Trip to Peninsula - 28.10.06

On the 28.10 we took a little trip on a boat from the fish market to the near by peninsula. We arrived at the market at the right time as a boat was waiting there about ready to leave as it was nearly full, a lot more people later, a couple of bags of rice, a few more bikes, one man emptying the water which had accumalated under the boat and then we were ready to leave...

As we were leaving the clouds where looking very dark and a storm was coming soon, the boat had to go around on a long journey in order to get where it was going as the head wind made the journey difficult. We arrived on the other side with no problems. Luckily the storm clouds where moving sideways and not coming head on so we had a good view of the rain falling over Mtwara while we where sitting on the sunny beach, taking photos.

We were accompanied by Maaike and Tariq, two other Mzungus, so we were in good company. After sitting for a while we continued to walk to the end of the beach area where we were met by some young boys who followed us for the rest of the day telling us where we should go and where not to go as its not safe due to thieves or snakes, which was really helpful.

After some time the weather was so hot we relaxed in the shade for some time and had a small picnic with some fruit and cashew nuts and of course water. Af a while we continued our journey onwards where the young boys took us to the other side of the peninsula area, it isn't so wide but there is a way of getting there without getting into trouble. We arrived to see some men casting out nets for sea merchants which they had a lot of. I was hoping to take a picture of them but they refused, Maaike traded in some water for picture which they kindly accepted. We continue onwards and tried some of the cashew nut fruit which was rather tasty and made our way back to the boat.

After waiting for sometime in the boat until it fills up we eventually sailed by to Mtwara fishmarket alot easier the return journey than the outward journey as the boat could go straight to the harbour.

Malaria - 25.10.06

After our trip to Dar we where quickly back into the grove of things as there was a Volleyball tournament for the secondary schools being played. It was really interesting to watch the players some have great ability to jump so high and was good to see also the girls teams showing some great technique. In the end we had really good prizes to give away for the teams that finished in the prize places.

My sister has been sending SDA pens from Ireland that have been rejected, one package everyday, so we have been giving out those pens as prizes for the best players of each game and also quite many to the third places teams for both boys and girls. It was interesting to see the reaction of one boy when he got the pen, he ran away to his teammates and showed it off, he was really happy just to receive this pen, which meant he had some bragging rights with his other teammates.

This week has been quite slow as not only are the Muslims celebrating the end of Ramadan so there has been loud music for the last couple of nights but also because Annukka AND I both had malaria! We have had some symptoms but thought it couldn't be malaria as the symptoms where not that bad but in the end we had a test and Annukka beat me as she had 4 parasites compared to my 3 in our bodies. After a quick trip to the shop to stock up on juice and water we went to bed to rest and let the tablets take care of the malaria.

After a couple of days rest (or trying to rest) another trip to the hospital and yes, thankfully all the parasites where gone this time. Unfortunately due to this untimely illness we missed a trip with Kanda and Sofia to Songea to celebrate their wedding send-off. Maybe we will take the trip another time during the year.

With no schools to visit and resigned to bed for the best part of three days we have been trying learn some more Swahili which hopefully we can remember it when the time comes. We have been lucky as the electricity has been on for most of the week so it hasn't been to hot in the bedroom at least we can have the fan on.

Also this week we have been tidying the storeroom. We got a fundi to install some shelves around the whole storeroom after we went through all the boxes sorting out the clothes we have been over the last two days putting the clothes and other sports equipment back inside, and it looks really good now. No mice or rats or any other strange animals to report living there.

Trip to DAR - 20.10.2006

After a busy week travelling to DAR it has been nice to settle once again in Mtwara. We were invited up for the annual Nordic sports day competition. Organised for the four Nordic countries to battle against each other in different events. The games had been going on all week but we arrived just for the final day... in order to get the medals and trophies, though unfortunately we got neither.

The finnish men (I include myself in this group – Honouary Finn) played against the Swedish in the bronze medal match in football. Unfortunately the result didn't go our way and we lost. I cannot remember the final score ; ) but i think it was a close match. I am still seeing nightmares about how Ari failed to score from less than one foot although he did manage to hit the post! I will not comment on my miss ; )

After that the girls played their bronze match against Denmark. It was a very tough game that went to penalties, the girls held their courage and won the bronze medal. We then participated in the swimming event followed by the Volleyball which was a grudge match, again ágainst Sweden, although this time it was the final match. The game went to the deciding set but Finland once again lost their neighbours 2 – 1. After these ”serious” games where finished the fun games started with ballon darts which Finland came second, wife carrying which Finland won, tea bag throwing and tug o' war in which Finland came third in both. In the end Suomi finished 3^rd which is better than finishing last. Unfortunately Sweden won the group so Finland must try harder next year to beat their neighbours.

After the games finished everyone met in Slipways for the evening party where we all ate and danced the night away, although some danced more than others (but I won't mention any names; ARI)

Sunday was a rest day and enjoying sauna. So nice but again when they knew I was a forgeiner they threw so much water on the stones... lisää löylyä! Monday was a busy day with Ari, we where lucky to meet some really important people working for the Government. We met the minister for Sport and also the Minister of Education, although that meeting nearly didn't happen due to the minister being in another meeting at the same time.

