Goan Carnival

 My friend Susan invited some friends and I to attend a carnival night, organised by the Goan Youth of Arusha. She told us to wear feathers, so I wore this hair accessory which my husband Jouni made for me. I actually wore it not just for the carnival, but for the whole day!

 We were asked to be the judges of the fancy dress contest and had to score everyone out of ten for costume, makeup and dance moves. The carnival king led the possession and gave everyone lollipops!

This was the first Goan occasion I have attended in Arusha and I was surprised by how many people I knew: students from my school who were up late dancing the night away!

I made a felt breakfast!

 I didn't use a pattern, I made up my own. Toast, eggs, and bacon. They were fun and quick to make.

Where am I going next?

This part of my life is driving me crazy, because I don't yet know which country I'm going to next. I've sent out job applications to a few schools and I have not yet heard anything back (well, that's not quite true. I've had one 'Thanks but no thanks'). I'm so impatient.

Normally I feel quite relaxed about where I live, but I don't like feeling as though I'm not in control and I'm tired of waiting. I have heard that in general Asia are a bit scared of Africa and I am wondering if that is why they are hesitant to employ me. I really am a good teacher and I will work hard. I have qualifications and experience. These schools should totally hire me: they won't regret it!

Sushi in Arusha

 Finally, good sushi has arrived in Arusha! Although there is a japanese restaurant here which serves warm sushi, and a pub which serves frozen sushi, Picasso's restaurant is the first place to offer sushi at a suitable eating temperature. We went there tonight and enjoyed this big plate alongside cocktails.

I just love sushi! I'm not sure which I love more: the taste or the presentation. Also at Picasso they put out chopstick holders and bamboo place mats and those little bowls for soy sauce.

Someday I'll make some sushi from felt. It's such an appealing-looking food that I'm sure kids would like to play with it even if they don't know what it is. Check out this beautiful set by Sweetie Pie Bakery!

Kawaii Jewellery

Part of my plan to take over the craft world includes opening an Etsy shop stocked with handmade, super cute jewellery. Since that may take a while to come into fruition (I'd need to work in a country where the postal system works, for one thing), here's a selection of my favourites from current sellers.

1. Made from polymer clay by Jollycharms: Super cute, shiny and beautiful faces.

2. Also beautiful, also made from polymer clay by DoodieBear. Perfect use of colour.

3. Made of resin by StoopidGerl. Kind of creepycute and tons of fun.

When I launch my Kawaii Jewellery collection someday I hope it will be filled with sparkle and shine and enormous pieces of plastic. Also, large doses of cuteness and a mixture of pastels and brights. I also plan to launch an empire of felt food patterns. Look out, world!

Aint no party like a Braeburn Party

We had an informal party this afternoon for Braeburn staff and their families. A goat was roasted and you could see the furry legs on the barbeque!

I finally managed to get a picture of Clare modelling her glasses case, which she carries with her everywhere like a miniature handbag:

 

  
The hardcore atmosphere proved too much for some, who fell asleep before the rest of us even got started on our second soda. (Yes, this is the same hedgehog baby from before).

Beading Lunch: The results!

A couple of weeks ago I posted about a beading weekend I went on with some girlfriends to learn Maasai beading. We decided to meet up a fortnight later and have another go (without teachers). It was actually easier than the previous time and I worked out how to make a bracelet:

 I also thought this kind of design would look good if I made a few and sewed them onto a lamp:

 This is the outfit which I feel would go best with the bracelet! A flowery headscarf, white tee and tanzanian kanga skirt:

Next fortnight the beading ladies will undertake a new adventure: video animation. My friends Alison and Charlie have big plans to animate the felt cakes and doughnuts I made. I believe the storyline will be that they make their way from plate to cake stand, and each one will have a different way of moving.

 

I've never done animation before and I'm so excited to see how it will turn out! The location we are using, Shanga, has really beautiful gardens and a nice cake stand which we have 'booked' for the day. We'll also do some more beading.