was a wonderful feast, and we certainly ate well. The only downside was that the food didn’t arrive till 10:30pm.

So it was a late night!

Day 283 – Saturday 6th November 2010

2010-11-08T11:57:00.003-08:00

Armorel was off to the clinic early and I headed off to football.

Unfortunately the heat had taken its toll and only 5 brave souls ventured onto the pitch, whilst the rest sought shelter under the trees. We ran around for a good 45 minutes before the exhaustion took hold.

Armorel got home in the early afternoon, and we both promptly fell asleep. We then headed over to Danny’s for a BBQ and a chance to watch some rugby. Though, being the only northern hemisphere fan I received a great deal of abuse.

We had a fun night and ate well.

Day 282 – Friday 5th November 2010

2010-11-08T11:57:00.001-08:00

No fireworks or bonfire for us.

Instead a pretty ordinary day at work.

Armorel saw a range of patients and there are 4 on the ward. One gentleman has had a stroke and lost the ability to swallow. A problem in the UK that could be easily helped, but out here there is nothing that can be done.

I taught and then headed over to the clinic and did some bits and pieces before we headed home.

It was a hot day, as you can see by the thermometer as we arrived home.

An evening at the Orion was enjoyed with a couple of games of pool.

Day 281 – Thursday 4th November 2010

2010-11-04T12:22:00.005-07:00

Neither of us slept well in this humid heat so woke tried, and I was certainly grumpy.

I spent the morning with my tracking spreadsheets at school, and then continued my learning journey with prefixes and suffixes. The good thing about teaching English is that I am learning new things every day!

Armorel had a typically busy day. The highlight was meeting with an American lady who works in nutrition and health in Dar es Salaam. This could be a very promising contact, as you can’t buy any nutritional products in Tabora at all.

Sport was very hot today. Armorel unfortunately spent a large part of the time with one sick girl who wasn’t responding well to her malaria medication. Though when she did get to the netball court she seemed to have a good run around.

I managed to score 5, hit the woodwork twice and miss an absolute sitter today, so was hot but very pleased. We won’t mention half of them were against a 4ft twelve year old.

We spent the evening doing a bit of job hunting with limited success, before an ER and bed.

It is still 32 degrees!

Day 280 – Wednesday 3rd November 2010

2010-11-04T12:22:00.003-07:00

Armorel left for Mwakashindye early this morning for another clinic. It was busy as usual with Armorel seeing 193 children. They even ran out of vaccines. There was a bit of drama on the way home as they came across a bus crash. It had probably happened minutes before and was quite serious. They loaded up as many as they could and rushed them back to Tabora.

These buses are so dangerous!

BUT can you believe, they couldn’t take the casualties straight to the hospital. No, first to the police station to collect an proof of accident form! Luckily no one was too serious!

I had a morning of teaching on suffixes, and then popped into town to do my weekly Wednesday list of jobs. I then spent the early evening with my book. Wonderful!

This evening we have sweated a large amount whilst watching two episodes of ER. We just couldn’t cope with one.

Day 279 – Tuesday 2nd November 2010

2010-11-04T12:22:00.001-07:00

The cardiovascular training went well this morning, with all the nurses keen and engaged. Armorel has given them some homework questions so we can see how much they were listening.

I spent the morning finishing off the next edition of the school newspaper and trying to finish my end of term English exam.

I then joined Armorel at the clinic, though she was crazily busy as usual, so after helping in the office for a while I escaped home. I managed to have a productive afternoon finishing off our newsletter.

This evening we ventured to Ruth’s for a Mexican night, after she had received a fajita mix packet. It was so nice to have something with a bit of flavour and something different.

Day 278 – Monday 1st November 2010

2010-11-01T12:47:00.003-07:00

It is strange to think that you can wake up on a November day to clear blue skies, and by lunchtime be sweltering in 35 degree heat. It feels slightly surreal.

Today was the first day for the nurse of the month, and with an eye catching display the event begun. We can but see how it goes.

After a morning of teaching on the word ‘the’, I headed into town to pay for our flights home. The man selling them thought we had made a mistake when the ticket was one way, and nearly refused to let me buy such a ticket.

This afternoon Armorel and I planned a teaching session on the cardiovascular system which she has with the nurses’ tomorrow morning. It is useful having a large bank of GCSE PE resources at hand to help.

This evening we have tied up lots of loss ends for our holiday and had a wonderful chat with my Mum. We’ve just watched an ER and are now off to bed.

Good Night!

Day 277 – Sunday 31st October 2010

2010-11-01T12:47:00.001-07:00

The day of the general election.

We woke expecting something a bit different. Maybe some sort of fuss, some sort of party atmosphere, but nothing. Just a normal day in the life of lazy Tabora.

We should find out the result by Wednesday.

To celebrate the Election Day, we went out for lunch. For something different we went to the animal park, which some 50 years ago would have been a thriving wildlife park with all sorts of animals. Now though, it is a bit different.

We found the one wild animal. A wildebeest.

This evening has been very quiet, with cheese on toast and our nature film.

Another week starts tomorrow.

Day 276 – Saturday 30th October 2010

2010-10-31T02:11:00.001-07:00

Armorel was off to work this morning, but only on a half day. I was off early to have a day of building with Lucas. We are building a new shed / house for his chickens.

After a quick visit to the timber mill, we first ventured to a man to buy pork for lunch. We arrived a little early as they were just chopping the pig’s head off. We waited 5 minutes for our fresh bag of pork.

We had great fun designing and building this masterpiece, though it was very hot work. You have to adapt to very different standards out here. Aesthetically anything goes, as long as it works and is practical. And of course with wood being in short supply and incredibly expensive you need to be very creative.

