Back at the Ranch... Thank GOD!

I got back last night to the ranch. Yesterday was a no-less eventful day, but at least it didn't involve evil. I got to the bus station around 5:30 yesterday and we pulled out of Dar forever at 6:30. I arrived at my stop at 3:30 but had 2 dala dala rides and a motorbike ride ahead of me. There was plenty of time to get back before dark. However, the second daladala broke. In fact, the front wheel caught on fire and then came off in a bumpy patch of road. I didn't even know that could happen and still don't really know what caused the problem. ANyway, we were going slow on the bumps so no one was hurt. Actually everyone laughed. We waited on the side of the road and watched the sun set over Mt. Meru. It was beautiful, although I was a little anxious about the long journey ahead in the dark. Fortunately, a laurie from Ndarakwai came by and gave me a lift, but only until I had about 1.5 hours to walk in the dark with no torch. Luckily, there were 3 other women who were going my way. As we passed houses, soon there was just me and another lady who offered to walk me to Rose's house (our "housegirl" and everything good about Tanzania). Well, as I said we were walking in the dark and I tripped over a rock, fell, and sprained my ankle. There was a man who heard me scream and came to act as a crutch the rest of the way to Rose's house. He even carried me over the furrows of water. We got to Rose's house and she did not hesitate to get her jacket and walk me across the river to my house. I actually probably should have stayed at Rose's last night because even though she made me tea and hot water for a bath, this morning my ankle is quite bad. Well, I say that meaning that it is the worst sprained ankle I have had, but its not extremely swollen and only has a hint of blue. But, I really can't walk on it at all. I called the ranch owner and luckily there is a car going to Arusha tomorrow that can get me some crutches. I really don't want this to be a barrier to starting my project, which is going to involve a lot of walking! But, at least I am back and had I not had the week I did, I might be really discouraged by this ailment, but in the scheme of things, it seems like a minor problem. I am just laying low today with my ankle laying high. I may go to town with the car tomorrow to finish the permit process. Have a good Memorial Day!