I have now been in Dar for almost 3 weeks. The weather here is definitely something hard to get used to, but having the ocean so close by has its perks.
Work here is very different to what I am used to. I feel like a data entry specialist (40 hours a week), and that is very hard to get used to. I love my laptop and all, but I cannot stare at it for that long. The data I am working with is also very hard to understand, either because of the language issue or because of the “issues” we have encountered. I was warned that this dataset might have to be “trashed” because there were many issues with it, but being who I am, I am doing my best to salvage as much as I can and make sense of the responses staring at me! I am not giving up yet, but boy is it tempting every so often. I wonder if the data collecting people realized how important their work would be, and how difficult it is to analyze their work if not done properly. I will keep this truth in mind in my own future data collection adventures.
As our ride to work has gone on holiday, Jamie and I have decided to walk to work. We can do it! It’s not that far! (So it seems-LOL) Jamie and I get to work in 40-50 minutes (when walking at a fairly slow pace) and manage to get there drenched in sweat. My pores are loving me right now. Our CARE colleagues cannot believe we would walk all the way, but Jamie and I both love to walk and have not officially exercised since we got to Tanzania. I need to shed a few pounds before I head back home!
The food has gotten much better for me these days. “My stomach is finally adjusting,” I thought to myself. Then I spoke too soon. Just yesterday I had to run to the bathroom to throw-up. I was doing so good since getting to Dar, but something went awry yesterday and has not gotten better.
I leave for my in-laws’ in a couple of weeks. (I hope they don’t mind me calling them that already.) Can’t wait for a change of scenery and activities.
I miss home. I miss my family, my love, and my cuddly puppy. Boy what I’d give for a calzone from Mellow Mushroom (mushrooms, spinach, and pineapple, YUM). Oooh, and a nice t-bone steak, how grand would that be? Maybe some pupusas, or lasagna, or my mother’s famous pepian. 28 days left, and boy am I counting!
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Morogoro Visit during White Ribbon Rally
My visit to Morogoro was a great learning experience. There were many things that occurred that could have been better planned for, particularly the “masses.” There seemed to have been one system set in place to organize the people into the march, but it did not seem to be functioning properly. The crowds grew and grew and eventually became quite restless, either fighting for shirts or bottled water.
While it was amazing to see so many people turn out for the rally, it was depressing to see their reasons for coming. When they were notified that they would not be receiving the rally shirts, many of them simply decided not to march. Some of those who decided to continue on with the march without their shirts continued, but seemed to miss the point of the rally as they marched chanting “shirts, shirts, shirts.” In the end, it seemed we were marching for shirts and not maternal-child health. Did the message reach those who could not attend the ceremony to hear the actual speeches? From a bystanders point, it appeared this was not the case.
As it may be customary in Tanzania, there was a lot of waiting for “important” individuals. While the program was scheduled to start at 8 a.m., we were delayed almost 3-4 hours. The waiting was either due to improper planning of “minor” logistics that turned into major projects (such as t-shirt distribution and participant enrollment) or waiting for the guests of honor (a good 1-2 hour wait for each one). As the locals were more patient than I (the foreign bystander), the program continued as if nothing had gone wrong.
In the end, the speeches were delivered, and many stayed in the audience to actually listen to the true message trying to be delivered.
While it was amazing to see so many people turn out for the rally, it was depressing to see their reasons for coming. When they were notified that they would not be receiving the rally shirts, many of them simply decided not to march. Some of those who decided to continue on with the march without their shirts continued, but seemed to miss the point of the rally as they marched chanting “shirts, shirts, shirts.” In the end, it seemed we were marching for shirts and not maternal-child health. Did the message reach those who could not attend the ceremony to hear the actual speeches? From a bystanders point, it appeared this was not the case.
As it may be customary in Tanzania, there was a lot of waiting for “important” individuals. While the program was scheduled to start at 8 a.m., we were delayed almost 3-4 hours. The waiting was either due to improper planning of “minor” logistics that turned into major projects (such as t-shirt distribution and participant enrollment) or waiting for the guests of honor (a good 1-2 hour wait for each one). As the locals were more patient than I (the foreign bystander), the program continued as if nothing had gone wrong.
In the end, the speeches were delivered, and many stayed in the audience to actually listen to the true message trying to be delivered.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
New Site Visits, New Adventures
The new round of site visits has come and gone. Jamie and I stayed behind in Mwanza to attempt to collect more data from different dispensaries. This time though, Jamie had a map at her disposal and managed to strategically choose dispensaries to visit. Planning ahead is amazing. What it took a team 8-10 in almost 2 weeks we were able to do with a team of 3 in less than 1 week.
One site visit was very hard to get through. When we arrived, the place looked like it was about to collapse. We went into a room and realized that the doctor had kicked out a mother so that we could sit there. Little did we know, this mother was actually in labor. I have never felt so bad! Jamie, being the curious little thing she is, decided to look around the facility as the doctor looked for the data collection books (on the roof of the facility!). All of a sudden, I hear: “Karen! Karen! Come here QUICK!” I do not know what to expect, but Jamie sounds completely altered. So, what was it? The mother we had kicked out of the room had made it to one of the rooms in the dispensary and delivered her baby ON THE FLOOR. Jamie has pictures of all this. They are quite gruesome, so be prepared. I walk in, and there is the baby, covered in placenta and blood. The mother made absolutely NO noise. We are told that it is very common for women not to make a peep during labor as it makes them seem very strong (vs. crying or making noises as it is viewed as being weak).
