first days in Bagamoyo

Just in case you were wondering: Mount Kilimanjaro does still have snow


I left home on Wednesday around 2 pm. It took a couple of days ( traveling east I didn’t count the hours), 4 flights and a 2 1/2 hr taxi ride to get to Bagamoyo. Everything went smoothly- that means no missed flights and all luggage appeared at the carousel in Dar Es Salaam. To top it all up I met someone at the airport who was traveling to Bagamoyo on business and offered a ride in his taxi.
I arrived a Francesco’s hostel early afternoon, Friday. They expected me- Terri had called- and gave me a room upstairs where I like it because the fresh breeze from the ocean comes into the space and I get a balcony. Rooms here have a comfortable double bed with a mosquito net and a fan, and a private bathroom with shower.
Since I was here last year the management has changed. Now breakfast is included in the price (20 000 TSh). And this morning I found out that it’s a good breakfast with coffee from a bodum, nice bread, choice of eggs, good jams and even cheese (you rarely see cheese here). We’re talking about an earthen oven for pizza coming to Francescos soon!

Yesterday I spent a little time getting the basics together: got a phone, a local SIM, and ordered some shirts from the tailor at Bagapoint. And its so nice to sit and read and have some time to land.
My next post will give you updates on the Shamba….see you then

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First post : still at home

…in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, enjoying tea and late afternoon sun in front of moziro’s coffeeshop.
I begin this blog on this Tuesday- a week before  I fly to Tanzania to continue the work with Baobab home in Bagamoyo and to start a new project in the Kondoa region.
This trip will be my fourth time in Tanzania (stories and pictures from previous visits are here) and I look forward to reconnecting with everyone there.
Once again the purpose of the trip is to help the projects along, and help takes different forms:
  • Local organizations have asked me to consult and oversee the construction of buildings.
  • This gives opportunities to train people there in Permaculture and Natural Building .
  • We also host Volunteer camps, which brings people from other places to help out on the projects and raise funds.
  • If enough money is raised we can hire more local people to finish the project and move occupants in.
This blog will share what’s happening and keep you connected if you choose. I invite you to be part of the action in whatever way you can:
  • Subscribe to this blog by email (below) or become a follower
  • Spread the word…on facebook or at your coffeeshop or school or workplace
  • Make a donation
  • Become a volunteer
  • Link your blog or website to us
  • Write comments
I look forward to sharing the journey

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Winterizing

We had a first light frost on the ground with a half moon in a clear night sky. Yes it’s getting colder and time to move the kitchen indoors.
Today was picked as the moving day and everybody jumped in. Wheelbarrow loads of stuff was taken out of the cupboards and fridges and is now in its new location for the cold months. Marisa orchestrated and many hands made the work light. And still it took all day.
At the end of the day dinner was served indoors!
A few more interns finished on Friday and have moved on. The place feels empty and quiet. Our winter population will count around 20.
There’s lots more to do to be ready for winter: the garden will be put to bed, firwood moved closer to the buildings, water shut off to outdoor showers.
Meanwhile I am preparing for a trip to Africa- 10 days from now I’ll be on my way. And Sundays at O.U.R. Ecovillage will resume in February.

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Thanksgiving weekend

Yes, it’s been a long while since I last actually sat down on a Sunday to write.
It is somewhat symptomatic for how the season takes off here at the Village, leaving hardly a weekend to sit back and reflect.
So here it is Thanksgiving weekend and we are taking three days off. Days off look different for everyone. In my case it looked like this:
Sleeping in was definitely on my list. Followed by “unscheduled time to do whatever I felt moved to do”. That translated into doing some browncoat plaster in the bathhouse and cleaning out the gutter of the Art Studio.
A drive to the open water near Sooke at French Beach was a wonderful break. There’s just something about sitting by the ocean and listening to the pulse of the surf.
A visit with friends also felt good and was long overdue.

So think about what time off means to you and how do you make it happen?

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