Tsunami warnings in TZ

The views and opinions of this blog reflect only those of the bloggers and do not reflect the views and opinions of the Peace Corps.

Although I don't know if any of you are wondering about the effects of yesterday's and today's earthquake/tsunami in Sumatra, Indonesia, I want to tell you that the Peace Corps texted us yesterday late afternoon and within the hour, the PC Director for Tanzania phoned us to alert us that we may have rain and wind here as a result. I guess in the 2004 tsunami, there was some minor effects here. So, when we received the text and Pat's call, we had no idea that there was an earthquake/tsunami. We tried to get BBC on the short wave, but we have not found the magic number to use in Mtwara to get clear transmissions (if there is one). I did go to Pastor John's house this morning since he has a TV. He said that there was no effect on TZ, but just a few minutes ago, we had a major downpour, when rain is not expected until November. So, I am guessing that this rain is related to the tsunami.

Last night, we did not know what to expect and Mike has been concerned about the water spots on our ceilings here and there. So, we piled up everything on the table, or in the areas where there are no water spots on the ceilings. Interestingly, our house has a different floor level almost in every room. Most of it is gradual inclines, with the lowest point being the restroom where we have a drain in the floor. Our house is about 40 years old, so no-one knows much about what is under the floor, but overall, it is a very liveable house here. I'll ramble for a few more minutes about this house. The last volunteer was here alone and consumed some of his alone hours drawing on the walls and painting some. The typical paint in a TZ home is pale yellow semigloss up to about 5 feet and non-washable white to the ceilings, which are about 10 feet high. The former inhabitant drew the state of California and a map of Tanzania. The map of TZ has a dragon in Lake Victoria and a sasquach ? in the highlands. There is also a snail, a flower, drawings of who knows what and a picture of what he looked like when he grew a "Decembeard", as it says on the wall. For some reason, hair seems to be a focus for younger PCVs. They seem to shave it, let it grow, cut it in unusual ways, or whatever. I guess there was some movement to have all the TZ volunteer males grow beards some December. He apparently was one of the participants. He also has a "prawn count" on the kitchen wall, commemorating th 1387 prawns he ate while in Mtwara. Since Mike and I are "wazee", not all these drawings and artwork are to our liking. When asked about it, the landlord said he just painted the whole house before the last inhabitant moved in, clearing saying that he was not going to paint again. Makes one wonder how often landlords think painting is needed? Whether it is because we are white or not, we will end up painting those areas we want different. Such is life in TZ. Everyone confirms that the landlords are happy to let you update the home however you want; they do not think any upgrades or upkeep are their responsibility.

The big news is that I am making curtains for the living room windows. Now, maybe the children will not be able to find us so mesmerizing. We have had our share of them peeking in windows. We are just so fascinating as we read or cut up vegetables.

More later, but we hope everyone is well. We are doing fine health-wise. We just wish the house was a little more ready for our arrival. Just having a bookcase at arrival means you keep finding things you need for weeks, so each day you end up trying to find these items. Some are available, some aren't. Finding the available ones necessitates asking several stores and many individuals--read the post about the pictures for the post office! Overall, it is quite educational and mostly entertaining...

Comments

[Tina B]

Hi Mike and Nancy!

I am loving your blog and really enjoy hearing about life in TZ! I find much of your information fascinating. I am glad you have a home now and are getting settled in finally. I imagine you are both still busy learning the language and the culture, but I am sure you are both loving it tremendously! Good luck and God Bless both of you!!