Well its Thursday afternoon and I really cant believe I have only a day and a half left here in Tanzania. This week has been really great working at the orphanage and going to the street center in the afternoon. I am still amazed at the children here, they are so resilient! The children at the street center have had to grow up so fast, taking care of each other and themselves. They have been so much fun to be around because they truely appreciate the time that we give them. Yesterday I was playing football with 4 of the boys there and then we started doing some gynbastics.They were really good, all I could think of is it is just a shame that they don,t have anyone to direct them with these skills they have. Heidi, at the dance studio, would just love them. They are not only talented with their gymnastics but they have great rythm when it comes to dance. What a great place for the studio to travel to next!
The children from the orphanage are getting cuter by the day! There is one little boy named Eric that has just stolen my heart. He looks loke he is around 18 months old and he is so smart and coordinated its unbelievable! The one downfall with him he constantly pees on me. This morning it only took 5 minutes before he let loose on my feet.You see they don,t wear diapers here so its hit or miss with all of that. It,s a good thing I brought all sorts of sani wipes.
We are all planning on going out to dinner tonight to a very Muzungu restaurant and afterwards we are going over to our driver,s house. He just moved into a new place so we told him he should have a housewarming party. Of course he had no idea what that was so we tried to explain it to him. The thing is around here it is just not the norm to bring things to anyones house, they laugh at us when we tell them about our customs.
Tomorrow we,ll be spending the afternoon with the kids from the street center and saying goodbye. I,m sure it will be very sad for some of us. These kids have really made an attachment to the volunteers.
The weather is getting hotter and drier, I really am looking forward to a little cold weather believe it or not. It,s just that you can,t even be in the sun for more than 5 minutes before you are completely drenched. Just walking to town is a chore sometimes. Its not like in the states where you go from one air conditioned place to another. You,re lucky here to get a fan in a store or restaurant to cool you off. No wonder everything here is polepole / slow.
Saturday will be a day of packing which won,t be much since there isn,t much I want to bring back home. We plan on going out to breakfast at our favorite coffee shop then just explore a little more before I have to head out. I really am looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing my pictures and stories with you. Can,t wait!
I,ll be posting as many pictures as possible for those of you who want to check. See you soon.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Jan 25
Hello, It's four weeks into the trip and I've finally gotten to read my comments from everyone. It was so great to hear from everyone; it was starting to make me feel a little homesick. For the past few days now I have been trying to get my emails and have really been struggling with Africam internet; sometimes waiting an hour for a connection and then finally getting to your mail and having the power go out!! So today it was really great to finally have a good connection.
I can't believe that this is my last week here. The time has gone by very fast, faster than I expectd and I am having mixed feelings about leaving. It is so difficult to explain everything I am experiencing and being here now I realize how much there is to give these kids and adults in Tanzania and 4 weeks is just not enough.
My weekend was fun. On Saturday 7 of us went on a hike to some waterfalls and then did a coffee plantation tour. The waterfalls were the prettiest ones I've ever seen. The sun was shining down and the reflections of the water off the rocks were just beautiful. It was quite a muddy hike in but well worth it. We had lunch on a small platform over looking the waterfall; it was such a sureal setting. After lunch we hiked back to the coffee plantation; our guide ,Oscar, worked there. Actually it is his family's plantation and he now runs it for his father. The beans had already been harvested so we did the rest of the process of making coffee. First we put the beans through press that removed the bean from the first shell then we put those beans in a big barrel and took a huge round stick and pounded the beans to get the second shell off. We all took turns and Oscar sang a lttle song while we did it. It was a great arm workout; the girls took a little video of me doing this and thought it was just hilarious. Of course I was doing a little dancing( shakey, shakey as they say here in Tanzania) with Oscar as I was doing it. They promised to post it on the internet so I'll be able to show everyone! I know my kids will be excited to see their mother make a fool of herself once again. After all the shakey shakey we then sifted the bean away from the shell; took the beans and roasted them over an open fire for 25 minutes. As they were roasting the third shell was burning away. You could smell the beans as they were roasting; my mouth was watering. I couldn't wait for a decent cup of coffee!!!! We then had to put the roasted bean back in the barrel and pound them till they were very fine. Nothing like making us work for our coffee. The smell was fantastic; I didn't realize how much I missed my morning coffee.. After we ground the beans we mixed it with hot water then put it through a sieve..... it was delicious!!! Well worth the wait. I am bring home 4 kilos of the coffee so I can share with all my DD fans; you may never go back to dunkin's again.
We headed back to the homebase after that and everyone went over to Muzungu Bar to have a couple of refreshments!
Sunday we headed to the hot springs. Wasn't sure what to expect but that's the way this entire trip has been. The weather has been exceptionally warm since last week so I was looking forward to a relaxing day by some water. The ride to the springs was long, bumpy and dusty. It was out in the middle of no where and while we were driving we couldn't even imagine anything being out there. Jimmy, I think this is where you imagined me being dropped off, absolutely desolate! When the driver told us we were 6 minutes away we were shocked; all we could see was dust. Then we drove up to this shaded area with the coolest trees with their branches were stretched in every direction, and under these trees was the clearest water just like an oasis. It was just spectacular!! I wasn't sure about swimming before I got here but you couldn't resist. It was so relaxing, the water was warm and clear as anything. some of the branches hung over the water so you could jump off of them into the water. We all had a great time. Unfortunately after such a nice time we had that long dusty ride home so it felt like we never went to the hot springs.
I went to a new placement today; an orphanage and a nursery school. We got to the orphanage at 7:45 and helped the childern get ready for school. They are all so adorable; just wanting you're attention. The area is very poor and most of these children have lost their parents to aids. A lot of the people that help at these places are orphans themselves and they are really hoping for a better life. School is very important to them because that is the only way they will get a job.
Around 8:30 we walked 5 of the children to the nursery school down the road and then 5 other children joined us. The classroom was very tiny; probably no bigger then 8ft x 8ft. but the children were very well behaved. So much easier handling 10 children compared to 45! I was very surprised at how well they did. We made paper chain necklaces with them and they just loved it! we lined them up by the blackboard and took pictures of them; they had such big smiles on their faces I can't wait for you to see them. Tomorrow we are going to make them all crowns and let them decorate them! They get so excited over these things it is so sweet.
