Blogs from Zanzibar City, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa - page 25

Yesterday was Uhuru (independence day) in Tanzania, so no work! Except I did some reading for my English teaching anyway. They held a parade in Dar Es Salaam (and broadcast on TV) of the soldiers, airforce, marines, navy, national service, police and prisons forces. It seemed as if they inherited some of our military tradition. I used the opportunity to explore the more local shops near to where I am staying, and get some sodas and a newspaper. I brought The Citizen, the sister publication to a Swahili newspaper (Mwananchi). The Tanzania General Election is coming next Wednesday, so the papers are full of stuff relating to that. It looks as though it will be much more competitively fought this time, with the CHADEMA candidate using a helicopter to get around to different rallies. Although the ... read more

I managed to attend the morning worship for the first time yesterday at the cathedral. Unfortunately I had exactly the same problem as I did on Sunday, and again had to leave partway through the sermon. How long will it be before I can last an entire service? It wasn't as bad as on Sunday though, and I felt much better afterwards compared to then. I have theorised that part of my problem may be a lack of fibre in my diet (white rice and white bread) so I have asked for extra fruit at lunch and brought a packet of Weetabix for my breakfasts. Weetabix is unusual in that it is more expensive than in England, most things are cheaper, but the pack contains 24 biscuits, so I shouldn't have to buy it too often. ... read more

I was feeling fully recovered, so I was about to work again yesterday. I had a meeting with all of the department heads in the Diocese, so I have been able to plan out what I will be doing. I will be doing a mixture of computer work and teaching. So at the moment I am doing websites, and preparing to teach both English and IT (not at the same time). I have now developed a new way to help me learn Swahili, I write down all new words in a notepad. This foolproof way should help me remember new words, so I can go back and read them later.... read more

They work, as in Britain, from Monday to Friday, so Saturday is my day off. So I went into Stone Town again, so I have now got a mobile phone (as well as a mouse and some postcards). This time I was shown around by David, and I didn't get my camera out, so sadly no pictures. Anyway my mobile number is +255 (0)787 739358 if any of you want to call or text me. I think texts (and international texts) are very cheap in Tanzania, however I don't have my British phone (with all the mobile numbers I know on it) so you will have to phone/text/email me your number first if you want me to text you. If you really want to phone me, I still have about 25 minutes left on a phonecard ... read more

Yesterday I started work, initially I will be concentrating on doing some computer work for them, I think as my Swahili gets better, I will start to do other things, and I know I will be doing some English lessons later. I'm currently working on their website, at the moment I am doing the tourist section website. This has the advantage, that it requires photos, so of course I have to go and visit all these great places (although I am only visiting the ones in Zanzibar, they are not sending me on all the safaris they offer (I think If I did that, I would spend the first month on one safari after another)). So I am looking forward to going to see Jozani Forest (with endemic monkeys) on Tuesday (I think, although with the ... read more