Wageni geni

Yesterday was very interesting. I was told there would be students coming to stay in my backyard again, but a small group- only 5. I have been doing a lot of computer work as the crop season is finished so being wholed up in the house all day is making me a bit antsy. Needless to say, I was happy to have some visitors in the afternoon, although it was completely unexpected. Answering to the upteenth "hodi" of the day, I hurried to the door to find an askari with four wazungu. I greeted him and then said hi to the wazungu, probably inadvertently portraying my confusion at their presence in my territory, as the tourist camp is on the opposite end of the ranch, and my end might be considered an eye-sore for paying guests. However, the purpose of their visit was quickly revealed. One of them had lived in my house for a year in 2001. He wanted to see the house, how it has been renovated and then offered me a picnic lunch... with WINE! Ends up, both of the guys are chefs. One owns a ritzy restaurant near Arusha. The food was absolutely fantastic. When I tell you we had sandwiches it will not adequately portray my delight in the meal. I haven't had bread, cheese, or lettuce since I have arrived... and of course there was the white wine. It wasn't just any bread, cheese, and wine. It was really nice food. Even as I write I know nobody will understand how great it was, but what else can I say? I excitedly offered to take their garbage... including the wine bottle that still smells of its contents. Yay wine. I will even take a picture of the bottle because it makes me so happy.