“We don’t need no education…”

“Work” 2 days then have a day off? Not a bad schedule as a teacher. Since Zanzibar joined with Tanganyika in 1964 to form Tanzania, we had today off for the Zanzibar Revolution. Megan and I were going to visit the orphanage but she really didn’t have time. She did walk to my hours for a visit though and brought the charger for her netbook so maybe I can figure out what’s wrong with it. Kitty was rather scared of her even though he loves Uma. Not sure if it’s because Megan has a dog (which will eat cats) or because Uma fed him when I was gone. Nevertheless, Megan and I talked for awhile and I found out that Zach had a rat and bat problem here too so the bats kitty catches must be living in my house. Great. In NY, the little brown bat is the most common animal with rabies. Glad PC gave us rabies shots because who knows, I may end up with a rabid bat lol.

I needed some things from the village and happened to head out at the same time as my neighbor Emmy (Emericiana). Although I knew where to go to get the things I needed, she helped take me around to get them because I asked her where I could buy a shuka (think plaid fabric) in Gocho and I installed cartridges in a printer for her. Behind a non-descript door in Gocho (ok, they’re all non-descript) in a tiny room with a computer, printer, & copy machine – did not expect to see that in Gocho. I wasn’t able to get a shuka because the storekeeper wasn’t around but did get a large bag of charcoal for a really good price (2/3 what I paid for my current bag). Right now it is sitting by a shop that I think is owned by a family member (or someone else she knows). Emmy said we’ll send a student to bring our bags of charcoal to our houses, which means I don’t even have to worry about transporting it back.

I still wanted to make it to the orphanage since Megan and I had told Sr. Valentina on Monday that we would come today. She wasn’t there when I stopped by but Joseph the carpenter was (ironic that the carpenter for the Catholics is named Joseph lol). I ordered a table with a shelf underneath and 2 stools, which I paid approximately ½ in advance. I’m pretty sure that’s what I ordered but I’ll know for sure when he delivers it.

Gitting was my next stop and I ended up not only with my usual eggs, tomatoes, mangoes, and bananas but also a kitenges, blanket, and empty Konyagi bottle (liquor) to put my honey in after I boil it. The mama even gave it to me for free J. Uma met me in Gitting and came back to my place to charge her phone and ipod. It was a very social day.