Almost Paradise

Perfection I’ve been told is a myth. Yet I know and I’ve experienced occasions and connections that have been near perfect. These last two days in Arusha fall under this category for me.

Homemade coffee at Tenguru

Yesterday we visited a Tengeru coffee plantation and had lunch and brewed coffee from coffee beans in a local home. Yes, we climbed about two kilometres uphill in the rain, and yes, there were a few falls and a few scary moments of almost slipping. But, at the end of the day there was camaraderie, and everyone pitching in to shell, roast, grind and then brew coffee. 


We also had a remarkable lunch.
Today, we visited one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
I got to film and document two remarkable interviews with Ee-Yeiyo with my team from NSCC and Veta Hotel Training Institute.

Ee-Yeiyo

We were greeted by Ee-Yeiyo and people from Da Meru Tribe and treated and our first bit of business was a delicious tea brew, bananas, and shortly sweet roasted potatoes.

Mama and me

Ee-Yeiyo or Mama, made us feel quite at home and I later had the opportunity to set-up and film (along with the help of my team) a remarkable piece of history.
Later that day we had probably the most delicious meal I’ve had since childhood 😊 and then a session of storytelling by Dada that was also recorded by members of my team. 


Yes, it rained non-stop and we had to leave the camp fire due to rain, but everything that resulted from this was a BONUS.
Happiness, Tina and myself

I’ve learned so much and I feel a new kinship to these people and this land. I’m even more excited to see what the next few days will bring.

#Connection #Kinship #Yeiyo #Arusha
#Documentation #OralHistoryInterpretationTanzania #Filmmaker #NSCCInternational

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

London Calling

Image
After discovering that we had missed both connecting flights we had to re-adjust and book new ones. We ended up staying an extra day and night in Toronto and then was onto London for a day. The day in Toronto we spent exploring, St. Lawrence Market and downtown Toronto, and I had a chance to meet up with a friend. We also got a chance to bond for a bit. Group exploring downtown Toronto Group on Heathrow Express London for a Day Goodies at St. Lawrence Market We ended up back at the airport, tired but happy. Then we were onto London for a 10 hour flight. Note to self: Spending 10 hours in a middle row is an option I should avoid in the future. Customs at Heathrow airport can test the faith of even the most patient. We spent hours in a line carrying gear and the likes. Finally we were cleared and had a quick bite to eat. *The best Cafe Mocha I've ever had. We had about 12 hours to spend and a few of us took the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station an
Read more

Adieu

Image
Happy moment with Masaii. Photo by Courtney Bolivar I can't even begin to say goodbye to this land, this place, new friends. Tanzania has pulled me in many directions. From day one on landing in Dar Es Salaam to travelling to Arusha, making new friends, recording and learning a piece of history and participating in a Tribal dance. Then on to Mikumi to visit the villages, connect with old friends and make new ones. To talk to a class of students, many introductions along the way. This experience has surpassed my expectations. In route to a village. Photo by Janet Hawkwood There have been moments of uncertainty and yes, a few moments of learning. My team has gone through a few minor aches and adjustments, but though it all we persevered and kept smiling. Breakfast at Vuma Hills To say that I've grown as a filmmaker is limiting. I've grown as an individual. Interview in a village The last days spent on Safari were breathtaking. Y
Read more

Arusha

Image
Traditional Welcoming Dance Courtney, Margaret and Breagh in session After many mishaps, loss luggage and the likes, Arusha has been like a breath of fresh air. We were greeted by the students and faculty with a lunch and performance in our honour. The place itself was beautiful. Arusha airport VETA Campus We had lunch, did introductions and then discussed questions for interview the following day. Later in the evening we learned that we would take part in a cultural show on Friday. Surprise! We practiced for three different dances = intense. Dance practice We bonded quickly and made friends with the students. Happiness, Courtney and myself Here's a picture of Courtney, Happiness and myself.
Read more