Today has been an emotional day for a few of us because there have been so many things going on at our placements with everyone and we all feel very limited with what we can do. We found out today at my placement the young girl that usually helps out at the school is HIV positive. She is just 18 and really wants to go to school to become a midwife. It so sad to see where their lives are headed and you can't do anything to help them.
At the street center the volunteers found out that the security guard at night has been raping the young girls. When previous volunteers approached the director about it they were told not to come back. It is very hard to approach anyone in authority about these things because they want proof or they say that it was consensual. What they don't seem to understand is that these girls are 12- 14 years old and it is just wrong. They have no families to protect them and the system is failing them also. It is such a difficult thing to wrap your head around.
I am just going to try to soak up as much as I can for the last few days; we are going to be going back in the afternoon to the orphanages and the street center to spend more time with the kids.
I am hoping to do one more posting before I leave and then I will post my pictures when I get home for everyone to see and hopefully be able to explain them to you. It's really been fun and I appreciate all of your comments.
I can't believe that this is my last week here. The time has gone by very fast, faster than I expectd and I am having mixed feelings about leaving. It is so difficult to explain everything I am experiencing and being here now I realize how much there is to give these kids and adults in Tanzania and 4 weeks is just not enough.
My weekend was fun. On Saturday 7 of us went on a hike to some waterfalls and then did a coffee plantation tour. The waterfalls were the prettiest ones I've ever seen. The sun was shining down and the reflections of the water off the rocks were just beautiful. It was quite a muddy hike in but well worth it. We had lunch on a small platform over looking the waterfall; it was such a sureal setting. After lunch we hiked back to the coffee plantation; our guide ,Oscar, worked there. Actually it is his family's plantation and he now runs it for his father. The beans had already been harvested so we did the rest of the process of making coffee. First we put the beans through press that removed the bean from the first shell then we put those beans in a big barrel and took a huge round stick and pounded the beans to get the second shell off. We all took turns and Oscar sang a lttle song while we did it. It was a great arm workout; the girls took a little video of me doing this and thought it was just hilarious. Of course I was doing a little dancing( shakey, shakey as they say here in Tanzania) with Oscar as I was doing it. They promised to post it on the internet so I'll be able to show everyone! I know my kids will be excited to see their mother make a fool of herself once again. After all the shakey shakey we then sifted the bean away from the shell; took the beans and roasted them over an open fire for 25 minutes. As they were roasting the third shell was burning away. You could smell the beans as they were roasting; my mouth was watering. I couldn't wait for a decent cup of coffee!!!! We then had to put the roasted bean back in the barrel and pound them till they were very fine. Nothing like making us work for our coffee. The smell was fantastic; I didn't realize how much I missed my morning coffee.. After we ground the beans we mixed it with hot water then put it through a sieve..... it was delicious!!! Well worth the wait. I am bring home 4 kilos of the coffee so I can share with all my DD fans; you may never go back to dunkin's again.
We headed back to the homebase after that and everyone went over to Muzungu Bar to have a couple of refreshments!
Sunday we headed to the hot springs. Wasn't sure what to expect but that's the way this entire trip has been. The weather has been exceptionally warm since last week so I was looking forward to a relaxing day by some water. The ride to the springs was long, bumpy and dusty. It was out in the middle of no where and while we were driving we couldn't even imagine anything being out there. Jimmy, I think this is where you imagined me being dropped off, absolutely desolate! When the driver told us we were 6 minutes away we were shocked; all we could see was dust. Then we drove up to this shaded area with the coolest trees with their branches were stretched in every direction, and under these trees was the clearest water just like an oasis. It was just spectacular!! I wasn't sure about swimming before I got here but you couldn't resist. It was so relaxing, the water was warm and clear as anything. some of the branches hung over the water so you could jump off of them into the water. We all had a great time. Unfortunately after such a nice time we had that long dusty ride home so it felt like we never went to the hot springs.
I went to a new placement today; an orphanage and a nursery school. We got to the orphanage at 7:45 and helped the childern get ready for school. They are all so adorable; just wanting you're attention. The area is very poor and most of these children have lost their parents to aids. A lot of the people that help at these places are orphans themselves and they are really hoping for a better life. School is very important to them because that is the only way they will get a job.
Around 8:30 we walked 5 of the children to the nursery school down the road and then 5 other children joined us. The classroom was very tiny; probably no bigger then 8ft x 8ft. but the children were very well behaved. So much easier handling 10 children compared to 45! I was very surprised at how well they did. We made paper chain necklaces with them and they just loved it! we lined them up by the blackboard and took pictures of them; they had such big smiles on their faces I can't wait for you to see them. Tomorrow we are going to make them all crowns and let them decorate them! They get so excited over these things it is so sweet.
Today has been an emotional day for a few of us because there have been so many things going on at our placements with everyone and we all feel very limited with what we can do. We found out today at my placement the young girl that usually helps out at the school is HIV positive. She is just 18 and really wants to go to school to become a midwife. It so sad to see where their lives are headed and you can't do anything to help them.
At the street center the volunteers found out that the security guard at night has been raping the young girls. When previous volunteers approached the director about it they were told not to come back. It is very hard to approach anyone in authority about these things because they want proof or they say that it was consensual. What they don't seem to understand is that these girls are 12- 14 years old and it is just wrong. They have no families to protect them and the system is failing them also. It is such a difficult thing to wrap your head around.
I am just going to try to soak up as much as I can for the last few days; we are going to be going back in the afternoon to the orphanages and the street center to spend more time with the kids.
