Hello and welcome to my first blog from Tanzania. The last couple of weeks here have been a whirlwind. When I arrived I went to the VSO country office in Dar Es Salaam I met loads of other volunteers from all corners of the world; the Philippines, Holland, Quebec, Uganda, Kenya – a right international amalgamation. We received our Tanzania induction, which included getting a local Vodacom sim. Now we can make free calls to other VSO staff and volunteers, which I think will be invaluable. Steve and Roger, my co volunteers, came to pick me up from Mtwara airport and took me to Lindi which will be my home for the next two years!
My house is not quite ready to move into, though I have seen the outside and after its new paint job of lilac and green it is looking luridly impressive. Apparently the painters are from Dar Es Salaam and they have their finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest coloured masonry fashions. So, I am currently staying in a hotel around the corner, which is clean, tidy and air conditioned.
My new home
Meeting my new colleagues