Rough Justice May 20, 2008

Just a quick note on crime and punishment. It really doesn’t pay to be a criminal here in Tanzania. The other day when sitting in town having a spot of lunch, I saw a man running past the window in front. Then shortly after followed another, and another and another – the chasing pack consisted [...]

What’s for dinner? May 13, 2008

I am frequently told that Tanzania is not a hungry country and that there is plenty of food available – looking at the countryside so should it be the case, with lots of very good land available.  Like the country as a whole – I have not been hungry.  It seems that there is a great [...]

Cement in the Bush May 9, 2008

Today was a most incredible day. 
 
First thing this morning, while having a sneaky 75p [1.5 days average earnings] coffee at the best hotel in town, little did I know what was in store for the rest of the day.  Arriving at the office I was told we were going on a safari (this is [...]

Labour day May 2, 2008

Ironic I suppose, as relatively few are in paid employment here, there was a huge May day procession.  It seems that all employers were in competition for the most enthusiastic staff.

Salt of the Earth May 2, 2008

I had a bit of a shot in the arm earlier this week.  I was beginning to get a bit frustrated with the management of the micro-finance I’m working with.  There are a number of things that I am not keen on.  Anyway, I got out of the office for a client visit – traveling [...]

Pole Pole [Slowly Slowly] May 2, 2008

As we all know, nothing happens fast in Africa.  Well until today that is; I was a bit annoyed because my camera suddenly decided to stop taking pictures.  Not really believing I would be able to get it fixed I went to a small photo studio, who asked me to leave it with them.  Within [...]

Safari April 30, 2008

Apparently Arusha is the gateway for Tanzanian safari, so naturally I thought I should give it a go at the weekend.  So along with the other volunteers, I took the short trip to the Arusha National Park, although it is one of the smallest parks it is supposed to be the one with the most [...]

Uji and Chips April 29, 2008

They say that the simple things in life are the best.  When I have a spare hour or two I tend to ask the guys at home what they want to do; the answer is always the same… “can we go for uji?”.  So we walk half an hour into the town sit outside a [...]

Tanzania Capital Boosting Association April 24, 2008

It has almost been a week with TCBA and I have not yet mentioned them properly. They are a small micro-finance organisation run by a Mr Sauni. There are about 450 clients, who are small entrepreneurs from in or around Arusha. To qualify for a loan each individual must form a group of 5, to [...]

Congratulations Miss Silvia April 24, 2008

Who is Miss Silvia?  I have absolutely no idea, but I went to her send off party at the weekend, and gave her a jar of honey for the pleasure.  The send-off is a pre-wedding ceremony which is hosted by the bride’s parents to mark her leaving their home for that of the new husband.  [...]