My Day at the Massi Village

One night I want over to Mark and Terry Jenson's apartment for dinner.  Mark and Terry volunteer at Tumaini.  What they do is go out to villages and teach the villages how to be better farmers.  Where to plant their crops and what crops will grow best in the area.  They also work for the Ag institute at the U of M. Well, so they go it to different villages often.  I really wanted to go with them sometime. They told me I could go out to a Massi village with the Image group from MN.  I jumped at the chance because I have always been fascinated with the Massi Tribe.

            I found out the reason that the Image group was gong is because this tribe's chief has six wives and he is sick and tired of all of them asking him for money. They wanted money for things like food and medicine for their children.  He decided that he would allow them and other women in the tribe to have their own livestock. The problem now is that the women didn't know how to take care of livestock. 

            I was so excited to go since I grew up on a farm and have been around livestock all my life.  They mostly had chickens, cows, and goats.  I told Terry that I used to show goats in 4-H and I would be interested in helping out.

            Well, finally the day came.  I had to get up early and meet the group at the Lutheran Center.  Then we all boarded the buss and we were off.  It was really fun getting to know the members of the group.  They were all from Minnesota.  It was also very interesting because Terry exaggerated when my knowledge about goats.  When I met everyone they were like "Oh, you're the goat girl".  Lol  I was like um, sure I used to show them, but I'm not really an expert! Lol 

            It was me the Image group, some interpreters, and a vet.  Andy was the vet.  He is originally from London, England until he heard that Iringa and the surrounding areas needed a vet.   He goes to villages often and helps them with their livestock and other things.

            Ok now let me give you a little background information on the Massi tribe.  They used to be nomads that would just travel everywhere with their livestock. It is very normal that the man have more than one wife. They are a really unique tribe.  Also, because they generally travel so much other tribes don't really like them because often their livestock eat other tribes' crops.  This tribe usually does not respect their women very much.  They are just there to have sex with, take care of the kids and to cook the men food.  In fact they are an often ostracized because they circumcise their men, not only the men but the women also.   They do this it to make it painful when their women have sex and to deter them from being sexually promiscuous.

            It was a great opportunity for me to go with them.  We got there and the women were so happy to see us.  The Image group also had bought the women some chickens and goats a couple of months ago. They also have raised money to send some of the younger girls off to school to get an education.  A lot of other men in the tribe were upset with the Chief.  They were worried that the women would get an education and then leave the tribe to get jobs and they didn't like that their women would have their own money.

            We started with the chickens.  It was much too hot and sunny to just sit under the sun so we moved to some trees for cover.  We didn't know it but the men were using the trees for shade so they could take a nap.  I think they were kind of irritated that they had to move.   Andy then asked a women how the chickens were doing.   The lady said that they were dying.  They would stop drinking and would almost lose their equilibrium because their necks were always cocked to one side.   Andy knew what it was right away.  I guess it is a common disease in the area.  He assigned two women to administer eye drops to the chickens once a month.  The women were so happy to have Andy there to help them.

            Then we went to the school building to talk to the group about clean water.  The Massi have a very high rate of children mortality.  It is mostly because they get water from the Ruaha River and it is not very safe to drink.  We brought a bunch of empty water bottles and showed the women how to use them to clean the water. 

            It is actually very simple and resourceful.  Most of the time the locals don't buy water bottles; if they do they end up just burning them with the other garbage.  But, if you fill them 3/4ths the way full, shake them to aerate the water and put them on a tin roof for about 24 hours the UV light from the sun kills all the bacteria and parasites.  Then it is totally safe to drink.  It is also free of you have a water source.  There may be particles in the water but then if you use some fabric to strain it out you are sitting pretty.

            Then we moved back outside to look at their goats.  They all looked really healthy.  The main thing that we focused on with them was the condition of their hooves.  Since the rainy season is rapidly approaching it is important that they take good care of their hooves.  In the rainy season they are more susceptible to infection.  Andy gave them some solution that the women should use to soak the goats hooves for one min.  The solution just coats the hooves for protection.

            Then Andy and the Image group asked if the women had any questions.  The women said yes, but let's go in the school so that the men don't hear us.   We moved in to the school and the women had many questions.  They were all answered.  The Image group gave the women bags full of things that would help them take care of their children they also gave some of the women mosquito nets.

