October 3 photo diary

Today's photos show some of the less glamorous aspects of life in Tanzania...

This is the trash pit in our yard.  The way Tanzanians deal with refuse is to burn everything!  Yard waste, plastics, and food waste all get torched.  Because everyone does this, there is a constant background smell of smoke that makes me feel we are camping.  I try really hard not to think about all the carcinogens we're releasing into the atmosphere.  The super-recycler in me also cringes at tossing and then burning paper and plastics.

This photo is courtesy of guest photographer Josh Steen.  We don't have 9-1-1 to call if something goes wrong here in Dar.  We pay a monthly fee to a private security company that essentially covers the functions of police, fire and ambulance.  If something goes wrong, there's a number to call, or pushing this button (which is installed on the walls in the bedroom and living room) is the equivalent of summoning first responders.  Thankfully, we haven't needed to use the services of Knight Security yet!