I am hoping to do one more posting before I leave and then I will post my pictures when I get home for everyone to see and hopefully be able to explain them to you. It's really been fun and I appreciate all of your comments.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday,22
Greetings everyone!.TGIF!!!! Its been along week with the kids at school, we are up to 45 kids in the classroom and it doesn,t looklikeit is going to stop anytime soon. As long as the parents have the money to pay for school they will keep excepting students. Had a good day though with them,Ididnt have to break up as many fights as usual. I decided to bring finger paints with me hoping it wouldnt be a complete disaster. We made hadeprints of all the kids on a big mural and wrote their names on it. It actuallyturned out pretty good and the kids loved doing it. Today was my last dayat this school,I am goind to go to an orphanage on Monday with Ellen,another girl from CCS. It will be nice for a little change,not as many children but a little sadder I think.I was asked if I wanted to go to a hospital for my last week but I declined after listening to one of the other volunteers who is working there. Sge is an EMT and her first daythey had her writing perscriptions out and diagnosing people. She said the doctors wont even touch some of the patients. There are 4 or 5 patients to a bed and some just lying on the floor. In the Maturnity ward there would be 3 women in one bed that were ready to deliver plus after delivery they wouldnt dispose of the placenta they would just leave it on the floor and everyone would be walking all over them.I much prefer my hospital environment at home!!!
On Wednesday we had a day trip into Arusha and we sat in on the International Tribunal for Rwanda, the Genocide killings. They are holding this in a very neutral setting and keeping them open to the public.This case was against a man called Gaspard Kanyanukiga and is being prosecutted for conspriracy to commit genocide, complicity in genicide abd extermination.They say he directed demolition of a church in Nyange full of fleeing refugees who sought refuge in the church. Mr Kanyanukiga was seen rejoicing after the demolition with friends. He was arrested in South Africa in July of 2004.The defense lawyer was from Canada and the prosecuting lawyer was from Tanzania. Mr Kanyanukiga was present in the courtroom. It was pretty interesting listening to the witnesses for the defense but it didnt seem like much got accomplished in the time we were there. There were a couple of journalists there that were explaining things to us and will be keeping us updated with the trials.
On thursday afternoon we all got a chance to do some Batik painting. It really was kind of fun, maybe Ill have to make this a day of fun for everyone when I get back home! Watch out ladies.
The weather is hot as hell 95 to 100 for the past 5 days. I little to hot, you really can,t do anything but sit around. I had taken a walk into town to get a decent cup of coffee yesterday and by the time I got there I felt like I had run a marathon but it was worth it. The coffee at the homebase really isnt anything I would call coffee.
This weekend a few of us are going on a coffee tour, more waterfalls and the hotsprings. It sounds like it should be pretty fun. I guess we get to make our own coffee from picking the beans to brewing it. Probably will be bringing some home with me.The hot springs is suppose to be beautuful and it will be my first hot shower or bath since Ive been here!
Ive been trying to upload my pictures but these computers here are so unreliable and frustrating everyone might have to wait till I get home.
Thanks for all the emails,its great hearing from everyone. Miss you!
On Wednesday we had a day trip into Arusha and we sat in on the International Tribunal for Rwanda, the Genocide killings. They are holding this in a very neutral setting and keeping them open to the public.This case was against a man called Gaspard Kanyanukiga and is being prosecutted for conspriracy to commit genocide, complicity in genicide abd extermination.They say he directed demolition of a church in Nyange full of fleeing refugees who sought refuge in the church. Mr Kanyanukiga was seen rejoicing after the demolition with friends. He was arrested in South Africa in July of 2004.The defense lawyer was from Canada and the prosecuting lawyer was from Tanzania. Mr Kanyanukiga was present in the courtroom. It was pretty interesting listening to the witnesses for the defense but it didnt seem like much got accomplished in the time we were there. There were a couple of journalists there that were explaining things to us and will be keeping us updated with the trials.
On thursday afternoon we all got a chance to do some Batik painting. It really was kind of fun, maybe Ill have to make this a day of fun for everyone when I get back home! Watch out ladies.
The weather is hot as hell 95 to 100 for the past 5 days. I little to hot, you really can,t do anything but sit around. I had taken a walk into town to get a decent cup of coffee yesterday and by the time I got there I felt like I had run a marathon but it was worth it. The coffee at the homebase really isnt anything I would call coffee.
This weekend a few of us are going on a coffee tour, more waterfalls and the hotsprings. It sounds like it should be pretty fun. I guess we get to make our own coffee from picking the beans to brewing it. Probably will be bringing some home with me.The hot springs is suppose to be beautuful and it will be my first hot shower or bath since Ive been here!
Ive been trying to upload my pictures but these computers here are so unreliable and frustrating everyone might have to wait till I get home.
Thanks for all the emails,its great hearing from everyone. Miss you!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Jan 18
Hi again. It's Monday and it is finally sunny and hot. By the end of last week I was absolutely exhausted!! The kids at school are so full of energy and a little rougher than I expected. I've basicly been left to teach for the entire day. It is a bit challenging keeping their attention for 4 hours. When we are out playing in the courtyard it is a big free for all!!! I feel so bad for the tiny ones because the older kids will just push them around and kick them if they want what they have. Their is a huge decipline issue which I find odd. The other teacher really doesn't seem to care and I am always trying to get everyone to be nice to each other (imagine that!)Friday afternoon I was invited over th Hostel Hoff House to visit with Mama Patty. It was a nice deversion from being with all the younger kids at CCS. I brought over a couple of bottles of winr and Mama Patty had so great munchies; I felt like I was at home. There was a beautiful breeze and we watched the sun setting with Kili in the backround!!There are times that I feel so at home here; the senery is just gorgeous! After cocktails the entire house went to a local bar called Glacier; it was a very cool place; everything is outdoors here and the people there were very friendly. They had a live band playing which was really fun but I found myself watching out for the girls; the culture is very different when it comes to drinking and dancing and I think that all the girls quite don't understand that. There were alot of other muzungus at Glacier which was great. I met a girl from Boston that had jusr arrived. Unfortunately she was very homesick and planning on going right back to the states.
Saturday we all went to a football game in Arusha. Two of the Tanzanian volunteers ( Living and Amanie) were playing in it so we wanted to support them since they have been so great to us. We were lucky that the CCS van brought us to Arusha because otherwise we would have had to take a bus which I hear is quite an adventure. The game was good; the field was in rough shape. I'm surprised no one gets hurt because it is so uneven but I guess they are used to that. We had to go right back to the homebase after the game which was fine with me.I was looking forward to relaxing and getting a good night sleep.
