'Holland, the fuse is now fitted, Achen'. The text message which flashed on
my mobile phone was from the very respectable headmistress of the vocational
school where the computer room is now located. It signalled the possibility of a
return to classes. After many previous efforts to sort out the power problems I
wasn't overly optimistic. However, while we may not break out the champagne just
yet, I am beginning to think the problem is sorted after almost a week of
uninterrupted power. Most of my students sat their exams and did quite well. It
is encouraging to see that so many of them are now computer-literate to the
degree where they can sit down at a computer and write, format and print a
letter and then go outside and have a conversation about the Internet or
Email.
It is now 8pm Sunday evening. I am looking forward to my last week of
teaching before Christmas, especially since I missed the whole of last week with
Malaria. It is the second time I have had the parasites (the other time being
last Easter) and it hit me harder this time. While before I was taking tablets
to prevent me getting Malaria this time I wasn't. The debate is ongoing between
those who take such tablets (prophylactics) and those who don't. The advantages
of taking the tablets are that they reduce the likelihood of catching Malaria
and also reduce the symptoms once you have it. However the Malaria can be
difficult to diagnose and treat for those on prophylactics and there are some
side effects in taking the drugs. As long as the symptoms are caught early it is
often a better idea just to wait until you get it and then treat it.
The
other bit of bad news is that my little companion Dudley has disappeared. I came
back last weekend and there he was – gone. I had continued to put off his
operation and I think the hormones eventually caught up with him. I miss him
terribly though I doubt he has the skills to survive a week in the bush as we
are coming into the dry season. Also there are many wild cats around and cruel
children just waiting for an opportunity to work on their stoning technique. I
was amused however to note that a little frog has taken up residence in his
water bowl which I keep filled in the hope that he might someday wander back
through my window. It just shows you that in Africa life always carries on.
Click on the photo at the left to see him when he was first introduced to a
mouse.
The
other bit of bad news is that my little companion Dudley has disappeared. I came
back last weekend and there he was – gone. I had continued to put off his
operation and I think the hormones eventually caught up with him. I miss him
terribly though I doubt he has the skills to survive a week in the bush as we
are coming into the dry season. Also there are many wild cats around and cruel
children just waiting for an opportunity to work on their stoning technique. I
was amused however to note that a little frog has taken up residence in his
water bowl which I keep filled in the hope that he might someday wander back
through my window. It just shows you that in Africa life always carries on. 
