Week 46 at School

Being sick in Arusha is the same as in Oz.  We do have doctors, chemists and all the other medical facilities that are in Oz.  It's just a matter of finding ones you trust with equipment that is working.  I think we know most of them now.

 

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

Once again the preacher has found his amplifier so we get to hear him rant/preach/scream from about 8pm to midnight, and then about 5.30am we get the call to prayer from the Muslims.  I just love this place - no rules on noise pollution.

 

Did you know that roses and other flowers are grown here commercially and exported to Europe.  That is probably a very big reason why KLM flies in here.  There are some very big growing centres around Kilimanjaro airport and surrounding towns like Arusha and Moshi.  Here in Arusha we get the flowers KLM rejects, a bit like John West with the salmon, so a big bunch of roses costs TZS 5,000.  A little bit cheaper than at home, but I still don't buy flowers.

 

One of the things I have discovered with using email as a communication tool is that what you write is not always what is read by the receiver.  This is fine if it is just general news, but when it involves touchy issues, what you think is a harmless line or a genuine question turns out to be contentious and causes all sorts of damage to relationships.  In most cases a phone call fixes the problem without too much fuss, but on some occasions, the phone option is not available, so the issue just blows up and no matter what backtracking you do, the reader will never forgive you for what they have read.

 

For family members reading this you will know exactly what I'm talking about.

 

On a happier note our next visitor turned up last Sunday.  She wasn't expected for at least a few days or even a week, but at 1.30pm I got the call - I'm here...Where's here?....In Arusha....So while she caught a taxi to the school I organised a room for her......Welcome Kayal.

 

Then on Thursday, Bernie & Maggie arrived, so we are now in full visitor mode helping all three with whatever plans they have.

 

The Winter Olympics has begun so I need to find a TV to see some of the action.  In the meantime I'll check results on the net.

 

I just read of a documentary on Kokoda that I would like somebody to record for me to see when I return home.  More details at:

http://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/2070594/krystyna-pollard-walks-in-the-footsteps-of-the-brave/?cs=2062

 

A big night last night as one of the Vollies was playing at a local eatery.  It was packed - no spare chairs and they ran out of glasses.  We will miss these evenings.

 

 

Until next time.