First Steps - 21.09.2006

We have been in Mtwara now for about two weeks. We have settled quite easily into our new surroundings. This is mainly due to the great care we are getting both from our host family and also from the good work Kanda and Chico have been doing with us. We have met quite many people already all of which have been very helpful and friendly.

After the long flight from London during the night we slept most of the day in DAR and took the next day flight to Mtwara. DAR felt very busy and hectic so it was nice to come to Mtwara where the pace of life is a little bit more relaxed.

Near by Mtwara's big market

The family we are staying with had organized a party and invited some of the local Wazungu’s around to see us. The next day they planned to take us to a beach in Mikindani as there was going to be a high tide. We had a barbecue on the beach and swam in the water as well which was so nice and warm, very different to Finland.

Last week we were visiting offices letting them know that we have arrived and just showing our faces. We have sent off our applications for the residence permit already which we all were surprised at because we didn’t have any problems with the immigration office at all.

Playing floorball with boys

We are playing a lot of floorball in the afternoon time which is really good fun, the local boys are really good. It is hard to keep running all the time due to the heat so I hope to acclimatise soon so that I can at least play a little bit better.

The road to home

It is taking some time to get used to sleeping at night as the air is so hot and humid which results in me being usually so sticky during the night. Our host dad, Bright, told us not to use a towel after you come out of the shower that way you cool down slowly and don’t become so sticky and thankfully it works. Other than the stickiness the noises from outside as well will take some time to get used to, the dogs barking throughout the night, fruit falling and hitting the roof making a loud bang and the roosters having a crowing competition from four in the morning. Finally sleeping surrounded in a net will require some time not to feel imprisoned.

The Mzungu shouting hasn’t become annoying yet but perhaps after one year it might, it is quite strange to see children running after you shouting Mzungu all the time. At the moment I answer Wapi… Where? Which usually has them confused.

Poverty is also quite evident on the streets as well, we have had some people just talking to us because they want money and after we kindly refuse to give them money they immediately leave. It’s difficult to say no as it’s so clear they are in need of money, but by saying no from the beginning rules out the chances of other people coming to ask you for money in the future.

Currently, we are not visiting the schools due to state exams although we are busy organising and planning for other events. With the schools closed as well during this time it has helped us settle and to get know the neighbourhood better as we have more free time in the morning and afternoons.

We are taking Swahili lessons at the moment in the afternoon for one hour each day, it is difficult but hopefully we are able to at least speak the basics and communicate with the children during our time here.

Under the flag of Tanzania