Week 34 at School

Last Sunday I saw the impact of tourists, especially those who think they are doing the right thing by giving gifts to people less fortunate than themselves.  I was doing my usual Sunday morning walk with another volunteer and a group of local came up to us and said give me my chocolate, then give me my money, them give me my water.

 

So for all you do gooders who like to give things to others, please think about the perception you are creating for those coming after you.  You might feel good, but it creates a terrible image for those following you.  The kids now expect gifts, and soon begin demanding gifts from tourists, or anybody who looks like a tourist.

 

End of rant.

 

For those reading the online blog, there is more if you click on the Read more>> button below.

Last Saturday was an eventful day.  I worked Saturday morning, then back to school for lunch, change and out to Smith Campus for my continuing referee education program, back to Moshono, change and out to a birthday party.

 

The referee training has stalled once again.  You would think I would understand Tanzanian time by now, but no, I just can't bring myself to accept that it will happen one day.  I turned up only to be told only 5 of the students were available.  I ran with that and spent a fruitful 2 hours with them.  After the session I enquired if we would have people next week, at which I was advised I will have some.

 

Saturday night was a birthday party at The Hole (just outside the gate) for 5 of the volunteers.  The theme was crazy hats.  The one I had was decorated with dangling elephants of which the tail of one of them poked me in the eye every time I moved.  The fix, I wore sunnies.  The result I couldn't see to much at night in sunnies and I couldn't see too much through dangling elephants.  Apart from that it was a great night.

 

The recruitment process doesn't seem to be going far, but I am leaving in March anyway.

 

I think I have worked out what to do when pulled over for random police checks.  Speak English with a few very basic swahili words thrown in, that's not hard for me as that's all I know, and be very very nice to them.  Well it has worked so far.  Today I got pulled over twice for a licence check.  I am supposed to have a Tanzanian licence, but if they ask, I am only here a few weeks.  Hopefully that will continue to work.

 

Friday night was another volunteer farewell.  Another good night had by all.

 

This Saturday wasn't much different to last Saturday, although I did do a fitness test (Beep Test) with three of the students.  I stopped at 9 mins, while one of them went to 10.

 

Today we went to Arusha Fair.  It was hot and the only relief from the heat was in tents which didn't have much breeze.  The many stalls seemed to entertain Denise.

 

 

Until next time.