1 month in (new placement) and Eid-Al-Hajj
on Kev in Tanzania (Tanzania), 02/Dec/2009 10:38, 34 days ago
A month has nearly past now since the new placement, here is the latest update.Thursday 26th NovemberToday I had an ICT lesson with none students who pay to come to the college and learn how to use ICT. John used to do this when he was here and was not so keen on it as the people do not speak much English.The class came and they were all women, there were 4 of them which was nice as there are 4 computers. We spent the hour session typing and getting used to the mouse.I did not have my 11am class because this weekend it is Eid-Al-Hajj (a bit like Christmas) and the college wanted to close early, lessons for Friday were also cancelled.On the way home we checked for mail and found that Mum had sent me 2 small packages (Thanks Mum!) So I had some chocolate and now have a nice Santa hat to wear wherever we end up for Christmas.In the evening Liz and I decided to celebrate Eid-Al-Hajj in our own special and we went to the mess. We figured they would not serve food as it was mid week so we grabbed a chipsi mayai and fish cake on the way down to the mess. The streets were very busy with people out shopping before the shops close for the long weekend.Down at the mess we had lots of beers and had some card games (this time Liz actually won a few!!), before staggering back and having some deep drunken chats. Went to bed happy knowing there was a day off on Friday!Friday 27th NovemberHad a nice long sleep in, it was nice not having to get up at 6.40am! Mid morning we had egg and beans for breakfast (there is no way we can bacon here…)We were lucky enough to have power so we had a bit of a DVD session and finished‘flight of the conchords’ watch some ‘Kath and Kim’ and started watching David Lynch’s ‘Twin Peaks’ which I am really getting into.Saturday 28th NovemberWent over Mr Daudi’s house for lunch, he invited us as it was Eid-Al-Hajj and we ate some lovely food his family cooked up for us. The goat in sauce was scrummy and they even had some custard for desert – can’t remember the last time I ate custard.Made some Christmas cards during the day, do need to make some more and must post them soon.In the evening we went out to meet Juanito at the clock tower. There were more people out on the streets than I have ever seen before and they were dressed in their best clothes– it was a really nice sight. There were many, many children and they were all so smart and it was odd seeing people wearing make up again.There was no power in the evening and we went back home to play some scrabble after getting some street food. Juanito was really good at scrabble and beat us both easily– we defiantly need a rematch!Sunday 29th NovemberPlanted some more veg today as the stuff in the garden is safe and growing well (rain helps!!). Also did some weights and exercise with Liz which felt good as we had been lazy the last few days.We went for a 2 hour walk along the Kizimbani road in the afternoon, the roads were busy due to Eid-Al-Hajj and the people found it amusing that we were taking exercise.In the evening I cooked cous cous and we finished watching the first season of‘Twin Peaks’ it ends of a great cliff hanger but it was time for bed at the end of the last show – will start season 2 tomorrow!A spooky event happened at around 9.30pm so guy knock on the door and wanted to come in but would not tell us who he was or what he wanted so we ignored him and continued watching the DVD– fitted perfectly with the strange goings on in ‘Twin Peaks’…Monday 30th NovemberHad power at work today which was nice and I showed my two classes how to insert tables, pictures, clip art and word art into word documents. We had lunch near the college and then were sent home early as it is still Eid-Al-Hajj.Surprise surprise my wages were late again (same old Tanzania– new placement, same issues)There was no power at home which was disappointing. We played some monopoly cards and I kicked Liz’s butt!Juanito came over to burrow some money from Liz as he needs VSO to give him back his expenses for traveling to Pemba and he was also not paid this month like me. Poor Juanito has had a fair few problems since coming to Pemba but Liz and I are trying to help him and support him– VSO need to do more…We took a few pictures with our Santa hats on and despite there being no adverts or songs or any sign of Christmas and I starting to feel a tiny bit festive!We had homemade chapattis and ommlette for dinner and we used the UPS and my laptop battery and were able to watch the first episode of series 2 of‘Twin Peaks’ there were only 7 episodes in series 1 but there are 22 in series – lots to keep me busy when we have power!Tuesday 1st DecemberHad my class for the general public again today but there was no power… The college switched on the generator for me and I was able to teach them how to type a letter and some basic formatting. I am not sure how much they pay for the lessons but the college enjoy them coming in because it is extra, undisclosed income on the side. The problem was that this time there was 5 of them but luckily two of the women were friends and they did not mind sharing. There were 2 new guys and I got them using the mice to draw first as their co-ordination with a mouse needed work.After getting snacks I returned to the college for my lesson with the students. But the generator was switched off! That was frustrating to see the college only want the generator on for the lessons where they are getting the extra cash– the students pay fees too, they should have the generator on!On the way home I posted some Christmas cards and got a package from Thad– he sent me Ubuntu which I can install on the computers if the threat of viruses becomes too much!Liz went for a walk in the afternoon and in the evening I cooked us a veg curry and she made some more chapattis (its funny she says she does not like cooking but I think deep down she does…)Wednesday 2nd DecemberHad my lesson first and to consolidate what we have been learning about word processing they typed out a job application letter.Juanito came down to the college to use the internet and my second class did not turn up…There are exams next week and then it is the annual volunteer conference– good times are coming!!Take care