OK - just found all the comments that you guys have left over the last week - (remember I haven't done this blogging thing before..so I just noticed the comments - that is other than the ones that I saw yesterday.)
Kim F - I haven't heard from Maz; sent him an email about the blog; tell him I said Hi.
So it's great to hear from all of you.
A bunch of us just went with our Swahili teacher to meet with a group fo HIV positive women. We heard their stories; it was ..moving. Judi and Kim H - I think you both would have found this quite an experience. We have a couple of nurses in our group. One of them was instrumental in setting this up.
School pretty good today...more on pollution - and trying to finish a project inMary L's \English class - which didn't go quite as I had planned. Which is good because next week I guess I get to teach some earth science stuff to this same great group of "freshmen" (pre-form 1 students)
Tomorrow I am meeting Mary LLekai, one of the teachers at the school in town. There is some sort of Octoberfest going on (I know this sounds strange - but I guess it was the Germans who first colonized this area - I didn't know this before) So anyway there are supposed to be some bands playing - a girls group from Uganda and some others. Oh - and a beer drinking contest; don't worry I won't be participating. :) Should be an "interesting cultural experience"
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Claustrophobic Cultural Tour and Chagga Banana Beer
Hey cool - it was great to see a cpl of posts from you guys when I just logged on. I'm pretty new at this blogging too....so I wasn't sure who the last comment was from....judging from the "butterbean" comment I thought it was Mark??? But Mark signed his name on the other post, so I'm not sure; lmk.....
anyhow - a quick update - yesterday we didn't go to our schools, but did a day long "cultural tour" Started off driving through the bustling village of Himo to get some water....
stopped by Marangu Chagga Village where we saw blacksmiths at work making traditional Chagga spears ( the Chagga and the Masai were warring against each other for some time ...) Bought some hardware there. Some of you will be getting unusual Christmas gifts this year.
Visited Chagga caves - where they used to hiide out from the Masai who "harrassed" them. This experience was not for the claustrophobic - I thought about itseveral times before going down there, but I managed to do it ( Mitch, Cara, Evan - remember the "red Jaguar" - another claustrophobic experience)
Next a stop at a local market - I mean this was the LOCAL MARKET - not the tourist market....I would have loved to take pictures here because it was just such a colorful vibrant place..live chickens, eggs, grain, all sorts of fruits and veg, fabrics etc etc
We hiked down to Kilaysia falls, and went swimming, the visited the Chagga huts and museum - and for contrast stopped by a nearby fancy hotel for tea and soda (OK - Mama Lillian had a Guinness - but I think she was the only one) At the hotel, met a few people who had just come down from Kili - so got some info from them.... sounds ...challenging!!!
Had a few sips of traditional Chagga banana beer for good measure - out of calabash gourds.... (this stuff would have to grow on you I think - it had grain floating in it)
Last stop a short hike to a high viewpoint where we could see the everpresent Kili - and as far off as Kenya.....
A gorgeous sunset on the way back...
Honestly I am just skimming the surface - I could write a book about all of the details..
Good day at the school today. I put up a collage of photos from home. The kids really like looking at this stuff. Did a "lesson" on Climate change (very applicable to the shrinking glaciers on Kili) and worked with my Pre- form 1 "English students " on a project.
Did I mention that the kids are really sweet?
Ok - there's some other stuff that could be said, but enough for now...
anyhow - a quick update - yesterday we didn't go to our schools, but did a day long "cultural tour" Started off driving through the bustling village of Himo to get some water....
stopped by Marangu Chagga Village where we saw blacksmiths at work making traditional Chagga spears ( the Chagga and the Masai were warring against each other for some time ...) Bought some hardware there. Some of you will be getting unusual Christmas gifts this year.
