Yesterday was another busy day, after the rain on Tuesday we were very nervous so the girls decided to leave early to get to Masandarka so the road was clear and Godwin could make his own tracks. Apparently it worked, although it was still a hard drive as the roads were really bad.
We took a taxi to our school, I rang ahead and apparently they hadn't had as much rain although the road was still wet. The taxi driver said he would be ok to get up the hill, which was good as there was no way we could carry the 4 pots, spoons and paint (For some perspective, the large pots are 2ft across). The taxi was front wheel drive so he thought he should be OK. There was only one patch which he was worried about as he though the car might be bottomed out, and he managed it with no difficulties (what a star), infact the journey up in the taxi was much more comfortable than Godwins four wheel drive (I was so impressed I had to give him a tip).
We got there and checked on the work on the kitchen as we hadn't been there for 2 day. The roof, floor, some of the windows and doors were finished, they had fitted the piped for the water harvesting and were fitting a proper sink. They had also prepared the stand for the water harvesting tank from the bricks from the old kitchen. (Now we can say we really are refurbishing as we are recycling materials lol)
We then set ourselves to work painting the blackboards. With only one brush we took in turns I did one board and Ruth the other. The kids were pleased to see us and we became quite a spectacle, as they surrounded us whilst we were painting. We are not expert painter so really do hope that it is OK, mind you it can't be any worse that than what they already had.After finishing painting as usual I was covered, Ruth did much better and only had a few spots of paint on her nice white T shirt (not that it would of mattered as it was a freebie from the airline).
The cook was so grateful for her new kitchen that she had made us these rather wonderful samosas (made on an open fire I might add) and they kept us full until dinner. It was hard to try and explain this and the fact that we were going out for dinner to the teachers as they were insistent we ate again at 3 o'clock. Whilst the food is great, I must admit there is only so much goat stew you can eat in two weeks :-).
After the Samosas I managed to get caught in a game of catch with the children, at first they always returned it straight to me (I guess it is just the excitement that I am willing to play a game with them), but then the boys decided they wanted to try and hog the ball. It is nice that we really are starting to develop relationships with the kids.
We wanted to head home early as we were meeting Peters old friend Joyce at the Chinese restaurant round the corner. Originally the plan was to get a taxi, but Peter said that he would pick us up between3 & 3:30, working on African time we figured 4 was more likely. By the time we were picked up at 4:45 (having walked down the hill) both myself and Ruth were a little miffed. There is Africa time and then there is taking the mick. It would of been fine if he had just sent us the taxi, rather than keep saying oh we are on our way. Well we didn't hold a grudge as he did have to pick up Mr Meena who had trekked all the way to Dar es Salam for books for the library.
Anyhoo, I really am waffling, we got back and yet again the power was out so we decided to have a couple of drinks. It came on briefly around 6, and then went off again. Someone had apparently got out with the keys for the generator doh. Consequently both Ruth and I showered by mini LED torch light (thank god Ruth brought them lol). The girls got back late as the road from the school was blocked by a lorry stuck in the mud.
We eventually got to the restaurant and had a lovely Chinese by candle light until the power came on at 10pm (which does suggest that they really are switching off the power for specified periods). It's lucky they cook on gas here.
Naomi (and the team)
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