We didn’t quite finish, as we didn’t manage to complete the second storey.

Armorel had a relatively quite morning at work, with many patients taking a turn for the better. She was able to come and see the workman before popping into the market.

Tonight we had 8 for dinner and a movie!

Wonderful spaghetti and garlic bread was enjoyed before a film. An excellent way to finish a tough week!

Though there is plenty of washing up!

Day 275 – Friday 29th October 2010

2010-10-31T02:10:00.001-07:00

We ventured off to work to see what fun and games we had in store today.

Armorel’s day was again very busy. They still have some very sick patients in and the member of staff who is a patient has gone downhill again.

I taught my first lesson and then waited for the staff meeting at 10am.

I still don’t understand why the head always has whole staff meetings in the middle of the day. It means of course that the students have no teachers from the start of the meeting until they go home. When I question such an idea I receive blank faces!

So the meeting was not very productive or pleasant. Firstly, my request for translation was met by annoyance and a very feeble attempt at keeping me informed. I still have no idea what agenda points 2-4 were about. I only knew what 5 was because I understood what they were saying and they were talking about me.

It’s hard!

So the problem is all about disciple, and the use of the cane. It is perfectly legal in Tanzania, but I am trying to get the school to think about other punishments and set new standards. My ideas were not received well, or objectively.I started to be blamed for colonisation and slavery, and when I managed to avoid that accusation it was because I was more superior and that they were just poor and uneducated.

I tried, but sadly their ears were shut.

I even got told that Christianity actively encouraged beating of children! I politely explained they must be following a very different God to me!

I don’t know what to do!

I escaped the meeting at 2:30pm, and sought comfort with a cup of tea. Armorel got home just before 6, exhausted and still not finished. She is working so hard!

We had a quick dinner at the Orion before heading home and crashing!

Day 274 – Thursday 28th October 2010

2010-10-28T12:52:00.003-07:00

Off to work we go. This week seems to be going fast.

I spent the morning trying to write the English end of year exam, and by using as few pieces of paper as possible. I do feel sorry for the kids having to read ‘Mr John’s made up stories’ and then answer questions on them. It is the wannabe author in me.

The afternoon was spent teaching, and giving some advice on revision techniques. They didn’t quite understand the idea of a pneumonic.

Armorel spent the day on the ward, helping out the nurses, encouraging them and giving handy hints when drugs and obs were being forgotten. It is going be very tough to leave and hand it all over to the nurses. A big challenge!

This afternoon we treated the kids to our sporting prowess, with football and netball. There was a lot less bickering than normal, which was a welcome relief. Kids bicker so much more out here! It is unbelievable.

I have a meeting with the head tomorrow morning about discipline in the school. It is going to be tough!

The evening has disappeared with a short cowboy film and the next episode of ER, and now it is off to bed.

The wind is picking up too! Maybe another storm is on its way?

Day 273 – Wednesday 27th October 2010

2010-10-28T12:52:00.001-07:00

The humidity broke in the early hours with an ear shattering thunder storm. Truly wonderful!

We then woke to a beautiful fresh morning and ventured into work.

Armorel was off to the village of Kilungu for their monthly mobile clinic. It was a quiet one this week, and she managed to see most of her patients by the early afternoon.

My day was also nice and relaxed. I taught all morning and spent the afternoon in town doing some bits and pieces. This included booking our internal flights out of Tabora.

Getting scarily close now.

We enjoyed an early evening stroll before sitting down to watch the Lion King with Zawadi and Baraka.

Day 272 – Tuesday 26th October 2010

2010-10-26T11:29:00.005-07:00

There is not much room in a bed with a patient and their bandaged foot.

I did not sleep well, but amazingly Armorel is feeling not too bad. The leg cramps, and shooting pain started to ease at about 4am.

We hobble of to work.

We have been here 10 months but I still don’t get this place, and I feel so totally lost in some school policies and goings on.

Kids got caned today for ‘love relationships’. I thought they meant having sex, they meant holding hands! The staff didn’t agree with my views on this, and were quiet shocked I was so lenient.

The day got worse, and I don’t want to write my current thoughts and feelings. I need to process first!

Armorel had a good day and launched her new initiative, ‘Nurse of the Month’, in the hope to inspire and motivate the nurses to do their jobs. Let’s hope this helps encourage them to take vital signs and give the odd drug.

The rain was merely a preview. It’s getting even hotter and now its humid too!

Day 271 – Monday 25th October 2010

2010-10-26T11:29:00.003-07:00

6 weeks to go!

Today I tried to explain and go through the English test with the students. Not easy, when the students who understand all that I am saying are the ones who did ok. We plod on.

The clinic was manic, with hundreds of patients. I arrived, had a look and hid in the office catching up on paperwork with the office girls.

Armorel is shattered!

We got home late and after a quick cup of tea headed over to Ruth’s. She was having a ‘We survived the weekend’ celebration. It had been a tough weekend for the staff as two patients had died.

We had a lovely evening, though quiet as everyone is so exhausted, and got home nice and early to continue with ER.

OOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Armorel has been stung by a scorpion!

It has now died, under my shoe, but what do you do!

After a small panic, doctor call and chat to local scorpion expert we relax slightly.

Though Armorel is in excruciating pain. She heads to bed with a wrapped up foot and plenty of ice.

We pray this heals quickly.

Bad news?

Day 270 – Sunday 24th October 2010

2010-10-26T11:29:00.001-07:00

Is it bad to have a day off church?

It was a special, all together service, and so we decided to have our own service at home with coffee and French toast. Thank you for the internet as we joined Rob Bell and his Mars Hill congregation in America.

We later found out the service lasted over 5 hours!

We have been treated by meals this week and we headed down the road to Jim and Margaret’s for a spot of lunch, and a play on a flight simulator Jim has on his laptop.

