So my second weekend in Africa has started. It is hard to believe I have been here for a week already. Every day seems new and exciting still and I am constantly trying to find a "better way" to do things. We have to use bottled water to brush our teeth and of course the laundry is all done by hand. I am so used to flipping a switch or just pulling a handle and having things done for me but everything around here is genuinely hard work. There is no easy way.
Yesterday, I was not feeling very well. My tummy was sore and nausous and I had a headache that came and went. I think part of the problem is I am alone this weekend so I have had plenty of time to think about home and what I am missing out on. I ended up eatting Friday's meal (fried fish, rice, sweet potatoes and spinach) which was VERY good and spent most of my day in bed. Lastnight I plugged in a movie but the quality of the movies here are terrible so I listened to the voices for noise while eatting Raman Noodles and reading in bed. It was really nice to relax and listen to the birds and crickets for once. I mean, how often does anyone really just sit with their doors wide open to listen to the silence anymore? I enjoy the tranquility of Africa. There is no drama, no problems and no huge issues that people are constantly being faced with. I can honestly say I don't miss going to the bars and partying. There are so many other things I could be doing on a Friday and Saturday night here that not being out and about doesn't faze me. Who knows though... Maybe all my quiet time will send me stir crazy and I will be able to enjoy the luxuries of my life even more?!?
Anyways, This morning (Saturday) I got up and had a wonderful half hour conversation on the volunteer cell phone with my family. I got to talk to John and Carol and Dom and Dani and Nick and Tegan and Mom and Dad. It was super nice as well because it is John and Carol's 25th Wedding Anniversary and we all surprised them with a trip to Vegas that they had no idea about! So even though I wasn't physically there to see the look of shock on their faces, I had mom tell me all about it and I felt like I was there. After our chat, I did my laundry (does it ever end??) and that in itself is a process.... You fill up a big bucket with warm water, add 3 handfuls of your wash soap and mix it around. You stick your tshirts, tanks and pants all in and swish it around with your hands. One by one, you take your clothes out and wring out the soapy water as best you can. Then you take the clothes and put it in another bucket filled with colder plain water and rinse all the soap out. Finally you wring out the clothes as best you can and hang them all on the clothes line on our veranda as best you can. I think I had maybe 6 tops and 4 pairs of pants plus 8 pairs of undies and a couple bras... It took me about 45 minutes to do this. Hopefully by tonight and if not maybe Sunday afternoon all my stuff will be dry so I can fold it and put it back on my clothes rack.
Once I am done with this post, I am going to walk down the road and try to find the River. Lake Victoria/Source of the Nile is about 2 blocks infront of our compound and I want to go get pictures. This afternoon I plan on going into town and shopping for some of my favorite people back home =) Tonight... I'm thinking is another Raman Noodle in bed night. Perhaps I will steal a toddler and have a sleepover with them too. Who knows!?
Have a fantastic weekend everyone and I will be sure to update what I found and saw at the River!
God Bless!
xo*
wow!!Great GrammaSeymour is smiling down and proud of you!!!washing clothes in a bucket ...very hard work i am sure....Good to hear you are feeling better ..have fun on your jungle walk!!!thank you !!this does feel like we are along side you God Bless Love Aunty & uncle ox
ReplyDeleteApril 17, 2010
ReplyDeleteDear Tarrah,
I enjoyed reading your “Ah Ah moment!” entry.
Not a bad idea to do what I’d call quiet, ‘Self Analysis’, once in a while. Funny how these reflective patches crop up when doing the mundane. Important as a little pondering can be it is equally essential not to be too hard on one’s self. Drawing lasting positive vibes from these mental exercises is the real treasure.
Mud sliding, though fun, must bring some challengers in the laundry department. Picturing you rolling in the rain soaked mud I can imagine a super opportunity for a memorable TV add for Tide, don’t you think?
As you may have heard in your news, international flight to all parts in Europe are in disarray due to the volcanic ash spewed from an eruption in Iceland. I heard on CBC yesterday up to a million north American tourists have been turned away from airports because of cancelled flights.
You got away at the right time when you left just before the problem fully developed. Heathrow, Paris and many other major terminals throughout Europe have been affected.
Nice to be able to get pictures from the shores of Lake Victoria; but how safe is it for you to wander around on your own?? Or do you; as I hope, have a companion with you on these jaunts?
We are so use to being secure within our home turfs one needs to be responsive to the realities in new surroundings.
Grandma spoke to your Dad this morning to see how his injuries were improving. Apparently he is having a bit of knee pain at present, hopefully this is just part of the healing process and not something that will linger for too long.
Well dear I will close this little note by saying how much we enjoy your letters (Blogs I guess) and that I admire the fine quality of your writing style.
Love and take care of yourself.
Love,
Grandpa.
I enjoy reading grandpas responses as much as I enjoy your adventures. Loved talking to you last evening and this morning. See you are rally closer than you think. Perhaps weshould hook grandpa up with Skype then he could ask you all those questions in person....
ReplyDeleteLove you and Miss you
OXOXOX Mom
PS sorry for the tears this morning you see I do miss you as much as you miss us. Had another nap in your bed( made me feel much better HAHA!)