Arrival in Tanzania and meeting the family

9^th February, 2008

We landed in a very hot and stick Dar es Salaam on time and were met by Pauline and her brother (Pauline is Joey’s sister in law who lives in Dar) They took us to a hotel in town and we showered and changed and caught up with a bit of sleep.

We then met up with some of Joey’s family – sisters Lena and Martha and his brother Sam who is married to Pauline who also came. They all live in Dar and we had a lovely lunch got to know each other. Lots of giggles and family stories came out. (Photo 1)

Eventually (long and boring story about Precision Air and their reliability!!!) but we did arrive at Kilimanjaro airport to be collected by a very excited Jenny, Joey and Saga (Joey’s best man – who already seemed to be executing his best man’s duties!!) - oh and forgot to say that we managed to get the Wedding dress their too!!! (phew almost there with it!)

When we arrived at Honey Badger (Joey’s family home and cultural lodge and camp site) and were greeted most warmly by Peter and Lucy. We seemed to get on really well straight away and had a lovely late evening drink and chat.

Family Greetings

10^th February, 2008

Without seeing or realising what was happening – a function was prepared. The cooking was going on in the back yard by a team of caterers brought in for the purpose. The walls were covered with white cloth and blue balloons and an awning appeared over the lawn area – and suddenly we were in a party. It was supposed to start at 12 – at 2ish people started to wander in – everyone came to shake our hand and welcome us (Jen and Joey were not supposed to be with us at that time, they were supposed to come in later – but Jen said that would mean that they miss everything, and so that tradition lapsed!)

Eventually – when the food was ready (all looking and smelling fabulous!) all seem to have arrived. The buffet was open and we all ate well – it was lovely food. Peter then stood and did the formal introductions – in Swahili. He welcomed everyone individually and they stood up and greeted us. Jenny and Lucy were translating for Donald and I. There was then some talk about goats – and I said to Lucy, surely he means cows, as they were obviously talking about the bride price. There was lots of laughter when that was translated back to Peter. Martha had told us in Dar that Jenny was worth a lot of cows!

Arrival in Mwanza 11^th February, 2008

Precision Air worked well for us today (poor Joey had a full day at the airport yesterday!!!) and we landed in Mwanza on time at 10.30 am. Joey was busy with a visitor to SIADIA and so we taxied to their place and dumped all our suitcases (four of them!!! +++ and The Wedding Dress!!!) there and walked into town. We ended up at the Talapia Hotel as it was going to pour down (African style) and had some lunch and waited for Joey there.

Once Joey had arrived and we had caught up – they took us to our new home. “Milestone House” (MH) See photo’s (I hope!!) Its great – very spacious, clean and well kitted out (again African style – in fact always assume I mean that, unless I state its not). They had even put labels on doors, chairs, tables etc showing the English word and the Swahili word – flash cards! No hot water, but that’s ok (there isn’t any at the hut either!)

We unpacked and oriented ourselves whilst J&J got some food it – they then cooked us a meal and which we enjoyed with them and a couple of glasses of wine. They then showed us some of the tricks of living at MH – ie how the loo works and how to shower - using a bowl of hot water (maji) from the stove (jiko) which is in the kitchen (jikoni).

So here we are !!!! I am now sat at the desk in MH with a cup of tea – its Tuesday 12^th and we have decided to start our volunteering on the Monday (18^th). Today Jen and I have dress fittings and the boys are going to sort out suits. We need to get a couple of things for MH and get to know Mwanza.