I crashed landed every time!

We enjoyed an afternoon rest and cowboy film and by the time we realised where we were, it was time for nature night and bed.

Day 269 – Saturday 23rd October 2010

2010-10-26T11:28:00.007-07:00

I am having a day off!

Armorel is not!

She heads off after a lazy breakfast, and has a tough day. The patients on the ward are very sick, and she saw a large number of patients. Her day finished with a long meeting which had its mix of highs and frustrations.

I headed off to football, and I think I might get wet.

I didn’t, but had great fun. I seemed to have loads of energy and ran round like a headless chicken. Which is how I play all sports I agree. I scored a wonderful hat-trick, including a chest and volley from 25 yards.

Then at 1:47pm after a dozen rumbles of thunder, the heavens opened, and the rain began.

A 45 minute deluge. Have the rains began?

Tonight we headed out to say goodbye to another UK doctor, Sasha. It was a lovely evening, though my football watching was interrupted by a political broadcast. Just over a week until the elections.

Day 268 – Friday 22nd October 2010

2010-10-26T11:28:00.005-07:00

There are certain occasions when you have to look at yourself in the mirror, and think hard.

Today was one of those days.

32 students got 0% on their English test.

Mainly because they left within the first 5 minutes without trying. Luckily, I did have a scattering of C’s and B’s to not become too downhearted.

Armorel’s job list today had her writing an emergency procedure protocol for the clinic. If an emergency comes into the clinic they shout “ABC” and the process is in full swing. You hope.

The ward has a number of very sick patients at the moment with very bleak prognosis’s. You can but pray.

Tonight we join a band of wazungu’s for dinner at Jay and Lyn’s. A feast of Indian curries and dishes.

I ate far too much!

but…some patients are on the mend!

Day 267 – Thursday 21st October 2010

2010-10-26T11:28:00.003-07:00

Our days were long today.

The clinic was hugely busy, meaning Armorel’s timetable is slowly disappearing out the window. However, she did get to drain about a half a litre of puss out of a ladies groin. I have refrained from publishing a photo.

My day was packed full of preparing the students for their English Friday test tomorrow. I have made it a real challenge, and one they will have to think for themselves, something that does not come naturally to a generation of students taught by a lecture method.

After a hot afternoon of sports and games it was a night at home, with nothing to do.

Except start the final series of ER. Only 22 episodes to go!

Day 266 – Wednesday 20th October 2010

2010-10-26T11:28:00.001-07:00

It’s another cloudy day, but no sign of rain yet. Jim had convinced me yesterday that today was the day.

He is wrong.

I continue to try and get the students to ‘analyse media’, which makes me laugh when half can’t even read the word media, let alone tell me what something means. However, they always have a couple of gems. When answering the question, “What opened in 2004?” from an article about a university opening in 2004, I got the answer the story!

Armorel had a day of organising and planning. She has now created a wonderful timetable of jobs and tasks, so that she manages to finish everything before we go. It is impressive.

Don’t tell her that I said this, but she’s already falling behind!

This evening we headed out to Lucas and Noelina’s for dinner. Have we told you that she is pregnant? It is so exciting, though we are so annoyed we miss the birth by two months. We had an evening filled with laughter and talk about chickens. Next weekend Lucas and I are building him a chicken shed!

Day 265 – Tuesday 19th October 2010

2010-10-19T11:11:00.005-07:00

It’s off to work we go, on a cloudy day.

Rumour has it the rains are going to come early.

Any day now.

I struggle through my morning lessons, though I am now exhausted and seek refuge in the clinic.

Armorel is having a day locked in the dressing room, sterilising and organising dressings. She seems to have enjoyed herself.

I was saved by an afternoon power cut and managed to get in a little sleep before home time.

We arrived home and had tea and cake on the veranda with Jim and Margaret.

Very civilised.

Now it is time to try and organise our holiday. There are some wonderful places to stay.

Day 264 – Monday 18th October 2010

2010-10-19T11:11:00.003-07:00

We decide work is not sensible for me today, though I am improving greatly.

I plan to go in tomorrow.

Armorel heads off early to the clinic and the rest of us stay and enjoy our books and some fresh coffee. Ken and Gill did some packing too.

Just before lunch Armorel came and picked them up and took them for a last clinic visit and a whistle-stop tour of the school.

It was then time to go. We continued our tradition of writing letters and cards for people back home in the airport lounge, and then it was time.

It has been so wonderful having Ken and Gill here. We are just so sorry the hosts weren’t the most active.

Fresh from the garden

Day 263 – Sunday 17th October 2010

2010-10-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

I braved church this morning. I was meant to be speaking but passed on the baton earlier in the week. I was glad, even standing proved hard work.

Ruth had invited us, and some others, around for lunch so we soon were heading over. We had a marvellous feast, and wasted away most of the afternoon. It was lovely, and I managed to stay awake for all of it.

It was then time for a walk around the shamba. Well for everyone else. I came home to bed.

The building is going up quickly. I think Ken and Gill were a bit blown away by the scale. This is no small building project. Next are the windows.

This evening we have had a lovely relaxing evening. It is such a shame they go tomorrow.

Day 262 – Saturday 16th October 2010

2010-10-18T12:26:00.005-07:00

Ken and Armorel headed out to visit a Compassion project this morning. The charity is a great child support and sponsorship charity that Ken is heavily involved in. They had a good, but long day, exploring the project and visiting a family at home. The project is very well run, with great success stories.

Gill and I rested at home, reading and chatting. I am still wiped.

This evening we headed out for a quiet meal, but didn’t stay late as I need the bed.

Day 261 – Friday 15th October 2010

2010-10-18T12:26:00.003-07:00

Gill joins us as we head to work.

