Yesterday the electricity was off for most of the day. Fairly common on Sunday in this part of Tanzania I am told. It reminds me of Angola - no power at night as all were expected to be sleeping. For those of us in the world where electricity is a right, having none is always more difficult. No power - no hot water so I was back to the bucket bath with hot water from an open fire.
I walked into Babati (1.5 miles) and wandered around. Every business has a sign and all were donated by Coke. This includes businesses with no connection to food. Pepsi is nowhere to be found. The town is very clean which is a difference from Nampula Mozambique and Huambo Angola but similar to Blantyre Malawi. Both Moz and Angola were former Portuguese colonies while Malawi and Tanzania were part of the British group.
There are two open markets in town - one is a farmers' market with crops and meats. One banana was a dime and delicious. The other market is for household goods. There are no arts/crafts as Babati is off the tourist map.
I must remember to bring black pepper with me when I come again to southern Africa. This is the 4th country where it is non existent.
I attended church at Children of the Promise. I have no idea what was said or sung but it was joyful. Much of the country Roman Catholic with Protestant denominations ranging from Anglican to Pentecostal to Seventh Day Adventists. There is a large Muslim population.
My hotel room is very basic. The pillows are solid foam so more like a block of wood than I am used to. Fortunately I have my own "pillow" which I carry on the airplane. I am sleeping under mosquito netting but still accumulating a series of bites. Yes taking Malarone daily. My bathroom is very small with the shower pan in the middle of the floor - have to jump over to use the toilet. No problem with falling down as there isn't room.
I am walking every morning to the top of a close hill. Everyone greets me and the school children want to talk - English. As compared to Malawi, I have found that fewer adults speak English here.
Off to work with the Cooperative. First a joint meeting with the local Government District Cooperative Officers; then a 4-5 hour training session.
Have a great day!
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Still enjoying the rustic route? Of course not the same as your situation, but we have had continuous power outages in Denver the past few days. Although a classroom and adjoining restroom wuth no lighting is a bit of a challenge!
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