Even though I have been staying here a few times before, this is the first time I am actually living in Stone Town… so it is taking a little time to settle in, but feel I am doing alright so far. My flat is very western and modern, even has some Ikea furniture (@elin)! I try to cook my own food every day to save money and I quite enjoy it. There’s also a rooftop terrace to enjoy the lovely weather here!
I live on the fourth floor, so getting some exercise every day – actually my teaching room at Kawa is also on the fourth floor… so maybe the steps will solve my fat thigh problem ‘naturally’. Oh, thanks to everyone who gave advice on this issue! I have found deodorant to be quite useful!
Anyway, the location of my place is also great – everything is in walking distance… walk to ‘work’ in 10 minutes and to the beach in 20 minutes. The only slight downside to here is perhaps that a couple of the fifty mosques in Stone Town are just around the corner, so I am trying to get used to the 5am call for prayer. Already now I don’t hear it every day actually, and even when I do wake, it’s quite soothing and just a nice reminder that I can sleep for another two-three hours. I have also considered if I should try to get up earlier in general as I seem to be quite lethargic in the evenings – thinking it’s because of the heat and humidity.
And I do really enjoy the overwhelming Muslim culture here… seems to bring calm and a gentle community feel… no pork is of course a disadvantage (missing bacon!) plus can’t buy wine in any of the local shops. But an expat friend guided me to a wine & spirits shop a little out of town, so did a wine & beer run earlier this week, so the ‘bar’ is stocked up for a little while!
Since I don’t know anyone very well yet, I can feel a little alone at times, especially in the evenings as the days are filled with work stuff, but my little local community is really friendly. When I walk into town or to work, everybody recognises me (I guess I stand out!). I greet the guy in the stationary shop, who loves showing off his excellent English, wave at the mama in the corner shop where I get popcorn, smile at the young man in the local restaurant who makes excellent bread and a nod to the old men sitting on the corner with their morning coffee – they invited me to join them and offered me ginger tea when I explained my dislike for coffee. I even have a regular motorbike taxi driver and am teaching the fruit seller a little English every day.
And then there are all the familiar smells… burning rubbish, peeling of oranges, roasting of corn, fumes from the daladalas (mini buses), dodgy drainage here & there, popcorn and the frying of chips… probably doesn’t sound great from where you’re sitting but to me it’s sort of comforting and makes me feel at home. So if I am feeling a little low, I go for a walk. The atmosphere is nice and I always see something which makes me giggle!
Right, I better get on with my day – have some exam prep to do as my students will have their first exam on Monday… has been such a great week with them, but more about that next week.
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! And really hope that England win the Cricket World Cup – fingers crossed I can find good enough Wi-Fi somewhere to follow it!
BETINA IN AFRICA 