I last about 30 minutes.

I have had another test but still no malaria. The plan is to start me on some anti-biotic now. Maybe I have a virus?

I spent the rest of the day in bed.

Gill helped out with some filing and pill counting, whilst Ken kept me company for the day.

One of the very sick patients, a young child suffering from malnutrition died this morning.

A tough day for all.

Day 260 – Thursday 14th October 2010

2010-10-18T12:26:00.001-07:00

I am not well.

Today is a bank holiday to celebrate the death of the country’s first president. Unfortunately, there are two very sick patients on the ward, and so Armorel headed in to work. One of the patients is a member of staff. She needs our prayers.

I stayed in bed most of today. I am wiped out.

This evening we headed out for dinner, which seemed long for me, and unfortunately the food wasn’t great. I need some sleep.

Day 259 – Wednesday 13th October 2010

2010-10-13T10:38:00.005-07:00

We decide to head into work. Armorel is doing better than me.

I manage to struggle through my teaching but everything wipes me out. Had another blood test, still no malaria so it’s a little bit of a mystery as to why I am feeling like this.

Armorel managed to work most of the day, catching up and dealing with being off for a few days. I think the ward paperwork was a bit of a mess.

Today my aunt and uncle, Ken and Gill arrived. It is so lovely to have them here, but we feel so bad that we are both still ropey.

We’ve had a relaxing evening, chatting and catching up but we are both exhausted and need bed.

Day 258 – Tuesday 12th October 2010

2010-10-13T10:38:00.003-07:00

It is going to be short tonight.

Armorel is continuing to recover from malaria but I have now been struck down.

No malaria on my blood tests but chromatin dots.

Supposedly they show that I did have malaria but it is being killed off.

Still doesn’t make you feel better.

Day 257 – Monday 11th October 2010

2010-10-13T10:38:00.001-07:00

Armorel is staying in bed today. She is not feeling too hot at all. Such a shame as she was much better yesterday.

I headed into school for our last lesson in poetry and attempted to get the students writing some acrostic poems. We had a very mixed bag.

After a few jobs at the clinic I headed home early to the patient.

We crashed for the rest of the day watching some cheesy DVD’s about love in the mid west in 1850 or so. Good fun!

We both feel exhausted!

Day 256 – Sunday 10th October 2010

2010-10-10T09:05:00.003-07:00

We both managed to sleep really well and Armorel is feeling a lot better, though has no energy, so I headed off to church by myself.

The congregation were amazed that I had managed to bring tea and cake by myself.

What a modern man I am.

Armorel managed to get up, and in her lovely special way decided to do the washing up. She isn’t quite normal is she, but it has finished her off and she is now back in bed.

I escaped out as I managed to get myself invited for lunch, and enjoyed a veritable feast, followed by ice cream and some rice krispy cakes. I was not expecting that!

This afternoon we have sat and read, and Armorel has slept some more. It is now time for our nature night and then early to bed.

Day 255 – Saturday 9th October 2010

2010-10-10T09:05:00.001-07:00

Armorel doesn’t feel very well.

I head off early to the Shamba to check on the brick work. It is impressive. Annoyingly though, a combination of African timekeeping and disorganisation means I am late for football.

Luckily, even more African timekeeping means that even though I am 1 hour late, I am on time.

We had a good run around, but with numbers low and the temperature high we settled for some one on one fun games. I scored a beauty from 40 yards.

Armorel has malaria. Two parasites, so I win, but it has hit her much harder.

She has spent the rest of the day in bed feeling pretty rough.

Day 254 – Friday 8th October 2010

2010-10-10T09:04:00.003-07:00

For me today was positive. The foundations at the farm are finished. The bricks are being brought down to the site by donkey’s and we are ready to start laying today.

Very exciting steps.

Armorel had a tough day. A 16 year old girl, who was 5 months pregnant, arrived at the clinic. She was miscarrying. Armorel helped to rush her over to the regional hospital and stayed with her for most of the process, until she was transferred to a ward.

This was probably the hardest experience Armorel has had since we have been here.

Tonight we are saying goodbye to Dr Dave and Bex, with a BBQ feast. We are really going to miss them, especially now that I am only white man on the football pitch.

Day 253 – Thursday 7th October 2010

2010-10-10T09:04:00.001-07:00

With this heat today seemed to be even longer.

Armorel had three very sick patients on the ward, and so was kept very busy. One was a two week old baby with 50 malaria parasites, a case of congenital malaria, another was a man with stage 4 HIV, and also a women who had been sick for the last six months but no one knew why.

A tough day.

We continued with poetry at school, and had a good number of very good poems. They are all based around a simple pattern and only need you to use a noun, a verb and some adjectives. This was one of the better ones;

Elephant

Gigantic, Elephant

Grey, Big-eared Elephant

Walking Slowly Elephant

Wise Elephant

And one of the not so good ones....

Steven

Big Steven

Tall, Short Steven

Studying carefully Steven

Thin Steven

At least they understood the pattern.

Then it was sports and games, and the girls finished off their new netball court. Very impressive, and they loved playing on a court (of sorts).

Tonight we have enjoyed doing very little apart from staying cool.

Day 252 – Wednesday 6th October 2010

2010-10-06T11:54:00.001-07:00

It was time for another trip out to the village of Mwakashindye today, so Armorel set off early.

I then tried to set off for work, but the joys of a flat tyre, made me a little late. I still managed to get to school in time to try and continue our learning about poetry.

The mobile clinic lab

We even started to write some short poems today. Maybe I will share some tomorrow?

My afternoon was spent in the bank trying changing some money for the clinic. As a white man I get such special treatment, and pretty much all the rules don’t apply. They have forms that need filling in and security checks to complete, but I bypass them all with one signature. I dread to think how long it could have taken.

