Back in Dar
Trip Start
Feb 09, 2006
1
10
11
Trip End
Mar 01, 2006
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
Friday, February 24, 2006
I spent the night with Nancy on Thursday night. My friend and her niece Cecilia had a baby last week and we went to see him. He was born on Valentines day so he is Valentino. What a cutie, he is already smiling.
We also went to Shop Rite, a new grocery chain that opened a few years back. They have everything and at reasonable prices. I bought a bunch of towels, wash clothes and sponges for the kitchen when I realized how few the housekeeper had at the Julius' Dad's house. She was happy to get them.
Now we are visiting friends and making last minute purchases. Everyone always wants you to visit their home.
The power has been rationed the whole time we are here thanks to the drought. One half of the city or the other has to go without power for twelve hours at least every other day if not every day. It is ridiculous. Everyone says that they need another source of power besides hydroelectric. It is true. It is too bad they aren't using the technology for solar. Lord knows there is enough strong sun.
The news stroies these days have been about corrupt police. The head of the police even "retired" this week, I am sure by force. 15 are charged with killing some gem dealers. They said that the dealers were street thugs but all their buyers and many others told a different story. Now it looks like the officers killed them in cold blood and stole their money. People here do not trust the police but this sent people over the edge. The government stept in and after an investigation arrested them all and they are now on trial. It is a big sensation. The press is learning what the American press already knows. Scandals sell papers. Now the police are nervous. The new president has been going after corruption so maybe they are next. Stay tuned...
