Training and Orientation in Babati Town
25.05.2011
We have been living at a hostel in Babati and doing intensive language learning and also training for village teachings. Each day we learn Swahili, biology of HIV, culture, epidemiology, etc.and have teaching practice. It has also been really interesting hearing the perspectives of our 10 Tanzanian teaching partners. I am feeling more and more confident about getting in the villages and teaching this material.
The area we are living in is BEAUTIFUL! There is a lake right nearby, and some of us took a walk down by the water and watched the hippos! We are also at the base of a nice mountain. This town is very small and people are excited to see wazungu (white people), so we get a lot of attention walking around!
Our hostel has electricity and running water....occasionally. Daily tasks like showering and going to the bathroom have been interesting, but it makes for a good story and I think it's good practice for village life! I am rooming with a Tanzanian so that has been fun and interesting. She is teaching me lots of Swahili words and songs, and even took me to see the house she grew up in! There is a big common area in our hostel where all the American students hang out and play cards, and it has been a lot of fun bonding with everyone.
Laundry has been a definite learning experience! Our clothes get very dirty and I don't have quite the skill level of the "big mamas" yet, but I am improving!
Food is really good, but repetitive. We usually eat rice, beans and stew. There are often bananas or watermelon, and today we got avocado as a treat! No stomach problems yet, so keep your fingers crossed!
I know people have been having trouble texting and calling me. It sounds like 011255768521223 works for texts. 011 is long distance and 255 is the Tanzanian country code. I don't know why that number is so different than the one that works locally for me in Tanzania. I also think Skype has worked in texting and making calls to the number I listed previously. Sorry for the confusion!
I leave in a week for my village, but I will probably get online once or twice before then. I hope everyone is doing well!
Posted by karenintanzania 07:28 Archived in Tanzania
