Yeay!!
Thursday 16 May 2013
Yasiri
Just had to share the good news... The lovely and lively Yasiri who had the leg amputated has now gone home to Zanzibar. After seeing him so poorly on my last day I just couldn't be happier!!!
Yeay!!
Yeay!!
Wednesday 1 May 2013
Grade one-athon
I had to add a post about this. It's an idea thought up by the lovely Helena Wood and by gum it's a goody!
The rules are-you must take you're grade 1 in an instrument that is alien to you by Xmas. Get sponsored for it, challenge yourself without having to run 26 miles and have a real laugh in the process! - at everyone else!
The response has been fantastic! But I don't know why that surprises me. The musicians network is truly like no other.
So let's watch this space and see how it goes. I've started my trumpet practise!
X
The rules are-you must take you're grade 1 in an instrument that is alien to you by Xmas. Get sponsored for it, challenge yourself without having to run 26 miles and have a real laugh in the process! - at everyone else!
The response has been fantastic! But I don't know why that surprises me. The musicians network is truly like no other.
So let's watch this space and see how it goes. I've started my trumpet practise!
X
Sunday 14 April 2013
Your money
I promised I'd let you know where all the money kindly donated before my trip went.
So here it is
£510 donated in total
£40- sodas and biscuits for teachers and parents at the hospital- they were over the moon-a big great!
£25- parachute. So much fun had with that!
£30-paints and balloons.
£115- suitcase excess.
£300-I gave the rest straight to the charity and they tell me it's going directly to buy outside play equipment. They will also hopefully have enough for printer ink and paper.
So as you can see every penny was used. None was lost in admin, or transfer costs.
I can't thank you enough for your help and support. It made a direct difference to people lives, who are a damn site less fortunate than us. Thank you
Ps-incase you didn't see this before, this is the letter I received on my return to England. I must go back and am raising the funds to get me there.
My just giving ad http://justgiving.com/JosTanzania
Dear Joanna Watts,
Letter of appreciation and future plans
27th March 2013
I wanted to write to you on behalf of Children in Crossfire to thank you for the great work you have done during your recent 3 weeks volunteering in our Paediatric Oncology Programme. We do not write letters for all volunteers, but your dedication, enthusiasm and unconditional engagement with the children was exceptional and I wanted to personally acknowledge that.
As you experienced, music can have a transformational impact on children’s experience whilst they are receiving treatment for cancer. This is well known in The West, but in Africa, poor resources mean that these elements of treatment are often neglected.
Children in Crossfire are keen to maintain the momentum of your visit and to integrate a more comprehensive music therapy element into our existing play therapy programme. As we discussed, over the coming year we have funding to establish new children’s cancer wards in 2 regional hospitals in Tanzania, in Mwanza and Moshi. Alongside the clinical services we will work through our local partner ‘Tumaini La Maisha’ to deliver non-clinical services. Part of this will be the play therapy programme.
We would love to work with you to integrate music therapy to that programme and invite you to return next year to deliver this programme and train local staff to be able to sustain the joy you bring to the children.
However, as you know, great ideas need funding and, although we have some funds for the non-clinical services, we do not currently have funds for the music therapy element. It would be great to work with you to develop a plan and budget of what would be needed. Once we have this we can support you in whatever way possible to raise the funds to make it happen. I look forward to on-going discussions that can progress this idea. It is always good to maintain momentum, so lets talk soon.
Once again, from all at Children in Crossfire and the children at Muhimbili Hospital, thank you for everything you have done. Now, let’s do more!
Kind Regards,
Matthew Banks
Head of International Programmes Children in Crossfire
Xjox
So here it is
£510 donated in total
£40- sodas and biscuits for teachers and parents at the hospital- they were over the moon-a big great!
£25- parachute. So much fun had with that!
£30-paints and balloons.
£115- suitcase excess.
£300-I gave the rest straight to the charity and they tell me it's going directly to buy outside play equipment. They will also hopefully have enough for printer ink and paper.
So as you can see every penny was used. None was lost in admin, or transfer costs.
I can't thank you enough for your help and support. It made a direct difference to people lives, who are a damn site less fortunate than us. Thank you
Ps-incase you didn't see this before, this is the letter I received on my return to England. I must go back and am raising the funds to get me there.
My just giving ad http://justgiving.com/JosTanzania
Dear Joanna Watts,
Letter of appreciation and future plans
27th March 2013
I wanted to write to you on behalf of Children in Crossfire to thank you for the great work you have done during your recent 3 weeks volunteering in our Paediatric Oncology Programme. We do not write letters for all volunteers, but your dedication, enthusiasm and unconditional engagement with the children was exceptional and I wanted to personally acknowledge that.
As you experienced, music can have a transformational impact on children’s experience whilst they are receiving treatment for cancer. This is well known in The West, but in Africa, poor resources mean that these elements of treatment are often neglected.
Children in Crossfire are keen to maintain the momentum of your visit and to integrate a more comprehensive music therapy element into our existing play therapy programme. As we discussed, over the coming year we have funding to establish new children’s cancer wards in 2 regional hospitals in Tanzania, in Mwanza and Moshi. Alongside the clinical services we will work through our local partner ‘Tumaini La Maisha’ to deliver non-clinical services. Part of this will be the play therapy programme.
We would love to work with you to integrate music therapy to that programme and invite you to return next year to deliver this programme and train local staff to be able to sustain the joy you bring to the children.
However, as you know, great ideas need funding and, although we have some funds for the non-clinical services, we do not currently have funds for the music therapy element. It would be great to work with you to develop a plan and budget of what would be needed. Once we have this we can support you in whatever way possible to raise the funds to make it happen. I look forward to on-going discussions that can progress this idea. It is always good to maintain momentum, so lets talk soon.
Once again, from all at Children in Crossfire and the children at Muhimbili Hospital, thank you for everything you have done. Now, let’s do more!
Kind Regards,
Matthew Banks
Head of International Programmes Children in Crossfire
Xjox
Wednesday 27 March 2013
Some more pictures
Please read.
I've just received this letter from Matt Banks at the charity. Please take a second to read it.
I must go back again, but cannot afford to fund it myself this time. Therefore I have set up a just giving page to help get me there in probably about 18 months time. Chris and the children will be coming, but we will be covering their costs ourselves. This is just to cover my own costs of travel, accommodation, and car hire while I'm there. This means I can work at the cancer ward in Dar but hopefully also travel out to the 2 other centres and help get some music going there also.