Visited Chagga caves - where they used to hiide out from the Masai who "harrassed" them. This experience was not for the claustrophobic - I thought about itseveral times before going down there, but I managed to do it ( Mitch, Cara, Evan - remember the "red Jaguar" - another claustrophobic experience)
Next a stop at a local market - I mean this was the LOCAL MARKET - not the tourist market....I would have loved to take pictures here because it was just such a colorful vibrant place..live chickens, eggs, grain, all sorts of fruits and veg, fabrics etc etc
We hiked down to Kilaysia falls, and went swimming, the visited the Chagga huts and museum - and for contrast stopped by a nearby fancy hotel for tea and soda (OK - Mama Lillian had a Guinness - but I think she was the only one) At the hotel, met a few people who had just come down from Kili - so got some info from them.... sounds ...challenging!!!
Had a few sips of traditional Chagga banana beer for good measure - out of calabash gourds.... (this stuff would have to grow on you I think - it had grain floating in it)
Last stop a short hike to a high viewpoint where we could see the everpresent Kili - and as far off as Kenya.....
A gorgeous sunset on the way back...
Honestly I am just skimming the surface - I could write a book about all of the details..
Good day at the school today. I put up a collage of photos from home. The kids really like looking at this stuff. Did a "lesson" on Climate change (very applicable to the shrinking glaciers on Kili) and worked with my Pre- form 1 "English students " on a project.
Did I mention that the kids are really sweet?
Ok - there's some other stuff that could be said, but enough for now...
Hello 2
Got to read your updates...I can see how this could be very refreshing having appreciative students. Let me know if you need something for the school...would like to contribute something.
sounds like butterbean is quite a hit!
sounds like butterbean is quite a hit!
Hello Bon
Hi Bonnie,
Not sure if I am doing this correctly...I'm a beginner blogger. We have been pretty busy and have missed the early stages of your trip. Glad to hear you are safely in Tanzania. they are very fortunate to have a seasoned teacher like you there. My regards to Wayan.
I will check in periodically...look forward to your adventure updates!
Love,
Mark
Not sure if I am doing this correctly...I'm a beginner blogger. We have been pretty busy and have missed the early stages of your trip. Glad to hear you are safely in Tanzania. they are very fortunate to have a seasoned teacher like you there. My regards to Wayan.
I will check in periodically...look forward to your adventure updates!
Love,
Mark
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday in Tanzania
Another interesting day. I never really know what is going to happen when I arrive at the school. Today Mr Ndano had asked me to talk about astronomy to the Form 3 class....so I walked in - and started in .....filled them in on the life cycle of stars.....A few actually asked questions, so I guess they got some of it. They all seem quite hesitant to ask questions...probably because most of the teaching is notes from the teahcer....
Really enjoy the science teachers - Mr Ndano and Mr Mmochi....they are true science geeks! so we can relate....I brought Mr M a bottle ecosystem to day and Mr Ndano some volcanic rocks from Ngoongoro Crater. (only later did I think: hmmmm wonder if there was a sign saying: do not remove rocks from the crater.....anyway Mr N seemed to like them) I'm getting him a subscription to scientific American - he is so excited about it. He says he used to read it at his old school - from cover to cover - but they don't have it at this school - which is no surprise, because they don't have much!! Any way - I think Mr N is very cool. He is just so cute - and sincere - and interesting!! He is pretty ancient also...
And Mary Lenkai says hello to Glen. Did I mention before that she likes Glen a lot??
Mary is the teacher whom I met first - and she is the one that I've worked with most. She is pretty funny and laid back. In fact - they all seem pretty laid back....
The teachers are all doing so much with so little. I am impressed with what they are doing here. They are really good teachers.
Ok - so this afternoon we had our regualr Swahili lesson then some acrobats performed in the garden. They are from a local home for street children - and they are doing HIV education along with their performance. The performance was pretty amazing - I have never seen some of that stuff done....except maybe by Cirque du SOleil....
Then Lee and I went to AfriGalaxy to meet my Kili guide Godfrey. Lee is also thinking of doing the climb so that's why she came along. Yup - met Godfrey - just wanted to check out the situation before I appeared at the Machame Gate with my gear. All looks good....
Tomorrow we have some sort of trip planned so we don't go to our schools...
