living my best life…

Just as life was starting to feel a little too difficult, a little lonely and a little like too much hard work in Arusha, I arrived in Zanzibar. Yes, I’m here for work and for doing ‘dreadful’ networking, but just being here makes me feel like I’m on holiday or on a new adventure.

My Swahili tutor back in London has always encouraged me to set up my life in Zanzibar and I am starting to think that he might be right somehow.

The networking today was pretty successful. I had two ‘yes please, we need training’ and two ‘maybe, let’s talk’ which is not bad for a few hours of chat!

But I am really still hoping to be able to work with VETA – the vocational education authority here – and they are in Arusha, so… But who knows if they want my help! I went there for a meeting last week, but I didn’t manage to speak to he decision makers as they were offsite. Am waiting for an email to set up a meeting with them for next week, so we’ll see – but as you all know, I’m not the most patient person in the world, so the waiting time is getting on my nerves a bit! Haha 😆

Anyway, another day and a half here… more networking tomorrow but will also try to get a bit of culture in, I think. I did spend half a fortune on the flight here after all! Internal flights are very expensive in TZ – no Ryanair here! The return flight from Arusha to Zanzibar cost me $290, to be fair it was a last minute booking, so might have been cheaper in advance… Staying at a pretty cheap hotel though, Jambo Guest House in Stone Town – it’s great though. Shared bathroom but the shower is heavenly, it’s clean, breakfast is tasty and the WiFi is strong – can’t ask for any more for $30 per night!

So… as I was enjoying a gin & tonic with the sunset this evening I really felt like I was living the life that I set out to live… and I know it’s not going to be beautiful sunset drinks all the time and that sometimes life will be shitty and a bit lonely, but these are the moments I have to remember to get through those times.

Starting a new life is not easy… I did it when I moved to London for university and to a degree in Munich as well… and I was thoroughly miserable for a few weeks each time… trying to be more pragmatic this time (I am older after all!) but even though this really is my dream, it’s still difficult to start again… new surroundings, new friends, new habits etc. But today I’m optimistic and happy!

I love hearing from you all by the way… helps me a lot! Sending hugs to everyone back home… and cheers!