bits

We’re still in the small rainy season, so named because the rain only happens every two to five days as opposed to the big rainy season in June and July when it’s daily. We’re told it’s been a good season this year, the rain has been heavy and has been around for the last month or so which is good news for the crops. My own crops consist of some popping corn kernels, and some cucumber and melon seeds donated by a friend, all planted in a corner of the garden. There’re lots of little green leaves sprouting but whether they’re corn, melons, cucumbers or weeds is anyone’s guess.

Food prices on the world markets seem to be reaching record levels. Pasta is the latest casualty here, doubtless due to rising wheat prices. I’ve been putting off getting a ration card (which allows you to buy staple foods like oil, rice, pasta … from government centres at reduced prices) on the basis that the majority of Eritreans have a much greater need of this then we do but it may come to it yet.

I’ve been editing some units from the Grade Four textbook before they go to be printed. One story in the unit entitled Safety tells of two children walking home from school who decide to take a different path to usual through the countryside. They come to a sign saying “Danger!” and warning of land mines. Sensibly they decide to retrace their steps and take their usual path. When children of eight or nine need to have warnings like this it’s a salutary lesson as to how good most children in the west have got it.

C