Monday, 18 July 2011

Steep learning curve

It seems that almost every day I learn something new. Most of these things I could have learned before, but have not needed until now. Here are some examples:

Online banking: I've never bothered at home because the bank is a 5-minute walk from my house and I would rather go out to run errands than spend more time online.


Texting: Apparently it's the main form of communication in Tanzania. I haven't needed it here because I don't call people -- I send email or wait till I see them.Texting is easy enough, but figuring out why the screen on my phone went blank every few seconds was another matter. I did figure it out.

Converting current to plug things in: I just found out that for my laptop and phone charger I won't need to.... at least I think that's right... just need an adapter plug...

Copying CD's to my laptop

Online e-book check out from the public library: how cool is that??!!


None of these things are directly related to Tanzania, but they're all part of getting ready to leave. It seems my life is full of devices with cords that need plugging in or charging, settings that need customizing.... etc. But I am grateful to have them. 

[Just tried to skype with my fellow teaching-fellow and could not un-mute the microphone! Next learning experience coming up!]


I'm also trying to learn some Swahili. Although I won't need it for work, and there will be lots of English-speaking people around,  I want to be able to say at least the essential things. (Vyoo viko wapi?) And eventually I would like to learn more, so that I can converse at least a bit with people who don't speak English.

I've also been reading about Tanzania in the Lonely Planet travel guides and looking up things to do in Arusha and surrounding area on websites. There will definitely be a lot of exciting things to do. 

Haven't started packing... but who needs 3 weeks to pack? I think that will be the easy part. 

Kwa heri!









 



















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