Week One

Well here is the long awaited update. Sorry it has taken so long.

My trip over here was a long one - 28 hours. I flew over with Emirates and I was very impressed with the airline. Not only did they have cameras at the front and bottom of the plane in which the views could be seen on our TV screens, but they also had fairy lights in the ceiling so at night time it looked like you were sleeping under the stars. I also couldn't believe the shoes that the air hostesses were wearing - flat sensible shoes. This made the podiatrist in me very happy :-)

My first day in Tanzania was not so good. I spent the night throwing up, but thankfully it passed fairly quickly. The next few days I still felt weak and drained and still a little nauseous but it was better than vomiting.

My time at the clinic was amazing. I found it really hard on the first day as I was still recovering from being sick. I was in a hot room with very little airflow and the smell that came from some of these ulcers wasn't very pleasant. The clinic is doing such an incredible job in the prevention and treatment of the complications of diabetes. I have come away from my time here being so grateful for all the resources I have available to me, but at the same time so inspired by these people that they can so so much with so very little.

This morning I was planning to have my first sleep in, but it wasn't meant to be. I was awoken at 6am this morning to drums and trumpets playing and people cheering and singing. There is apparently some political celebration going on, so no sleep in for me. But I guess this is no different to be woken up at 5:20am every other morning as there is a mosque opposite the hotel that likes to announce it's time to come for prayers.

It has been great to be back in Africa again, although I don't miss being the centre of attention. When I go for a walk down the street, most people yell out "Jambo Muzungo" (Hello foreigner), "Where are you from?" or "Marry me and take me back to America". I have been doing my best to learn Swahili. The hotel staff have all taken it upon themselves to be my Swahili tutors and they always end up in fits of giggles at me trying.

Early tomorrow morning I leave Tanzania to make my way to Lusaka in Zambia. I can't wait to get there. The last time I was there was over 7 years ago and I am looking forward to catching up with everyone. I am also wondering how much the country has changed since I was last there.

Anyway I had better get going. I hope you are all well.
Take care,
Lisa