July 18th.
Saturday morning was housekeeping and a spot of vigorous Tai Chi - washing.
                     


This was followed by a steep walk down to the stall at the bridge to the to try to find something to eat for the next day. We came back with a pineapple and some Masomi (small potato like roots native to the local area). We boiled these for breakfast Sunday morning but decided they would be tastier in vegetable soup.

Sunday breakfast.




Because of the hardship and poverty, people often bring produce to church as their offering. After the service, it is auctioned and the proceeds added to the offering. One of the staff bought a pineapple and promptly turned around and gave it to us as a welcome gift. it was a very lovely gesture. The lady in the above photo was at church on Sunday. She was so excited to see us that we both got a great big hug.
                

The auctioneer

Each day brings new surprises and Monday was no exception. The immigration rules have recently been changed and so we found that the visa we arrived on is no longer valid. The trip to Bukoba was delayed until Monday and on arrival at the Immigration Office we were informed that they no longer issue visas and we would have to travel to the Ugandan border to settle the matter. That involved a two hour drive there. Hakuna matata. It is now recorded in our passport that we have exited Tanzania,entered Uganda and returned to Tanzania with the correct visa, without our ever setting a foot in Uganda. (All for a fee of course.)  Hakuna matata Someone greater than us was on our side as the next people in line with the same problem as us were refused a visa.

This morning we hit the "shops" in a small village close by to buy some fruit and vegetables. What an interesting experience. No one spoke English. I was very glad that I was able to count in swahili and so had a vague idea of the prices we were being charged. I did slip up and used the wrong number for three and ended up with five kilos of potatoes. Hakuna matata. They will keep.  We arrived home with a good supply of lovely vegetables and eggs and our next trip may not be so daunting. All in a day
at Katoke.


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