Where to start... all is going well in Longido :) School is great, I love the kids and am making progress,albeit slow progress, with my adult class. It is frustrating as some cannot write even in their own language so I have started extra literacy classes to teach them how to read and write. I can't remember what life was like before I came here, I am so settled and don't want to think about leaving (although I still have 2 months before I have to think about saying goodbye).
Last week my friend Bec came up from Arusha and together with my friend Rogarte (a Maasai / Rasta guide) we climbed Mount Longido which was very hard but rewarding. Had a brilliant night camping, singing round the campfire and trying not to worry about the elephants, lions, buffalos and who knows what else that were nearby!
The next day I watched my friends' football match - Longido Warriors -vs- Namanga. Was such an amazing atmosphere, the whole village turned out for the game and it went down to penalties... 2 of my students scored, was a great afternoon. And a beautiful setting for a football match - sunset over the plain was incredible and I had one of those moments when I realise how lucky I am to be here.
The only thing that I would change is the food... those of you who know me well will know that I am not fussy when it comes to food and will eat pretty much anything that is put in front of me. However, after a month of eating ugali, rice, beans, chapatti and goat, the club sandwich I have juts eaten in town never tasted so good!
Another thing is the personal grooming side of things...not normally one for being a girly girl, I am getting a bit sick of wearing same clothes day in day out - and never feeling clean no matter how many bucket showers I take! The dust is just everywhere... but it is all worth it. I have never been a meaterialistic person but here it is taken to new extremes. Most people have less than nothing. To give you an ide, today at school i gave out some little erasers to one of my classes. They were so excited and grateful, it would do children in the UK the world of good to see how lucky they are! Anyway, enough preaching... I am off to the hotel for a well-earned rest and hot shower.
4 comments:
Hi plunken,
Sounds like you're still having an incredible time, am intrigued by the maasai/rasta guide! am trying to picture him in my head!
Was also wondering if ugali, rice, goat etc can be any worse than salt and vinegar crisps and banana sandwiches. That surely is more bizarre!
Missing you lots, will speak soon
Laura xxx
Love your posts Ele. Can't believe how quickly you have settled in and it's great to hear. You are inspiring me to do something like that. I can only imagine what life is like out there. I enjoying reading from the 10th floor here looking out over the gloomy city. Keep writing. Much love, Claire x
hey eleanor,
sounds like you are having an amazing time reglardles of the downsides. keep up the good work. i'm going to have nice cup of tea and a biscuit on your behalf.
Debbie xxx
Ele,
I too am looking out the window on the 10th wondering if I could give up hot lunches.... in time maybe!
Glad you're having a fab time, can't wait to read more.
Is xx
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