Saturday 9th saw our first Tanzanian move from Dar to Iringa, a small town on the edge of the southern highlands. It is a massive change! Whereas Dar was wet because it was hot and sweaty, Iringa is wet because its raining… all the time! We have arrived in the middle of the ‘long rains’ and it should continue like this until at least mid-April. It is much cooler here of course due to this and so when the sun doesn’t come out it does feel a little like being in England!
Our Swahili (or ‘Kiswahili’ as it is in Swahili!) language school started on Monday and has been good fun so far. All morning is dedicated to small group teaching (one teacher to three or four students) and then the afternoon is left for self-study and revision. It will take some time to get our bodies and brains into shape but it is good to be learning something so practical! The school takes place here on our campsite (camping has not been too pleasant in such wet conditions… please think of us traipsing to the toilets in the storms at night!) so that is handy. It’s a beautiful rural setting here, right by the ‘Little Ruaha River’, and so it is very peaceful… aside from the varied bug sounds of course! Liz is gradually coming to terms with all the creepy crawlies… you would not believe how many little crawling and flying things there are! All part of the cultural acquisition I guess!
1 comments:
I am glad to hear you are doing well. We have been thinking of you guys. Feel free to send some of the surplus rain this way - we are in the midst of a severe drought still.
Eager for pix when you get the chance!
Bruce & Devon
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