January 16, 2010
I had to laugh today as Marie grabbed about 5 items off her shelf before we headed to the store, in a car, with a friend. It “seemed” like the day should be straight-forward, simple, and all-indoors, but that rarely turns out to be the case! Here’s a list of the things we’ve found are VERY handy to have on hand, no matter where you think you’ll be going, or when you’re supposed to be back…
TP – for those random holes in the ground (aka bathrooms) where tissue paper is not to be found.
Hand Sanitizer – See above :) There MAY be a sink (doubtful), but chances are the water is off…
Kanga – This is a piece of fabric often used in Tanzania for any of the following: covering your legs (if you’re wearing pants in a Muslim area), covering your shoulders (same as before), covering your head and shoulders from the hot sun, covering your legs as protection against mozzies, a changing station (put one on either side of two close-together trees), a towel, a sweat mop, or a carrying backpack for small children. There’s a published book with 101 ways to use a kanga, if you want to check it out.
Mozzie Spray – It may LOOK like it’s 8am and you’ll be home by noon. But take a second glance… there’s a good chance you’re bajaj driver will take a wrong turn, you’ll break down on the side of the road, or you’ll end up walking a couple of miles before you can find a ride to wherever you’re going. Not to mention the fact that the restaurant owners have to kill the cow before getting you your mishkakis (kind of like shish-kabobs – meat and veggies grilled on a stick). You never know WHAT’S going to happen! Despite your good intentions of being indoors beforehand, the little mosquitoes will come out in droves at the first sign of dusk, and you’d better be ready. I’ve found the little mosquito repellent “sticks” are the greatest thing ever to have in your bag! That is, when they don't evaporate into the 92% humidity climate first!
Water – the weather is slightly cooler at the moment, praise the LORD!!! But hydration is still a definite issue here in Dar, and if we don’t keep drinking, we’ll be sure to have a headache (and be exhausted) by the end of the day.
Sun Block – SPF 400+ is almost sufficient. The sun’s rays are amazingly direct and piercing here, even after a few minutes. (Thus, the kanga on the head…) But be careful, sun block has a tendency to melt if carried around outside…
Cell Phone – Must include the numbers of: personnel for SIL and HOPAC, several hospitals, emergency MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) number in case someone needs to be flown out, phone numbers of close friends’ parents and families, Tanesco (our "friendly" neighborhood power company – in case we need to call and remind them we like power:) ), and several reliable bajaji and taxi drivers. Not to mention any family or friends around the world!
Shillings – A credit card won’t cut it here… in fact, about the only thing to DO with a credit card here is to cut it! If you want to purchase anything, even if the place “officially” accepts credit cards, bet on using cash. They don’t like the charges here that are incurred when using a credit card… and most places have never heard of such a thing, anyway.
Sunglasses/Hat – Most days, I wish I wore glasses. The “I look smart” glasses that people wear for every day because they’re eyesight isn’t 20-20. I never thought good eyes would be a problem, but the dust and dirt are GREAT at making it into my eyes if I don’t have something to protect them. And sunglasses are pretty touristy. Really, in terms of the sun, it’d probably be good to wear sunglasses anyway… Another important article of clothing is a sunhat. I need to find a good one to fit, but on those crazy-rays sunny days, this is vital to keeping your cool.
Torch – In America, we call this a flashlight :). Another useful thing to have around in the not-so-off chance you’ll end up coming home after dark. Also, if you’re amazing mom insists you bring a MagLight flashlight (the not-so-light weight version), then it’s also helpful in case you come across creepy guys on the street who are trying to corner you and kiss you…
Camera – Last but not least, all of the above suggest opportunities for some grand adventures (which are great to laugh at… several days later!). For the sake of all of you, I try to keep my camera on hand so that you can join in some of the craziness of life here in Dar! Twende!
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