Storytime:
This space is reserved for the 'hadithi' (story) of the update, however frequent or infrequent that may be... I will work backwards in the archives to bring you stories from the beginning of my trip that I have thus far recorded only in my journal and in my memory.
Since arriving I have taken notice of the religious climate on the island, and although it is predominantly Muslim, life continues relatively unobstructed due to the governing party's mainland (ie: non-Muslim) roots. It is nice that religion and state are kept seperate, although I get the feeling the opposition party would like to change that. Fairly straightforward politics here, just like anywhere else. It appears as though the ruling party maintains power through bribery and cohersion, while the majority of residents are left scratching their heads (and brandishing weapons) after election day.
Back to the subject at hand: I made plans with my friend Johnny to visit his church this past weekend, but that fell through, so I decided the morning of to check out what was happening at the Anglican Cathedral in town (which was built overtop of the old slave market). It just so happens the Archbishop of Canterbury and a dozen of his advisors were in town for some occasion (read: vacation) so I was fortunate to hear him speak and absorb the fanfare that surrounded the visit.
I've been starved for good African singing and the church, Anglican though it may have been, didn't disappoint. I heard two choirs sing, a female chorus who produced a sound that I'd been waiting to hear since coming to Africa: exactly the call and response, beautiful harmonies and rock solid conviction that you'd expect from a group of African women. The other choir sang more traditional Western style hymns, nothing to write home about... wait... too late. I had the good fortune (ok, ignorance) of sitting in the reserved seating of that women's choir and as they took their seats all around me I felt quite sheepish. Very friendly and welcoming of course - insisted that I stay and taught me Kiswahili here and there throughout the service! They rehearse on Tuesday (Juma Nne) and Thursday (Alkhamisi) so I may drop by to hear them later this week. So much more to tell, but it's almost 10pm, well past my African bedtime. Kwaheri!