Last week was a bit mad! With the children not being punished by being hit, they were running riot. They don’t understand the way we’re trying to discipline them because they don’t understand a word we’re saying. Or what they are allowed and not allowed to do. I have no idea what the teachers are translating to them because they definitely aren’t repeating what I’m saying. It’s been tough.

On Saturday I went to Meserani Snake Park with Lily and Charlotte J.

I held a snake! And rode a camel! :D
I know Hannah won’t be happy if I don’t put any photos up! Here they are :)

Here is a photo of me holding Nelson, he’s so sweet! He’s in the baby class.

Next to us is his brother, Linos, who is in middle class. Then on the swing in the background is Nemes, who is in my class, the pre-unit class. He’s a little trouble maker!

On Saturday I helped my ‘Mama’ with catering. ‘Baba’ owns a primary school, and it was their graduation party. Some of them were moving up to secondary.

This is a photo of Mama in the middle, Blantina on the left, at the back. She is Mama’s niece. She makes most of my meals for me. The others are some of Mama’s catering staff. They’re on the back of Baba’s truck, ready to go home! I sat in the front. I actually wanted to ride on the back but I don’t think Mama would have let me!

On Sunday, I went for a much needed swim! It was freezing though. 22 degrees!!

I was able to go into work on Monday, as my visa was being processed. We had a meeting with the teachers, mostly about disciplining the children. It went really well, I’m so pleased!! :D. They loved my ideas, and they now understand why they shouldn't hit the children with sticks!

Hi everyone!

Sorry, I meant to post a blog yesterday but it took me half an hour to log onto facebook! The internet was being sooo slow, so I’ve come back today to put my photos on for you J!

This is a photo of me and Lakisha at the after school club on Wednesday. I look awful, but she is so cute! She’s four years old, I think.

I wasn’t working yesterday, and I won’t be working on Monday because there is a problem with my visa. It’s being sorted though. Hopefully I will be able to go back to Fareson by Tuesday. I hope my class had a teacher yesterday.

Fareson has been really good this week. Lily and I have acquired ourselves the pre-unit class (the highest class. 5-6 year olds), and they’ve started to understand the way we discipline them, rather than being hit. On Thursday I read them a book about Simba, from Lion King. They loved it when I ‘roared’ at them! After we read the book we got them all to draw Simba, and colour him in.

Here is a photo of Caroline and Gillian drawing their lions!

This is some of the class holding up their pictures. J

I went to a party on Thursday night with my homestay family. It was a wedding send off. I didn’t bring many clothes, so there was everyone all dressed up, then me in my Havaianas and primark basics t-shirt! Thank goodness Sarah gave me a skirt before I left!

They casually brought out a whole cooked goat on a trolley. I love the fact it had a carrot in its mouth! Hahahah. Rank.

The second one in from the right is the bride-to-be. She's actually getting married today.

Speak soon! xxx

I was joined by another volunteer this week, Lily. Her homestay is next door to mine, and we’re at the same project.

I have photos of the children at for you. Well, I was talking them anyway. Mr Amos wants me to design a calendar to raise money for the Children’s Centre, so I expect you all to want to buy one for me to bring home for you!!!

Here is a photo of all the children at the school, with me and Lily.

xxx

Sorry! I didn’t take any photos of the children today.



Turns out it’s Eid so there was no school. It’s a bit strange, especially because they all sing a Christian prayer at the beginning and end of school, it’s so cute.


I would have taken pictures yesterday but I didn’t find out until I said see you tomorrow to the other teachers. Good thing I did say that otherwise I would have gone in early. Went in a bit later to do paperwork instead. Yippee.



Here is a photo of my homestay. The family I’m staying with are lovely :).

At the Blue Heron now. It’s a restaurant with free wi-fi :). Some other volunteers are coming too. I came early to use the internet before dinner.


Let me know if you have any interesting news!


xxxxxxxx

I don't take many photos because I will look too my like a tourist! If people think you're a tourist you get hasstled, and also have to pay 'mzungu' prices for things!

Here is a photo of some huts at a Massai cafe.



I will take some photos at the orphanage, and post them on friday!
xxxx

John - Thanks for links

This boy came with us all the way to Garentoni, a differnet town which probably isn't spelt like that!
He carried the shopping bags when people brought them, and stopped the locals from hasseling us too much! He didn't know his way around, he is from where I am, in Arusha. He is a little legend!!
We tipped him well, I think he's now rich! Hah.

MY FEET ARE SO DIRTY.

Tomorrow I am moving into my homestay, and going to the orphanage for the first time.
I cannot wait to get to work. I will let you know how it goes :)

xxx

I have arrived!

I am in Tanzania!
Flight was long, and got home late, but I'm here now, and slept really well.
I've met some lovely people today.

I thought I would be loosing weight on this trip, but I have changed my mind..I don't think that is going to happen! I had a huge breakfast and 'chipati maharagi' for lunch! Mmmm :). That is probably spelt wrong! My Swahili is not good..yet :).

This is a photo of some men dancing in Arusha.
I haven't taken many yet, believe it or not!

Anyway, I'm at a restaurant with quite a few people so I better go!
Hope you're all well and stuff!!! xxx