Chapter 289

Chapter 289: Teaching

The Abbott family settled into their East African-style house, which featured characteristics of German architecture. Their meager luggage consisted of a few clothes, and their financial situation was dire, leaving them with just patched-up clothing.

Andrew was assigned to the first bedroom on the left, Anleina to the second bedroom on the left, while Mr. and Mrs. Abbott occupied the right bedroom. The house was more spacious than they had expected, with a smaller room likely designated for the kitchen, albeit not yet equipped.

As for sanitation, the East African government had yet to provide individual toilets, so residents had to use public toilets. This was not unfamiliar to the Venetian immigrants, as their own sanitation in 18th-century Venice had been far from ideal.

Upon moving into their new home, Abbott and his family were led to the cafeteria by a local police officer. Here, they encountered a unique challenge: the use of chopsticks instead of traditional European cutlery. Haydn, the Austrian police officer, tried to teach them how to use chopsticks but noticed the newcomers' bewildered expressions. He advised them that if they couldn't manage, they could simply lift the bowl to their mouths.

The cafeteria offered noodles, rice, and stewed beef with potatoes as the main dishes, along with a limited supply of melons and fruits. East African cuisine seemed quite different from what the immigrants were used to.

Haydn explained that while chopsticks might be difficult to learn initially, they were efficient and easy to clean, eventually replacing knives and forks for those who mastered them.

The conversation in the cafeteria touched on various topics, including the preference for bread over rice and the quality of the goulash. Haydn also mentioned that wild animals like lions and crocodiles were once consumed but had been banned due to sanitation concerns. He emphasized the importance of drinking well water and boiling it to ensure safety, as the region was prone to diseases.

Haydn took the time to educate the newcomers about the regulations and laws of East Africa, as well as important life tips, to help them adapt to their new environment.

(Note: This is the end of this chapter.)