Mwanza Market Morning Mooch

T + 2

We woke up late after a good night sleep, woken only briefly by the amazing dawn chorus at about 6:30. Along with recognisable doves – there were also stranger songs – yet to be identified. The bird life is amazing here. When I can I will get some pictures.
Rob and Naomi had offered to take us around the local fruit and veg market which operates every Sunday morning. Luckily we had eaten a quick breakfast and were ready. On
Our way out we also met our neighbours (Rachel and Stéfane) fellow teachers who offered us an opportunity to use the internet to contact home.Everyone has been so generous,
The market reminded Anita of Malaŵi me of The Gambia as well the ones of Cambodia Vietnam. Piles of fruit and veg on blankets on the ground – bartering prices and being tough customers. Generally being white = being rich and so we attracted much attention. Lots of choice, so we were able to get some good bargains which went into a lunchtime stir fry. I loved the colour and hustle bustle if the place. Not a place to take a camera though so no pics. We also visited a local supermarket where you can pick
up other items such as solid “washing up liquid” which goes much further apparently.

After lunch of Stir Fried Veg and Rice followed by Watermelon it was onward with unpacking which still continues as I write – so I’d better get back to it. Looking forward to the end of this pack / unpack business!

Mwanza

T + 1

We arrived in Mwanza late afternoon – all our luggage survived and made it to Mwanza.

We were met by Vicky (Reception
teacher), Naomi (Head of Sixth Form) and Rob (husband of Naomi). Luckily Rob was driving a big truck and there was enough room in it and Vicky’s car to fit our mountain of luggage.
After a lot of wrangling with the porters (who had been very helpful but expected an enormous tip for the work they had done), we were driven across town to our new home. We were shown around the property

Our new house is so spacious – it’s the largest I’ve ever lived in. We have a good sized lounge with an arch through to a fining area and a further archway through to the kitchen; it’s quite open plan. It is basically but comfortably furnished. The walls are whitewashed and there is a concrete floor. The dark wood furnishings set it all off nicely. We have started populating the walls with pictures from home and other items. Beyond the lounge there is a large lobby with various rooms leading off including three bedrooms, a toilet and a separate bathroom, as wells as a large store cupboard. We have a large garden beyond a verandah which leads off the lounge in the opposite direction. All doors and windows are shuttered with mosquito mesh, the glazing is slatted a allowing free flow of air. For now the house is full of cases and partially unpacked items – hence the lack of photos.

Over a cuppa talked about the area and the school. Our kind hosts offered to take us out for dinner and so after a shower (hot!) we headed out to the Isamilo Lodge Hotel for a curry. It was a lovely evening and a real kindness as we as yet have no Schillings.

We returned late and resolved to spend time unpacking tomorrow.