Last Thursday 16th of November we had a birthday party for our host mother, Jennifer. We had been planning for the week what we were going to do and basically it came down to whether we had electricity, which is no guarantee. In the end we decided, the night before, to have the party at home with a small gathering of friends and Mzungus.
The day could not have started any better, killing the rooster! What a relief and needless to say I get an extra hours sleep now every morning. The rooster was the main course for the night. During the day the house girl was preparing food while the rest of us where out buying the gifts for the evening time, tidying the house and buying sodas and beers for the guests (although that came later in the evening).
When we arrived back home in the evening time all the women where in the kitchen getting the food ready, including Annukka. I am trying to get accustomed to the African habits so I let the women handle things in the kitchen. While watching and taking pictures, our host dad had arrived on the scene and said that while the ladies where busy we (men) might as well do something. He said that we will go to the local bar. I thought that we were going there to collect the beers for the night but found out differently upon arrival when we sat down and started ordering beers... Yes the African way! Some of the neighbours where at the Kiosk/bar so we sat with them and talked about a whole range of things. After some time (30 minutes after the party had started) we made our way back to the house taking beers and bananas with us... we couldn't come empty handed! So we entered through the front door so the guests could see what we had bought.
The party started shortly afterwards, although there was no camera man this time due to other engagements. Bright was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and after the introductions of the guests the party got under way. It started by congratulating the birthday girl followed by reading out her CV. The cutting of cake proceeded this and a piece was shared amongst all the guests while singing a local Tanzania song( Dada, dada, dada huyo...)
This was followed by having some food which was really good. The rooster in particular was excellent. While people enjoyed their food, birthday cake and beverages we listened to some local music. After everyone had finished eating the MC called on toasting the birthday girl with our drinks, so we all danced around the living room offering a toast. This was followed with the giving of the gifts which again involved dancing around the living room while handing the gift to the birthday girl.
When this had finished and everyone was relaxed the living room was turned into a dance floor and music was played louder this time, after the MC and birthday girl (A.K.A – Husband and wife) had opened the floor the rest gathered on the floor to dance the night away, unfortunately it was such a hot night that most of us could only manage the one song. We sat down afterwards and enjoyed the rest of the beverages which were on offer.
A good night and even better that we had electricity for the whole event.
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