After being sick for about three weeks I sucked it up and went to see Dr. Mohammed. I took a taxi to the office, a little nervous at the prospect of seeing ANY doctor, let alone one in Tanzania. What would this be like??? At first I was both relieved and appalled that I was ushered into a private waiting room ahead of about 30 coughing Tanzanians. (Perhaps it was because I called the doctors cell phone the day before for an appointment? can you imagine having your doctors cell phone number?) Next I was ushered into the doctors room. It was split in half with a white hanging sheet, on one side I sat while a nurse took my blood pressure, on the other side the doctor was sitting with a family and a coughing, crying child. I couldn't understand the conversation, as it was entirely in kiswahili. When it was my turn, he looked in my eyes, nose, throat and ears. Listened to me cough. Then said you probably have the flu, avoid dust (good luck with that here) and take the following medicines. huh.
I learned later that the system is designed to charge foreigners a bit more for the doctor consult, so the Tanzanians can go for almost free. Mind you, I only paid 20 US dollars for the consult AND four cold remedy medicines.
I saw a beautiful blue heron yesterday. And a car-flattened hedgehog. The hedgehog actually looked like someone had squished the koosh out of a koosh ball: still totally round but flat.
Other highlights of the week include: a run through a field of wheat and acacia trees, consulting with friends about the beginning of an orphanage in Arusha over sodas, a benefit theater production put on at the Arusha Hotel about bouncers in UK night clubs, and soccer training for Arusha kids with my buddy Alfred.
Okay, enough procrastinating. Back to research!
1 comment:
It is exciting to hear of your adventures in Arusha. It´s hard to think that just a few years ago we were in the Yellow House talking and dreaming of doing what you are actually doing... so good. Miss you, friend.
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