Thursday, June 28, 2012

Hi Ho, It's Off To Work We Go


Mama Tony gave us a new  treat for breakfast, dengu, a fritter made of small seeds. Edward joined us and initiated a discussion of the importance of the triangle of IQ, health, and hunger. We each contributed thoughts on these topics, recognizing the role each area plays in the lives of Tanzanians and in the contributions Global Volunteers. Then is was Hi ho Hi ho as off to work we go as seven of us headed top the secondary school for diverse activities and one to the clinic. At lunchtime we reported on accomplishments, frustrations, and joys. We talked while enjoying Mama Tony's Italian lunch - pizza and spaghetti. It was a day with sun and clouds and breeze. Sometimes it was warmer outside than inside. In the afternoon we explored the market - vendors selling a big variety of goods (many w/familiar brands): clothes, shoes, dishes, radios, doughnuts, vegetables. There were food stalls with bowls of something hot. In true market style people encouraged us to look at and to buy their wares. Edward and Mohamed had encouraged us to bargain, but we didn't try. The one purchase was made with Edward's help. Then it was time for walks, conversations, and reading. (p.s. on the market - Edward told us that many vendors come a long distance. We had noticed that there didn't seem to be a display of local products.) As it grew cooler, we were happy to have a fire again. Mama Tony added to our memories of winter evenings with a big bowl of popcorn. Edward asked each of us for comments on the day's work. Tomorrow there will be a couple of switches; the rest of us will finish the week in the same place. Edward said that it would be time for us to start sharing our ideas and suggestions with our Tanzanian colleagues; but we need to be sensitive to differences in approaches to work.

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