A note from Jordan

Today, the 21st, we went shopping in Iringa for baskets. They sure do a beautiful job! Right next to the basket building was a coop full of chickens. My, you could smell them when the wind blew. There seems to be no thought as to the organization of placement of houses, shops, animals.......After shopping, we went to where the Massai tribe sells their articles. On the way there, we passed a huge stuffed garbage can. Things are not kept clean here at all! There is garbage everywhere, even in the more desolate places. If you pass by a house, there will be garbage thrown out by the road. If you think America has a littering problem, think again! The Massai have lots of jewelery and some daggers to sell. They are a very colorful people. Some of the Massai still make the big holes in their ears and then hang several earrings from each ear. Maybe that is where Ameria's new ornaments got their start?? While in Mbeya, we are staying in the same compound that the Bentons lived in when they first moved here! It is great to be able to see all that we have heard so much about. We will be leaving for the Rukwa Valley, our last destination with the Bentons, tomorrow!! Again, thanks for following......