We also got to see some of the sites in DAR, although this didn't take to long. The noise from the people, traffic and mainly the generators was so loud, very different life than Mtwara. As we have become used to the quiet, relaxed life in Mtwara. DAR seemed very busy with so many Dalla Dallas on the street, yet they all manage to find their way into the centre and back out again.

It was a strange feeling to stay in DAR because with everything readily available in shops (acutal shops – Supermarkets!) it didn't feel like Africa it felt more European especially as there where also so many Wazungus around also. Although it was nice to taste other food than Wali and Ugali everyday. Mtwara feels more African with hardly any generators, no electricity, no running water some days, no supermarkets, it definately has a more African feel to it.

On Tuesday we went to visit the Kariakoo market area, which is just hectic!We had heard some of stories before going there so we didn't take much with us and unfortunately I had to leave the camera at the guesthouse. Nothing happened to us there but we didn't stay to long to find out if anything would, just a quick walk around the outside and inside stalls and headed back to the ”quiet” center.

We also managed a game of bowling with Ari while in DAR, Ari was on fire for most of it and hit 5 strikes in total in one game... smoking! Unfortunately while Ari was hitting the centre, I was making sure that bowling balls can easily fit down the side gullies!

We also visited the TingaTinga society near where we were staying and bought some early presents for our familys. It was difficult to decide what we wanted as there are so many options available and we would like to buy everything.

We left for Mtwara on Wednesday but not before we had an unexepected stop off in a nearby Island. We were wondering when checking in what does Hahana mean,we found out it was the name of the airport on this Island we landed... all we saw was moutains when we landed... this doesn't look like Mtwara.

Then I had some problems with the Immigration Officer in Mtwara. I seem to have all the problems but not annukka, its twice now. He wanted to know why I am working here in Mtwara if I don't have the proper paperwork. After Kanda and I explained to him that we have filled out the paper work in his office so why don't you tell me where the permits are! He still told us we must visit the office. Funnily enough I asked him do you remember Annukka and I from going to your office to fill out the forms, he said I only remember Annukka; of course you do!

We went to the Immigration office in town and Kanda again explained the story, the people in the office seemed surprised to see us as they remembered us and wondered what we are doing here explaining this story. One guy came to ask why I haven't paid a visa for entering Tanzania, after explaining slowly to him that Ireland and Tanzania have an agreement that we don't pay anything, he didn't believe went to check a list of countries on a wall that needed to pay a visa and surprise surprise Ireland wasn't there.

In the end we met the boss who, after Kanda explained that we had filled in the paper work here at this office, started complaining at the employees for relaxing and not following up on there work. So I am still able to say in Tanzania. I think the next time I see the Immigration guy at the airport he will remember me.

At the schools - 06.10.2006

After the first couple of weeks of getting settled and adjusting to the new cultural differences it has been good that we have started teaching in the schools this week. Albeit we have only taught in one school so far but we went well. We had over 60 pupils for the class and luckily not all of them where present! It has been good to finally get the first class over with as we now have a better idea of what we are dealing with and how much time to set aside for certain areas. It was strange at the end of the class all the children coming up touching us and shaking our hands, I know they are only showing their appreciation but still feels strange.

Last week we went to visit the schools just to let them know who we are. In total we will be teaching in three schools, two of which are in Mtwara urban and the other in Mikindani, so every Wednesday will be boarding the infamous Daladalas. On the Wednesday we made a trip to Masasi to make a check up on some stray goalposts that have seem to have been forgotten about. The journey took the whole day from early in the morning and arrived back home late at night. It was interesting to see another part of Mtwara and of Tanzania. We visited quite many schools during the day and in one school the classes had just finished to all the children came out to see who the white person was in the school ground. So I had nearly the whole school standing around me just looking at me wondering who I am and what I am doing here. For people who don’t like to be stared at they would not feel comfortable here but it doesn’t bother me, I just smile and try to say some Swahili which usually makes them laugh and then I wonder have I said the right thing or not!

From Thursday onwards we were traveling to and from Mikindani as there was a football tournament between the local schools taking place. It was quite a scene to see so many young children at the ground, some sitting, others running around the ground supporting their team, other children selling food and others just looking at me and Annukka. On the Friday I was a referee for one of the games. It was my first time referring a game involving 11 v 11. In the end the game went well, it was very fast and as both teams had nearly the same colour jerseys on it nearly impossible to judge who made a foul and quite amazing to see so many children invading the pitch when the teams score a goal and the mayhem that follows trying to get the children off the pitch!

I am happy to report that I have gotten used to the sounds of the roosters and the falling fruit on the roof, for the time being the dogs are in another neighbours garden so they haven’t been disturbing my sleep although I have started to hear a strange sound coming from a bird outside the window, impossible to describe over the internet but perhaps the other volunteers and those who have been to Tanzania will know what I am talking about.