Tanzania: Day 5 — Mbezi Ndumbwi

From Tanzania Album 5

We thought we were having trouble pronouncing this site — it was even more difficult getting there. Our driver continues to amaze us with his ability to get lost even though he has the most detailed directions from Mama Wandoa. It is now our morning ritual to place bets on the number of times he will stop to ask directions. Perhaps he is simply terrified of being irretrieveably lost with six Mzungu women.

Mbezi Ndumbwi school was a beautiful spot for a distribution: hibiscus bushes for the background, shaded areas for respite from the sun, good flow from station to station of the distribution site. Unfortunately the weather had other plans. What we initially thought was a passing sun shower, within seconds turned into a torrential downpour, the likes of which I had not seen in my lifetime. Thank goodness we had a rain-out plan. Six unflinching volunteers scrambled to protect the labels, the cameras, and the bedkit on display.

We set up shop in an empty classroom. However, we were unable to complete our quota for the day: one hundred and fourteen children never made it to the site, perhaps because of the weather.

Have a look at the photos ... Maureen was able to capture the force of the rain and the rivers that immediately flowed down the gentle slopes of the school grounds.

From Tanzania Album 5

The abrupt end of the distribution left us with time to do some exploration of a Tanzanian street market and enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant. Haggling is the game at the markets and Nancy is our haggler par excellence!

Oh yes ... if you are wondering how to pronounce Mbezi Ndumbwi ... start off with a hum followed by “beezee," then a nasal hum for the N , followed by “dum wee.” Got it?

And if you are worried about the 114 children, we will stop at their village on Monday to give them their bedkits.

Linda Webb for the SCAW 2007 Tanzania travelling team.

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