My just giving ad http://justgiving.com/JosTanzania
I'm on a mission! Please help. The letter....
Dear Joanna Watts,
Letter of appreciation and future plans
27th March 2013
I wanted to write to you on behalf of Children in Crossfire to thank you for the great work you have done during your recent 3 weeks volunteering in our Paediatric Oncology Programme. We do not write letters for all volunteers, but your dedication, enthusiasm and unconditional engagement with the children was exceptional and I wanted to personally acknowledge that.
As you experienced, music can have a transformational impact on children’s experience whilst they are receiving treatment for cancer. This is well known in The West, but in Africa, poor resources mean that these elements of treatment are often neglected.
Children in Crossfire are keen to maintain the momentum of your visit and to integrate a more comprehensive music therapy element into our existing play therapy programme. As we discussed, over the coming year we have funding to establish new children’s cancer wards in 2 regional hospitals in Tanzania, in Mwanza and Moshi. Alongside the clinical services we will work through our local partner ‘Tumaini La Maisha’ to deliver non-clinical services. Part of this will be the play therapy programme.
We would love to work with you to integrate music therapy to that programme and invite you to return next year to deliver this programme and train local staff to be able to sustain the joy you bring to the children.
However, as you know, great ideas need funding and, although we have some funds for the non-clinical services, we do not currently have funds for the music therapy element. It would be great to work with you to develop a plan and budget of what would be needed. Once we have this we can support you in whatever way possible to raise the funds to make it happen. I look forward to on-going discussions that can progress this idea. It is always good to maintain momentum, so lets talk soon.
Once again, from all at Children in Crossfire and the children at Muhimbili Hospital, thank you for everything you have done. Now, let’s do more!
Kind Regards,
Matthew Banks
Head of International Programmes Children in Crossfire
I must go back again, but cannot afford to fund it myself this time. Therefore I have set up a just giving page to help get me there in probably about 18 months time. Chris and the children will be coming, but we will be covering their costs ourselves. This is just to cover my own costs of travel, accommodation, and car hire while I'm there. This means I can work at the cancer ward in Dar but hopefully also travel out to the 2 other centres and help get some music going there also.
My just giving ad http://justgiving.com/JosTanzania
I'm on a mission! Please help. The letter....
Dear Joanna Watts,
Letter of appreciation and future plans
27th March 2013
I wanted to write to you on behalf of Children in Crossfire to thank you for the great work you have done during your recent 3 weeks volunteering in our Paediatric Oncology Programme. We do not write letters for all volunteers, but your dedication, enthusiasm and unconditional engagement with the children was exceptional and I wanted to personally acknowledge that.
As you experienced, music can have a transformational impact on children’s experience whilst they are receiving treatment for cancer. This is well known in The West, but in Africa, poor resources mean that these elements of treatment are often neglected.
Children in Crossfire are keen to maintain the momentum of your visit and to integrate a more comprehensive music therapy element into our existing play therapy programme. As we discussed, over the coming year we have funding to establish new children’s cancer wards in 2 regional hospitals in Tanzania, in Mwanza and Moshi. Alongside the clinical services we will work through our local partner ‘Tumaini La Maisha’ to deliver non-clinical services. Part of this will be the play therapy programme.
We would love to work with you to integrate music therapy to that programme and invite you to return next year to deliver this programme and train local staff to be able to sustain the joy you bring to the children.
However, as you know, great ideas need funding and, although we have some funds for the non-clinical services, we do not currently have funds for the music therapy element. It would be great to work with you to develop a plan and budget of what would be needed. Once we have this we can support you in whatever way possible to raise the funds to make it happen. I look forward to on-going discussions that can progress this idea. It is always good to maintain momentum, so lets talk soon.
Once again, from all at Children in Crossfire and the children at Muhimbili Hospital, thank you for everything you have done. Now, let’s do more!
Kind Regards,
Matthew Banks
Head of International Programmes Children in Crossfire
Monday 25 March 2013
The End
So that was it! My last day.
I went in early as planned and ended up spending an hour in the room where they take bloods and change the canular thingys.
Should be straight forward right?! Well each child has so much scar tissue from previous tests and attempts they just can't find a vein.
Poor Yasiri who has had a leg amputated (you'll be hearing more about that from me, because as soon as he's well enough I'm determind to get him a new leg!) he's feisty, artistic and very clever. But today was a bad day for him.
They just couldn't find a vein anywhere. I mean they must have tried about 10-15 times-each time really hurt him. Eventually they put the canular in his thumb. He didn't make it down to the classroom today, so I went back up and sat with him a lot. He felt rotten. He was constantly sick and very weak. Not the boy I met 3 weeks ago, that became my right hand man on his drum.
It was worth seeing what they have to go through before making it down the the classroom. It helped me to understand why some days I struggled to get anything from them. They just felt rubbish and I guess whatever we did and however little they joined in, it still went some way to taking their minds of it.
When it came to saying goodbye-yes it was hard, especially when they all sang me a song and gave me cards they'd made. I hope to never see them there again. I hope they all recover and go home before their next birthdays.
Waiting happily in the bloods cue! So so brave!
I went in early as planned and ended up spending an hour in the room where they take bloods and change the canular thingys.
Should be straight forward right?! Well each child has so much scar tissue from previous tests and attempts they just can't find a vein.
Poor Yasiri who has had a leg amputated (you'll be hearing more about that from me, because as soon as he's well enough I'm determind to get him a new leg!) he's feisty, artistic and very clever. But today was a bad day for him.
They just couldn't find a vein anywhere. I mean they must have tried about 10-15 times-each time really hurt him. Eventually they put the canular in his thumb. He didn't make it down to the classroom today, so I went back up and sat with him a lot. He felt rotten. He was constantly sick and very weak. Not the boy I met 3 weeks ago, that became my right hand man on his drum.
It was worth seeing what they have to go through before making it down the the classroom. It helped me to understand why some days I struggled to get anything from them. They just felt rubbish and I guess whatever we did and however little they joined in, it still went some way to taking their minds of it.
When it came to saying goodbye-yes it was hard, especially when they all sang me a song and gave me cards they'd made. I hope to never see them there again. I hope they all recover and go home before their next birthdays.
Waiting happily in the bloods cue! So so brave!
Sunday 24 March 2013
The cancer ward
There is no paediatric oncologist. There is no surgeon. The operations are being carried out by a student surgeon. The survival rate after surgery is not great.