An interesting thing we were talking about with Living and Amani was about how the family life is here in Tanzania.So many people who are married barely see each other. It is very common fot the man to work in another town from his home and live there and maybe see his family evry couple of weeks. They say that they don't marry for love; usually they will only marry if you have money. Also it is very common to send your children off to school in another town and they would live at the school; children as young as 3 and 4. Men will socialize without their wives and it is very uncommon for girls or women to go out other then the market or to work. Just a little different from America and my family.
Sunday 4 of us, Michelle,Sabina,Dory and myself,went on a day hike of Mt Kili. When we woke up it was a fantastic day. The first clear day we've had so far. We got picked up at 7 and had an hour drive to the base of the mountain. The driver was a little crazy with his driving; we had to ask him to slow down. When you arrive all visitors have to register so they know who is going up the mountain and then you have to check out when you come down the mountain. It was a ten mile hike up; not very difficult but a continuous incline. The guides kept telling us to slow down because they want you to adjust to the altitude. Not sure if the O'Connor family would have obeyed the guides wishes. The beginning of the hike is through the rain forest. There are so many watrefalls from the meltage of snow at the top. some of the time you felt like you were walking through a fairytale. There were monkeys walking around and we came across a herd of cows that were looking for greener pastures. It took us 3 hours to get to the first level. This is where everyone stops if they are hiking to the top.A usual climb to the top of Kili is 6 days. There are cabins there for camping out that look like small chalets. There were so many different people hiking; it was really nice to come across other travelers. We had lunch at the first level; the sky was still clear and there was a great breeze; we couldn't havew asked for a better day. After lunch we went a little further up to see a crater that was there; nothing like the one on our Safari but around one side of the crater you could see over to Kenya; it was just amazing. I can't believe the land here. It changes constantly and there seems to be a surprise around every corner. One moment it may be dry and desolate and the next thing you know it is so lush with beautiful flowers and plants everywhere.
The hike down was just a little over an hour but we were trucking along preety good. Our guides, Georgie and Robert were great; filling us in on everything. The one thing that really amazed me was watching the porters bring everyones supplies up the mountain. All the lumber to build the cabins is brought up by foot; imagine taking all those materials up to the top!!! I felt so bad for them but to them it is work and when they work they make money.
It was a great day; we got back just in time for dinner. Had another good meal took a shower and read for the evening. Wanted to get a good night sleep for the kids in the morning.
Monday was another great day; getting hotter; around 95 today. I am the first person to be dropped off at my placement. I left with hopefully enough supplies to keep everyone occupied. When I got there the kids came running; all of them trying to hold my hand. We played outside for a little bit before going into class. There were at least 40 kids in class today.The class just gets bigger and bigger everyday!!! I had my work cut out for me today with all the new students. They were pretty well behaved this morning which was a relief and when we went outside we broke them up into two groups which was a lot more managable. I I had brought a punching balloon ball and some bubbles. The kids loved them and were actual fairly calm. The punching ball lasted about 15 minutes before someone popped it; not too bad. Over all my day at school ended up being good.
When I got home from placement I decided to take a walk into the small town of Rau. It's about a 30 minute walk if you know where you are going. I took a little detour because I met 2 teenage girls walking and they wanted to come with me. I was looking for material at a certain place and finally found it. Having a skirt made, very Afrucan but why not. I had to run home so I would make it in time for lunch at 1:00.
They are pretty stict about meals and being on time. If you are planning on not having a meal at the homebase you have to sign out the day before. If you are late they wait for you and then the staff will not eat until all of us have eaten. By the time I got home I was drench in sweat; I'm not quitw used ti runnung in 95 degree weather with the sun beating down on you. But I'll enjoy it while I can; I'll be back in the snow before I know it.
Wednesday CCS is planning another day trip to the town of Arusha. Not sure what it will entail but I will keep everyone posted. Thanks again for keeping up with me. Miss everyone but I'll see you soon
Saturday we all went to a football game in Arusha. Two of the Tanzanian volunteers ( Living and Amanie) were playing in it so we wanted to support them since they have been so great to us. We were lucky that the CCS van brought us to Arusha because otherwise we would have had to take a bus which I hear is quite an adventure. The game was good; the field was in rough shape. I'm surprised no one gets hurt because it is so uneven but I guess they are used to that. We had to go right back to the homebase after the game which was fine with me.I was looking forward to relaxing and getting a good night sleep.
An interesting thing we were talking about with Living and Amani was about how the family life is here in Tanzania.So many people who are married barely see each other. It is very common fot the man to work in another town from his home and live there and maybe see his family evry couple of weeks. They say that they don't marry for love; usually they will only marry if you have money. Also it is very common to send your children off to school in another town and they would live at the school; children as young as 3 and 4. Men will socialize without their wives and it is very uncommon for girls or women to go out other then the market or to work. Just a little different from America and my family.
Sunday 4 of us, Michelle,Sabina,Dory and myself,went on a day hike of Mt Kili. When we woke up it was a fantastic day. The first clear day we've had so far. We got picked up at 7 and had an hour drive to the base of the mountain. The driver was a little crazy with his driving; we had to ask him to slow down. When you arrive all visitors have to register so they know who is going up the mountain and then you have to check out when you come down the mountain. It was a ten mile hike up; not very difficult but a continuous incline. The guides kept telling us to slow down because they want you to adjust to the altitude. Not sure if the O'Connor family would have obeyed the guides wishes. The beginning of the hike is through the rain forest. There are so many watrefalls from the meltage of snow at the top. some of the time you felt like you were walking through a fairytale. There were monkeys walking around and we came across a herd of cows that were looking for greener pastures. It took us 3 hours to get to the first level. This is where everyone stops if they are hiking to the top.A usual climb to the top of Kili is 6 days. There are cabins there for camping out that look like small chalets. There were so many different people hiking; it was really nice to come across other travelers. We had lunch at the first level; the sky was still clear and there was a great breeze; we couldn't havew asked for a better day. After lunch we went a little further up to see a crater that was there; nothing like the one on our Safari but around one side of the crater you could see over to Kenya; it was just amazing. I can't believe the land here. It changes constantly and there seems to be a surprise around every corner. One moment it may be dry and desolate and the next thing you know it is so lush with beautiful flowers and plants everywhere.
