“TIA” seems to be a common saying around here, especially amongst the South Africans who have been passing through Mabuda Farm this week. It’s a slightly derogatory statement coming from them, usually referring to when something doesn’t work properly or takes much longer than it would elsewhere. There have been numerous examples of this happening in the last week; notably the fact I’m writing this in an internet café in town rather than at the hospital, because the communal computer has finally died – it was overloaded with viruses and didn’t cope when someone finally ran a clean-up on it! Other things include the sporadic powercuts occurring most evenings – last night meaning I had to do my washing by candlelight – not to mention the fact I’m handwashing at all! I’m afraid some of my clothes will never be quite the same again. Oh, and a guy just came up to me in the street to tell me about how he was the black Jesus and was looking for a girlfriend. Just about managed to resist that opportunity!
My version of TIA is a slightly happier one. Yes, there are problems with many things, but the same is true of the UK – just different things. Although I may have just turned down the new Messiah, and walking down the street is a challenge against all the people trying to sell me things, in general all the attention is friendly and falls a long way short of anything intimidating. I went out to one of the outreach clinics today, well off the beaten track, which was an adventure having to compete with cows for roadspace, but some truly spectacular scenery. The staff there were all very friendly and had some interesting ideas and thoughts for my project.
We've got two more medical students now, both girls from Sheffield Uni. We're hopefully going to go to Mlilwane reserve this weekend for some hiking/exploring, and might drop in at some of the many craft shops in the area for some souvenir shopping. I shall have to practise my haggling skills! At Mabuda, we've had lots of guests passing through - South African school holidays have just started so lots of people are on their way to Mozambique for surfing/diving etc. Nice to have some varied company, and lots of interesting experiences to share. I didn't do much last weekend, just relaxed around the farm, and went to church with Joel and the family who own Mabuda on Sunday. It was an interesting experience - technically a "mixed" church but led by an American priest, and generally not my style but worth the visit. We went into town to watch the football final on Sunday night, which wasn't as exciting as we'd hoped, but I'm sure you all know that by now!
Time is running out, so I'd better get going. I will try to update this before the weekend but it depends on how hectic things get...
No comments:
Post a Comment