Mbuzi!!! (Goat!!!) WARNING: the following post contains images that some viewers may find offensive/repulsive

                It occurred to us on Sunday as we lay by the pool that we didn’t even tell you about our birthday goat!  Shortly after arriving in Tanzania, Alix and I realized that we shared the same birthday (January 12th).  Once we figured this out, we decided we had to do something to celebrate.  We found out that it is Tanzanian tradition to eat a goat for special occasions such as birthdays and weddings so we started scoping out live goats on the street.  We figured we could make it easy on our hosts and just bring a live one into our hostel to live until the appointed time.  Our Canadian supervisor did not share our enthusiasm and told us that no goat would step foot on the property, dead or alive.  However, some of the Tanzanian guys were game and wanted to make sure that we had the true Tanzanian experience. 

                Pictured below you can see us with our goat.  He arrived on the property already slain and was put on the BBQ.  Before he made his official appearance, he was decorated up and his arrival was announced with singing as he was rolled out on a cart.  We had to carve the first piece and then once the goat was fully carved we had to go around and feed it to everyone.  Only about half the Canadians were brave enough to try it and of those who did, only a few were able to keep it down.  Fortunately our hosts also made a turkey for those who did not want to partake of goat.  I myself tried two pieces and didn’t think it was too bad but it wouldn’t be my first choice in meat.  The locals love it though and it didn’t take many days for the leftovers to disappear.  I think it’s safe to say it was the first and last time we receive a goat for our birthdays!  Somehow I don’t see this style of goat-eating taking off in Canada…..

Karen (& Alix)