The hike down was just a little over an hour but we were trucking along preety good. Our guides, Georgie and Robert were great; filling us in on everything. The one thing that really amazed me was watching the porters bring everyones supplies up the mountain. All the lumber to build the cabins is brought up by foot; imagine taking all those materials up to the top!!! I felt so bad for them but to them it is work and when they work they make money.
It was a great day; we got back just in time for dinner. Had another good meal took a shower and read for the evening. Wanted to get a good night sleep for the kids in the morning.
Monday was another great day; getting hotter; around 95 today. I am the first person to be dropped off at my placement. I left with hopefully enough supplies to keep everyone occupied. When I got there the kids came running; all of them trying to hold my hand. We played outside for a little bit before going into class. There were at least 40 kids in class today.The class just gets bigger and bigger everyday!!! I had my work cut out for me today with all the new students. They were pretty well behaved this morning which was a relief and when we went outside we broke them up into two groups which was a lot more managable. I I had brought a punching balloon ball and some bubbles. The kids loved them and were actual fairly calm. The punching ball lasted about 15 minutes before someone popped it; not too bad. Over all my day at school ended up being good.
When I got home from placement I decided to take a walk into the small town of Rau. It's about a 30 minute walk if you know where you are going. I took a little detour because I met 2 teenage girls walking and they wanted to come with me. I was looking for material at a certain place and finally found it. Having a skirt made, very Afrucan but why not. I had to run home so I would make it in time for lunch at 1:00.
They are pretty stict about meals and being on time. If you are planning on not having a meal at the homebase you have to sign out the day before. If you are late they wait for you and then the staff will not eat until all of us have eaten. By the time I got home I was drench in sweat; I'm not quitw used ti runnung in 95 degree weather with the sun beating down on you. But I'll enjoy it while I can; I'll be back in the snow before I know it.
Wednesday CCS is planning another day trip to the town of Arusha. Not sure what it will entail but I will keep everyone posted. Thanks again for keeping up with me. Miss everyone but I'll see you soon
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Jan 13,2010
Hi everyone! I hope everyone is well. I appreciate all of your e mails,its great hearing from everyone. Things are going well here. Monday I had a great day with the kids and was busy the rest of the day walking around town. Most of the girls in the house found material to have skirts made for them from the local Tanzanians. Im still searching for something I like, so many choices, It just would be fun to have something to bring home.
Tuesday was a holiday here so there was no school in Tanzania. CCS planned a trip for us to Marangu and the Malaysia waterfalls. They really are trying to get us to experience as much as possible which is great.Marangu was about an hour away. We stopped at a village of the Chagga Tribe. Another very educational experience. Much like the homes of the Maasai it consisted of a center room which they called the kitchen but the roof was much taller.There were two platforms for sleeping one for the mother and girls and one for the father. when he is home, and boys.They also had a very small stable inside the home where they kept their cows. The cows would never be left outside for fear of the Maasai warriors stealing them. They said that the Maasai felt that all cows belonged to them so they would just steal the cows from anyone and everyone.Unlike the Maasai who only ate meat, blood and milk the Chagga tribe ate anything. The Chagga people produce beer that is called Chagga beer, it is made from millet and is very potent. Everyone around here loves it but I havent gotten up the nerve to try it yet, not sure I will either. Something about drinking something when you see how they make it.
The Chagga plant all different kinds of plants around their home for protection. They have pineapple plants ecause the prickly leaves will sto snakes from getting in their home. They also have a plant that is called a Yaka plant. When they leave their home the person will pick a leave from the Yaca plant and tie it in a knot then place it above the door of their home so that there are any visitors they will know someone is not home. If they just fold the leave in half and place it above the door it means they are around the village somewhere and to wait for them, they will be right back. They also use the leave of the yaca plant as a peace offering if you have a disagreement with someone.
The member of the tribe that showed us around was called Joseph. He showed us many different tools that they use now and what they used in the past. He was such an interesting person, very gentle and proud.
After the tour we went to have lunch at a very nice resort that was at the base of Kili. It was a little funny to see something so modern and westernized in the middle of everything. I can imagine that this is somewhere that Andy would love to stay at! No squatty pottys for him. After lunch we headed to the waterfalls. We had to hike in, as we were hiking we would pass through Chagga homes along the way. Getting down to the falls reminded me so much of our trip to Hawaii and a little of my last hike with you Judy!! This time I was a little better prepared. The falls were just fantastic, so much water it was deafening. The climate is changing here in Tanzania, much more rain than normal, the sun hasnt been out much but the people dont mind the rain, they are usually in such drought. The only thing with all the rain is that the roads are horrific to get around in and the drainage is practice nil. The water from the falls is all the meltage from Mt Kili. There were some great swimming areas, very similar to Livermore Falls back home so they were safe to swim in. It was a great day, im so appreciative to be able to be doing all of this.
After dinner we went over to meet some people that are staying in Hostel Hoff, this is a kind of hostel where mostly Europeans stay. The people staying their seemed really nice, we are all planning on going out this weekend at do some shaky shaky! Of course Im still the oldest one by far and feel like mama duck with her chicks following but everyone is treating me really great. You all know I can run circles around everyone!!! I forgot to tell you I was the first one back up from the falls which was no easy climb!
Today at placement one of the girls, Marissa, from CCS came with me. She will be with me for the remainder of the time because there werent alot of kids at her placement. I think there most be a full moon or something because the kids were off the wall!!!! We were breaking up more fights and wiping tears most of the day. Going to have to do some organizing with our time to keep them occupied for tomorrow.
This trip has been everything and more so far. Not sure if Im making any sort of impact on anyone but it certainly is making an impact on me!
Im planning on hanging around the home base this weekend, want to do some exploring around town and really meet people. Time is really flying by. CCS has another day trip planned for us next week to Arusha and next weekend planning on going on a coffee tour where we can do the entire process of coffee making from picking the beans to drinking the coffee, should be interesting.
Have a great day and Ill talk to you all soon!!!!
