The way of life in Arusha

The following is a typical day in Tanzania, read on: Last week, I made arrangements with Margaret, the gal that runs Step by Step for the handicapped kids, to come today for the whole morning without Charlie to work with the kids. I arranged the time with Eric so that he could look after Charlie and I was excited. This morning, I sent out my notes on the kids via email to Margaret and then had a taxi pick me up and take me there at 8:30am. I paid him 6000 schillings (about 5 dollars) and he dropped me off at Step by Step. It was closed, locked up, shades drawn. I waited for 30 minutes and finally texted Margaret, "did I get the start time wrong?" No, she replies, "I'm sorry. I forgot to tell you. It is a public holiday" end text. I then text my taxi driver to see if he can pick me up (he gave me the best deal) but to no avail...he is not answering. I walk about 6 blocks until I finally find a taxi. Since it is a public holiday (which I was not informed of), there are very few people working at all today. I find a taxi and they want to charge me 8000 schillings. I say, "no, 7000, and that is my final offer. Otherwise, I will take the dolla dolla," which is a joke because if my goal was to end my life I would take the dolla dolla. He finally agrees on 7000 schillings and I get a ride back to the house.

A little bit about the taxi ride: no seat belts, no shocks, car feels like it is falling apart. As we pass the patrol, the taxi driver half heartedly wraps his seatbelt around him (the only seat belt in the car) without buckling it until we pass and then swings it back to his side. The ride up to Il Boru is very bumpy and a car without shocks feels truly like it is going to fall apart. A few times up the hill I thought to myself, "I'll just walk from here. Pole, pole car..." I get to the gate and am finally home. "Karibu sana" the taxi driver says (you are very welcome) and I come inside. I am frustrated, have just spent about 11 dollars for nothing and did not help anyone today (except maybe the taxi driver). Then, I remind myself, it is just the way of life here...

Now, I am going to play with Charlie and Eric!