The wonderful Dr. Trish who transformed the ward when she was here ( survival rates going from 12% to 60%!) is getting better herself from her own cancer. She will be back just as soon as she is able. In the meantime they are struggling on without her. There will be some short term cover in the shape of a month here and there. But nothing as consistent as what she gave.
There are some exceptional people working with the children. Like Leonard. What a gentle beautiful person he is. The teachers mostly are great. The classroom on the ward will never look like a classroom as the hospital won't give it to them permanently. There are no desks or tables, just rows of annoying stuck together chairs. The hospital say its supposed to be a mothers feeding room and must be kept like that incase it's needed. So the children sit on the floor, leaning on books to do their work.
The hostel is great, although much can be improved on there also. The Director Janet has only just begun in the job, but has a great drive to get things done and a huge heart. I need to thank David, who you will never see without a small child on his hip. He really helped me settle in and translated in class for me. Again a man with limitless love for these children.
The charity are working so hard to get the word out to remote Tanzania that early detection of cancer is crucial. They just don't know what it is out here. And any cancer left too late will kill you. Hopefully when I come back, the amount of children with such advanced cancer as I've seen will have diminished because of this program.
It is working, but it's a constant struggle with obstacles that only Africa could possibly throw in your way! I know it's on going and they're not going I save the world, but its a good place to start!
The wonderful Dr. Trish who transformed the ward when she was here ( survival rates going from 12% to 60%!) is getting better herself from her own cancer. She will be back just as soon as she is able. In the meantime they are struggling on without her. There will be some short term cover in the shape of a month here and there. But nothing as consistent as what she gave.
There are some exceptional people working with the children. Like Leonard. What a gentle beautiful person he is. The teachers mostly are great. The classroom on the ward will never look like a classroom as the hospital won't give it to them permanently. There are no desks or tables, just rows of annoying stuck together chairs. The hospital say its supposed to be a mothers feeding room and must be kept like that incase it's needed. So the children sit on the floor, leaning on books to do their work.
The hostel is great, although much can be improved on there also. The Director Janet has only just begun in the job, but has a great drive to get things done and a huge heart. I need to thank David, who you will never see without a small child on his hip. He really helped me settle in and translated in class for me. Again a man with limitless love for these children.
The charity are working so hard to get the word out to remote Tanzania that early detection of cancer is crucial. They just don't know what it is out here. And any cancer left too late will kill you. Hopefully when I come back, the amount of children with such advanced cancer as I've seen will have diminished because of this program.
It is working, but it's a constant struggle with obstacles that only Africa could possibly throw in your way! I know it's on going and they're not going I save the world, but its a good place to start!
Last day!
Couldn't sleep. Woke at 5.30,
so excited. I didn't think I'd feel like this on my last day, but its because I know I'll be back. Even though I hope and pray I won't see any of the children again that are here now, because I want them all to have gone home happy and healthy by the time I get back!
I'm desperate to get to the ward. Can't decide if 7.30 is too early?
I'm over the moon the guys here have told me I have made a lasting difference.
The Director said after the popstars came that I have left a lasting legacy! 'Blimey what me?' I said. But apparently they are going to be ambassadors for the charity, mentioning them at gigs, visiting more and having an on going relationship with the charity! I mean that is above and beyond anything I'd wished for.
Ofcourse I am also soooo excited that I get to see my own 2 baby's tomorrow. They have been so good and really brave too. God I can't wait. Chris I'm desperate to see you too-you're not forgotten by any stretch of the imagination!
Off I go! Last day!
so excited. I didn't think I'd feel like this on my last day, but its because I know I'll be back. Even though I hope and pray I won't see any of the children again that are here now, because I want them all to have gone home happy and healthy by the time I get back!
I'm desperate to get to the ward. Can't decide if 7.30 is too early?
I'm over the moon the guys here have told me I have made a lasting difference.
The Director said after the popstars came that I have left a lasting legacy! 'Blimey what me?' I said. But apparently they are going to be ambassadors for the charity, mentioning them at gigs, visiting more and having an on going relationship with the charity! I mean that is above and beyond anything I'd wished for.
Ofcourse I am also soooo excited that I get to see my own 2 baby's tomorrow. They have been so good and really brave too. God I can't wait. Chris I'm desperate to see you too-you're not forgotten by any stretch of the imagination!
Off I go! Last day!
Future plans
Spent an exciting evening discussing future plans with Matt and Leone.
They would like me to come back next year. Ofcourse I'm jumping at the chance. Apparently what I did had an impact and they'd like me to continue the work. I'm so so pleased. I quietly dreamt this would become a longer endeavour, but was never sure if it could happen!
The charity are opening 2 more similar centres in other parts of Tanzania so that also could be a possibility of future visits.
I know it's cheesy, but its bloody true- there really is nothing else that speaks to people like music.
I thought I knew that-
Well I do know!
They would like me to come back next year. Ofcourse I'm jumping at the chance. Apparently what I did had an impact and they'd like me to continue the work. I'm so so pleased. I quietly dreamt this would become a longer endeavour, but was never sure if it could happen!
The charity are opening 2 more similar centres in other parts of Tanzania so that also could be a possibility of future visits.
I know it's cheesy, but its bloody true- there really is nothing else that speaks to people like music.
I thought I knew that-
Well I do know!
My friends and family
So I'm nearing the end of this adventure.
I feel a few posts may appear over the next 24 hours as I try to make sense of how the last 3 weeks has left me feeling.
It's not just the actual coming to work with the children in the cancer ward-that deserves a separate moment to itself. It's the many extra things that have happened that have continued to astonish me.
One big one is my friends and family. From donations of everything you can think of, from people both near and dear to me and from complete strangers. From many people totally taking things into their own hands and putting out their own plea on my behalf. Mick Doran being one. Thankyou Mick x. Chereene Allen. Thankyou too x
Then came money from people which at first I felt very uncomfortable accepting, but then realised it could be used in some excellent ways for the charity. I have kept a log of what was donated and where it's gone, I'll put that on a later blog.
The whole suitcase flight issue blew me away beyond anything else. I mean really that was a bloody triumph to the people! Special thank you to Norman Lebrecht.
Also while I've been here, every morning I woke the first thing I did was read any messages and comments from people.
The fact that people bothered to read my blog let alone comment meant the world to me. Some of your comments moved me to tears and gave me the boost I needed.
I have never felt so privileged to know all of you who have shared this with me.
Thank you xjox
I feel a few posts may appear over the next 24 hours as I try to make sense of how the last 3 weeks has left me feeling.