Tuesday was a holiday here so there was no school in Tanzania. CCS planned a trip for us to Marangu and the Malaysia waterfalls. They really are trying to get us to experience as much as possible which is great.Marangu was about an hour away. We stopped at a village of the Chagga Tribe. Another very educational experience. Much like the homes of the Maasai it consisted of a center room which they called the kitchen but the roof was much taller.There were two platforms for sleeping one for the mother and girls and one for the father. when he is home, and boys.They also had a very small stable inside the home where they kept their cows. The cows would never be left outside for fear of the Maasai warriors stealing them. They said that the Maasai felt that all cows belonged to them so they would just steal the cows from anyone and everyone.Unlike the Maasai who only ate meat, blood and milk the Chagga tribe ate anything. The Chagga people produce beer that is called Chagga beer, it is made from millet and is very potent. Everyone around here loves it but I havent gotten up the nerve to try it yet, not sure I will either. Something about drinking something when you see how they make it.
The Chagga plant all different kinds of plants around their home for protection. They have pineapple plants ecause the prickly leaves will sto snakes from getting in their home. They also have a plant that is called a Yaka plant. When they leave their home the person will pick a leave from the Yaca plant and tie it in a knot then place it above the door of their home so that there are any visitors they will know someone is not home. If they just fold the leave in half and place it above the door it means they are around the village somewhere and to wait for them, they will be right back. They also use the leave of the yaca plant as a peace offering if you have a disagreement with someone.
The member of the tribe that showed us around was called Joseph. He showed us many different tools that they use now and what they used in the past. He was such an interesting person, very gentle and proud.
After the tour we went to have lunch at a very nice resort that was at the base of Kili. It was a little funny to see something so modern and westernized in the middle of everything. I can imagine that this is somewhere that Andy would love to stay at! No squatty pottys for him. After lunch we headed to the waterfalls. We had to hike in, as we were hiking we would pass through Chagga homes along the way. Getting down to the falls reminded me so much of our trip to Hawaii and a little of my last hike with you Judy!! This time I was a little better prepared. The falls were just fantastic, so much water it was deafening. The climate is changing here in Tanzania, much more rain than normal, the sun hasnt been out much but the people dont mind the rain, they are usually in such drought. The only thing with all the rain is that the roads are horrific to get around in and the drainage is practice nil. The water from the falls is all the meltage from Mt Kili. There were some great swimming areas, very similar to Livermore Falls back home so they were safe to swim in. It was a great day, im so appreciative to be able to be doing all of this.
After dinner we went over to meet some people that are staying in Hostel Hoff, this is a kind of hostel where mostly Europeans stay. The people staying their seemed really nice, we are all planning on going out this weekend at do some shaky shaky! Of course Im still the oldest one by far and feel like mama duck with her chicks following but everyone is treating me really great. You all know I can run circles around everyone!!! I forgot to tell you I was the first one back up from the falls which was no easy climb!
Today at placement one of the girls, Marissa, from CCS came with me. She will be with me for the remainder of the time because there werent alot of kids at her placement. I think there most be a full moon or something because the kids were off the wall!!!! We were breaking up more fights and wiping tears most of the day. Going to have to do some organizing with our time to keep them occupied for tomorrow.
This trip has been everything and more so far. Not sure if Im making any sort of impact on anyone but it certainly is making an impact on me!
Im planning on hanging around the home base this weekend, want to do some exploring around town and really meet people. Time is really flying by. CCS has another day trip planned for us next week to Arusha and next weekend planning on going on a coffee tour where we can do the entire process of coffee making from picking the beans to drinking the coffee, should be interesting.
Have a great day and Ill talk to you all soon!!!!
Monday, January 11, 2010
SAFARI WEEKEND
I went to placement on Friday morning and the teacher told me I would be teaching english for an hour.I wasn't sure I would be able to keep their attention for an hour but it went really well. They are so eager to learn to speak english; teaching them is right up my alley. They laugh at me a lot but but I don't mind. The boys in the class seem to have better fine motor skills than the girls which I found very strange but Moses told me the boys will have more time at home to practice; the girls are expected to help out with the chores when they go home.
when we got home for placement Abass ( our Safari guide) picked us U and we were on our way. Our first stop was going to be at Lake Manyara National Park. We would be camping there for the night and driving into the park early Saturday morning.Once we got there we unpacked all our gear and then were taken to a Masai Village. When we drove in the children came running out of the fields to greet us. They love the muzungu's ( white people). We were allowed to take as many pictures of the children and village as we wanted. The Masai believe in polygamy so this village had 8 wives. They believe the more wives and children you have the richer you are. They don't send their children to school instead they teach them to be self sufficient with their land. The land that they are on is great for raising cattle, the boys are taught to be responsible for the herd first by giving them the goats and donkeys. The girls are taught to take care of the household duties.
The 8 wives greeted us with a dance; they had these disc like necklaces on that made noise when they jumped. One of the wives approached us and one at a time put a necklace on us and we would dance with them. It was really a great time. After Abass brought us into one of their homes. We needed a flashlight to find our way into the house. The houses are made out of grass and cow dung. The opening to the house was very narrow and consisted of a tiny room in the center and two separate bedrooms if you could call them that. The bedroom consisted of a 6x5 foot platform to sleep on. one for the father when he was there and one for the mother and children. It was all so interesting. It was so hot in there I can't even imagine how it was to sleep in there.
Before we left we took tons of pictures of the children. They were so excited to see themselves in the camera.They would just giggle at themselves. We headed back to the campsite and we had dinner and tried to get to sleep because we were getting an early start.
