I accidentally gave the cat my breakfast!

Epic fail yesterday morning..... After explaining that I didn't fancy gross looking insects for breakfast there was a slight breakdown in communication between me and my host Mum. The other day we had Chapati for breakie and my host Mum was encouraging me to share with the cat, then yesterday morning I was running late and on my way out when my host mum offered me a chapati, I accepted and explained I'd have to have it take away.... Anyways she got a Chapati out and the cat was going bonkers practically climbing up her skirt! She put the Chapati in a bowl and made a signal which I read as 'put this down for the cat', so I put the bowl down, the cat snatched the Chapatti and scarpered then I look up to see my host Mum wearing the most horrified expression and saying quite sternly 'I can't make Chapati for Puss! That was for you! I was mortified.... I tried to explain that it was a genuine mistake but I seriously think that she thought I just didn't want it, so threw it to the cat! I've spoke with her in the evening though and I'm back in her good books now, thankfully.

I keep meaning to mention that the cockerel situ has been resolved, each night my family lock the cockerel in the outside kitchen and don't let him out till 7am.... This has been so much better as although I can still hear him from 5am it's kinda muffled and I'm able to get back to sleep!

Yesterday was the final day of training and 'forced fun' for the vols and as of today the they will set to work on their various projects. I now get to circulate around the various teams and offer support from arms length which should mean less 9am-7pm days and more time to do ALL the other work I have!

A funny statement one of the UK vols made about meal times here in TZ ''every meal is like a Christmas Dinner'' (due to the quantity Tanzanians eat at meal times) I think I now have an understanding with my family that I don't like to eat huge plates and I'm more a little and often kind of person. I've also managed to explain that for me eating dinner at 9.30-10pm every night is too late for me and we have reached a comprise where by food will be ready from 8.30pm and I can help myself and the rest of the family can still eat later. Means eating alone but guess I had 4 years in Tib Street to get used to that.

A final food anecdote, yesterday I ate a bread roll and after two bites (and swallowing) I realised it was riddled with ants!! Was not a nice experience at all!