Dodoma,
Tanzania
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Full day of meetings at the Tanzanian Parliament. Pretty flash place only opened two years ago. Has pretty plush seats. They would be deadly in Westminster as MP's would nod off straight away although it would make getting business through quickly. Had meeting with Prime Minister, CPA branch and a range of committees such as the public accounts committee. Pretty heavy duty. The bus was sent back for Pat and Katie to take them shopping but it was too late. They had already gone. Fortunately Dodoma is a bit lacking on the shopping side although apparently they found a little helper who took them round what there was. When we arrived back Pat was as red as a lobster but denied she has been out in the sun without sun cream as she always does. If it was an allegy to gin and tonics I could understand it. She had had a hard post-shop by finding someone to give her a massage in the hotel. (not sure hotel actually did them but she seemed happy enough)
Evening was a grand dinner hosted by the Tanzanian MP's and the deputy speaker. Dinner not so great but pretty good entertainment. We were all forced to dance, one of which involved dancing about waving a white tissue in the air. When I asked what this meant I was told it meant 'I love you please sleep with me'! I thought we had enough problems in Westminster!