It's not just the actual coming to work with the children in the cancer ward-that deserves a separate moment to itself. It's the many extra things that have happened that have continued to astonish me.
One big one is my friends and family. From donations of everything you can think of, from people both near and dear to me and from complete strangers. From many people totally taking things into their own hands and putting out their own plea on my behalf. Mick Doran being one. Thankyou Mick x. Chereene Allen. Thankyou too x
Then came money from people which at first I felt very uncomfortable accepting, but then realised it could be used in some excellent ways for the charity. I have kept a log of what was donated and where it's gone, I'll put that on a later blog.
The whole suitcase flight issue blew me away beyond anything else. I mean really that was a bloody triumph to the people! Special thank you to Norman Lebrecht.
Also while I've been here, every morning I woke the first thing I did was read any messages and comments from people.
The fact that people bothered to read my blog let alone comment meant the world to me. Some of your comments moved me to tears and gave me the boost I needed.
I have never felt so privileged to know all of you who have shared this with me.
Thank you xjox
Zanzibar
I'm on a ferry on the way back from Zanzibar. What a beautiful beautiful place. But my god it struggles in so many ways. I happened to be staying with the only doctor on the island. We were out in the evening and he was called back to his house for an emergency, a sick child belonging to a Brazilian family on holiday. they would have had insurance to pay And the child was fine. But what do the incredibly poor locals do? No financial help, No A+E, no ambulance. There is a hospital but I wouldn't go there!
We were at a rotary club fundraising thing which was interesting to see what they've achieved-building schools, helping children born with club foot and albinism.
So people are trying to get things sorted.
But as I drove across Zanzibar today my driver told me there is no petrol across most of the island at the moment. He was glad to be taking me to the beach as we would probably find a small petrol station with some left. So yes we drove north for me to have 3 hrs beach action. I figured I was aloud an hour per week I'd been here. My poor pasty English winter skin did not cope well with the African sun, and even though I factored up big time-I'm burnt to a crisp. That'll teach me!
As we got back to stone town for me to catch my ferry we saw the petrol stations were shut apart from 1 with a colossal queue.
What a continent of contradictions this is!
We were at a rotary club fundraising thing which was interesting to see what they've achieved-building schools, helping children born with club foot and albinism.
So people are trying to get things sorted.
But as I drove across Zanzibar today my driver told me there is no petrol across most of the island at the moment. He was glad to be taking me to the beach as we would probably find a small petrol station with some left. So yes we drove north for me to have 3 hrs beach action. I figured I was aloud an hour per week I'd been here. My poor pasty English winter skin did not cope well with the African sun, and even though I factored up big time-I'm burnt to a crisp. That'll teach me!
As we got back to stone town for me to catch my ferry we saw the petrol stations were shut apart from 1 with a colossal queue.
What a continent of contradictions this is!
Friday 22 March 2013
Nearly there
I'm going to Zanzibar to stay with a friend of a friend today. I'm excited, as its supposed to be an amazing place.
Then Monday I'm going to go to the hospital at the crack of dawn and stay as late as I can. Got to leave about 7.30pm for the airport.
Such mixed emotions. I'm going to start focusing on seeing my family, and the fact that I'm coming back here next year.
Derek Watkins died last night. Its so sad. He was an utter legend for those none musicians out there. He played that high Bond theme on every Bond film. The first when he was just 19. He died of Sarcoma, a bone and soft tissue cancer. He will be desperately missed by our business.
Then Monday I'm going to go to the hospital at the crack of dawn and stay as late as I can. Got to leave about 7.30pm for the airport.
Such mixed emotions. I'm going to start focusing on seeing my family, and the fact that I'm coming back here next year.
Derek Watkins died last night. Its so sad. He was an utter legend for those none musicians out there. He played that high Bond theme on every Bond film. The first when he was just 19. He died of Sarcoma, a bone and soft tissue cancer. He will be desperately missed by our business.
Kelvins ward
The doctor found me today to tell me that Kelvin had asked him if the singing lady can come and see him again. He had been in a lot of pain recently but is feeling much better today.
I spent ages in his ward. I felt genuinly needed there. There was a little boy who has just had both eyes removed. He was bandaged up and just sitting very quietly on his own. His dad had gone for a while, so I sat right up close him and played the videos on my phone of the gig yesterday. He politely said hello to me and when I asked if he like the music he said yes. It's so weird trying to gage someone's reaction when you have no eye contact.
The nurses then arrived to do stuff with their drips etc. One beautiful little girl who had been having fun in the school room just that morning screamed and screamed. I played her videos of Herbie and Maimi singing songs and playing in the paddling pool. It totally distracted her. Then I covered her horrid bloody bandage with stickers. She was crying again by the time I left, but for a while she forgot.
There is also a stunning Masai girl with both her mum and dad there too in this ward. She's called Katherine. I lay with her on the bed and we watched almost all my videos of Herbie and Maimi. She giggled and laughed and then let me take a photo of her and her beautiful mum.
As I left today I passed 2 mums in the corridor, both sat chatting happily with little ones on their laps. It all seemed so lovely and normal, so I stopped join them. Then I saw one child's whole entire face was bandaged heavily. I don't know why it was, but God that must be awful. The other little one had a big scarf all over her and when her mother lifted it to say hello she too was heavily bandaged and it was all weepy and horrid.
What's strange about this is how happy and chatty the mums seemed-but I guess when your child has been close to death and in unimaginable pain because of how advanced the cancer is, to have eyes or limbs removed you're just so so grateful that they are still here.
You really do get used to being around children with deformities. You just don't see it.
Maybe for them it's a small price I pay! But in the western world they would not have been left with sunken sockets or no hope of a new limb.
Pictures
Kelvin having his drugs sorted and then with me.
Katherine and her mum
I spent ages in his ward. I felt genuinly needed there. There was a little boy who has just had both eyes removed. He was bandaged up and just sitting very quietly on his own. His dad had gone for a while, so I sat right up close him and played the videos on my phone of the gig yesterday. He politely said hello to me and when I asked if he like the music he said yes. It's so weird trying to gage someone's reaction when you have no eye contact.
The nurses then arrived to do stuff with their drips etc. One beautiful little girl who had been having fun in the school room just that morning screamed and screamed. I played her videos of Herbie and Maimi singing songs and playing in the paddling pool. It totally distracted her. Then I covered her horrid bloody bandage with stickers. She was crying again by the time I left, but for a while she forgot.
