Paje Life

Hello,

Hope all is well in the States, or wherever this post finds you all. For the last week and a half, I've been living on the eastern coast of Unguja, in the village of Paje, working on my idependent study project that is the finale of this semester. My research topic is beach erosion (mmomonyoko, when mispronounced, means butt, found that one out the hard way), specifically beach erosion as a result of global warming, and how the village is dealing with it. Pretty much, myself and four other students are living in a sweet house right on the beach, and I walk down the beach and talk to people in broken Kiswaenglish, as we've begun to call it. My language is definitely improving, as I use it often in such a rural setting. The time when we're not doing our specified research, we pass by cooking (we have a kitchen!!!!!!!) real food, reading reading reading, and playing lots and lots of cards, as fantasizing about what our first meal will be when we get back. My only request is something with cheese, preferably without rice or beans. Also I want a mountain dew in a real way. Anyways, today I'm in Stone Town for the day, about an hour's dala dala commute, doing internet stuff and running errands. Next thursday I will leave Unguja by ferry and go up to Pemba island for my homestay sister's wedding. I have no idea what this will entail, but will surely get lots of blog time I'm sure. It rained hard all night and into the morning, but is now sunny and hot. Go figure.

Today marks one month left here, and everyday I grow more and more aware of that. I've already had to say goodbye to a couple of my good Zanzibari friends who have left for some work up in Arusha and Kenya. I haven't quite figured out how to balance being insanely excited to get home and see friends and family, and to leave the people here who have become my new friends and new family. I'm sure it will prove to be another challenge, but a good one to face.

more later,
laura