Bickering and bracelets

Ruefully I admit that parental stress affects the children's behaviour....or is it the other way around?
We've all been more than a little snappy with a week of bickering. I wasn't even sure I wanted to embark on this weekend's proposed adventures, but with a rare pre-planned trip to Arusha we were all set to go.
And a good thing to. A remarkable peaceful & organised exit from Hillview yesterday to get the bus for the 7 hour journey to Moshi. The children don't bat an eyelid now at sitting for interminable periods of time. The passing African scenery is somehow soothing. And we have learnt to avoid looking at the tv screens which play endless violent boxing/shoot up movies on loop! Air-con luxury bus cost us £30 for all of us.... the extra pound for air con is completely worth it as we all wilted on our one bus journey without it. M even bought himself a fried plantain at the 1 pit stop en route, something he would never have done a few months ago.
A change of scene, a communal sense of journey and dynamics get a good shake up. So we had a lovely family evening in what is now our 'regular' restaurant in Moshi, along with all the other wazungu, in the 'IndoItalian'. An obvious menu of pasta or curry!! Funny how we are creatures of habit, liking the feeling of knowing which streets we are heading for rather than hesitating on each corner.
We have returned to the same hostel we used either side of our Safari, basic but clean with fabulous artwork on the walls and leopard print sheets. I have learnt to check the mosquito nets for large holes and make sure the fans work before accepting a room.
This morning we were greeted with delight by the Masai security guard (Masai's fearsome reputation means that is their commonest line of work). He, along with most people we meet, is so enthusiastic to be welcoming children who speak a little Kiswahili, most especially the smallest one. We had wanted to get a photo with B last time, but missed the moment. This time he was very keen, but she wasn't (never work with small children or animal). He obviously had her measure and returned with a small Masai bracelet as a gift, and hey presto, one happy child wanting photos!

We have an invitation to visit his village next week to see some traditional dancing and his goats. At least I think that's what he was asking, B seemed to think he was offering her a goat!
M has gone to visit the hospital as part of his expanding surgical network so  we are reliant on my Kiswahili which is a tenth of his.

So we are going to attempt some school work with the majestic Kilimanjaro in the background before making our way a further 2 hours to Arusha to visit the lovely French/English family we met at Christmas.
Best of all our tensions have evapourated and we are back to the happy, connected family from last weekend.