I've arrived in Arusha, Tanzania as of Sunday night around 10 PM. This post is going to be short because the internet connection is incredibly slow and I haven't planned much out. Also not sure when I'll be able to upload pictures but will try my best.
Not sure if any amount of research/ pictures/ etc. could prepare someone for the reality of daily life here. Took my first "shower" (and only shower so far and its Wednesday!) with a bucket of hot water on Monday night, not so bad, toilet is a hole in the ground but a very nice ceramic tiled hole, also very interesting. The street I walk down to get to my house is a dirt road, as they all are with more holes and bumps than the Dan Ryan in January, I thought I needed a neck brace after I got dropped off. Our mode of transportation is by dalla dalla or walking. Dalla dalla's are extended mini van type vehicles however they cram about 24 people in them at a time. I'm sure I'll crash in one at some point. 5 minutes left on this internet...what else...yes, every woman carries around large baskets of fruit, rice, etc. on their heads, I just don't understand how they do it! Goats, chickens, a few cows wander around the streets, I really don't know how they remember what home to go home to at night but somehow they do and then the roosters get to sleep in the kitchen and start making noise and waking us up at 5 AM. Awesome :)
I love it here, today was my first day at the school and the kids and everyone is so welcoming and grateful we're here. Takes about 1.5 hours to get to school riding two dalla dalla's then walking for maybe 20 minutes. I'll write more later! Cath