I will miss this kind of treatment.

I then started driving home when one of the wheels started to fall off. Thank you to the man at the garage for failing to tighten the bolts up.

Armorel arrived home just after 6pm with a couple of others in tow. They had heard we had flapjacks!

This evening we have enjoyed chapatti, beans and salsa and a quick ER, and now we are going to attempt an early night.

Day 251 – Tuesday 5th October 2010

2010-10-05T12:39:00.003-07:00

Another roasting hot day, with the temperature nearly hitting 40!

Armorel had been given the morning off and so I headed in alone this morning.

Lesson two on poetry completed. Though annoyingly the school wouldn’t let me photocopy any poems to hand out as we can’t afford the paper, so half the lesson was spent writing the poem out on the blackboard. I wish I had chosen a shorter one!

It is also not the easiest subject to teach to a class of 50, of which 90% are lost. I struggle on.

This afternoon, Armorel came and joined me at the clinic and continued with the essay and guest house preparation. I sat reading through the last months health insurance claim forms, all 553 of them to check for mistakes.

It was so enjoyable.

It was then home time, but Armorel escorted Mama Ndugu to the internet cafe for some more course time and didn’t get home till 7pm. We had a nice dinner, an episode of ER and are now hitting the hay.

It is still so warm!

Day 250 – Monday 4th October 2010

2010-10-05T12:39:00.001-07:00

This week I am attempting to teach poetry to the students.

This is going to prove tough. The poems kind of lose their effect when you have to stop and explain every other word.

Armorel spent most of the day writing an essay. She is helping Mama Ndugu, lead nurse at the clinic, with her distance learning nursing course, and they have just discovered an essay is due by Friday.

We also helped get the guest house ready for a British couple, Phil and Elaine, who come out to Tabora every now and then to help with some building. We have stolen them for the farm, and building the houses.

This evening we have been very bad. ER got a bit addictive and three episodes later we headed to bed!

It is worrying what you get up to in your evenings!

Day 249 – Sunday 3rd October 2010

2010-10-05T12:38:00.003-07:00

Armorel is speaking at church this morning, so after a quick run through we head off. The topic of the day is resisting temptation.

She does so well again, and gives such a clear message.

Today we are going to be hermits. We have resisted all invitations and are going to do nothing but sit, read and sleep.

Though by the late afternoon I am feeling restless and persuade Arms that we should catch a football game at the bar.

We have returned for our regular nature night and a spot of pasta and pesto. Thank you Arm’s folks!

My girls helping me with tea at church

Day 248 – Saturday 2nd October 2010

2010-10-05T12:38:00.001-07:00

We both headed into work early this morning.

Armorel was heading into town for a bit of advertising. She and a team from the clinic, armed with leaflets and information, headed to the towns hotspots for a bit of clinic advertising. And I thought the clinic was already busy enough.

I headed to the farm to check on the progress of the building. It is slow work but the foundations are so nearly finished. I then headed home and off to football.

It was stupidly hot.

So hot that most of the kids chose to shelter under the trees rather than play, though there were some brave souls who joined me for a run around.

It is still as hot as we settle down for an evening film. It says 31 and its 9pm!

Day 247 – Friday 1st October 2010

2010-10-03T04:25:00.001-07:00

It is seriously hot!

Amy and Ally fly today at 3:30pm.

We all head off to the clinic this morning. I teach a quick lesson and then we pop into town for the last few jobs, and more importantly checking the actual flight time.

As we suspected, 1 hour earlier than the ticket told us.

We headed back to the clinic for goodbyes and thanks before heading to the airport. They had no problems boarding, though we did nearly search Amy’s bag for a mouse!

Thank you so much for you friendship, help, support and being here. We love you!

A night at home, and a night alone. This could be weird; we haven’t had one of these for a long time.

BUT then the phone goes and we are heading out for dinner.

A 3 hour wait for food was not appreciated, so we are heading to bed even more tired.

Day 246 – Thursday 30th September 2010

2010-10-03T04:24:00.003-07:00

Today was a long day.

We left for work this morning leaving Ally and Amy having a last lie in and relax before leaving us tomorrow.

I headed over to school to do assembly and then popped back to the clinic to pick up the keys and go and fetch Ally and Amy.

BUT, I got a bit delayed, having to put on my doctor hat.

A young boy arrived in the clinic with a broken arm and x-ray. He broke it 10 days ago, went to the regional hospital, had an x-ray and they then sent him home with nothing. Even I could see this break on the x-ray, and even more it was obvious to look at.

So I assisted / did the plaster cast. It is such a shame that the wait and lack of initial actions means his arm will never heal correctly.

I loved the chance though!

I then picked up Ally and Amy and we headed to the market to collect their new handmade clothes and some other bits and pieces.

They spent the rest of the day at the clinic, whilst I continued with my reading drive at school. They have been such a blessing to Armorel at the clinic and Amy’s nursing skills have been so beneficial. Thank you. Sorry about the photo, but Amy was very pleased with her sterile kit!

It was then time for Thursday sport and games for Armorel and me, whilst Amy and Ally were dragged off to help with some kids clubs. They had great fun playing ‘Duck, Duck, Goose’ and teaching them some classic English tunes.

This evening we headed to Faraja and Dixon’s house for dinner, and a last night meal for Ally and Amy.

Tomorrow will be a sad day.

Day 245 – Wednesday 29th September 2010

2010-10-03T04:24:00.001-07:00

It was an early start and a visit to the village of Kilungu for the A-Team (Armorel, Ally and Amy), whilst I stayed at school trying to equip the students with a vocabulary that will enable them to read some simple stories.

