Last night I dreamed about goats - bleating. This am as I left for my walk, there were 6 goats in a Heifer International truck - off to a rural family. This is a wonderful NGO and I value all of the Christmas donations that people have given me over the years. There are "Lynda" goats in many countries.
I leave for my walk at 6am every day but already there are many people walking to school and work. Bicycles are common here; private cars are not; there is a motorized vehicle with 3 wheels - the passengers sit in the back and the driver operates "scooter" controls in the front. Fortunately, CNFA has provided a car and driver for me for work assignments. On Sunday I walk.
Houses here are built of concrete block rather than hand baked bricks as I saw in Mozambique and Angola. Roofs are metal rather than thatch. It may be in the more remote villages that the basic shelter is different.
My assignment is going well. The goal is to ensure that the Gendi Cooperative is accepted for the Warehouse Receipt System. More on that later. Needless to say, it is complicated as it involves the Cooperative, a bank, various government officers and the Tanzanian Warehouse Board. I have said it is like herding cats.
The Cooperative's main cash crop is maize; followed by two crops that I can not compare with; then beans and coffee. Most farmers have ~2 -5 acres of cultivated land; oxen; sheep; goats; chickens; ducks; and large families.
Have a wonderful day! I am off to talk with a potential candidate for the Collateral Manager position (Warehouse requires it) and then training on financial statements.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Happy Monday June 7th!
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!
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!
Friday, June 4, 2010
June 4th - Week 1 from Tanzania
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
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
Friday, May 28, 2010
Back to Africa - again
I am very excited about my next assignment with CNFA- Babati Tanzania.
My flights are Delta thru Detroit - Amsterdam - Kilamanjaro.
Babati is 100+ km south of Arusha.
Hoping that my checked bag arrives with me!
My flights are Delta thru Detroit - Amsterdam - Kilamanjaro.
Babati is 100+ km south of Arusha.
Hoping that my checked bag arrives with me!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lisbon and then San Diego!
I left on Saturday very early for Frankfurt and then San Francisco/San Diego.
Lisbon is a delightful city. The weather has been San Diego perfect for my 2+ days here so I have seen the city and walked for miles.
The old sections – Alfama, Bairro Alto and Belem are winding streets which change names in mid block. It is a hilly city (like San Francisco) and the waterfront is on the River Tejo. There are churches, museums and great benches to watch people.
My hotel is at the intersection of the old towns and the new town. A 20 minute walk and I was at the water – that was the easy part. The Castle Sao Jorge is high on the bluff – fortunately I was able to ride up on a public bus. Walking down, the Cathedral Se is a blend of architectural styles – do spend 1 Euro to see the cloister and the chapels behind the sanctuary. There is a Nativity scene carved from cork. (Another cork scene is at the Basilica da Estrela). The most lavish of the cathedrals that I visited was Sao Roque with a Treasury that sparkled with gold and jewels transported from Brazil during colonial days.
Some interesting museums: Marionette with puppets from around the world. Coaches with examples from the last 500 years. Port – not my favorite wine but I did taste. In Belem, there is a famous pastry that is like a miniature crème Brule. The Monastery dos Jeronoimos is incredible.
I had a great small hotel for two nights – Florida. Open since 1941 with about 40 rooms; each one is named for a movie star and has photos inside. The elevators are Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn – life size. A great breakfast and all of the staff is excellent. A block away was a good internet café and a casual restaurant that had homemade soup! Did I mention that I also found a used book store?
Happy to be home. I am looking forward to changing my clothes as I have lived in my Chico’s grey pantsuit for 2+ weeks. My luggage never arrived in Angola!
Lisbon is a delightful city. The weather has been San Diego perfect for my 2+ days here so I have seen the city and walked for miles.
The old sections – Alfama, Bairro Alto and Belem are winding streets which change names in mid block. It is a hilly city (like San Francisco) and the waterfront is on the River Tejo. There are churches, museums and great benches to watch people.
My hotel is at the intersection of the old towns and the new town. A 20 minute walk and I was at the water – that was the easy part. The Castle Sao Jorge is high on the bluff – fortunately I was able to ride up on a public bus. Walking down, the Cathedral Se is a blend of architectural styles – do spend 1 Euro to see the cloister and the chapels behind the sanctuary. There is a Nativity scene carved from cork. (Another cork scene is at the Basilica da Estrela). The most lavish of the cathedrals that I visited was Sao Roque with a Treasury that sparkled with gold and jewels transported from Brazil during colonial days.
Some interesting museums: Marionette with puppets from around the world. Coaches with examples from the last 500 years. Port – not my favorite wine but I did taste. In Belem, there is a famous pastry that is like a miniature crème Brule. The Monastery dos Jeronoimos is incredible.
I had a great small hotel for two nights – Florida. Open since 1941 with about 40 rooms; each one is named for a movie star and has photos inside. The elevators are Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn – life size. A great breakfast and all of the staff is excellent. A block away was a good internet café and a casual restaurant that had homemade soup! Did I mention that I also found a used book store?
