Market days

On Tuesday morning, we all woke up to news of the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. All of us struggled to take in what had happened while also trying to get in touch with friends and family who may have been affected. It was a difficult day, but all of the Tanzanians around us were aware of what had happened (the tornado had been on international news that morning). Several of the TCDC staff, as well as other American student groups who were studying at TCDC, were very kind and offered us condolences and asked about our friends and families back home. It was an interesting contrast  between the Tanzanian approach to tragedy and the typical American one. Tanzanians are very good at compartmentalizing their emotions, and in the face of tragedy, they offer condolences, say a prayer, and go on with their daily lives. It wasn't that they were insensitive to what we were going through when our Swahili teacher told us to focus on class instead of thinking about home, or a member of the TCDC staff said she was sorry about what happened, but that the only thing to do was pray and not let our days be affected. They were just sharing with us their belief that everything is in God's hands, that He is looking out for us and ours, and that personal worry will do nothing to further His agenda. And this was all we could have asked for; just their awareness and prayers were enough.

After class that day, we had a free afternoon. Some people went into Arusha town to work out cell phone issues or other supply needs. The majority of us walked from TCDC into Usa River, which is less than 2 kilometers up the road. Granted, it is a somewhat terrifying 2 km, with cars and boda bodas (motorcycles) zooming past us, only 5 or 6 feet away, but walking is the main mode of transportation for locals when your destination is within 4 or 5 km, and we were only joining the hundreds of others who walk along the road each and every day. 

The pathway you walk on alongside the road.

After getting to Usa River, we walked around the market there for a bit. We saw all of the different things being sold, such as fruits, vegetables, belts, and even very American-looking posters. It was an interesting experience, as we had not been in the busy market setting before. Only a couple of people attempted to buy things, and that was just because one of them was in desperate need of a belt. The rest of us walked around the market area until deciding to head back towards TCDC, making a stop at the coffee shop along the way. Those of us who have homestays within TCDC are a little more flexible about when we have to be back at the compound, so my roommate and I stayed at the shop for a little while after most people had left, just laying around. 

Literally, just laying around.

I actually ended up overhearing a group of three people at the shop speaking German (as it turns out, the Lutheran center for disabled people where the coffee shop is located is funded in large part by the German Lutheran church, so there are frequently Germans there), and I went over and had a great conversation with them about what each of us was doing in Usa and where we were from. I never imagined that I'd come to Africa and get to speak German! It was great, though, and it made me feel much better about my foreign language abilities after being frustrated with my lack of Swahili knowledge over the past few days.

The next day, Wednesday, was market day. Talk about an overwhelming experience...our Swahili teacher had given us each 2000 shillings in class that day (equivalent to just over $1). She instructed us to go to the market and barter for one type of fruit and one type of vegetable, and to bring them back to the center so the cafeteria could use them in the next couple of days. Needless to say, this bargaining was to be done all in Swahili. So, with three days of Swahili under our belts and just 5 full days in the country at all, we were sent out into Tengera Market to purchase our goods. 

One small section of Tengera Market--it was spread over a huge area.

I think we were all pleasantly surprised with how successful we were at bartering. My roommate and I were able to get 3 eggplants, 5 oranges, 15 carrots, and 6 limes, all for about $2. Turns out that baptism by fire may be an effective learning method when it comes to Swahili.

Jennifer and I with our goods--I also bought some fabric to make into a skirt.

There was one interesting experience at the market. Our professors had warned us about the tendency of Tanzanian men to be very forward and to tell women they love them, and sometimes even throw a marriage proposal out in the air. Jennifer and I were walking past a group of men who, after shaking our hands, refused to let go. I had one holding my hand and examining my bracelets while another one was standing across from me, saying "I love you so much. I love you." Then one asked me if I had a husband. No matter what the truth is, the answer to this question is ALWAYS yes. So I quickly said yes, and they all dropped my hands and looked very sad as we walked away. It was an entertaining, if somewhat odd, experience that I hopefully won't have to go through again. But if I do, all they need to know is that I have a "husband" back in America waiting for me!

So overall, the market experience was a good one, and I know that the next time we make it to one, I'll be a lot more comfortable with the atmosphere and hopefully a lot more proficient in Swahili, as well.

We're going to an orphanage this afternoon, so we're all looking forward to that! More to come later!

Kwaheri!