There is also a stunning Masai girl with both her mum and dad there too in this ward. She's called Katherine. I lay with her on the bed and we watched almost all my videos of Herbie and Maimi. She giggled and laughed and then let me take a photo of her and her beautiful mum.
As I left today I passed 2 mums in the corridor, both sat chatting happily with little ones on their laps. It all seemed so lovely and normal, so I stopped join them. Then I saw one child's whole entire face was bandaged heavily. I don't know why it was, but God that must be awful. The other little one had a big scarf all over her and when her mother lifted it to say hello she too was heavily bandaged and it was all weepy and horrid.
What's strange about this is how happy and chatty the mums seemed-but I guess when your child has been close to death and in unimaginable pain because of how advanced the cancer is, to have eyes or limbs removed you're just so so grateful that they are still here.
You really do get used to being around children with deformities. You just don't see it.
Maybe for them it's a small price I pay! But in the western world they would not have been left with sunken sockets or no hope of a new limb.
Pictures
Kelvin having his drugs sorted and then with me.
Katherine and her mum
Thursday 21 March 2013
Popstar power!
Wow what a cool day.
I was so lucky to be at the rehearsals this morning for the hostel gig later on this afternoon. They wanted me to play on some tunes too. What an honour! Such simple beautiful songs, and there is nowhere else in the world you will hear voices like these. There's something about African voices and their effortless close harmony and that raw sound no European voice can replicate.
I'm a Bongo Flava fan now. It's real sunshine happy music, and will be the sound track to my summer in south London that's for sure!
The kids, teachers, helpers, parents and nurses of course all loved it. We had a big Easter party with plenty of music.
It couldn't have happened without the hard work and dedication of the wonderful Matt Nicholson. What a talented guy. He organised and rehearsed them all. No mean feat I can tell you. What with the heat, the fact that they had been recording until 4am and then called for a 9am rehearsal. Not to mention an African minute usually means and hour later. But it all went so so smoothly. Well done Matt
I then went to the ward again to play to the children who were too ill to leave their beds, so unfortunately missed it. They had been given party bags full of all the great stuff people had donated.
I played again to little Kelvin who the last 2 times I'd played to hadn't reacted at all and I had only carried on because his mother asked me to. He's 5 but looks like a 2 year old. His arms are as wide as my thumb. He is not well. This time though he asked me to play something fast then faster still. He beamed and beamed. Moments like that made my trip.
I cried all the way home.
I was so lucky to be at the rehearsals this morning for the hostel gig later on this afternoon. They wanted me to play on some tunes too. What an honour! Such simple beautiful songs, and there is nowhere else in the world you will hear voices like these. There's something about African voices and their effortless close harmony and that raw sound no European voice can replicate.
I'm a Bongo Flava fan now. It's real sunshine happy music, and will be the sound track to my summer in south London that's for sure!
The kids, teachers, helpers, parents and nurses of course all loved it. We had a big Easter party with plenty of music.
It couldn't have happened without the hard work and dedication of the wonderful Matt Nicholson. What a talented guy. He organised and rehearsed them all. No mean feat I can tell you. What with the heat, the fact that they had been recording until 4am and then called for a 9am rehearsal. Not to mention an African minute usually means and hour later. But it all went so so smoothly. Well done Matt
I then went to the ward again to play to the children who were too ill to leave their beds, so unfortunately missed it. They had been given party bags full of all the great stuff people had donated.
I played again to little Kelvin who the last 2 times I'd played to hadn't reacted at all and I had only carried on because his mother asked me to. He's 5 but looks like a 2 year old. His arms are as wide as my thumb. He is not well. This time though he asked me to play something fast then faster still. He beamed and beamed. Moments like that made my trip.
I cried all the way home.
Wednesday 20 March 2013
Everyone's excited
Today thanks to my lovely new friend Matt Nicholson, the local pop stars are coming to the hospital for an Easter party!
Everyone is very, very excited. I'm recording then rehearsing with them this morning. How cool. Can't wait I show you the pictures.
Everyone is very, very excited. I'm recording then rehearsing with them this morning. How cool. Can't wait I show you the pictures.
What a day and what inspirations!
Oh my what a day. I can't stop smiling. So this morning I did some recording for a BBC documentary to be aired in Tanzania. Followed by some more recording for a local pop star! Doing some more of that tomorrow.
Then- wow, then- I went about an hours drive away to Bagamoya, to visit a children's home set up and run by the local violin teacher Robert and his inspirational wife Mary.
They have also built 4 schools and I'm sure will be building more. The children were such a joy to meet. Ages ranging from 3-19. All with different stories as to how they ended up at the home. Each as horrendous as the next. I can't bring myself to tell you now and don't want to dwell on it, because they were so so happy.
The home is beautiful. Clean and tidy and the children are impeccably well behaved, and are all attending the local schools and speaking English. It's a real family. All thanks to Robert and Mary. When I asked her how long they can stay, she said until they're ready to leave, just like our own children! (Did I mention they have 9 of their own!!!)
We had such fun! It started with a performance from the children for me, created entirely by them. Then I did some workshop stuff with them. It was great, they all got it so quickly and sang with gusto and enthusiasm. We had one drum. You can create so much without instruments!
I'd really hoped to meet people on this trip who would inspire me to continue seeking to do what I can and encourage others to do the same. My God I have not been disappointed.
Leone and Matt are so hard working and dedicated to what they do. Even with a young family out here they strive to train locals to continue what they have begun, and that has been their philosophy in every country they've worked in. (Theres been quite a few!)
Joyce, my American teacher host has travelled the world with her son (6 countries in 12 years) exposing him to so many different cultures and political ideals that he is now studying international affairs in the USA.
Yes and Robert and Mary, who I met by chance have inspired me beyond belief.
I will be back to work at the hospital again for Children in Crossfire and also I will be staying at the children's home to do what I can there,and in their schools. But the next time I won't be alone. Chris, Herbie and Maimi will be here to share the experience with me.
Robert and Mary's charity
Kidzcareafrica.org
Matt an Leone's
Childrenincrossfire.org
Then- wow, then- I went about an hours drive away to Bagamoya, to visit a children's home set up and run by the local violin teacher Robert and his inspirational wife Mary.
They have also built 4 schools and I'm sure will be building more. The children were such a joy to meet. Ages ranging from 3-19. All with different stories as to how they ended up at the home. Each as horrendous as the next. I can't bring myself to tell you now and don't want to dwell on it, because they were so so happy.
