Shae's log: Its silver I'm looking at, not Tanzanite

Washing up my fruits and veggies!

So for all the many people, places, and things in Tanzania that I complain about, I decided that a balance was in order. There are many "silver lining" items here in Arusha that I choose not to acknowledge because wimpering over "what I don't have", or "what I miss", or "who is annoying me now" is fun drama to write about.  But its not realistic to the life I live here.  Sure, there are a reputable amount of negatives going on that make my days more difficult. Still, there are a lot of positive things happening that I will miss when I'm NOT in Arusha anymore.  One of the biggest things that I could never deny Tanzania --that is beyond wonderful-- is the quality and price of the produce. 

While its true that finding produce items I am accustomed to in the United States is a bit difficult to procure here in Arusha, there are some key items that CAN be found in certain markets, on certain days, during certain seasons.  And when you find them.... food heaven.  So I thought I would list for you what my sleuthing skills championed for me this week:

With a total equivelent cost of 27 USD, and a trip to 4 different markets, I bought:

2 shelves & 1 drawer full of produce goodness

tomatos
carrots
bell peppers
onions
potatoes
broccoli
lettuce- green leaf (hard to find)
lettuce- spring mix (impossible to pass up when found!)
mnafu (Tanzanian green leafy-- like kale)
CILANTRO -  my prize find this week!
limes
lemons
sweet corn on the cob (so good I ate some of it raw!)
butternut squash
purple cabbage
artichoke (steamed and consumed tonight! Yum)
apples
canteloupe (season has begun)
watermelon
green beans
bananas

I will NEVER be able to purchase that much quality produce in the U.S. for that price.  With the amazingly fresh cilantro (coriander for my international friends)  and lime purchase, I have been chopping up and serving fresh salsa for lunch.  My housegirl loves it!  Happy puts her whole hand in the bowl and just eats the tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime mixture like its a finger food!  I am in fruit and veggie heaven this week and I couldn't be happier.  I will miss that when I am gone.  All this fresh produce is why I'm fighting allergies as well I am!  There is something so RIGHT with fresh foods and something so WRONG with all the overly processed JUNK we eat in America.  I am convinced that this good diet is what is helping Happy grow and overcome the obstacles of her infancy.  Lets just hope that all this good eat'n will help me make up for not eating during the first trimester of this pregnancy.  Time will tell.  But seriously, my skin and nails have always been the healthiest both times of living in Tanzania.  Its the "silver lining" food. I'm convinced.

Tonight's meal: cut potatoes and onions with a side of boiled artichoke.  So good.

Shae