New hair!

Firstly, a pic of the new hair because I happen to think it's pretty impressive:

This last week we had a random Tuesday off for a national holiday so I went with Grace to get my hair braided.  This also worked well because the next day was Crazy Hair Day at school!  I've always wanted to get my hair braided and I absolutely love it!  Here are some pics of the process: 

Firstly, we went into town the day before to buy rasta (fake hair).  I've been told three packets is a good amount so will go with it!

A long boda boda ride out to Bonite and then it was Grace's turn to get her hair done.....

....whilst I hung out with this sweetheart and had a conversation of mutual smiles :)

Grace had to leave after having her hair finished...which included burning the fuzzy hair off (I didn't have mine burnt....I had visions of my whole head catching on fire)!

Now it was my turn :) It was so much fun because we really couldn't communicate.  Her instructions about where she wanted me to move my head: "Leesa, something, something, something...." followed by my confused look and lots of laughter!  

Four hours later and we're done!  Asante sana Mama!

Grace and I the next day at school

So easy to style....

I did take just a few selfies....oops

It wasn't entirely pain free as it was braided quite tight.  Methinks this is why people here look so young....it's like getting an instant facelift!  I couldn't frown for the first day but after that it felt really comfortable.  I'm planning on keeping it in for about 3 weeks but will see how itchy my head gets without being washed for that long!  I even had to buy a special hair net so it doesn't get messy at night.  I'm already planning what style I want to get next. So fun, and only cost about $10!

Another weekend away

House moving still hasn't happened....well it sort of has, in that I'm at the new house but sleeping in a tent until the back house is ready.  There's a big flat deck on the roof of the front house which is perfect for camping out under the stars.  It's really peaceful, except for the cat hacking up hairballs next to my tent at 1:30am, and having to move the tent halfway through the night because of a storm.  I have definitely been getting the "white people are crazy" look from our night guard!  The weather looks bad next week so I shall camp in the front house living room for a bit :)

This last weekend was a teacher excursion.  Global Effect funds a few trips each year so we get to see some of the country and spend some time together.  This weekend was at Snow Cap Cottages, a place I went to with the Mountain Club a few months ago.  It's about 2.5 hours away on the other side of Kili and is in such a lush and beautiful area.  The best part was escaping from the heat.  It's a lot higher up and was cool enough that we could sleep under bed covers, wear jeans and hoodies, and even enjoy an open fire!  Soooooo needed! There was no internet access, and for part of the time it was raining which meant lots of time enjoying blankets and books.

Comfy snuggly bed :)

Green makes me happy

On a group walk

Mawenzi peeking out from the clouds

Yep, just hanging out in our hut...in our field...

Taylor and a rather huge sunflower

Early morning

Mawenzi and Kili....from the TZ side they are reversed!

Stunning Kili! It was so worth the early morning walk

With Rebecca and Taylor

A close-up of Kili

Looking towards Kenya. I love all the layers!