Arrival

Hi everyone!

After spending a day and a half on a plane, I have finally made it to Tanzania. All of my fellow volunteers are here as well, and we are getting to know each other as we spend time here in Dar es Salaam. It is extremely hot and humid here, and I feel sorry for the girls since they must wear clothes to their ankles and a scarf. I did not get to see much of the city last night since it was dark, but after waking up to the sound of morning prayer at 5, a few of us decided to look around the neighbourhood. The streets are very crowded, and everywhere there are stalls and markets selling food or soft drinks. We got a lot of attention since we were the only white people in the street, especially with me being so tall. The hotel we are staying at is called the Safari Inn, and it is a 5 story building cramped between housing. In order to get to the front entrance we had to drive down a narrow alleyway with an armed guard at the front of it. The interior is small, and so are the rooms, however I've enjoyed my stay in the Inn more so than I have in most other hotels in North America simply because I've never experienced anything like it.

We are starting orientations now so I must go, blog again in a week or so.

Getting ready to go

Hey everyone, this is my first time writing a blog, so we'll see if this works or not. It's 11 days before I leave, and I'm getting everything ready for my departure. Since I'm packing my life into a hiking backpack, I'm starting to practice packing it all, to see how much I can fit and how much space there is left. I've been talking to other volunteers as well, and they are all just as excited as I am. We only half know what to expect when we arrive, so we are all stepping into the unknown when we get of the plane in Dar es Salaam.

I'm beginning to wonder how much the culture shock will affect me, but since I've traveled before, I think it shouldn't be too bad. I plan on integrating myself into their culture (as much as a white foreigner can), learning the language, and learning what it is to be African.

The only thing I am nervous about is my performance when I teach english or computer courses. I'm not very experienced, and I think it will take a while for me to fall into the rhythm of everyday life, as well as adopting a teaching style that is efficient and fun for everyone.

I'll blog again right before I leave, and if not then then after I arrive on the continent. Thanks for everyone's support towards getting me here, it wouldn't have been possible without you guys!

Evan