It is my last full day in Mwanza and at Hisani. Had my final proper lesson - on adjectives - with standard 3 yesterday and a run through of the alphabet with standard zero this morning. That's it, no more classes. In town this afternoon getting ready for my leaving party, with pizza, cake, soda, Tanzania music, some Christmas balloons, and no doubt a tear in my eye. Last night i enjoyed a final meal out with some of the other vols. Now it has finally come, I ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! It's New Year's Day. Spent last night at Hotel Tilapia, in Mwanza, rather than going to Tunza, which apparently was less than busy. We were surrounded by Indians, dressed in their finest. They outnumbered the wazungu 4:1. It was fine, had a nice meal, but we all ended up doing different things. Saw the new year in, however, with Tom, Mary, Anna (Spanish volunteer at Watoto) and Lorna. Had some Kili beer, had a double Glennfidd...

It's now Boxing Day. Thanks for the Christmas messages. I had one of the best and most rewarding Christmas Days ever. Put simply, we all know why we can be cynical about Christmas - it's easy to harp on about commericalism and expectations not being met, family's being forced together and feuding etc etc. This was the opposite experience. A bunch of orphans with little or no expectations, other than slightly better food (chicken, pilau rice, cabbage) ...

Firstly, HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.   Good, ok, that avoids having to send cards out. The good news is i am feeling a heck of a lot better. Physically i am fine, still being careful what i eat, but taking the right precautions. Mentally, i feel a little closer to the end, and am nearing the last lap at the orphanage. I will make the most of my time left with the kids. The above picture shows them peforming their nativity play at Hisani. This morning (sat...

Firstly, we beat Man Utd! Amazing. The only way is up! More seriously, i am back in a hotel (for one night) making most of their free internet access (free if you discount that i paid 50,000 Tsh for the room). Its the same hotel whose reception is pictured, in happier times, in the photo. Last night i was back in hospital (same one as before) having more treatment for dehydration following another bout of sickness and diahorrea. Just as i was fully prepared to ...