Sunday, Feb 6, 2005

Hi Everyone

I have made it to Africa and am feeling great.  The trip was very long and tiring.  24 hours in all.  A 4 hour layover on Amsterdam.  But all went well, my luggage arrived and I met some really nice people along the way.  Seveal women traveling alone to either volunteer or to go on Safari or climb Mt Kili.  I felt very safe and comfortable - except a numb butt after such a long plane trip.

I am surprised at how good I feel today.  I thought I would be just  a fried, aching mass of sore muscles and in a zombie like state due to extreme lack of sleep, culture shock and jet lag.  Actually, I feel very comfortable here and not a bit shocked.  Just excited and curious and a little inept. I don't understand Tanzanian schilllings yet and had to have the women running the internet cafe count out the right denomination to pay form my internet usage.  So, yes, there are things to learn and I am an anxious and willing student.

I got to the volunteer house at around 10:30 PM last night and got unpacked and settled in.  The house itself is very charming and comfortable.  There is a little outdoor courtyard where we eat and gather to visit.  My room is tiny and since I was the last to arrive - I am on the top bunk.  That is a difficulty with an old bladder and having to drink a lot of water each day to stay hydrated. 

I awoke this morning to a rooster crowing at 4:00 AM.  Then all his friends in the neighborhood answered him for the next 2 hours.  Being an animal lover, I resisted the urge to ring his neck and finally at 6:30 AM, I got up. It was a happy sight to see that there were not bugs on my netting or in my bed.  I have heard from the other volunteers that there are some real doozys.  Also, the rainy season starts in about 3 weeks and I guess that brings out a lot of critters.

Than I had breakfast - fruit and a baked rolled up thing with veggies in it.  It was really good.  Met the other volunteers and we had a great talk.  Very interesting and fun people.  Then I took a cool "bird bath"  - very low water pressure here.  And I just know that I am going to forget and use the tap water to brush my teeth!  Not a good idea here.  I already know I have brought too much along with me.  Yes, Gerry I will admit you were right.  No need for makeup or primping here.  Just get up, pull the hair back into a pony and go.  Love it!

After that, we all walked into town - about a 20 minute walk.  One of the volunteeers is a 20 year college student from Canada who ahds been here 3 months so he is showing us the ropes. 

It is very safe to go out even alone.  There were lots of villagers out walking, socializing and coming back from church.  It is almost surreal.  Women carrying baskets on their heads and babies on thier backs.  The children are very excited to see us and say "Habari" with cute shy smiles.   The adults have been very sweet and friendly.  Also forgiving of our somewhat lame attempts at Swahili.  I am already in love with these people.  They have a joyful way about them which is magical to be around.

It is 85 degrees  and sunny now, but that will be changing in a few weeks.  I understand that it rains almost continuously in March - so I had better enjoy this now.  I guess the mud is just incredible too.

The village is not what i pictured.  It looks more westernized than I imagined - but not fancy at all.  Mostly dirt roads which are very bumpy in spots.  I was told that if I am walking, to definatley move out of the way of the "dali-dalis - which are trasport vans because they will run anything over that happens to be in their path.  They pack these vans to the hilt - it is not uncommon to have someone riding on laps.  It looks pretty funny - like the packing people into a phone booth trick. 

There are lots contrasts here in the village - some very rough looking buildings and some very nice looking ones too. Also, everyone here looks very happy and healthy.  Already though I can tell that the way of life is much slower and simpler than ours.  And, from what I can see so far we Americans don't neccisarrly seem happier.

Right now I am at an internet coffee shop.  Again, I am surprised at this modern cafe among such rough surroundings.  And, this is airconditioned which is a nice welcome change.  Our house is not airconditioned and I am not acclimatized yet, so it was a warm night's sleep.  I am not complaining though - it feels great.

We can see Mt Kili if we climb up the watch tower on our property.  It is amazing to see.  Very big and snow capped.  I hope to get there while I am in town.

Tomorrow, Mon, we have a lot of instruction on living here and our jobs.  Then on Tues I will be at the orphanage.  I cannot wait to get my hands on those babies.  I am so exctited to get started. 

I think that's enough for now.  I hope you are all feeling well.  I welcome e-mails form home. 

Take care

love Kristy