Corrupt soldiers

Small-scale corruption is hard to avoid if you are staying in Tanzania for a long time. Today we visited Napuru waterfalls which is guarded by soldiers from the Tanzanian army. We made a shortcut on our way to the river, so we didn't pass the guard post. On our way back we met two soldiers who wanted our money. They accused us for going to the river without their permission, and they said we should have left our tickets at their post.

The soldiers are making money on tourists visiting this place.

We asked for apology and suggested to go to the post and deliver the passes we had bought at an office by the road. That was unfortunately not enough. We were told to pay contribution to solve the problem easily, because we had broken their regulations. They told us the money were used for cleaning the area. We had to tell them that we don't trust them because of corruption. That was the start of a long argue with four soldiers who were not 100 % sober. After more than one hour of arguing, and after we told them we would report them, they finally let us go. Avoiding corruption is never the easiest way.

Kenya trip

Last week I had decided to go to Kenya for five days. I took the bus to Nairobi and visited the four Hald-students there: Ola, Åsmund, Elisabeth and Ragnhild. We visited Mathare slum, MYSA (Mathare youth sports assosiation) and some farmers on the countryside outside of Nairobi. Then I went to Voi in southern Kenya to visit my friend Felix.

In Mathare I met people who openly told me about their lives; HIV-infected persons, young single mothers, people who lack school fees for their children. It was somehow a hard meeting with reality. People asked me for money because I am a white person. And I feel somehow ashamed of my own consume because these people can't afford to send their children to school. However, it is amazing how quick you forget about it some days later. We are not affected by the unfair reality if we don't face it.

In Voi it had been raining hard the week before I arrived. In fact it was the most severe rain in six years. The water had left its normal creeks and destroyed roads, houses and schools on its way to the river. It is terrifying to see how quick the water can destroy so much, and I think it wouldn't cost very much to build water pipes to avoid these problems. Anyways, Voi is a beautiful place. Felix took me to one of the hills in Voi where we could see big parts of Tsavo East national park and Voi town. In the evenings he taught me to make ugali, and I taught him to make waffles. We picked mango from the garden and enjoyed fresh waffles with mango jam. Yummy!  

See more pictures in SLIDE SHOW.

I and Ola are standing on the roof of the church where Ola works. Mathare slum in the background.

Some of the children at MYSA library knew some Norwegian words. We were impressed!

Need a ride? Enjoying a free ride with Åsmund and Elisabeth. 

Voi village

A primary school in Voi is damaged by the water.