This morning, I have caught up on sleep, emails, and blogs. We are off to an artists' location this afternoon, then back here for a quick shower and freshening up before the 24-hour flight back to Canada.
The folks who went to the solar event were flying high when I saw them; many innovative ideas coming out of that. You put down $25 on a panel, a battery, two lights, one charging area, a radio and a flashlight. Then you pay 50 cents a day (about the cost of the kerosene they are now using), and it is yours after about two years. The company can keep track of your payments remotely, and use triangulation to know roughly where you are located. The can cut off the solar panel's function if you don't pay. The panels should last over ten years, so you will have profits. And the Chinese are working on stoves, TVs, and refrigerators. And you can use the panel as collateral, to buy seeds, fertilizer, etc.
Those who went to the mental health thing were less enthusiastic. There is too much to do and too little money. But they are aware and are trying.
We were off to lunch at the Slipway, and some shopping as well. And then, now, back to the hotel for packing, a shower, and getting going.
The ride to the airport was something not to be forgotten. We were told to leave about 8 PM for a midnight flight, even though it is only about ten kilometres to the airport. We found out why: we were on a four-lane road, but there was a stoppage on the way. Everything was stopped for about an hour. Except, of course, the motorcycles which whizzed between the lanes of traffic, and the bicycles and touts who were there in a flash. We were in three different vans, and had no contact with each other, so were a bit worried about whether we would all get there in time.
And then there was the need to pee. Looked like you could get out and use a bush along the side of the road, but of course that would be the exact minute that traffic would start moving again. So you held it, and gritted your teeth.
The airport was open to the elements on the main floor, and not air conditioned (except for the wind, of course). There were several steps to security, first just to get into the airport, then to get your ticket, then to get to the gate.
But we got there, with time to spare. And prepared for the long, 24-hour trip back to Toronto.
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Location:Dar es Salaam
