I should start this post by saying I am extremely clumsy! I have fallen going up stairs and have tripped walking on flat ground. The roads in Tanzania are not paved nor flat. In fact, there are numerous ditches, potholes, rocks, and uneven ground that you must walk over regularly. As a result, I knew that my accident today was inevitable...
During our lunch break, some fellow Peace Corps Trainees and I decided to walk into the city to go to the bank. The bank is only open during certain hours (8 am to 3 pm) and we are ALWAYS in training during business hours. Lunch was the only opportunity to get money and without money I could not buy a cell phone. Most of Peace Corps safety and security policies require the use of a local phone, so it was something I wanted to get right away. As I was walking to the bank, a rock and minor ditch appeared out of nowhere and of course I had to trip and fall to the ground. I bruised both knees and was bleeding from my elbow and one of my knees, but that was no big deal. The worst part was that I SPRAINED MY ANKLE! It hurt so bad and I had to limp all the way back to our training site. Luckily, my fellow Peace Corps trainees helped me out. When we finally arrived back at training (nearly 30 minutes late), the staff was super helpful. They helped me clean my wounds and wrap my ankle. The ironic thing was that one staff member said "You should have called and we would have picked you up." Doesn't he know the whole reason I went to the bank in the first place was so I could buy a cell phone....??
Tanzania is not a place for the crippled or the clumsy. We walk everywhere! I just hope the ankle heals quickly....
Were you clumsy at Brown? It's been so long I can't remember clearly, but I have an inkling you were. :P I hope your ankle heals quickly and that that's the worst injury sustained by your clumsiness. :)
ReplyDelete~Val
hahaha @ "You should have called and we would have picked you up!" and Val, she definitely was :P
ReplyDeleteAnd you thought the streets in Lansing were bad! I hope that the toilets are all on solid ground.
ReplyDeleteI eagerly read your posts. Thanks for providing a wonderful account of daily life.
ReplyDeleteHope your ankle heals quickly.
I'm a friend of your Mom's since Brooklyn College. Veronica sent me the link.
-- Mary Howard
Thanks for the comments everyone! I just want to update you on my ankle. It is healing well. Unfortunately I had to miss a mountain hike and a sports/games day, but I know there will be other opportunities. I just need to be more careful walking...
ReplyDeleteWell Bec, I suppose, until you heal, we'll just have to call you the walking wounded! I'm glad you're doing better. Maybe you should get some kind of walking stick to help maneuver. You're going to be there a long time! Take care.
ReplyDeleteSharon
A walking stick is a good idea...I will definitely have to try that. I actually think my body is adjusting and I am getting slightly less clumsy.
ReplyDelete