They got very confused with the ‘Bangers and Mash’ books.

The clinic day was long with the team not arriving back until nearly 6pm. They seemed to have a great day, weighing and injecting hundreds of babies, and generally helping out on reception and dispensing drugs.

Thank you.

This evening we headed out for dinner to say goodbye to Miranda who leaves Tabora tomorrow. It was a chilly evening with a strong wind blowing, though Amy and Ally did laugh at us as they sat sweltering in the heat.

Day 244 – Tuesday 28th September 2010

2010-09-28T13:01:00.001-07:00

Some might call this a bit of a medical day!

Amy headed off to see the regional hospital this morning and had her eyes truly opened. The most horrific story was that of a doctor’s ward round, which he conducted through a window as he didn’t want to be too close to the ‘infected’ patients.

Armorel was busy at the clinic with a large influx of patients to the ward, and a number of ECG’s to take. The nurses need training on the new machine and the doctors are so excited that many are being ordered.

Ally was surrounded by anti-virus software today which was his attempt at being medical.

I taught for the morning and headed over to the clinic for what I thought would be some admin fun. However, I was soon tasked with removing a boy’s cast, with a blunt pair of scissors. Luckily I found some old garden shears and so Armorel and I managed to cut, twist, pull and tear the cast off.

Then it got very interesting.

A patient on the ward suddenly went downhill, and signs and symptoms looked like meningitis. A lumbar puncture was needed (government requirement for all suspected cases), and I soon found myself assisting with the procedure.

It was very similar to the ones I have seen on ER, but not something I was expecting to be involved in.

It has been a long day. We have had a fun evening playing bird scrabble, and other silly games and are now heading to bed.

It is a village clinic day tomorrow!

The builders working hard!

Day 243 – Monday 27th September 2010

2010-09-27T12:25:00.001-07:00

Amazingly it was a little chilly this morning, and I even contemplated a light jumper.

I was busy teaching this morning and had all the students take on different characters for some dramatic reading. They struggled to get into it but we are making some slow progress.

I then headed over to the clinic just before lunch. The girls were very busy and had a really sick girl on the ward. Her prognosis is not very good.

The clinic is not as calm and relaxed as it has been. We hope it starts to settle soon. It needs to.

I headed for a short walk around the farm to assess the building work. All is going well out there, and the foundations will be set by the end of the week.

It is bedtime again and with the inside temp at 27, we are bracing ourselves for another sticky night.

Day 242 – Sunday 26th September 2010

2010-09-27T12:24:00.001-07:00

The new experiences continue with a visit to church this morning.

Nothing too unusual happened though we did learn a new song, ‘Touch me Lord’, which is surprisingly catchy.

After a quick cup of coffee we headed over to Ruth’s for some lunch and ate far too much, especially with the weather. It is so hot!

It was 37 degrees at 5pm.

And so the rest of the day we did very little, but some sleeping, reading and some more sleeping.

With the mercury still reading 28 at 8pm we were in for a hot sticky night.

Day 241 – Saturday 25th September 2010

2010-09-25T13:49:00.001-07:00

No alarms!

We decided we would have a leisurely morning with only football at 11am as a definite must do.

It was hot!

We did manage a good game, though player numbers dropped rapidly in the heat. Rumour has it that it finished 6-6 but I think that is generous to my team. I played particularly badly.

Following a quick shower we headed off for a tour of the market and some shopping for some new outfits for Ally and Amy. I am sure they will be revealed soon!

Ally and I then headed off for some lunch with the football on in the background, while the girls chatted, read and sunbathed. Everyone else then had an afternoon nap, while I read the paper and did the crossword. I am such an old man.

An evening trip to the Orion has been had and provided Ally and Amy with great entertainment and laughs. It is now time for bed!

Day 240 – Friday 24th September 2010

2010-09-25T13:48:00.001-07:00

It was a restless uncomfortable night, though the neck pain is less than last night. I could at least brush my teeth in comfort.

We headed into work ready for whatever fun and games came our way.

The first task was the induction and unveiling of the clinics ECG machine, amazingly donated by one of our supporters. Thank you so much!

God is so good!

Armorel teaching the nurses about the new ECG.

We spent pretty much the rest of the day in the office doing filing, sorting, computer maintenance and destruction and listening in to a very long meeting. With Armorel still in this meeting and the clock ticking on, the rest of us left and she joined us later at home.

Tonight we had Salome and her two children over for dinner. They are our good friends from church, but sadly they are moving, so this was our goodbye meal. We had great fun, even though we lost power as they arrived and had to finish the meal off on the kerosene stove. A particular highlight was introducing the kids to Chinese whispers.

Day 239 – Thursday 23rd September 2010

2010-09-24T12:34:00.001-07:00

Thursday is always a long day.

I started the day creating my new reading ladder for school and levelling all of my reading books. Ally came to help me but spent most of the day fixing my laptop which was playing silly games.

We headed over the clinic to find Amy and Armorel busy sterilising hundreds of things, and I am sure they were seeing some patients too.

It was then time for netball and football in the dust and afternoon sun. It was hot hard work, and so I let Ally’s team win so he didn’t feel too lost on the strange pitch.

We arrived home via an unsuccessful trip to town. We have been trying to fill up our soda crate for two weeks now and no luck whatsoever. They are always sold out or closed.

This evening we had a nice relaxed dinner though I have tweaked my neck and am struggling to move. They are all finding it very funny!

Day 238 – Wednesday 22nd September 2010

2010-09-22T13:04:00.001-07:00

It is going to be another hot day and it is the return of Dr Ruth and Dr Jim.

The clinic is getting prepared, and it is far to say stress levels are increasing.