The home is beautiful. Clean and tidy and the children are impeccably well behaved, and are all attending the local schools and speaking English. It's a real family. All thanks to Robert and Mary. When I asked her how long they can stay, she said until they're ready to leave, just like our own children! (Did I mention they have 9 of their own!!!)
We had such fun! It started with a performance from the children for me, created entirely by them. Then I did some workshop stuff with them. It was great, they all got it so quickly and sang with gusto and enthusiasm. We had one drum. You can create so much without instruments!
I'd really hoped to meet people on this trip who would inspire me to continue seeking to do what I can and encourage others to do the same. My God I have not been disappointed.
Leone and Matt are so hard working and dedicated to what they do. Even with a young family out here they strive to train locals to continue what they have begun, and that has been their philosophy in every country they've worked in. (Theres been quite a few!)
Joyce, my American teacher host has travelled the world with her son (6 countries in 12 years) exposing him to so many different cultures and political ideals that he is now studying international affairs in the USA.
Yes and Robert and Mary, who I met by chance have inspired me beyond belief.
I will be back to work at the hospital again for Children in Crossfire and also I will be staying at the children's home to do what I can there,and in their schools. But the next time I won't be alone. Chris, Herbie and Maimi will be here to share the experience with me.
Robert and Mary's charity
Kidzcareafrica.org
Matt an Leone's
Childrenincrossfire.org
Tuesday 19 March 2013
Something different today
Off to do some recordings today. One for my composer friend Matt and the other for some local pop stars! Then a trip out of town to do some music at a children's home run by the local violin teacher here.
My recording fees are going straight to the charity.
My recording fees are going straight to the charity.
Jelly day
So funny. Most of them loved the jelly, but some really hated it. We sang a jelly song which they thought was hysterical. I don't think they believed me that jelly is usually a birthday party staple in the UK!
Thanks to Rosemary fleet, we then did some beautiful paper and ribbon weaving. They get so engrossed sometimes and won't even stop for snack time. I had a huge pile of the finished product. Brill!
Thanks to Rosemary fleet, we then did some beautiful paper and ribbon weaving. They get so engrossed sometimes and won't even stop for snack time. I had a huge pile of the finished product. Brill!
Monday 18 March 2013
Tummy
I wish my stomach liked it here as much as I did! I've got Deli belly in Dar!
On the up side I'm losing tonnes of weight as nothing stays in for more than 2 seconds!
On the up side I'm losing tonnes of weight as nothing stays in for more than 2 seconds!
African sky
Wow the sky in Africa truly is incredible! I've heard it said before, but like everything in life, until you see it for yourself there's no way you'll appreciate it fully.
Another lovely day today - the children learning animal names in English and them laughing at me as I try and pronounce them in Swahili!
We stuck to African animals and I was interested to see if they were as in love with their natural surroundings and animals as I was. The jury's out on that one though. They certainly loved doing the drawings, some incredibly detailed and really good, but I guess it's so normal for them to see monkeys swinging in the trees, and giant African snails!
Chris, Herbie and Maimi skyped me when I was in the classroom, which was so cool! The kids thought it was great seeing Herbie shouting 'habari' and my 2 really loved seeing where mummy had been for the past 2 weeks!
I've made jelly to take in tomorrow. That should cause some fun!!!
Another lovely day today - the children learning animal names in English and them laughing at me as I try and pronounce them in Swahili!
We stuck to African animals and I was interested to see if they were as in love with their natural surroundings and animals as I was. The jury's out on that one though. They certainly loved doing the drawings, some incredibly detailed and really good, but I guess it's so normal for them to see monkeys swinging in the trees, and giant African snails!
Chris, Herbie and Maimi skyped me when I was in the classroom, which was so cool! The kids thought it was great seeing Herbie shouting 'habari' and my 2 really loved seeing where mummy had been for the past 2 weeks!
I've made jelly to take in tomorrow. That should cause some fun!!!
Friday 15 March 2013
Leonard
The quite incredible Leonard handing out melon at snack time.
Now here IS one of life's true heros. He's first in last out everyday. Gets to know all the parents and children so so well. They all adore him. He has 5 children of his own (2sets of twins!) 2 of them have sickle cell.
He's totally uneducated but the charity found spending time voluntarily helping other children and gave him a job. Since then he has been sent on training courses and is learning to speak English.
He is a quiet, calm, beautiful person. I'm so pleased to have met him.
Now here IS one of life's true heros. He's first in last out everyday. Gets to know all the parents and children so so well. They all adore him. He has 5 children of his own (2sets of twins!) 2 of them have sickle cell.
He's totally uneducated but the charity found spending time voluntarily helping other children and gave him a job. Since then he has been sent on training courses and is learning to speak English.
He is a quiet, calm, beautiful person. I'm so pleased to have met him.
Thursday 14 March 2013
Another lovey day.
It's amazing how after just a short amount of time a place that was so alien can now seem so normal.
I love the heat, I'm so used to being sweaty and a little bit grubby all the time. I loooove the people, both locals and ex-pats have been incredibly kind and generous to me. I love the small town vibe of Dar, everyone really does know everyone-even I have been bumping into new friends here and there.
All that's missing here are Chris, Herbie and Maimi and then I do believe you might not see us for some time!
Thought my lunch was quite nice today-rice beans and cabbage, quite plain for my dodgy tummy-until leone pointed out the intestines! I had wondered what they were!! Oh dear!
Went to play on the ward to the bed bound children today. Fantastic!
Pictures-me doing my thing, and the fantastic Leone doing her play therapy, with David and Margaret.
I love the heat, I'm so used to being sweaty and a little bit grubby all the time. I loooove the people, both locals and ex-pats have been incredibly kind and generous to me. I love the small town vibe of Dar, everyone really does know everyone-even I have been bumping into new friends here and there.
All that's missing here are Chris, Herbie and Maimi and then I do believe you might not see us for some time!
Thought my lunch was quite nice today-rice beans and cabbage, quite plain for my dodgy tummy-until leone pointed out the intestines! I had wondered what they were!! Oh dear!
Went to play on the ward to the bed bound children today. Fantastic!
Pictures-me doing my thing, and the fantastic Leone doing her play therapy, with David and Margaret.
Great day
Recorders! Thanks to Cath Haggo and Holly Rouse. Loud and fun! And lots of face painting. They now have face painting equipment of their own to experiment and have fun with. There are some really artistic children who rise to any artistic challenge!
Tuesday 12 March 2013
How will life ever be the same again
You know this is such a surreal experience as I flip from being happy beyond my wildest dreams to so so desperately sad it's un true.
