I have been in Babati Tanzania for almost a week - and the only "game" I have seen are one mongoose and two swarms of bees! The bees are at my hotel trying to find a new home. So far, no problems.
The town is very small but has electricity. My hotel is 2 miles outside of town and very quiet in the country. Yes, on some days I have a hot shower; others I use the cold water and scoop from the bucket. Makes an interesting walk up call. I do have a tv with one English language channel so am keeping up on all the tragedies in the world.
Breakfast is scrambled eggs with toast and very strong coffee. I purchased a hot water pot for my room so I can fix decaf and soup on my own schedule. I will leave it with the CNFA office for future volunteers along with the books and DVDs that I finish. Lunch or dinner is rice with chicken or beef in sauce, some chopped green vegetables and beans. The alternative to rice is a maize product called sima - all eaten with fingers.
I am told that there are 13 local Tanzanian beers. I have tried 4. All excellent for me as light. (Rob you would not like them!) There are some dark beers also.
To work (even as a volunteer) I had to obtain a Work Permit. The process is very long and tedious but we successfully finished on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday we journeyed to 3 out of town Cooperatives that have successful Warehouse Receipts Programs. This allows farmers storage facilities and the ability to borrow against that collateral. One of my deliverables on this project to help the Gendi Cooperative set up the program in Babati.
As always, the farmers are wonderful and very open. We met with two maize coops and 1 that handles rice. I am going to do one day trainings for them as a "thank you" for the information which was given to CNFA and the Chairman and Treasurer of Gendi.
My translator is with the Ministry of Agriculture. He is an expert and a great trainer in his regular job so I am very grateful to have him by my side. He is more of an economist and will conduct part of the training related to pricing and market dynamics.
So I am well. My luggage arrived; the food is excellent; the beer cold and the countryside is peaceful.
My best to all of you. I love emails but please do not send big attachments or photos as the internet is marginal.
Lynda
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Hi Lynda,
ReplyDeleteIt appears you have found your true calling with all these incredible adventures!!!The persons who are fortunate to have met you will never have another experience so beneficial. Keep up the great work. RL
Hey, Good to hear you are having another incredible adventure. You know that Jim and I are jealous. Although you are a much better traveler than either of us. We are a little more into the finer things such as hot and cold water upon demand. Enjoyed your blog. Love Jan
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