On Friday we went to Dodoma. Malcolm needed to buy a new printer and scanner for the Hospital. Although many things in Tanzania are cheap (because people do not have much money), computer equipment is not. The printer costs about twice as much as in the UK and replacement cartridges are more than a month’s wages. However, the printer is needed as Malcolm has been spending the last 3 months transferring files between computers on a flash card in order to print them – and transferring lots of computer viruses in the process. Malcolm’s computer has already had to be reformatted once, maybe because of a virus. Fortunately he had taken a back-up a few days earlier.
There are only ever 2 types of computer data – that which you have lost, and that which you are going to lose. So take back-ups!
The scanner is also essential to send by email documents to the UK Charity that helps fund the Hospital.
Where were we? Ah yes, Dodoma.
One of the reasons we went to Dodoma was to attend our second Ceilidh in the MAF aircraft hanger. This time there was a group of visitors from Scotland so Irene did not need to ‘call’ the dances.
It was a very sociable weekend. On Saturday we had lunch at Dr Corrie’s town apartment (or escape hide-away) with a neighbour, Leanne. Afterwards Malcolm disgraced himself by falling asleep on Corries bed, only to do the same thing when they stopped for a coffee at the Dodoma Hotel. That night (fully refreshed!!!) we were invited for a meal at the home of Tim, part of the MAF team, and his wife Carol. Carol has lived here for 21 years and it was strange visiting a ‘proper’ home. They are soon to ‘emigrate’ to Australia (having previously comes from England). This was followed by a game of ‘Settlers’ (the board game, not indigestion tablets). The family house rule was broken as Malcolm didn’t win
It has been a mixed week at work.
Good news – the printer scanner and a modem have been installed
Bad news – it took a long time to get it going, and even now it’s not quite right
Good news – the Government at long last has started sending the money to pay all staff
Bad news – they haven’t sent the correct money so many staff will be upset
Good news – we can now discuss with NSSF (the National Insurance of Tanzania) how to pay off about 65,000,000 Tsh arrears
Bad news – the more we look the bigger the debt becomes
Irene has come down with a cold (there is no swine flu in Tanzania – just malaria) which seems quite strange as it is comparatively hot. This has limited her work at the school as she hasn’t had the energy.
On egg economics (eggonomics) there were this week:
17 new eggs
1 new chick (who has had 2 mothers hatching the egg and claiming ownership)
This brings the total production to 129 for £53 or 41p each. Malcolm even had a 10 egg omelette one day!!! With probably about 8 or 9 weeks to go in Mvumi before we take a long journey home via South Africa we are beginning to plan a gradual reduction in stock (and new chicken recipes).
For the next week:
- We visit Bethania church as special guests
- We are invited to Saturday lunch at the home of our Swahili teacher, Zena
- Squashie (Simon Walton’s Alsatian) returns to our house as Julia goes on a 10 day Holiday with her daughter
No comments:
Post a Comment