Really enjoy the science teachers - Mr Ndano and Mr Mmochi....they are true science geeks! so we can relate....I brought Mr M a bottle ecosystem to day and Mr Ndano some volcanic rocks from Ngoongoro Crater. (only later did I think: hmmmm wonder if there was a sign saying: do not remove rocks from the crater.....anyway Mr N seemed to like them) I'm getting him a subscription to scientific American - he is so excited about it. He says he used to read it at his old school - from cover to cover - but they don't have it at this school - which is no surprise, because they don't have much!! Any way - I think Mr N is very cool. He is just so cute - and sincere - and interesting!! He is pretty ancient also...
And Mary Lenkai says hello to Glen. Did I mention before that she likes Glen a lot??
Mary is the teacher whom I met first - and she is the one that I've worked with most. She is pretty funny and laid back. In fact - they all seem pretty laid back....
The teachers are all doing so much with so little. I am impressed with what they are doing here. They are really good teachers.
Ok - so this afternoon we had our regualr Swahili lesson then some acrobats performed in the garden. They are from a local home for street children - and they are doing HIV education along with their performance. The performance was pretty amazing - I have never seen some of that stuff done....except maybe by Cirque du SOleil....
Then Lee and I went to AfriGalaxy to meet my Kili guide Godfrey. Lee is also thinking of doing the climb so that's why she came along. Yup - met Godfrey - just wanted to check out the situation before I appeared at the Machame Gate with my gear. All looks good....
Tomorrow we have some sort of trip planned so we don't go to our schools...
Monday, October 27, 2008
safari etc
So the safari was really great; hope to post some details and photos this weekend - way too busy during the week to get this stuff done.
Also - got to my "placement" this morning and the teacher "forgot" that i was going to be there!! Guess I made a great impression haha; wow things really are done differently here . After a week at the school I am starting to get the hang of it a little though. ANyway - the staff and students are all very welcoming - I guess it's the nature of Tanzanians....some of the nicest, sweetest people I've met anywhere -
have to run; taxi waiting....
Also - got to my "placement" this morning and the teacher "forgot" that i was going to be there!! Guess I made a great impression haha; wow things really are done differently here . After a week at the school I am starting to get the hang of it a little though. ANyway - the staff and students are all very welcoming - I guess it's the nature of Tanzanians....some of the nicest, sweetest people I've met anywhere -
have to run; taxi waiting....
Friday, October 24, 2008
ENd of Week One: Fabulous!
just got back from day 4 at my school - and it was great; it's so amazing that I am actually in the classroom with these kids. They are all so sweet!! TOday I was "guest lecturer" aon the greenhouse effect for the Form 3's (like our juniors) Can you imagine!!! ANd I had a great time with my pre-form 1 class .....
ANd the teachers' room - today - conversation about the financial crisis, Lehman brothers,
whihc is the most powerful nation , etc etc....
and Mary - my mentor teacher is in love with Glen - will fill you in later
Many more details - but leaving on safari so I need to sign off....
ANd the teachers' room - today - conversation about the financial crisis, Lehman brothers,
whihc is the most powerful nation , etc etc....
and Mary - my mentor teacher is in love with Glen - will fill you in later
Many more details - but leaving on safari so I need to sign off....
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
First week in TZ
So - I've never done a blog before - and \i thought this might be a good time to try it....this is the disclaimer.....because I'm not sure exactly what I'm doing.... it will probably be sort of stream of consciousness.
Hopefully this will work.
Oh yeah - I wrote a whole bunch of stuff while en route and over the last few days...but of course I left most of it back at the Karanga home base where the volunteers are staying. It's a few miles out of Moshi town so we have to get a taxi to come into the internet cafe or to do anything else in town....
so - I wrote tons of stuff - probably just because I had time on the plane.... I don't know how interesting all of that will be anyway....but.... if I have time I'll post some of it....at some point.
I should be able to post some pictures too - at least the girl here at the Internet cafe says I wll be able to....and ...of course....I left my USB back at the home base too....oh well, next time...