Ally and Amy were spending the day at HAPO, which is the children’s centre who I play football with. They seemed to have a good day and enjoyed reading with the kids and generally playing around. Though some kids did run off from Ally when he went to join them in a game of football!

Armorel spent the morning tying up loose ends and doing a spot of cleaning, and I was thrown in with the broom when I arrived after a quiet morning at school.

The convoy then headed off to the airport.

The welcome didn’t end there, as we returned to the clinic for a sing song and a soda.

This evening we had dinner with Ruth to welcome her back and are now heading to bed. That is if we can drag Armorel and Amy away from their nursing chatter!

Day 237 – Tuesday 21st September 2010

2010-09-22T13:03:00.001-07:00

I braved school with Ally today. I had earmarked him for some extra reading with the pupils. He managed to take a small group and helped them read and understand a wonderful tale about lions and hares. All seemed to go well.

We then headed over to the clinic to see what was going on.

Armorel and Amy were busy with cardiac clinic patients and other bits of pieces, so Ally and I headed into town to buy some cement.

We were buying 10 bags for the houses at the farm. Funnily they would not let the white people carry or even touch the bags. It even got to the stage of the shop owner standing in my way to stop me from helping.

“You can get diseases from cement!” he told us.

Us white men must be very weak.

It was a very hot day, so we arrived home exhausted and collapsed. A very lazy evening was had by all.

The building work is getting close to completion. This will be the new TB lab.

Day 236 – Monday 20th September 2010

2010-09-20T12:44:00.003-07:00

On our drive to work this morning we had a guessing game of how many students will turn up, and what other calamities we will have at school.

46 students and 1 teacher start us off.

The teachers slowly dripped in, but no sign of the head. Apparently he is having his breakfast first!

The calamities didn’t end there, but currently they are driving me so mad I can’t face writing about them.

So to escape the madness I disappeared to the clinic and Ally and I ended up hanging about 8 sets of curtains. Meanwhile the girls were busy trying to sterilise gauze and other medical bits and pieces.

On the way home from work we visited the farm to check on the foundations. We need to buy some cement tomorrow.

This evening we have pretty much talked, drunk tea and coffee, and talked some more, with a 24 episode thrown in for good measure.

Tomorrow, we will try and cope with some time at school.

Day 235 – Sunday 19th September 2010

2010-09-20T12:44:00.001-07:00

We wake early and head off to church with Armorel’s folks. They don’t need to be at the airport until 12pm, so we can treat them to the joys of our church.

We had a lovely service. Nothing too exciting happened, apart from the excitement of having guests and the desire for long debriefs about their stay.

Sadly the clock ticked on and it was soon time to say goodbye as they went through security ready for their onward flight.

It is a real mix of emotions. We are sad to say goodbye, but happy that Ally and Amy arrive on the same plane as they are leaving on.

A quick rush between waving hello and waving goodbye and then it was home for a catch up tea with our new guests.

A Sunday afternoon drink with some football in the background and a lazy evening followed.

School starts again tomorrow!

Day 234 – Saturday 18th September 2010

2010-09-18T13:30:00.005-07:00

A day off and a lie in!

No wait!

Someone needs to drop a key off at the clinic for 8am. Looks like that’s me then!

After a lazy morning, and an enjoyable read of the paper, Armorel and the family head to the market, whilst I am off for football. Friday football is no more and they have moved it to Saturday morning. Not ideal at all, but luckily I could make this one.

It is hot at midday!

My team was quickly 3-0 down but an inspired 80 yard run, by me of course, set up a remarkable recovery to go 5-3 ahead. We were soon pegged back, but another lung busting run and this time cool finish saw us take the lead again. Immediately disaster struck as a fluke cross flew over our keeper, 6-6. The heat was taking its toll and players were fading and falling fast, though with a final burst of energy I broke into the box. I jinked around the defenders and found myself with a clear sight of goal on my left foot. What a scuff! The ball dribbled towards the goal, and in!

Victory! I collapsed and the game ended! I am not designed for this heat.

The tour of the market seemed to have gone well and they were now all at the clinic doing some DIY and hanging curtains. We had a late lunch and a quick tour of the train station before crashing in for the night.

The whirlwind tour is over and they leave tomorrow, though replacing them are Mr and Mrs Jones!

Very excited!

Day 233 – Friday 17th September 2010

2010-09-18T13:30:00.003-07:00

Armorel’s last Friday cardiac clinic is today so again I am being the guide. Today we are heading out to Livingstone’s museum. I feel I know this place very well.

We were joined by a number of local children as we looked around and wonderfully I keep finding new things I haven't seen before. Like the article on the bottom of a newspaper cutting titled, “Murder in Jersey City”. It was a very detailed account!

We took a scenic drive home before ending up at the clinic. Armorel was still in her cardiac clinic so we sat and refreshed ourselves with some soda, whilst embarking on a language lesson.

The school was the next stop, and though half term, we could see the classrooms and met a few of the boarders who have stayed at school. I can’t believe that I am back to school next week!

This evening we tasted the joys of the Orion. Luckily the service did not disappoint. We waited 2 hours, not all the food came, the starters came after we had all finished, and I was given someone else’s meal!

Day 232 – Thursday 16th September 2010

2010-09-18T13:30:00.001-07:00

Armorel and I head off to work early. The bishop is coming to say his goodbyes before he leaves for a new diocese. We are summoned to arrive at 7:30!

We kindly leave the family asleep.

At 11am the tour bus arrived back home to pick up the family for a trip to the Shamba.

The foundations are still empty. Maybe next week?

After a very hot tour we head to the clinic for stop number two.

Luckily Armorel has just finished her rounds and gives a much more detailed and interesting tour of the clinic than I could.

We head home for tea and meal of rice and beans just for Philly!