Up most of the night because there were some birds that would not stop talking all night long. Had breakfast at 6 then we headed for the park. It was beautiful. Everything was very green and we were greeted by many many baboons!!! They were so interesting to watch; like watching your own family. The smaller ones would be chasing each other around then one would jump on their mothers back so the others would stop picking on them. Just like home! There were elephants, giraffes, hippos, tons of antelope and impalas, zebras but no lion in this park. It was a great day; it was cloudy so it didn't get too hot. We went back to the campsite around 1 and had lunch than packed up so we could go to our next campsite which was about an hour and a half away. Everyone was exhausted and slept the entire was except me. The scenery was just amazing. We were headed to Ngorongoro Conservation. I noticed that the homes seemed like they were a little nicer; they were made from actual stone and mortar and there were Masai villages all along the way. Ngorongoro Conservation was all Masai land at one time so they are allowed to live inside the conservation. The conservation consists of a huge crater where we will be exploring. We camped on the rim of the crater and it was just as peaceful as can be. The stars were brighter than I have ever seen. There were quite a few other groups camping; it was really fun meeting people from all over all of them Muzungus. We all ate on long concrete blocks made into tables. All of us had our own cooks and we were treated like royalty. After dinner we sat around a bonfire had a couple of bottles of wine and Abass told us stories about this great crater. Everyone was freezing because the temperature was about 40.(Ngorongoro is approx. 6500 ft high) I was so happy to be able to sleep in the cold!! We went to bed by 10 and I slept till about 3 when I was woken up by the sound of someone scaring off some wart hogs that wondered into camp.
Everyone was up by 5 had breakfast and then were on our way so we could get into the crater early to see the lions searching for their prey. The ride in was amazing as well. It is so hard explain how beautiful this land is, It is so lush, the vegetation is unbelievable.We saw so many different trees and flowers. We were greeted again by the black faced monkeys and baboons. Eric, our driver was very knowledgeable about everything.All the safari drivers have radios in their jeeps and they talk to one another to let each other know what they see. So if one sees a group of lions on the prey they radio everyone else so you won't miss out.We did see 6 lions trying to kill the buffalo. It was amazing to see how they do it; we weren't successful in see the actual kill but just watching some of the process was great. We were lucky to see a male lion with 4 female lions right by the side of the road. They were just hanging out. It was a great day of watching all the different animals interact. The sun never came out on Sunday; they say the weather is changing. It rained all the way home so it took us even longer about 5 hours. After a long weekend of dust and dirt we were all looking forward to a shower!
I have to go now; Kiswahili lessons in 5 minutes!!! I'll try to get back on at the end of the week. Hi to everyone!!!!
when we got home for placement Abass ( our Safari guide) picked us U and we were on our way. Our first stop was going to be at Lake Manyara National Park. We would be camping there for the night and driving into the park early Saturday morning.Once we got there we unpacked all our gear and then were taken to a Masai Village. When we drove in the children came running out of the fields to greet us. They love the muzungu's ( white people). We were allowed to take as many pictures of the children and village as we wanted. The Masai believe in polygamy so this village had 8 wives. They believe the more wives and children you have the richer you are. They don't send their children to school instead they teach them to be self sufficient with their land. The land that they are on is great for raising cattle, the boys are taught to be responsible for the herd first by giving them the goats and donkeys. The girls are taught to take care of the household duties.
The 8 wives greeted us with a dance; they had these disc like necklaces on that made noise when they jumped. One of the wives approached us and one at a time put a necklace on us and we would dance with them. It was really a great time. After Abass brought us into one of their homes. We needed a flashlight to find our way into the house. The houses are made out of grass and cow dung. The opening to the house was very narrow and consisted of a tiny room in the center and two separate bedrooms if you could call them that. The bedroom consisted of a 6x5 foot platform to sleep on. one for the father when he was there and one for the mother and children. It was all so interesting. It was so hot in there I can't even imagine how it was to sleep in there.
Before we left we took tons of pictures of the children. They were so excited to see themselves in the camera.They would just giggle at themselves. We headed back to the campsite and we had dinner and tried to get to sleep because we were getting an early start.
Up most of the night because there were some birds that would not stop talking all night long. Had breakfast at 6 then we headed for the park. It was beautiful. Everything was very green and we were greeted by many many baboons!!! They were so interesting to watch; like watching your own family. The smaller ones would be chasing each other around then one would jump on their mothers back so the others would stop picking on them. Just like home! There were elephants, giraffes, hippos, tons of antelope and impalas, zebras but no lion in this park. It was a great day; it was cloudy so it didn't get too hot. We went back to the campsite around 1 and had lunch than packed up so we could go to our next campsite which was about an hour and a half away. Everyone was exhausted and slept the entire was except me. The scenery was just amazing. We were headed to Ngorongoro Conservation. I noticed that the homes seemed like they were a little nicer; they were made from actual stone and mortar and there were Masai villages all along the way. Ngorongoro Conservation was all Masai land at one time so they are allowed to live inside the conservation. The conservation consists of a huge crater where we will be exploring. We camped on the rim of the crater and it was just as peaceful as can be. The stars were brighter than I have ever seen. There were quite a few other groups camping; it was really fun meeting people from all over all of them Muzungus. We all ate on long concrete blocks made into tables. All of us had our own cooks and we were treated like royalty. After dinner we sat around a bonfire had a couple of bottles of wine and Abass told us stories about this great crater. Everyone was freezing because the temperature was about 40.(Ngorongoro is approx. 6500 ft high) I was so happy to be able to sleep in the cold!! We went to bed by 10 and I slept till about 3 when I was woken up by the sound of someone scaring off some wart hogs that wondered into camp.
Everyone was up by 5 had breakfast and then were on our way so we could get into the crater early to see the lions searching for their prey. The ride in was amazing as well. It is so hard explain how beautiful this land is, It is so lush, the vegetation is unbelievable.We saw so many different trees and flowers. We were greeted again by the black faced monkeys and baboons. Eric, our driver was very knowledgeable about everything.All the safari drivers have radios in their jeeps and they talk to one another to let each other know what they see. So if one sees a group of lions on the prey they radio everyone else so you won't miss out.We did see 6 lions trying to kill the buffalo. It was amazing to see how they do it; we weren't successful in see the actual kill but just watching some of the process was great. We were lucky to see a male lion with 4 female lions right by the side of the road. They were just hanging out. It was a great day of watching all the different animals interact. The sun never came out on Sunday; they say the weather is changing. It rained all the way home so it took us even longer about 5 hours. After a long weekend of dust and dirt we were all looking forward to a shower!
