When I was based in the UK I found it really easy to do so many things without really thinking about them. I found myself driving to familiar places as if the car had an ‘autopilot’ and when I arrived I had little recollection of the drive.
John Hinton and the latest road renovation!
Life here in Tanzania is a little different. We’re experiencing the ‘long rains’ at the moment and it’s fair to say that even if cars could have an autopilot feature – it would be useless here at the moment as the rains are remodelling all but the major, tarmac, roads with every fresh downpour. I’m gradually becoming an expert at navigation improvisation. I can’t pretend that it isn’t frustrating, but sometimes, just sometimes, it can lead to discoveries which otherwise I’d never have made.
Tyres and sandals
This week – whilst taking an enforced detour en route to visit Suzanna & Mary to support them in their new business start up – I found some wonderful new sandals. My flip flops had just flopped and I was in need of replacements when my newly improvised route took
me past a chap selling really cool sandals he’d fashioned out of old car tyres. Back in the UK I doubt there’d have been a second thought about giving the tyre a second chance. It’s really inspiring to see that initiative and entrepreneurial flair are blossoming here. I’m also delighted to report that as well as being imaginative and eco-friendly, they are really comfy too!
-John Hinton