Day 231 – Wednesday 15th September 2010

2010-09-18T13:29:00.001-07:00

We head to work this morning after a quick tidy around the house.

Armorel’s folks and sister arrive this afternoon.

The building work at the clinic is going well and we hope this will be finished off next week. They started plastering today. I managed to entertain myself this morning with some health insurance claim forms.

Armorel was busy today with many patients in the clinic, and only just managed to escape in time to go to the airport.

We arrived and the plane had already landed.

Welcome to Tanzania!

After a long flight we caught up with cups of tea and headed out for a short walk!

The tour of Tabora starts tomorrow!

Day 230 – Tuesday 14th September 2010

2010-09-15T12:41:00.003-07:00

Can you believe that this is the last day in September when we don’t have guests staying!

I headed off to the farm early to again try and find these ladies to pay. We arranged to meet at 8am.

Knowing this I arrived at 9am.

They hadn’t arrived. I waited.

I waited some more.

Nothing.

We tried their homes.

Nothing.

I gave up!

Armorel had her cardiac clinic which was busy and might be one of her last. Dr Jim returns next week and will take these clinics back on. I think she is glad because she can now concentrate on sorting and developing the ward before we leave.

This evening we are enjoying a night in. Dinner in front of some more 24 was lovely!

We feel we need to finish the series before returning to ER.

Arms folks arrive tomorrow!

Day 229 – Monday 13th September 2010

2010-09-15T12:41:00.001-07:00

Today was a busy day.

After the long weekend the clinic was crazily busy and so Armorel was rushed off her feet all day.

I spent the day rushing around.

Firstly with the plumber trying to find the right piping to fix our leaking sink.

Then trying to find ladies to pay for their help at the farm.

And finally getting the car fixed.

We both finished work exhausted and headed out for a drink. The plan was to have a quick drink, say hi to a friend whose birthday it was and head home.

We couldn’t be bothered to move and so spent most of the evening sat having a drink.

Day 228 – Sunday 12th September 2010

2010-09-12T12:56:00.001-07:00

As a final treat for Helen and Paul we are taking them to the Swahili service and so a 7:30am start. It is a strange service, with so little life and energy, and to be honest, a real disappointment, though one of today’s choirs was very good.

It seems to me that the service is very superficial and a ‘look at me at the cathedral’ type service.

Not good at all!

But we weren’t finished there as we headed to the English service immediately after. We have certainly done church today.

It was then time to say goodbye as we took Helen and Paul to the airport.

Goodbye! Sad times.

In their place we picked up our friend Margaret who has been away for a couple of months.

Good luck to my little brother who starts in the Navy tomorrow! We had a lovely quick chat with him, and now it is bed time.

Day 227 – Saturday 11th September 2010

2010-09-12T12:44:00.003-07:00

It is another full day off. This is very exciting.

We have a very lazy morning, and headed into the market just before midday. We showed Helen and Paul the sites and managed to stock up the cupboards.

This afternoon we were invited to Danny’s, one of the tobacco guys, for a BBQ and swim in his pool. A very typical experience for Helen and Paul!

It rained again. This is very strange.

This evening we headed out for our last dinner, as Helen and Paul leave tomorrow. It has been great having them here, a real blessing.

It is still raining!

I really can’t believe this.

Our new road sign! Maybe when the president said that Tabora would be like Dubai in 5 years he wasn’t lying!?!?!

Day 226 – Friday 10th September 2010

2010-09-10T22:48:00.001-07:00

The moon has been seen and the holiday has begun.

We had a lazy morning and we are overjoyed by the visit of a water man and his truck. Thank you so much kind friends!

After washing and showers, a real novelty this week, we headed off for some sightseeing.

First stop was the Shamba for a quick tour. It was very, very hot.

We then headed off to Livingstone’s museum for a bit of history for Helen and Paul. It really is a fascinating place, and I read some new things I hadn’t seen before. You must read the book.

At this point we are hot and hungry.

We head home via the ice cream shop and post office, thank you mum and dad for the postcard, for a late lunch.

We do nothing for the rest of the day, rousing ourselves to have some food later and watch a classic American church film DVD. So much good, but so much wrong!

And then we hear thunder and see lightening.

Surely we won’t have rain. We are not due any for another 2 months.

We had 5 minutes of light drizzle!

Bizarre!

Day 225 – Thursday 9th September 2010

2010-09-10T22:47:00.001-07:00

Tanzania seems to lack organisation which although sometimes freeing, can be rather irritating, and on this occasion bizarre.

Last night everyone was looking at the moon.

Ramadan is strictly controlled by the moon, and so in waiting to see when the month of Ramadan would finish and the celebration of Eid begin, we were looking at the moon. In Tanzania Eid is a two day national holiday, and it starts whenever the new moon is seen. So if it appeared last night, then we are off for two days. If not, we wait until tomorrow night to look.

We didn’t stay awake and so went to work this morning looking for signs of life or signs of holiday.

The moon isn’t ready yet.

So we continue with work. Helen and Paul came over to school for the morning and saw an impromptu assembly. This morning was also the English mid-term, so they had a go at that too.

Following that and with the money on the moon being seen tomorrow, they decided that we would finish school now. No hanging around.

The exam finished at 9:45am.

School finished at 10:15am.

I spent the rest of the day marking papers before heading over to the clinic. I found Helen and Paul busily organising, tidying and labelling all manner of drugs and things.

This evening we went to Faraja’s house, a lady from church, for dinner. We had a lovely meal of western and traditional dishes. I particularly liked the pumpkin leaf dish but it seems I was the only one.

We are now heading to bed with the prospect of an unexpected bank holiday weekend ahead!

Oh and enjoy this photo. At least some of Armorel’s cleanliness messages get through.