My going away party was yesterday. People were invited to come at 2:30, but many people came right after work got out at 12:30. Rose, one of the participants in my study, and my neighbors Max, and Kassoni started cooking at 8:30. Well, if cooking includes killing the meal. I still can't believe I actually paid for a goat to be killed.
Here in Tanzania, a party isn't a party without killing something. After the first goat was deceased and cut up, Rose arrived and said it wasn't going to be enough to have nyama choma (my favorite part) so someone went off to find another poor soul to sacrifice.
On the menu was banana and stomach soup (it is a stinky endeavor and not really my favorite), pilau (rice and meat), cooked cabbage, nyama choma (roasted meat), beer and soda. The five of us were so busy the entire time I didn't really get a chance to see who all showed up, but those that were attending the party said everyone enjoyed.
Due to my small fear of large groups paying attention to me, I had some wine set aside for me. Rose told me later that a few people asked what was in my water bottle and she told them it was dawa (medicine) for me only because I was so sad to be leaving. Actually, it was my liquid courage :). These guys are dancing and eating. Looks like they too had some liquid courage.
I had an outfit made for the party, but unfortunately, didn't get a picture of just me in my outfit, but here is a picture of me and my pikipiki driver, Samuel. I am pretty sure if model recruiting occurred in Tanzania, he would be in GQ by now.
Near sunset, the music was turned off and I was dragged out of the kitchen to face everyone. The mzee of the group announced to everyone that if anyone had any problems with me or if I had any problems with anyone there, it was time to tell them. Oh, and safari njema (safe journey). Then some ladies that work at the office came forward and presented me with some beautiful material.
I am glad everyone had fun, but my favorite part of the day was talking about it with Rose when it was over. Here we are with the gardener who works at my house.
It felt a little like working at a restaurant must feel before and during the dinner rush. I realized that only two people actually pulled me aside to say kwaheri. But that didn't bother me. I don't like saying kwaheri anyways and it is always awkward because I really don't know if I will see these people again. They could quit their jobs or I could not get a chance to come back for a visit for a long time. Enough about that. The point is, everyone enjoyed themselves and my emotions were dumbed down enough that nothing was really bothering me about having so many people in my "territory."
Actually, I only posted it because it is such a good picture of the cat. Lucky! This is Kassoni and me: 
Here is me, Maxi, and the cat:
And me and Maxi who has looked out for me the most out of anyone here: 
In fact, he seems to be personally hurt when the elephants don't show up at the waterhole and I am not getting data. He has been a great friend providing hours of company and many cups of chai. He taught me how to make uji so that I could feed myself on Sunday when Rose has the day off. Every time I make uji I will always think of him. In fact, most of my memories of Tanzania will be about Maxi and the laughs we have had together.
It was my plan to take a picture of the yummy food before I chowed down, but I was distracted by the scrumptiousness awaiting me, and therefore, here is a picture about a quarter into the meal. I went back for seconds and I can honestly say it was the first time I have gorged myself in 7 months. I actually forgot what a 'I'm full' tummyache felt like. The ambiance at camp was very nice too. This is the chandelier 
and here is the bar. 
After dinner, we just sat and digested for a bit, much as people do in America. I was sitting near the edge of the deck-like hut and I was lucky enough to have a genet walk up and sit by my feet. Apparently they feed it at the camp. I was excited to see one so up close, as I am sure the rest of the guests have been. However, it wasn't so tame because as soon as it realized I was a person sitting, he scrambled back into the bush. They sure are cute though.
You can tell from the picture that the months spent alone have made me awfully aprehensive of approaching a crowd. I never liked it much before anyway. Luckily, I had met the teachers of this group back in July so they came over to say hi before I had to approach them. It has been nice to have people to talk to once again, but it is a little sad to think that I will not be alone again until I leave. They invited me to Thanksgiving dinner at the tourist camp in exchange for a lecture. I have never eaten there and always rushed when passing by because I feel out of place due to my grungy researcher appearance tainting the polished look of the camp.
I was surprised at how close they got to me without really being habituated. 
Its strange that this is the first time they have visited so up close and personal. Perhaps they have finally gotten used to my presence in their “territory.” Of course, now I am leaving in 7 days. Here's one of his more colorful side. *wink*
I took a philosophical approach to my understanding of dung beetles, which I appreciate even more now. When there was no rain at all, there were very few dung beetles, and the dung piled up. Now that it has rained, there are plenty of dung beetles and therefore a lot less dung. It just reminds me that every single living thing has a purpose. My world is suddenly much cleaner with green grass and only the remnants of fresh poop.
