Tanzanian Life

Hey all,

So I've mentally compiled a list of things I've come to appreciate/adapt to/love/loathe here in Tanzania, and would like to share it with anyone who is willing to listen (read). If you're ever thinking of coming here, here is a list of things you might want to consider before doing so.

1. Spotty to non-existent electrcity and water: This one pretty much explains itself. Lets just say that I've been in every situation imaginable while the power has shorted out. Also, power is so scare here that periodically power is shut off for a few hours systematically throughout the country. So on Thursday nights in Pemba from 6-11, we sit outside and watch the stars. This has its advantages and disadvantages.

2. Dala dala rides: I don't know if I've explained what a dala dala is yet, but imagine a 15 passenger van with 25-30 people in it, and you've pretty much got it. Sometimes its a truck bed with a cover over it. This is the public transportation here, and I've really come to love it. To travel all the way up to the Northern tip of Unguja for example, which is a good hour long ride, is about 60 cents. For as undeveloped of a country as Tanzania, they've got transportation figured out.

3. Fear factor meals. I've mentioned this before, but its a big part of my day so I included it. Joe Rogan, eat your heart out.

4. Roosters, Cats and Crows: At any time of the day you can hear one, if not all of these animals making noise here. All are annoying, I will not miss any of them, but when I think of Tanzania, I will always remember this.

5. No clocks, but no need for them anyways: The concept of time and time management simply do not exist here. And for good reason, no schedules really exist and Zanzibaris would rather sit and have a chat with someone, rather than cut off a conversation and rush off to be somewhere on time.

6. No desserts/any satisfying sugar products: Self-explanatory, but something I needed to mention. Fake Cadbury chocolate is the closest thing here, and to us, its pretty darn good.

7. Eating with my hands: This is one thing I've actually come to really enjoy about this place, and something I've found myself totally used to. Example, last night we went to dinner, and as soon as my curry and rice arrived, I started eating it with my hands. I was then told by my friend Alya, that my silverware was right there on the table.

8. No toilet paper: Yep. No comment, other than I now understand why everyone only eats with their right hand now.

9. Language tests daily: While most people here are impressed with how much Swahili we can speak, not a day goes by where I'm not tested by someone on my language skills. This is more annoying than anything else, but at least my language is improving.

10. Tanzanian way of life: In general, Tanzanians are great. They are different in Americans in many ways, probably the most noticeable way is their work ethic here. Walking down the street in the middle of the day, men line the alleys and courtyards, hanging out, talking, with nothing to do and nowhere to be. I think its rubbed off on me.

I really do love this country and can't wait to get back to the States and share my experience with you all. I feel so fortunate to have gotten this experience, and am going to savor every day until the bittersweet end of my journey.

laura