I can't ever show it and I don't feel my blog is the place for that either. I took a little master class for the local ex-pat violin kids today, such a world apart from where I'd spent most of my day. Their lovely teacher also runs a children's home for orphans of HIV parents-so I'm travelling up there for an afternoons music, fun and games later this week.
Where ever you look there's someone who needs your time and help. How will life ever be the same again?! Xxx
I can't ever show it and I don't feel my blog is the place for that either. I took a little master class for the local ex-pat violin kids today, such a world apart from where I'd spent most of my day. Their lovely teacher also runs a children's home for orphans of HIV parents-so I'm travelling up there for an afternoons music, fun and games later this week.
Where ever you look there's someone who needs your time and help. How will life ever be the same again?! Xxx
The letters
What an amazing idea it was to take letters and photos from English children with me! Well done Anna Hart at Cypress Primary for that brain wave!
They poured over the photos for 1 1/2-2 hrs today in each place. They loved hearing about all of the children. About their families and likes and hobbys.
Then they spent ages doing the same for me to bring home. It was so interesting to see what they would write about.
Here are some examples
This is from Honorina who I think has extremely bad skin cancer. She's the one who smells so so bad because of the decaying flesh. She wrote 'I like singing and dancing. I like rice and beans. I like Brodie from the letters Jo brought us.'
She also for the first time removed her hat so I could take a photo of her for the letter.
Nothing about her illness!
Clement wrote 'I am 14, I like studying and drawing and somersaults. I would like you to visit us sometimes and deliver the toys in person'
Nothing about his illness!
They are normal happy kids, and as I told them today-the only difference is the weather! They loved the snow pictures!
Can't wait to show all the children back home these great letters and photos.
Thankyou to all who have me letters! It meant the world! Really!
They poured over the photos for 1 1/2-2 hrs today in each place. They loved hearing about all of the children. About their families and likes and hobbys.
Then they spent ages doing the same for me to bring home. It was so interesting to see what they would write about.
Here are some examples
This is from Honorina who I think has extremely bad skin cancer. She's the one who smells so so bad because of the decaying flesh. She wrote 'I like singing and dancing. I like rice and beans. I like Brodie from the letters Jo brought us.'
She also for the first time removed her hat so I could take a photo of her for the letter.
Nothing about her illness!
Clement wrote 'I am 14, I like studying and drawing and somersaults. I would like you to visit us sometimes and deliver the toys in person'
Nothing about his illness!
They are normal happy kids, and as I told them today-the only difference is the weather! They loved the snow pictures!
Can't wait to show all the children back home these great letters and photos.
Thankyou to all who have me letters! It meant the world! Really!
Monday 11 March 2013
One day I will never forget!
Well today was definitely a day I will never forget-for lots of reasons!
I had a great time with the children-lots of singing and drumming then we made cardboard people to try and learn the body parts.
I was starting to get used to the general state of the hospital and was even thinking actually its not too bad, and they do a good job of keeping it clean-that was until my walk between the school room and the hostel. I saw a juicy fat rat run between some rubbish and on closer inspection I saw the rubbish was ofcourse hospital waste ie syringes, latex gloves, dangerous chemical tins! Bloody hell!
At the hostel I brought 2 crates of soda for everyone, as promised. The parents were so grateful. I love getting to know them more. They were hanging inside the windows listening as I played some folk tunes and the kids drummed away.
On my way back to the school room to drop my art stuff for tomorrow's session and then go home, I walked straight into a family who had just lost a child. It was not one of my cancer children, they came out of a different children's ward and walked right into me. That was a sight I will never ever forget. They wailed and wailed.
I just couldn't go home after witnessing that. So I went upstairs to the ward and sat with the mums. Because its so damn crowded, sometimes 2/3 to a bed they spend all day sitting on the floor in the halls. They feed their baby's and children there, they sleep there, they do everything there. So I sat down with one group of women and painted all the fingers and toe nails.
I'm so so glad I did that and didn't go straight home. I'm going to stock up on nail varnish and go every day. I obviously had no idea what they were talking about, but I felt part of their mums group and they loved it that all their children knew me and were climbing all over me.
So a hugely mixed day, but it'll stay with me forever.
Photos
At the hostel with the soda!
The rubbish!
I had a great time with the children-lots of singing and drumming then we made cardboard people to try and learn the body parts.
I was starting to get used to the general state of the hospital and was even thinking actually its not too bad, and they do a good job of keeping it clean-that was until my walk between the school room and the hostel. I saw a juicy fat rat run between some rubbish and on closer inspection I saw the rubbish was ofcourse hospital waste ie syringes, latex gloves, dangerous chemical tins! Bloody hell!
At the hostel I brought 2 crates of soda for everyone, as promised. The parents were so grateful. I love getting to know them more. They were hanging inside the windows listening as I played some folk tunes and the kids drummed away.
On my way back to the school room to drop my art stuff for tomorrow's session and then go home, I walked straight into a family who had just lost a child. It was not one of my cancer children, they came out of a different children's ward and walked right into me. That was a sight I will never ever forget. They wailed and wailed.
I just couldn't go home after witnessing that. So I went upstairs to the ward and sat with the mums. Because its so damn crowded, sometimes 2/3 to a bed they spend all day sitting on the floor in the halls. They feed their baby's and children there, they sleep there, they do everything there. So I sat down with one group of women and painted all the fingers and toe nails.
I'm so so glad I did that and didn't go straight home. I'm going to stock up on nail varnish and go every day. I obviously had no idea what they were talking about, but I felt part of their mums group and they loved it that all their children knew me and were climbing all over me.
So a hugely mixed day, but it'll stay with me forever.
Photos
At the hostel with the soda!
The rubbish!
Sunday 10 March 2013
My new friend
I love him and I want one! He followed me! He's like a dog. All he wanted was a tickle!
Back to work tomorrow. I've made cardboard body parts that they've got to put together to learn the English names, then there's a plethora of body part songs we can do! ( head shoulders knees and toes and all that stuff!)
The local violin teacher called me today.He teaches at the international school. I'm going to give a little master class to his pupils and then we'll do a small concert all together in a couple o weeks. Very excited!
Ps I almost trod on a giant African snail last night!
X
Back to work tomorrow. I've made cardboard body parts that they've got to put together to learn the English names, then there's a plethora of body part songs we can do! ( head shoulders knees and toes and all that stuff!)
The local violin teacher called me today.He teaches at the international school. I'm going to give a little master class to his pupils and then we'll do a small concert all together in a couple o weeks. Very excited!