Happy to be home. I am looking forward to changing my clothes as I have lived in my Chico’s grey pantsuit for 2+ weeks. My luggage never arrived in Angola!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Best of Times - The Worst of Times
It is now Monday, March 8th. As in Eastern Europe, International Women’s Day is celebrated with office closings. Lufthansa in Luanda……..closed. Still no luggage or information as to where it is. I am less concerned with my things and more concerned with the telephone and computer printer cartridges I was transporting for the Huambo CNFA office. Of course, I had packed gifts for the two Cooperatives and the CNFA staff.
My second Cooperative was 1 hour outside of Huambo. Coopechuna was created and has been mentored by a Portuguese NGO. Very interesting differences from Chipipa. Coopechuna has a plant nursery and sells citrus cuttings all over Angola. It has also provided bee hives to its members and makes honey twice a year. I stayed in a nearby town – Acaala – in a guest house. Electricity sometimes and no running water. The mattress was good though!
Back to Huambo on Saturday and am now preparing to leave for Luanda tomorrow (if the plane flies). Otherwise, I made contact with an Angola computer specialist (graduated from University of Houston) and he is driving. Not the best of circumstances, but I must get to Luanda tomorrow. My flight to Lisbon is Wednesday am.
The CNFA staff in Huambo have been great…….but this has been a tremendously difficult trip. I will be very thankful to see San Diego.
My second Cooperative was 1 hour outside of Huambo. Coopechuna was created and has been mentored by a Portuguese NGO. Very interesting differences from Chipipa. Coopechuna has a plant nursery and sells citrus cuttings all over Angola. It has also provided bee hives to its members and makes honey twice a year. I stayed in a nearby town – Acaala – in a guest house. Electricity sometimes and no running water. The mattress was good though!
Back to Huambo on Saturday and am now preparing to leave for Luanda tomorrow (if the plane flies). Otherwise, I made contact with an Angola computer specialist (graduated from University of Houston) and he is driving. Not the best of circumstances, but I must get to Luanda tomorrow. My flight to Lisbon is Wednesday am.
The CNFA staff in Huambo have been great…….but this has been a tremendously difficult trip. I will be very thankful to see San Diego.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Happy Birthday Rob!!
Today is March 2nd and my son Rob turns 31! I have always believed that his creation was the best thing I could contribute to the world. I tried to reach him on Skype at the CNFA office but only was able to sing to his voice mail box.
Angola – just the word conjures up images of fighting, destruction and lawlessness. This has not been my experience. I am in Huambo which is south of Luanda. It is a beautiful small city with large plazas and fountains. I am staying in Nova Estella Hotel. The décor is early Las Vegas with chandeliers, statues and fountains everywhere. My room had several areas needed correction (no working light bulbs) but it is now comfortable. The assistant manager has been extremely gracious including converting one of the hotel’s TV channels to CNN. I was saddened by all of the pictures of earthquake in Chile.
The interim CNFA Country Director is Nelson Jacob. He is a delightful man who is running the program until a permanent local replacement can be hired. His staff includes Victoria (office manager) and 2 program directors. I am working with Luciano who also serves as my translator. He is excellent!
The cooperative that I have worked with since arriving is only 2+ years old. However, it was granted a very large bank loan which purchased fertilizer, tractors, trucks, grinding machines and equipment for a sawmill. The loan had a 1 year grace period. My work with them has been training in accounting and financial management. I only had 3 ½ days as I leave on Thursday am for another city and another cooperative. It is my understanding that I will encounter the same issues: underdeveloped project planning and financial management skills. This is not disrespectful to the farmers – just not the competencies that have made them successful in the past.
Internet is very very spotty here. To answer the question, no my luggage has not shown up. I am wearing the same clothes which are hand washed every night. The experience teaches me again how little is necessary.
Angola – just the word conjures up images of fighting, destruction and lawlessness. This has not been my experience. I am in Huambo which is south of Luanda. It is a beautiful small city with large plazas and fountains. I am staying in Nova Estella Hotel. The décor is early Las Vegas with chandeliers, statues and fountains everywhere. My room had several areas needed correction (no working light bulbs) but it is now comfortable. The assistant manager has been extremely gracious including converting one of the hotel’s TV channels to CNN. I was saddened by all of the pictures of earthquake in Chile.
The interim CNFA Country Director is Nelson Jacob. He is a delightful man who is running the program until a permanent local replacement can be hired. His staff includes Victoria (office manager) and 2 program directors. I am working with Luciano who also serves as my translator. He is excellent!
The cooperative that I have worked with since arriving is only 2+ years old. However, it was granted a very large bank loan which purchased fertilizer, tractors, trucks, grinding machines and equipment for a sawmill. The loan had a 1 year grace period. My work with them has been training in accounting and financial management. I only had 3 ½ days as I leave on Thursday am for another city and another cooperative. It is my understanding that I will encounter the same issues: underdeveloped project planning and financial management skills. This is not disrespectful to the farmers – just not the competencies that have made them successful in the past.
Internet is very very spotty here. To answer the question, no my luggage has not shown up. I am wearing the same clothes which are hand washed every night. The experience teaches me again how little is necessary.
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