Research has begun!

Last Friday, after my troubles with the bank (thank goodness I had cash on me) I had my first experience in an African bank. I waited in line for 40 minutes, which wasn't so bad since it was air conditioned. The money exchange went fine- apparently I didn't have fraudulent bills on me!

After the bank we went on a tour of Dar es Salaam with one of the Tanzanian students, Joel, who is working with us. He took us to the market, a fish market, lunch and then we visited a fancy resort and swam in the Indian ocean! It was much warmer than I would have expected, about 70 degrees, and wasn't as refreshing as I had hoped it would be.

On Saturday we were at the Dar es Salaam bus station by 6:45am. Our bus, Fresh Coach (as shady as it sounds), didn't leave until 8:15am. We arrived in Arusha at 7:30pm and were picked up by Peace House Secondary School staff and taken to our place of residence for the next 2 months.

All I can say is- don't feel sorry for us here in Africa. We are definitely NOT staying in huts with dirt floors. Our group of 13 is staying in two separate houses (one for boys and one for girls). Our food is provided, fridge stocked with beer, someone does our laundry, we have electricity (and solar power when it goes out), running water, and super comfy beds! I set up my hammock right outside of our front door so we can lay in it and read or take in the beautiful view of Mt. Meru. The students of the secodary school are currently on vacation, but will return next Monday. We have already met some of the teachers, who started work yesterday. The entire property is fenced in and there are security gaurds on duty 24/7 so we are definetly safe.

Research began yesterday, Monday, with a few phone calls and our first trip into the city. Before we could even orient ourselves once we got off our bus, street guys surrounded us and wouldn't leave us alone. It got old real fast...My research group's first lead was a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that helped empower women. Our contact led us to an office in a bank. Again I found myself waiting in a bank for 40 minutes. We found out that this NGO had nothing to do with public health, or any other research to pursue. I have a feeling many of our leads will end up as this one did.

Today we have had much more luck. We took the school's bus in at 6:30 am to attend meetings with NGO's that we set up yesterday. After our second meeting at 10:30 we were led to a village by a woman who worked for this agricultural and renewable energy organization. We met with a village potter who showed us how to make a flower pot and showed us all of the indoor cook stoves he made and uses in his kitchen (outdoors of course). The woman who took us here seems willing to show us around to other villages- which we are very excited about. I am suprised we have made so much headway so soon! Hopefully it keeps up. I am learning some swahili, but it is still frustrating to not know what is going on in certain situations.

Haven't seen any lions yet, and we hope to plan our touristy adventures soon and a 4th of July party!

Tips for the International Traveler

1) Always make sure to bring enough money. Apparently one credit card isn't an option. Especially when your bank decides that someone is trying to hack into your account and abruptly cancels your card. Whoever wanted my money should know that I don't have much and it wouldn't get you very far...Gee thanks Bank of America.
2) Bring plenty of sunscreen. Don't worry Mom, I have plenty. But they do not sell sunblock in countries whose people have dark skin for obvious reasons.
3) Smile. The facial expression goes a long way. If you are reading this, you have internet access which puts you ahead of at least 90% of the world. Look around- you are doing way better than most people could even hope for...

1 More Day in Dar!

We made it to Tanzania just fine. Of course my luggage didn't show up until a day later, but its a good thing I brought extra clothes. On the way here, Bryna and I were able to get out in London and explored Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Palace. I guess the Queen was out because she didn't ask us in for tea...maybe next time!

We are staying in a hotel near the University of Dar es Salaam. It's very nice, has air conditioning in the form of a fan and even continental breakfast- bread and jam, eggs and watermellon. We leave the city on Saturday to travel to Arusha where we will spend the rest of our time. I hope to write more soon!

Leaving in less than 42 hours!

It's hard to believe this trip is here already. I'm all packed (well, mostly) and just have to celebrate Phil's graduation tomorrow. I leave from Detroit at 9:30 am on Sunday, hang out with Whit in Minneapolis until 9:30 pm then get on a plane to London. Bryna and I are planning on exploring the city during our 8 hour layover, then get on another plane to Nairobi, Kenya. We will meet up with our professors then go the last strech together, landing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania around 10 am local time. Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers for traveling- I'll try to keep this thing updated and upload pictures of the Serengeti.

I feel unprepared for this trip, but I don't know if anything can prepare someone for their first African adventure!