Devota Homestay

On the 30th August (Monday) myself and Amy were invited to stay at the home of Devota, one of our Tanzanian leaders. To reach her house we took a dalla dalla which is the equivalent of a Tanzanian public bus, but slightly chaotic! As the bus was driving people would open the doors and jump on and one passenger was even carrying a live chicken!

We then walked to Devota's house which is part of a cluster of houses where around 10 other families live. This meant that we were greeted by a group of her neighbour's children who were very excited to meet mzungu (white people)! Living with Devota are her two children- Alfonz and Gertrude- along with her younger sister, Halema. Her house was very cosy and we sat in the main room to enjoy a tea of rice and a common Tanzanian dish of tomatoes, peas and a vegetable similar to green peppers- it was delicious. All the neighbouring children also ate with us, although they were very shy! I really enjoyed the evening as it was truly like a 'girly sleepover' as we spent the evening talking about Devota's life and sharing our own experiences- it was so nice to be made so welcome and learn more about her. We went to bed quite early as Devota's children leave at 5am to get to school, so she was in need of sleep! We stayed in her sister's room which was simply furnished with a double mattress, but we were so grateful that she had given up her room for us to stay there and it was really comfortable.

In the morning, we woke and had a breakfast of hot milk, boiled eggs and bread which is traditional in Tanzania, before walking to the bus stop to meet the rest of the group. On the way we were able to see Devota's village and see the school she teaches at- there is such a sense of community here as everyone is friendly and were very welcoming of us.

 

  • Lettie


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