Karibu!

In Kiswahili, the lingua franca throughout large parts of  East Africa, 'shani' is a noun meaning:

1. curiosity, novelty, something unusual

2. adventure

3. accident

Hence, I've titled my blog "Jambo la Shani", which translates as "Matter of Adventure", or alternatively as "Matter of ......." any of the other definitions of 'shani' you care to insert here, all of which are probably applicable to some degree.

I like it because "Jambo" also serves as the commonest form of greeting in Kiswhahili, as anyone who has been to East Africa can attest.  Although there are more correct forms of greeting: hujambo (singular) / hamjambo (plural) and reply; the basic "Jambo" is certainly how us wazungu (foreigners) are greeted and respond.  Often pluralised actually, as in "Jambo jambo", almost sung in the delightful lilting voice of the Tanzanian people.

So... Karibu!  Welcome to my blog!

My "D-day" is Mother's Day in Australia

(Sunday 9th May 2010 - don't forget your mother folks!).

D-day is the day I'm "Leavin' on a jet plane...", having organised leave from my hospital job for a year, broken the lease on my unit, packed all my worldly possessions in a shed, engaged in a frantic social whirl of au revoirs, attended the Banff Mountain Film Festival (can't miss Banff), and kissed my nearest and dearest farewell, before tearing my heart from my chest saying goodbye to my special someone at the airport.

My new home will be Moshi, Tanzania, where I'll be helping the orphaned "Kili Kids" being cared for through the amazing work of "Committee Assist" (check out their website http://www.committeeassist.org/ ).

I fully expect this will be THE MOST amazing, frustrating, incredible, challenging, inspiring year of my life!

Please keep in touch...