Feb 20th, 2011
What rights?
When I typed the chronologically-preceding entry we had internet, but suspiciously could not access blogger, gmail or other various websites. When I used a different IP address to approach these sites, I was attacked by a green screen stating, “Denied by CLEAROS”. Evidently, the University had installed a content filter denying access to all web-based email, blogs and any search containing the words ‘proxy server’. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) for the students even turnitin.com, the anti-plagiarism website to which they submit their assignments for my class, was blocked.
I called Randy, my super-dupervisor, and he immediately began notifying the IT department. It appears that they were trying to limit precious bandwidth and claimed that they didn’t think CLEAROS would affect anyone, but they will address the situation. But how did they arrive at this grossly inappropriate assumption? Do they think that if students are accessing the internet then they are only downloading pornography, or worse, American movies? Is there no need for students to access email, regardless of the fact that the University sends notifications via email? As Ian always says, “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck….” But bandwidth conservation smells conveniently like a duck named ‘censorship’, which treaded through a puddle of incompetence along the way. Randy was in a less irksome state and just reminded me that the music department could possibly be two decades ahead of the rest of the University. It appears to more of an honest mistake than I had originally imagined. But, I realize that as a U.S. citizen, I've definitely taken my right to 'free speech' for granted.
"You can cage the singer, but not the song." Harry Belafonte
Missy and Laura are now safely home. It’s been reported that they enjoyed a trip of a lifetime, despite the travel snafus described below.
We attended Mama Maasai’s Royal Wedding—glad we were here to take part in it. Angelika and Erwin are quite an adorable couple.
 |
| Erwin and Angelika of "Help for Maasai" fame. |
 |
| Angelika's girls (originally orphans) with a wedding gift from a guest. |
 |
Tom beautifully playing horn for the happy couple.
He also composed a wonderful love song that Angelika sang to Erwin. |
 |
| Maasai Choir at the wedding. |
 |
| Ed, Debra, and Daris |
Feb 18th, 2011
We’ve had an explosive week in Tanzania!
I made the mistake of announcing my surprise at accomplishing all of this week’s tightly scheduled functions. Jinx. Six full days of hosting embassy and personal guests through flights, drivers, school tours, safaris, concerts, rehearsals, hotels, orphanages, all of which managed to flow smoothly despite the tight time tolerances—and in Tanzania that is just short of miraculous. On the last day Laura asked about confirming her International KLM flight departing Tanzania and I responded, “There’s no need because they are like clockwork. KLM arrives each evening unless the world implodes. “ Let me just say, it’s really stupid to tempt the fates with global implosion.
So from Zanzibar we three ladies arrived in Dar es Salaam. I flew to Arusha, leaving Laura and Missy at the Dar es Salaam airport, and marveled again at the flawless unfolding of the week’s events. The next morning I awoke to a text message from the U.S. Embassy Warden warning about explosions in Dar es Salaam—near the airport—all flights were cancelled. While wondering if Laura and Missy had departed, I received a text from Laura that appeared to be composed from the beak of a wet and angry hen. All the KLM employees in Dar es Salaam were instructed to go home, but they somehow forgot to tell the 300 passengers sleeping on the tarmac that their flight was cancelled. Missy was now sick and puking. Oh, we spent endless hours on congested cell phone networks trying to confirm their flight home. I flagellated myself with the thoughts, ‘I was the one that signed up for the hardships of a developing country—not them—they are just tourists. Why must they endure this?’
Turns out that the explosions were from an old armory, i.e. bomb dump, that the TZ president stated was no longer in existence. Surprise. Unfortunately, the rusty bomb explosion killed over 20 (mostly military) and injured many more. There were reports of people searching for missing children in the neighborhood.
Well, as I’m typing this, Laura coherently texts me with a calm finger to state they have arrived in Amsterdam and are comfortably on their way home. Missy is eating some crackers, soda and is feeling better. I’m so glad.
While in Zanzibar (prior to implosion), Laura, Missy and I had a terrific time on the beach. We also met up with a fellow Fulbrighter from Baltimore. She is documenting cultish phenomena on the island that includes being diagnosed with spirits and then the treatment or management of those maladies via group hypnosis therapy which includes hallucinogenic incense and free drinks. There are several groups on the island that meet on Wednesday nights. They are all composed of women and gay men. Now remember, the island is 98% Muslim where alcohol and homosexually are both forbidden (more like Southern Baptist than anyone would like to admit). Our friend was diagnosed with a spirit by a fundi (an expert in anything, we have fundi plumbers, fundi car repair, etc), and therefore invited to participate, though she must hide her cameras as not to scare the spirits. It is said that Zanzibar is nothing as it seems—Islam is merely a façade on an island full of pagan partiers.
Last night Makumira Music Department provided entertainment for 500 international coffee growers, all of whom were enjoying a plush convention in Arusha. The posh evening materialized into a really nice gig for our students. During the break we were treated to food and adult beverages. Since most of our students are older the alcohol is not an issue, but when I inquired about the drinking age of Tanzania they all burst into laughter. Perhaps they thought it should be illegal to impose a drinking age in Tanzania; as if it were impairing one’s ability to numb the pain of living with endless corruption. I’m not sure the point of their humor, but they finally told me that there is not a drinking age here (though, I later learned it is 18). I think Tanzania is still several decades away from ‘Nanny-statedom’.
Perhaps it was the ‘liquid courage’ speaking, but on the drive home several of our students erupted into obscure bushland fables of ladies leaving and people perishing. Every other phrase was in either Swahili or Maasai followed by, “I don’t know the translation for that.” Finally, one of them clarified in a ‘direct American’ dialect and stated, “We really don’t want you to leave.”
Though flattered, I have to say I have multiple emotional reactions to such statements. As they bicker over who carries my backpack and who gets the pictures of our kids, part of me recognizes the dangers or downsides of being highly esteemed. I also see the urgency in fleeing before they realize we don’t shit ice cream.
But what the students have never had is an advocate. I only do what my teachers did for me but it is so contrary to most Tanzanians’ University experience. I can remember how important it is to have people believe in you, especially at times when it’s difficult to believe in yourself. Hopefully I can offer what they need, even though I always feel just shy of skills I need to do this.
Confession: We’re addicted to the Bop It toy that Betsy sent us. I currently have the high score.
Good news: Carolyn Kendrick will be staying with us for March and April, and Lizzie will be here for the month of May!! It is such an honor to be personally introducing our wonderful acquaintances in Tanzania to our dear friends from home.
“The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-distrust. He guides their eyes from himself to the spirit that quickens him. He will have no disciple.” ~Amos Bronson Alcott
“When you love people and have the desire to make a profound, positive impact upon the world, then you will have accomplished a meaningful life.” Sasha Azevedo
“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth”.” ~Dan Rather
“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.” ~Kahlil Gibran
Looking for ice cream cones,
Daris
 |
| Gig for 500 people at an international coffee convention. |
Until we have internet again.....