            It was such a great day.  It had been a while since I had gotten out of Iringa and I love going out to different villages.  The Massi are such a unique and interesting tribe.  It was really a great opportunity for me to see them living their daily lives.  There are some Massi around Iringa, but mostly they are in their shops selling jewelry.  That is one of the things that the Massi are known for is their jewelry. 

            Here in Tanzania people are generally judged by their wealth.  So, the women frequently wear every piece of jewelry they own.  This makes them look like they have a lot of money. Generally Massi women and men wear more jewelry then other tribes.

            Here is another adventure story from Tanzania.  It always amazes me how many different cultures this place has and how unique it is.  It also makes me sad because they all urn to be more like the U.S.  Yes, when it comes to respecting women more, but I'm worried that eventually this place will loose everything that makes it unique because they want to be more like America. 

           

Jennifer (J.C.) Olson

Life is a little back to normal

For the past week it has been Annika, Chirssy and I. Ross was in Dar and Eero, Juho were visiting friends in Zambia and Inga was traveling with her boss. Well, so it was really quiet around the apartment. It's the guys who usually want to go out for dinner or who initiate us hanging out. Also, I was lonely because Inga and I get along really well and hang out a lot. I lost my pool partner. Inga and I were hanging out a couple of Fridays ago and we played pool against Eero and Juho and kicked their butts! Ever since then we will go out to play pool at least twice a week to hone our skills lol lol It was really weird to have them gone. Now, they are all back except Inga. She will be coming home tonight, hopefully.
They all are so much fun! I'm glad that I live where I do. We have all become very close. It's sad though because Eero and Juho will be leaving in the middle of December. It's going to be really weird without them around. They are both students at Tumaini and are from Finland. They are really nice and really funny. I'm going to miss falling a sleep to them playing guitar in the next room over. lol
Tonight we have decided to all have dinner together. Sube, who is a native from Daresalam, will be making daga. I don't really like it but I grin and bear it. Basically what it is, is dried minnows. Yum! Yum! They sell them at the market and you take them home, cut off the heads and throw them in with tomatoes, onions or what ever you want. After they are cooked you eat them tail, scales and all. It's interesting. I actually buy about a half a kilo a week. lol lol But I give them to my cat and when Sube makes it tonight my cat will be having an extra helping of fish heads. lol
Otherwise, things are going reall well. My students are doing good, my cat is good, and I'm perfectly fine. I do have cravings for things like... well, chipotle, steak, ham, honey crisp apples, apple sauce, apple butter, Granny smith apples, stuff like that, since I missed fall in Minnesota and I will be missing Thanks giving. LOL But it should be ok because my friends have decided to have a make- up Thanks giving for me. LOL LOL They are going to call it Jenni O. Turkey Day. lol lol Miss you all and hope you are well!!