Ps I almost trod on a giant African snail last night!
X
Friday 8 March 2013
Today
Some may say this looks like an Athena poster. I haven't got permission yet to show you Zuwena but this is her little hand. She always wants to be cuddled, and today she cried if she wasn't because she felt so rotten. Just a reminder as to why she's there.
It got to me today.
It got to me today.
Thursday 7 March 2013
Some pics
So excited I can show some photos.
I spent the morning at the hospital school room. It was great. Lots of rhythm games and a couple if songs taught. Then Steve wonder in the background as we made spiral mobiles.
I still can't show my pictures from there. So these pictures are from this afternoon where I moved onto the hostel for those children who are well enough to stay a few minutes walk away in between treatments.
I spotted the parents who stay with the children as there are no 24hr hospital carers there. They were busy making bead things. The hostel is trying to keep them busy and teach them a trade of some sort, while making abit of money selling necklaces and crotchet bits. I asked David who works at the charity to ask their permission for using the photos.
A long conversation took place where I got the distinct feeling they were having a good joke and I think at my expense. The out come was yes ofcourse I can use them-but can she brings sodas tomorrow?!
So in the photo of the children are most of my group at the hostel. Amosi in the front has a large tumour so big it's displaced his eye and then theres lovely Honerina in the hat who's face I have never seen. Apparently when she arrived few people would go near here because of the smell of her rotting skin. She loves to colour and spend ages doing so. Amosi I realised today is quite feisty! Little Derek at the front in red-what a poppit, always smiling.
They loved the violin and really tried hard with all the new things I was throwing at them. I don't know when to introduce the recorders. They found some tin whistles I brought today and were trying to get a sound out side ways like a flute.
X
I spent the morning at the hospital school room. It was great. Lots of rhythm games and a couple if songs taught. Then Steve wonder in the background as we made spiral mobiles.
I still can't show my pictures from there. So these pictures are from this afternoon where I moved onto the hostel for those children who are well enough to stay a few minutes walk away in between treatments.
I spotted the parents who stay with the children as there are no 24hr hospital carers there. They were busy making bead things. The hostel is trying to keep them busy and teach them a trade of some sort, while making abit of money selling necklaces and crotchet bits. I asked David who works at the charity to ask their permission for using the photos.
A long conversation took place where I got the distinct feeling they were having a good joke and I think at my expense. The out come was yes ofcourse I can use them-but can she brings sodas tomorrow?!
So in the photo of the children are most of my group at the hostel. Amosi in the front has a large tumour so big it's displaced his eye and then theres lovely Honerina in the hat who's face I have never seen. Apparently when she arrived few people would go near here because of the smell of her rotting skin. She loves to colour and spend ages doing so. Amosi I realised today is quite feisty! Little Derek at the front in red-what a poppit, always smiling.
They loved the violin and really tried hard with all the new things I was throwing at them. I don't know when to introduce the recorders. They found some tin whistles I brought today and were trying to get a sound out side ways like a flute.
X
Wednesday 6 March 2013
The first working day.
Seriously! What can you do with a mop like that? But yes my mum was right, it didn't bother me at all (just when I got home and caught myself in the mirror)
I sweated beyond what I thought was humanly possible today. The power was off in the hostel all afternoon which meant no fans. Then the rains came which I stood in!
I wish I could post pictures, but I'm still working on getting permission. This morning we were with the children in the hospital. I had an incredibly beautiful little girl called Zuwena on my hip for most of the morning. What an utter angel. She is about 2 and has a large drip coming from her head. I don't know what her cancer is and after 2 minutes with her and all the others I didn't care.
I was observing Leone today with her wonderful play therapy. Today they made puppets and she tried to get them to use the puppets to explain how they felt about hospital-blood tests, the various treatments they're always being called for and also the possibility of surgery. Which is something they are all terrified of as there are no paediatric cancer surgeons in the whole of Tanzania, so they know that many of them don't make it through what would be in England the most basic of ops.
It's my turn tomorrow to entertain the children and get some music going. I feel another sleepless night ahead as I worry if this is all going to work!
Wish me luck and if all else fails I'll pop on some Michael Jackson off the wall!
I sweated beyond what I thought was humanly possible today. The power was off in the hostel all afternoon which meant no fans. Then the rains came which I stood in!
I wish I could post pictures, but I'm still working on getting permission. This morning we were with the children in the hospital. I had an incredibly beautiful little girl called Zuwena on my hip for most of the morning. What an utter angel. She is about 2 and has a large drip coming from her head. I don't know what her cancer is and after 2 minutes with her and all the others I didn't care.
I was observing Leone today with her wonderful play therapy. Today they made puppets and she tried to get them to use the puppets to explain how they felt about hospital-blood tests, the various treatments they're always being called for and also the possibility of surgery. Which is something they are all terrified of as there are no paediatric cancer surgeons in the whole of Tanzania, so they know that many of them don't make it through what would be in England the most basic of ops.
It's my turn tomorrow to entertain the children and get some music going. I feel another sleepless night ahead as I worry if this is all going to work!
Wish me luck and if all else fails I'll pop on some Michael Jackson off the wall!
Tuesday 5 March 2013
The rain !
Well we discovered today that the 2 week old hostel is not water tight. The rain poured in at the bottom of the walls!
I met some of the children today and have some lovely photos of them playing with the train set and puzzles I brought over. They love the balloon models too! I can't post them yet though as I have to get permission. I will though very soon.
This is going to be fun!!
I met some of the children today and have some lovely photos of them playing with the train set and puzzles I brought over. They love the balloon models too! I can't post them yet though as I have to get permission. I will though very soon.
This is going to be fun!!
Map
Someone has asked me to put a map up. So here it is.
Dar, where I am is on the east . You can see its a stones throw from Zanzibar, where Freddie Mercury was born-Queen fans!
Kenya to the north, Mozambique to the south and Malawi to the south west.
Lesson over. (There will be a test!)
Dar, where I am is on the east . You can see its a stones throw from Zanzibar, where Freddie Mercury was born-Queen fans!
Kenya to the north, Mozambique to the south and Malawi to the south west.
Lesson over. (There will be a test!)
Monday 4 March 2013
My new home
This is my home for the next 3 weeks. It's sooo muggy! Big rain drops have just started. Yes I may have to go with nature and be curly!
Got a sore throat and glands are up-going to ignore that though!
X
Got a sore throat and glands are up-going to ignore that though!
X
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