I have finished my training assignment for ADAP and will prepare the report for that organization and CNFA.
Thursday’s village was only 80 km from Nampula. We were met by 40+ adults (and many children) in a very prosperous village. Again, I taught under a large tree. Friday was somewhat different – a smaller group – 24+ - mostly women in a village known for its pottery. In this case, I also focused on production as well as farming. The first question from the female head of the Association was, “How do we prevent having so many babies?” At the end, the women sang and danced in the traditional way. My translator Abdul said they created the song about me! My host purchased a small pottery bowl for me – it is very simple and basic; fired in the style of raku so etched and its cost ~30¢.
Some interesting experiences:
Cashew nuts grow as part of a fruit which looks like a small apple. The fruit is made into juice – and can be fermented into alcohol. I was given a bottle by the women. However, it “exploded” in my hotel room due to excessive “gas”!
Thursday’s village was only 80 km from Nampula. We were met by 40+ adults (and many children) in a very prosperous village. Again, I taught under a large tree. Friday was somewhat different – a smaller group – 24+ - mostly women in a village known for its pottery. In this case, I also focused on production as well as farming. The first question from the female head of the Association was, “How do we prevent having so many babies?” At the end, the women sang and danced in the traditional way. My translator Abdul said they created the song about me! My host purchased a small pottery bowl for me – it is very simple and basic; fired in the style of raku so etched and its cost ~30¢.
Some interesting experiences:
Cashew nuts grow as part of a fruit which looks like a small apple. The fruit is made into juice – and can be fermented into alcohol. I was given a bottle by the women. However, it “exploded” in my hotel room due to excessive “gas”!
There is a central market building where farmers daily bring produce from the countryside. It is a cornucopia of sights, sounds, and smells. In addition, there is the Sunday market which has everything! Shirts, shoes, fabric, baskets, pottery, wood, and ivory. As I mentioned on my last trip, this is very common in Mozambique markets.
BMI Bank has the contract with the Mozambique government for all salary direct deposits. The lines for the bank offices and ATMs are always more than 25 people long. On Fridays, the lines triple. BMI is open on Saturdays but the other banks are not. Bankers’ hours are 9-12; lunch break; 2-4.
Today is Saturday. I am looking for a TV with US channels for football!
Reflection: In Eastern Europe, I looked like the natives but could not communicate without a translator. In Ghana, I did not look like a native Ghanaian but could speak with everyone in English. In Mozambique, I do not look like a native and can not communicate. It is an isolating experience.
BMI Bank has the contract with the Mozambique government for all salary direct deposits. The lines for the bank offices and ATMs are always more than 25 people long. On Fridays, the lines triple. BMI is open on Saturdays but the other banks are not. Bankers’ hours are 9-12; lunch break; 2-4.
Today is Saturday. I am looking for a TV with US channels for football!
Reflection: In Eastern Europe, I looked like the natives but could not communicate without a translator. In Ghana, I did not look like a native Ghanaian but could speak with everyone in English. In Mozambique, I do not look like a native and can not communicate. It is an isolating experience.
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