So we have not done much in the way of medical work this weekend save a few planning meetings. One of the physicians that is part of the group that brought us here was married today so we had the incredible experience of attending his wedding today.
This morning we had breakfast and went to the dress shop for tailoring of the garmets we had made to wear to the wedding. We had decided earlier to go to the downtown area and look into some shops. We took the bus into the downtown area-- more like a van crammed with people, but very inexpensive - 150f which is a little less that 30 cents US. We visited some shops and were basically accosted by the vendors in the street who had similar wares at cheaper prices, but not as much selection - we ended up buying stuff all over the place. Prices were varied-- some really good and some similair to what you would pay in the US. We were trying to go to an artist's cooperative, but we weren't in the right place it turns out. We bought a few souvenirs and really enjoyed the experience.
After everyone was dressed and ready to go to the wedding we all piled onto the bus and headed to a stop about 5 blocks away-- we were caravaning with the rest of the wedding party from the groom's side. When we reached the entryway of where the ceremony was to be held - a dirt road to travel down, we again got off the bus and waited-- we had to let the wise man, or the matchmaker, go in before us. We finally made the long trip down a bumpy dirt road with the local people coming up from thier houses below to watch us. We then arrived at the wedding site- very well set up with covered chairs, brides and groom's sides across from each other and an open area in the front. The first part of the wedding was the fathers negotiating a bride price and trading jokes- the brides's family made a joke about all the mizungas (white people) on the groom's side. They negotiated and traded fantas and cokes (the bride's family does not drink so there was no alcohol where it normally would have been used). The grooms family paid 2 cow and they actually brought the cows out to be displayed and given amoungst the other presents. Then when it was finalized thery brought out the bride using dancers and music, they drank champagne and sat for entertainment of tribal dancers with bells and drums and spears. There was one young boy of about 3 who kept trying to get out and dance with the rest and he was just adorable, it really made me miss my boys. The music starts slower and less intense and then it builds as the dancers change outfits and wigs and spears, it all builds to a big creshendo. Unbelievable.
Afterward we got back onto the bus and went to Dr Joseph's house for the traditional review of the days events- people stood up and explained things that should have been done differently or better- the matchmaker and Joseph's father apologized that we couldn't understand a lot becuase of the language. They also said how honored they were with the person Joseph had become, how nice Betty the bride is, etc. The bride was with her family for the evening as it is customary. We finally departed for Chez John for dinner where they had everything arranged for us- we had pizzas and brouchette of fish, beef and goat. Exhausting day but exhilerating and the chance of a lifetime. Again, the wheels are turning a little slowly for me and we are so anxious to get to the hospital to begin helping or working or whatever. The plans are needing to be flexible- it doesn't really appear that they are totally certain what to do with us which is frustrating. I am looking forward to getting going on the medical work in earnest on monday morning.
This morning we had breakfast and went to the dress shop for tailoring of the garmets we had made to wear to the wedding. We had decided earlier to go to the downtown area and look into some shops. We took the bus into the downtown area-- more like a van crammed with people, but very inexpensive - 150f which is a little less that 30 cents US. We visited some shops and were basically accosted by the vendors in the street who had similar wares at cheaper prices, but not as much selection - we ended up buying stuff all over the place. Prices were varied-- some really good and some similair to what you would pay in the US. We were trying to go to an artist's cooperative, but we weren't in the right place it turns out. We bought a few souvenirs and really enjoyed the experience.
After everyone was dressed and ready to go to the wedding we all piled onto the bus and headed to a stop about 5 blocks away-- we were caravaning with the rest of the wedding party from the groom's side. When we reached the entryway of where the ceremony was to be held - a dirt road to travel down, we again got off the bus and waited-- we had to let the wise man, or the matchmaker, go in before us. We finally made the long trip down a bumpy dirt road with the local people coming up from thier houses below to watch us. We then arrived at the wedding site- very well set up with covered chairs, brides and groom's sides across from each other and an open area in the front. The first part of the wedding was the fathers negotiating a bride price and trading jokes- the brides's family made a joke about all the mizungas (white people) on the groom's side. They negotiated and traded fantas and cokes (the bride's family does not drink so there was no alcohol where it normally would have been used). The grooms family paid 2 cow and they actually brought the cows out to be displayed and given amoungst the other presents. Then when it was finalized thery brought out the bride using dancers and music, they drank champagne and sat for entertainment of tribal dancers with bells and drums and spears. There was one young boy of about 3 who kept trying to get out and dance with the rest and he was just adorable, it really made me miss my boys. The music starts slower and less intense and then it builds as the dancers change outfits and wigs and spears, it all builds to a big creshendo. Unbelievable.
Afterward we got back onto the bus and went to Dr Joseph's house for the traditional review of the days events- people stood up and explained things that should have been done differently or better- the matchmaker and Joseph's father apologized that we couldn't understand a lot becuase of the language. They also said how honored they were with the person Joseph had become, how nice Betty the bride is, etc. The bride was with her family for the evening as it is customary. We finally departed for Chez John for dinner where they had everything arranged for us- we had pizzas and brouchette of fish, beef and goat. Exhausting day but exhilerating and the chance of a lifetime. Again, the wheels are turning a little slowly for me and we are so anxious to get to the hospital to begin helping or working or whatever. The plans are needing to be flexible- it doesn't really appear that they are totally certain what to do with us which is frustrating. I am looking forward to getting going on the medical work in earnest on monday morning.