The Hitchhikers Guide to Tanzania

The Hitchhickers Guide to Tanzania

*When staying over night in Tanzania you must always have a scrub brush. This scrub brush can be used for a number of things. You may use it for washing your feet and legs (they will get very dirty due to heavy sandal use). It may also be used for cleaning off your sandals when sand build up occurs. A brush is also necessary for washing your clothes.
* When spending any considerable amount of time in Tanzania invest in a water boiler. They are amazing machines that you fill with water and plug in. The astonishing coil at the bottom of the pitcher will get your water boiling in less than five minutes! When you use a stove it may take up to a half an hour. This extraordinary contraption will save you a lot of time. Not only will water boil faster, but if you use the water to clean the dishes and silverware it will save you from wasting time being sick. It is also very useful when your shower does not have any hot water (again).
*Hand sanitizer may also be needed when you go out to dinner. The Tanzanians will often bring out a pitcher of water to clean your hands. You will never really know if they are washing your hands with clean and boiled water. That is when an extra washing with hand sanitizer may be necessary.
*Traveling any where out side your home no matter how short a trip, always bring toilet paper. A lot of restaurants, bars, and shops do not have bathrooms; if they do they will not provide toilet paper. When entering a rest room if applicable, you will need to roll up your pant legs or tuck up your skirt, so that you do not soil them on the foul floor. To relieve your self you will be kneeling over a whole in the floor. Caution to those who go out for dinner late at night toilet paper and a flash light will be necessary! A flash light is best held in your mouth so that both hands are free to support your self against the wall to keep you from falling over on the polluted floor.
*When going out for Kiti Moto (fried bite size pieces of pork) physically walk up to the pig leg hanging in the kitchen and point out what meat you would like to eat. It may be a little shocking to see a pig leg just hanging there and the cooks hacking off pieces of meat, but you must pick out your meat. If you miss this important step you will be given pieces that are mostly bone and pieces that are all fat. Hey, they have to give them to someone, but be smart and don’t let that someone be you!
* When you are out with your friends enjoying dinner and you feel like having a beer or a pop be sure you order a cold one. You will say the type of beer/pop followed by the word barede. As an example: ninahataji coka barede tafadahili ( I presently need a coke please) Many a night will be ruined if you forget to use the word barede and you have to choke down a warm beer/pop.
*When shopping at the market you will need to bring a big bag. Shop owners will often charge you extra money if they have to give you a plastic bag. A big bag is also useful to promote circulation. When you carry a lot of heavy plastic bags your fingers will no doubt go numb.
* When out in the market do not share your name with everyone who asks. Only tell shop owners that you regularly visit. If you are to free with your name it will be yelled at the top of the shop owner’s lungs every time you step within 30 feet of the market. They will scream it trying to get your attention so that you will shop in their store.
*It is important to note that you are in Tanzania and people are always late. You may have an appointment with someone at 3:00pm and they will not show up until 4 if at all. You may get frustrated at times, but take in a deep breath and the next time they ask to meet with you show up late. It’s the Tanzanian way. Omna Sheda (no worries).
* When making plans with some one be aware that Tanzanian’s live on a different time schedule. 6:00am is 12:00 asibuhi (morning) 7:00am is 1:00 (asibuhi) 12:00pm is 6:00 mchana (afternoon). Be very carefull that you and the person you are making plans with are using the same time schedule western time or Swahili time. Many mishaps will occur if a time schedule is not agreed upon, it may cause you to miss an important event.
*When volunteering at Tumaini University secure an office immediately, but don’t get too comfortable you will be moved. When being moved refuse to hand over your keys to the old office until you have the keys to the new office. If not you may be without an office for an undetermined amount of time.
* Walking anywhere in Tanzania can be treacherous. If the side walks are crowded and you are forced to walk on the side of the street, do so with caution. If you hear a car horn move immediately to the sidewalk no matter how crowded. Cars will hit you without thinking twice. The locals will tell you not to worry because they have taken the part out of the car that kills people. They say that if you are hit you will be fine, but following this information could be seriously bad for your health.
* You will be approached by many kids. They will all either ask you for money or food. Do not give them either. If you do you will be stalked by a herd of kids everywhere you go. Not only will they bother you, but they will also try to heckle the next unsuspecting white person they see.

Halloween

Well, they really don't celebrate Halloween over here. We did have a party though. The house that was just built for the German girls was just open 2 weeks ago. We had a house warming party for them. It was a lot of fun! There was a lot of people there! There was even a camera crew there. A German station came to follow around this German guy who is living in Tanzania permanently. He came to the party and so did the camera crew. Of, couse me being an American and not really good at German they didn't talk to me. lol lol
After the party died down The neighbors and I went to Twisters. Twisters is the only dance club in Iringa. It is really cool. At the beginning of the night they play African music and then as the night goes on they play American Rap, Hip-Hop & Pop. It is really cool to hang out with the locals and do the things they do. I really like it. Let me say American men can't hold a candle to Tanzanian Men when it comes to dancing!!!! I have never met a Tanzanian guy who doesn't love to dance. It's a great experience, but a lot of times I have to be a little careful. When white girls dance they are almost mugged by the guys dancing. So, we dance in a group and keep an eye out for each other or we dance by some of the Tanzanian guys we are friends with. They seen to ward off teh other guys well lol lol :-)
I love The African music. It is so intense! It has a great beat and it's really fun and easy to dance to. I danced with my friend Justers last night and he would tell me what they were saying in the music. A lot of the themes to the songs are a lot like ours in the States.
So, all in all it was a great night! I had a lot of fun!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERY ONE!!
JC