Hey all,
Just wanted to write you a quick note and let you know that I'm back in the states after an over 40 hour journey. I'm now in Boston, hanging out for a few days with my dad and brother, celebrating todd's 21st birthday. My final couple of weeks in Africa were amazing, and were filled with many goodbyes, farewells and see you later's. I was reminded how horrible I am at goodbyes, and just how much I will miss all of the people and places I've come to know. The group I went over with were my family while I was there, and I am really going to miss their daily presence in my life. The last day before we left we all went out snorkeling and swimming, and for one last lunch together on our sandbank. On the way out to the snorkeling spot, we spotted a few dolphins swimming alongside our boat off in the distance. Needless to say, it was pretty much a perfect way to end our trip, and reminded me again at how fortunate I've been to have this opportunity. Once I get home I'll be able to post a bunch of pictures, but for now, I'm signing off. Thanks to all of those who followed me through my journey, your support is appreciated more than you know.
thanks all,
laila
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
TIA
Hey all,
Just thought I'd drop you a quick note and give you a little update. For the past week or so I've been living at that community arts center, called Creative Solutions, which empowers citizens through skill developement. Its been a great experience and I've gotten the opportunity to do many things including: teaching English and computer classes, weaving baskets, working on an outdoor glass mosaic, and just helping out around the house in general. Tomorrow I'll paint a room I think. Its really great and I've been living there with another volunteer from Germany named Mandy who is a lovely girl. The woman who started Creative Solutions with her husband is named Aida (formerly Alice) Ayers, an African American woman native to Nevada/New Mexico, who moved to Zanzibar about 15 years ago. She married a Zanzibari native, Mbarouk, who is actually originally from the neighborhood in Stone Town where I live. They are amazing people, and living out on their farm and working has been extremely gratifying. I was planning on maybe making a trip up to Arusha, but now plan to stay to work another week. In addition to the daily ins and outs, I've been able to do a great deal of my own art, which has been great, as I haven't been able to do much in the last few years. It was pole pole (slow) at first, but now the art is pouring out of me, and I'm very grateful. Mbarouk is an awesome cook, and I've become well versed in Zanzibari cuisine, which is amazing! Today I am in Stone Town and will go to another wedding here, of the daughter of our Kiswahili teacher, Bi Asia. Tomorrow I will head back out to the farm/community center, located in Mangapwani, about an hour's dala dala ride from town. Today on the way into town we got stopped by the police, and then there was a lot of shouting, and our driver got fingerprinted. To add insult to injury, later on the ride in, we got side swiped by another dala dala, and I just got out and walked the rest of the way into town. As the catch phrase of the Creative Solutions home goes, "TIA", This Is Africa.
Today marks two weeks left in this insane trip, and I'm filled with many mixed feelings. I now feel that Zanzibar is a home to me, but am very excited to come home and see everyone! Should be interesting. I'll try and write one more time before I leave.
best,
laura
Just thought I'd drop you a quick note and give you a little update. For the past week or so I've been living at that community arts center, called Creative Solutions, which empowers citizens through skill developement. Its been a great experience and I've gotten the opportunity to do many things including: teaching English and computer classes, weaving baskets, working on an outdoor glass mosaic, and just helping out around the house in general. Tomorrow I'll paint a room I think. Its really great and I've been living there with another volunteer from Germany named Mandy who is a lovely girl. The woman who started Creative Solutions with her husband is named Aida (formerly Alice) Ayers, an African American woman native to Nevada/New Mexico, who moved to Zanzibar about 15 years ago. She married a Zanzibari native, Mbarouk, who is actually originally from the neighborhood in Stone Town where I live. They are amazing people, and living out on their farm and working has been extremely gratifying. I was planning on maybe making a trip up to Arusha, but now plan to stay to work another week. In addition to the daily ins and outs, I've been able to do a great deal of my own art, which has been great, as I haven't been able to do much in the last few years. It was pole pole (slow) at first, but now the art is pouring out of me, and I'm very grateful. Mbarouk is an awesome cook, and I've become well versed in Zanzibari cuisine, which is amazing! Today I am in Stone Town and will go to another wedding here, of the daughter of our Kiswahili teacher, Bi Asia. Tomorrow I will head back out to the farm/community center, located in Mangapwani, about an hour's dala dala ride from town. Today on the way into town we got stopped by the police, and then there was a lot of shouting, and our driver got fingerprinted. To add insult to injury, later on the ride in, we got side swiped by another dala dala, and I just got out and walked the rest of the way into town. As the catch phrase of the Creative Solutions home goes, "TIA", This Is Africa.
Today marks two weeks left in this insane trip, and I'm filled with many mixed feelings. I now feel that Zanzibar is a home to me, but am very excited to come home and see everyone! Should be interesting. I'll try and write one more time before I leave.
best,
laura
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