So today I have a bit of time but not a lot to write about so I thought I would post the "random things about Arusha" that I've been keeping in my journal. First an update on my life --- I've grown really accustomed to living here and things like houses made out of tarps don't even really phase me any more. It's weird, but I love that we've gotten to know the people in our neighborhood, the people we ride the daladala with every day (Em had a giant African woman sit on her lap in an especially crowded dala today -- everyone thought it was hilarious). We are both SOOOO happy with how our placements ended up -- we just love Glorius but also love seeing our Patandi kids twice a week. The woman who runs Glorius is just cool... on Friday she's taking us to the tailor to get African clothes made for us as a thank-you, she's just so sweet. She started Glorius for all the poor kids in the area and also houses people with AIDS and has them make jewelry and batiks which she sells. She's so great! (Although her cooking could use some help...). But yeah, I finally feel like everything is great here and going so well. I'm just freaking out that my time is already half over!!! I don't want to leave!!
Anyways, here are some facts about Arusha that I've collected thus far (just to give everyone an idea of where I live!):
1. They use speed bumps as the way of enforcing slow speeds in town... there are literally giant speed bumps like every 2 minutes and cars have to slow waaaaay down to go over them... it gets so annoying!
2. We have to buy credit for our cell phones (like a pay as you go I think?). No cell phone plans exist.
3. There are no road signs or addresses except in the touristy area... and we have found two traffic lights! (very exciting)
4. There is garbage EVERYWHERE... the river is disgusting and I think that they use above ground sewers or something... I don't really get it. Everyone just burns their garbage on the side of the street... I don't know how a million fires don't start!
5. So many dogs, goats, and chickens all over. Also lots of people selling this weird corn and some sort of nut.
6. Every morning at 5:30 AM we wake up to the roosters, the Muslim call to prayer, cows, and blaring music. Today the music was seriously out of control all night... we still haven't been invited to this all night dance party!
7. Literally all bar and store signs have this picture of a woman drinking Coke... we don't get it.
8. All younger girls have short hair (like buzz cuts) -- apparently it's cleaner. Thank God they wear skirts or things could get difficult for us, especially with the younger kids!
9. Every day begins incredibly overcast and freezing (maybe about 60 degrees?) but by 1:00 the sun comes out and it's pretty hot... probably about 75/80.
10. Whenever there's a wedding a band goes around town with everyone at the wedding playing as people dance and just process... I want to bring this tradition back to the states!
Okay well I'm out of internet time so that's it for now... Tutaonana!!!