I have to go now; Kiswahili lessons in 5 minutes!!! I'll try to get back on at the end of the week. Hi to everyone!!!!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
7 jan
Today I started a new placement because my other one was becoming a little frustrating with them asking me for money everyday. I am now going to be volunteering in a nursery school for orphans. It is a muslum school and the children range from the age of 3 to 16.There are 3 different class rooms but I wiil be working with the younger ones, 3 to 5 year olds.There are 60 children in the classroom with 2 teachers and myself. They are the most adorable children. When I arrived they sang a song to greet me and recited there names to me. We worked on writing their numbers and letters. When I would sit with them to help them they would hold my hand and just smile. One little boy was just facinated with my watch and just wanted to push the buttons on it. After an hour of lessons we went outside to play football. The children in the oter classrooms were all outside also and they were all watching me kicking the ball around. We then all got in a circle and sang songs. Some of the older girls were teaching me hand clapping games, they all want your attention. It is such a great place for me to be. I know I will be very happy there for the rest of the time.
CCS home base has been great. The staff really cares about you, if you are happy and for your safety.Everyone in the house is going on Safari this weekend. We leave Friday after our placement and return on Sunday evening. This is going to so exciting. I can t wait!
Thanks to everyone following. I have recieved your e mails just dont have enough time to get back to everyone. Can t wait to tell you about the Safari.
CCS home base has been great. The staff really cares about you, if you are happy and for your safety.Everyone in the house is going on Safari this weekend. We leave Friday after our placement and return on Sunday evening. This is going to so exciting. I can t wait!
Thanks to everyone following. I have recieved your e mails just dont have enough time to get back to everyone. Can t wait to tell you about the Safari.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Jan. 5
Yesterday we spent the day orientating to our placements and then we were given a tour of a small town called Rau. Finding words to describe what we saw is almost impossible. Children flocked to us and just wanted their pictures taken so we coils show them on our cameras.The living conditions are beyond poverty; people living in paper houses, children playing with old shoes left on the streets, herds of cows walking the roads. And the most amazing thing about all of it was there was genuine happiness and joy with everyone we met! They are all so happy with their life in Tanzania!!!! We were welcomed in the home of the Cheif of Rau which is quite an honor and he showed us his goats and chickens he was raising. We were then welcomed into the homes of 2 different families to meet their children that had severe disabilities; such a sad sad thing to see but they too were unbelievably happy! As we walked through the town the local people greeted us, offered us their homemade beer( which I was too chicken to try) and the children kept coming out of no where just to be with us ( the muzunwa) Kassandra you may be right about me taking a couple of these kids home. I have never seen such smiles and faces that could mely your heart.
We've started some key Swahilis lessons; so much to know but I seem to be doing ok with it.
Today we started our placements which was for me making home visits to the sick who can not get to the clinics. We saw five patients today and each house was in such poor conditions I don't know how these people do it. 87% of the people in Tanzania are hiv positive; have such poor nutrition that I feel embarrassed to be staying at the headquarters where we are. Our house is like a castle to them; we are fed 3 wonderful meals a day; I think I will be coming home 10 pounds heavier which I found out today is a compliment in Tanzania! After visiting the patients my partner Sabrina and I walked along the streets to meet more kids. What is so amazing is they want to bring you into their home and welcome you. Everyone is friends. There are no strangers in Tanzania! Right now I am sitting at a computer at the home of Bushman's Safaris: he just told me to use his computer instead of walking into town to an internet cafe. We will be travelling this weekend to Safari and I just can't wait!! Hopefully by then I will be able to get some pictures onto my blog to share with all of you.
Yesterday we spent the day orientating to our placements and then we were given a tour of a small town called Rau. Finding words to describe what we saw is almost impossible. Children flocked to us and just wanted their pictures taken so we coils show them on our cameras.The living conditions are beyond poverty; people living in paper houses, children playing with old shoes left on the streets, herds of cows walking the roads. And the most amazing thing about all of it was there was genuine happiness and joy with everyone we met! They are all so happy with their life in Tanzania!!!! We were welcomed in the home of the Cheif of Rau which is quite an honor and he showed us his goats and chickens he was raising. We were then welcomed into the homes of 2 different families to meet their children that had severe disabilities; such a sad sad thing to see but they too were unbelievably happy! As we walked through the town the local people greeted us, offered us their homemade beer( which I was too chicken to try) and the children kept coming out of no where just to be with us ( the muzunwa) Kassandra you may be right about me taking a couple of these kids home. I have never seen such smiles and faces that could mely your heart.
We've started some key Swahilis lessons; so much to know but I seem to be doing ok with it.
Today we started our placements which was for me making home visits to the sick who can not get to the clinics. We saw five patients today and each house was in such poor conditions I don't know how these people do it. 87% of the people in Tanzania are hiv positive; have such poor nutrition that I feel embarrassed to be staying at the headquarters where we are. Our house is like a castle to them; we are fed 3 wonderful meals a day; I think I will be coming home 10 pounds heavier which I found out today is a compliment in Tanzania! After visiting the patients my partner Sabrina and I walked along the streets to meet more kids. What is so amazing is they want to bring you into their home and welcome you. Everyone is friends. There are no strangers in Tanzania! Right now I am sitting at a computer at the home of Bushman's Safaris: he just told me to use his computer instead of walking into town to an internet cafe. We will be travelling this weekend to Safari and I just can't wait!! Hopefully by then I will be able to get some pictures onto my blog to share with all of you.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
FIRST DAY IN AFRICA
Well I'm finally here and it really is amazing. All the people at my house are great and friendly. We were given a tour of the town of Moshi; a very small town and very quiet today because it is Sunday. The food has been amazing so far. As you can imagine I have already made friends with the cooks and we are going to start sharing recipes. Maybe I'll be opening up an African restaurant when I come home !
We just met with some people about arranging a safari and a day trek of mount kilimingaro. Not sure if I'll be able to fit everything in.
Tomorrow we will be having orientation about our placements. Can't wait to hear about where I'll be.
It will be early to bed tonight since I've only slept 4 hours in the past 2 days.
We just met with some people about arranging a safari and a day trek of mount kilimingaro. Not sure if I'll be able to fit everything in.
Tomorrow we will be having orientation about our placements. Can't wait to hear about where I'll be.
It will be early to bed tonight since I've only slept 4 hours in the past 2 days.
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