I've been living in Kibaha for about two weeks now. I'm starting to catch on to simple conversations in Swahili. This last week I've been teaching at school in Kibaha. I've been teaching english, explaining US politics, and also some pretty sweet dance moves.
Africans LOVE dancing, so any reference is always a good way to get a smile. In fact I had dinner with Joseph's parents-in-law. The kids wanted to show me thier dances, and asked me to teach me an American dance. Apparently an Australian volunteer showed them some so I had high expectations.
No knowing any other, I taught them the macarena. I just did it to some african drum music on the radio. The kids loved it, and the adults thought it was funny. So if you're ever in Tanzania and a bunch of kids aredoingthe macarena in the bush, you'll know why.
I've been having coffee at a small coffee stand an old man sets up each evening. There all the men gather for thier business "meeting" to drink coffee and tea. I've been learning Swahili there and they all have fun watching me make bizarre sentences with my limited vocabulary.
I went to a Massai church last sunday. The Masai are a tribe that histroically raise cattle and live exculisvely off dairy and meat. Now they have a more vaired diet thanks to limited grazing land. The sang songs along with an old radio, and the boys and girls did simple dances. The boys just jumped up and down in unision mostly and the girls swayed.I jumped up there too and got groovy!
Afterwards the pastor asked the small congreagation if any would like to show me thier homes. Many people volunteered, but I ended up going with the matriach of the village, a nice old lady. We walked about 15 min into the bush to her hut. The house are still built traditionally, of mud and sticks, but there is some bits of civilization around-tarps, rubber shoes, and empty bottles. A young boy also dragged me over to see his two cows. He was very excited to show me.
I tried some food, a mother invitedme into her home. It was ungali and melinde. Basically a flour dough ball and a slimy cheese and oil mixture.
I'm heading out to I need to get ready for tomorrow! Bye!
Sounds like you continue to have very positive experiences and that the community is embracing you. Sounds like you are the English teacher and dance instructor and entertainer all in one. Don't for get about the electric slide. It seems you have also found the local men's club at the coffee shop! It was nice that you got invited into their homes and got to eat some of their foods as well. You are really getting a first hand experience with the people and their culture. I continue to enjoy reading your posts.
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