Here we go:
Hamjambo (hello everyone)
Yep - have been in TZ for almost 1 week. There are 30 of us staying at the Karanga home base...from US, Australia, UK and Canada....all the mzungas (white people) We had orientation for a cpl of days and today was the first day that we actually went to our placement. I am at a secondary school called St. Theresia's Sec. Sch. with 165 students, 4 classrooms, 11 teachers, very little equipment or books...their curriculum includes Forms 1-4 (sort of like our HS grades) and you would be amazed at the list of subjects being taught with so ittle - including chemistry, physics, biology. You should have seen the math equations on the board!!! \\\\\\the students seem pretty motivated; they all have to pass exams to move on to the next level. Some students live at the school. Some are orphans (some due to aids I believe)
I worked with an English teacher and sat in on a physics class today.....I maybe taking over the English class this week....maybe even tomorrow!!!
We had a rather long break at 10:40 am; had tea and freshly made donuts!!
Getting Swahili lessons...and have been tryng to study... it's really hard....but I'm managing to make myself understood....most of the time.
Jean and I went out to walk this morning and managed to get lost; we thought that by the time we got back we would have to get a taxi to take us to our placements onthe firstday! fortunately, we managed to get back in time...though breakfast and getting dressed happened in about 15 min!!
Speaking of food - it's really good! Lots of vegetables...and Ugali (it's like a really stiff cream of wheat that is served with just about every meal.
all for now...
oh - one more thing - we are all going on safari Fri afternon - Sunday eve - Ngorongoro crater and Tanginyere (sp) Park; with stop at a Masai village...Glen - you'd like to be here for this part!!
Most of us will be camping (saves $100, so you know I'm all over that!!!
Hopefully this will work.
Oh yeah - I wrote a whole bunch of stuff while en route and over the last few days...but of course I left most of it back at the Karanga home base where the volunteers are staying. It's a few miles out of Moshi town so we have to get a taxi to come into the internet cafe or to do anything else in town....
so - I wrote tons of stuff - probably just because I had time on the plane.... I don't know how interesting all of that will be anyway....but.... if I have time I'll post some of it....at some point.
I should be able to post some pictures too - at least the girl here at the Internet cafe says I wll be able to....and ...of course....I left my USB back at the home base too....oh well, next time...
Here we go:
Hamjambo (hello everyone)
Yep - have been in TZ for almost 1 week. There are 30 of us staying at the Karanga home base...from US, Australia, UK and Canada....all the mzungas (white people) We had orientation for a cpl of days and today was the first day that we actually went to our placement. I am at a secondary school called St. Theresia's Sec. Sch. with 165 students, 4 classrooms, 11 teachers, very little equipment or books...their curriculum includes Forms 1-4 (sort of like our HS grades) and you would be amazed at the list of subjects being taught with so ittle - including chemistry, physics, biology. You should have seen the math equations on the board!!! \\\\\\the students seem pretty motivated; they all have to pass exams to move on to the next level. Some students live at the school. Some are orphans (some due to aids I believe)
I worked with an English teacher and sat in on a physics class today.....I maybe taking over the English class this week....maybe even tomorrow!!!
We had a rather long break at 10:40 am; had tea and freshly made donuts!!
Getting Swahili lessons...and have been tryng to study... it's really hard....but I'm managing to make myself understood....most of the time.
Jean and I went out to walk this morning and managed to get lost; we thought that by the time we got back we would have to get a taxi to take us to our placements onthe firstday! fortunately, we managed to get back in time...though breakfast and getting dressed happened in about 15 min!!
Speaking of food - it's really good! Lots of vegetables...and Ugali (it's like a really stiff cream of wheat that is served with just about every meal.
all for now...
oh - one more thing - we are all going on safari Fri afternon - Sunday eve - Ngorongoro crater and Tanginyere (sp) Park; with stop at a Masai village...Glen - you'd like to be here for this part!!
Most of us will be camping (saves $100, so you know I'm all over that!!!
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