I take an early cup of tea into the thatched disco-come-restaurant at the back of the hotel, where live music had been playing to goodness-knows-what time on Saturday and Sunday night. Seeing my bed empty, Rukundo thinks I'm in the en-suite bathroom, and hovers around for half an hour before plucking up courage to stick his head round the door. I'm determined to pack as much as possible into today.
There are more delegates, and the attentiveness and engagement is much better. The weather seems a little cooler, too (29C rather than 32C). The groups go well and we've ploughed through some good stuff. first on money and then on leadership.
Last night, before Rukundo and I resumed our deep conversation, Steven and I had reviewed the trip's finances. He's done really well to keep in line with budgets, but, if anything, has been let down by local folks not gripping the catering arrangements and costs. In the overall balance, it's not a show-stopper. And both Rukundo and Gregory have benefitted from seeing Steven's different way of running the conferences.
Bishop Bartholomew is translating for Len. They chat together as the groups work on stuff, and Len finds him very receptive. Bishop Mwasota, gives thanks for the lunch, which is even later than yesterday. This has been a significant couple of days. We're through by 5.00pm, and folks have gone home happily clutching handouts Steven has arranged. I've transferred a lot of stuff onto USB sticks, too. Len and I chat to the young guys who've been doing the techie work. They've been amused by the ukulele.
"Same place as last night?" Steven suggested; "Although, I'd like to look for somewhere new." He really is a restless man, and I admire this in him. We're all agreed, except for the prospect of being jammed in the Previa for another Turkish Bath and spine-jolting endurance test on Dar es Salaam's many un-made-up roads. "Straight there!" is the chorus. It's been hot, even for the Africans. Len has goat meat and chapatis again, and we celebrate with Stoney, the ginger beer pop.
Steven plans to cut short his stay-over and go back to Kitwe on Thursday. The flight change cost $50, but Gladys and all will be pleased to see him. I wonder about our future activities here. Jacob is a resourceful guy, but his wife and family are still back in Zambia. Ps Luvanda is a lovely guy, and well occupied in what he's presently administering. John Said and Bartholomew have been very drawn to us. As Rukundo and I are packing, John Said appears to say 'goodbye'. Today he'd been tendering to run some English language training for the business they have set up, and had missed the sessions.
Something's going to take shape.
There are more delegates, and the attentiveness and engagement is much better. The weather seems a little cooler, too (29C rather than 32C). The groups go well and we've ploughed through some good stuff. first on money and then on leadership.
Last night, before Rukundo and I resumed our deep conversation, Steven and I had reviewed the trip's finances. He's done really well to keep in line with budgets, but, if anything, has been let down by local folks not gripping the catering arrangements and costs. In the overall balance, it's not a show-stopper. And both Rukundo and Gregory have benefitted from seeing Steven's different way of running the conferences. Bishop Bartholomew is translating for Len. They chat together as the groups work on stuff, and Len finds him very receptive. Bishop Mwasota, gives thanks for the lunch, which is even later than yesterday. This has been a significant couple of days. We're through by 5.00pm, and folks have gone home happily clutching handouts Steven has arranged. I've transferred a lot of stuff onto USB sticks, too. Len and I chat to the young guys who've been doing the techie work. They've been amused by the ukulele.
"Same place as last night?" Steven suggested; "Although, I'd like to look for somewhere new." He really is a restless man, and I admire this in him. We're all agreed, except for the prospect of being jammed in the Previa for another Turkish Bath and spine-jolting endurance test on Dar es Salaam's many un-made-up roads. "Straight there!" is the chorus. It's been hot, even for the Africans. Len has goat meat and chapatis again, and we celebrate with Stoney, the ginger beer pop.
Steven plans to cut short his stay-over and go back to Kitwe on Thursday. The flight change cost $50, but Gladys and all will be pleased to see him. I wonder about our future activities here. Jacob is a resourceful guy, but his wife and family are still back in Zambia. Ps Luvanda is a lovely guy, and well occupied in what he's presently administering. John Said and Bartholomew have been very drawn to us. As Rukundo and I are packing, John Said appears to say 'goodbye'. Today he'd been tendering to run some English language training for the business they have set up, and had missed the sessions.
Something's going to take shape.
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