Gillian in Tanzania
Diary - March 2006
My First Week in Dodoma
Day 1 |
I was met off the coach by the School Director and Manager. Lack of communication I fear - they took me to a guesthouse in the town as accommodation issues not sorted out. This is a typical situation with VSO volunteers. Then the Tanzanian welcome began. They took me to lunch and later to dinner to also meet the Headmaster. Where did we go? Local bars, of course, places they are well known and believe to be typically Tanzanian. They are very proud of their fresh food. There is no menu, just go and choose from the chef’s kitchen!They were so hospitable the beer just kept on flowing, little did I know that the welcome would extend to the following few days!
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Day 2 |
A first look at the school. The director, Pascal, took me for breakfast at 10.30 (another bar in town) and then to lunch at his house. A great meal with so many local dishes and only two of us to eat. His wife did not join us. His little daughter, Veronice, made me realise what little Kiswahili I am really able to use! |
Day 3 |
I met the staff and students at the school. A formal parade had been planned for me, but thank goodness, it had rained and we were late arriving. The Headmaster introduced me to all the classes, but made the mistake of saying that I was a new teacher and teacher trainer (oh dear, don’t ask me what my subject is!). Journey back to town, and lunch again – I am being treated like royalty! Now is my chance to escape by myself to the internet! I refused an offer of dinner: being on my own was by now much more important than more food. |
Day 4 |
Now I can wander around the town, search out shops and spend lots of time on the internet catching up with lots of mails! The problem at the guesthouse is that there is no food provided so it’s eating out all the time. I’ve found an oasis – the Dodoma Hotel which is very peaceful and the best in town. I treated myself to lunch for the princely sum of 8000 Tz shillings (£4) |
Day 5 |
Next adventure – a trip on the daladala to the school. You’ll remember this is the local minibus which holds as many as can be pushed through the door. I managed to get on and off at the termini so easy this time. A meeting is held (how they love to hold a meeting) and a decision is made that I will share the big house rented by the school for another American volunteer. How good it will be to get unpacked and to be able to find my belongings. Networking this evening – a chance to meet other local VSO volunteers. Dinner provided at my new oasis the Dodoma Hotel. I have also discovered I can use the swimming pool and other facilities for £1.25 a day. This could be my Sunday treat ! |
Day 6 |
I finally move into a house which although it leaves much to be desired by western standards it is a grand home for VSO volunteers. |
Day 7 |
More networking and more new friends. I am invited to the home of a Kenyan volunteer and his family for lunch. I am introduced to other friends including, guess what, the General Manager of the Dodoma Hotel who says to let him know if there is anything he can do. My luck is certainly in there! |
Day 8 |
Highlight of the week (or possibly the downfall) my first training on a motorbike! The school director has bought bikes for teachers and also volunteers but we really need some good training. Well I managed to drive it around the playground and then to bring it to a halt! I need a helmet which fits me before attempting a trip on the road!
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