How I dealt with a stalker and other exciting tales....

There are many friendly men here in Arusha, some of them want to sell things to you, some would like to marry you, and others would like to follow you home and take your bank card. I met one of the latter yesterday while Kate and I were on our way home from the city center. He was obviously trying to take advantage of us in some way and sometimes I play games. He kept asking where we lived and if we were married. I told him I was a lesbian on a mission from God and that my work schedule was arbitrary because I was training to be a nurse at a primary school far far away from where I work. He asked me what type of bank card I used and wanted to know if I could help him out to buy some porridge. I told him that I was a missionary who didn't have any money because the Catholic church hordes money. He persisted. If it were dark or we were in an isolated area he totally would have tried to steal my wallet. I turned around and screamed, "MY SON IS DYING OF CANCER AND I CAN'T TAKE THIS FROM YOU" and then he apologized and left. Why be rude when you can make assholes feel guilty?

Most men in Arusha are not like this by the way.

My teaching assignment has so far come down to grading papers, I will actually be teaching around August 11th because form 2 and 4 will be back in session. I am learning alot though. Did you know that exercise can prevent AIDS?

50% is passing here and they have a curve. This is also one of the better schools in Arusha because it is an International school and they have limited enrollment. I am not sure how much of this is due to teachers who not very good and how much is due to students who have too much going on in their lives to study...or if it is because English isn't their first language.

My host family, while far more European than I would initially have deemed ideal, is actually turning out to be quite good. They are really good people and because they speak fluent English and are very educated they are capable of answering my incredible arsenal of questions. They are very familiar with East Africa politics and intentionally or not, they are teaching me.

I shat in a hole today. It isn't as bad as you would think.

I have also discovered the most important thing about REI's quick dry pants...they repel water when you pee halfway down your leg.