I am very glad I can scream all I want to when I have my baby, and trust me, I probably will!
One site visit was very hard to get through. When we arrived, the place looked like it was about to collapse. We went into a room and realized that the doctor had kicked out a mother so that we could sit there. Little did we know, this mother was actually in labor. I have never felt so bad! Jamie, being the curious little thing she is, decided to look around the facility as the doctor looked for the data collection books (on the roof of the facility!). All of a sudden, I hear: “Karen! Karen! Come here QUICK!” I do not know what to expect, but Jamie sounds completely altered. So, what was it? The mother we had kicked out of the room had made it to one of the rooms in the dispensary and delivered her baby ON THE FLOOR. Jamie has pictures of all this. They are quite gruesome, so be prepared. I walk in, and there is the baby, covered in placenta and blood. The mother made absolutely NO noise. We are told that it is very common for women not to make a peep during labor as it makes them seem very strong (vs. crying or making noises as it is viewed as being weak).
I am very glad I can scream all I want to when I have my baby, and trust me, I probably will!
One Week's Worth of Stories
I know I have been quite behind in keeping this blog up to date. Let me attempt to catch you up to the happenings of my TZ life:
Last week was a bit uneventful for me as I got a bit sick on Thursday. I could not seem to keep any food down and Dr. G in her wisdom forced me to stay behind. I spent two days recovering and by that time, the first set of site visits were over with. I must admit I was sad because I was enjoying the site visits, even though they are tiring. The roads are very hard on your body and the food is not something I had gotten used to yet. However, I was enjoying the process.
Come Saturday, it was time for us to head out to our mini safari. I was looking forward to the trip, but I was a bit fearful of how my recovery was going. The safari stories I have for you are enough for a novel (j/k). On our first day out, we noticed that the vehicle's tire was a bit flat, and mentioned it to our driver. He shrugged it off and said it was okay. As the day progressed, other drivers pointed out the "flat" tire to him a few times, until it was absolutely necessary to change the tire. When did he choose to change the darn thing? When we were right next to the lionesses!!!!!! His reasoning: "Here, I can tell exactly where they are and I know if they are coming my way or not. Any other place, they could be hiding and charge at me without me knowing or being able to do anything. Plus, there are 4-5 other vans here that can help keep an eye out for danger." Makes some sense, but why not change it while we were at the lodge?!?!?!?!?
As he got out of the van to change the tire, he had to pull out our luggage to get to the spare. Well, if you did not know, one member of our team brought a luggage with a leopard print. It appeared that as soon as this piece was taken out of the vehicle, one of the lionesses started coming towards our driver. Once notified, he ran back into the vehicle, leaving our luggage outside and us inside with no tire. Teamwork was necessary at this point. Some of the drivers brought their vans around ours to cover us while the tire was changed, but the lioness kept coming towards us and was not fooled by the blockade. Finally, some of the drivers got out of their vehicles and changed the tire for us, as our driver was so nervous he could not hold anything steady for more than 1 second. In a matter of seconds, the tire was changed and we were all finally safe to go on. All in all a great story, but a bit unnerving while it was happening. Did I mention that all the others were hysterically laughing at us ("this silly Americans")? Well, they were. I have to admit I was laughing too, but only AFTER the ordeal.
The safari was amazing. We got to see so many wonderful animals and very close too. My favorite was the family of elephants. I’m a sucker for babies. They were so close to our vehicle that I could reach out the window and touch them. There was also an encounter with baboons and two little ones decided to jump on our vehicle to play. I think we spent an hour just watching them and laughing at them as they played with each other.
Once the safari was done though, it was back to Mwanza for the next set of site visits. Jamie had already gotten started the day before and I needed to catch up with her. Read about that adventure in the next blog!
Last week was a bit uneventful for me as I got a bit sick on Thursday. I could not seem to keep any food down and Dr. G in her wisdom forced me to stay behind. I spent two days recovering and by that time, the first set of site visits were over with. I must admit I was sad because I was enjoying the site visits, even though they are tiring. The roads are very hard on your body and the food is not something I had gotten used to yet. However, I was enjoying the process.
Come Saturday, it was time for us to head out to our mini safari. I was looking forward to the trip, but I was a bit fearful of how my recovery was going. The safari stories I have for you are enough for a novel (j/k). On our first day out, we noticed that the vehicle's tire was a bit flat, and mentioned it to our driver. He shrugged it off and said it was okay. As the day progressed, other drivers pointed out the "flat" tire to him a few times, until it was absolutely necessary to change the tire. When did he choose to change the darn thing? When we were right next to the lionesses!!!!!! His reasoning: "Here, I can tell exactly where they are and I know if they are coming my way or not. Any other place, they could be hiding and charge at me without me knowing or being able to do anything. Plus, there are 4-5 other vans here that can help keep an eye out for danger." Makes some sense, but why not change it while we were at the lodge?!?!?!?!?
As he got out of the van to change the tire, he had to pull out our luggage to get to the spare. Well, if you did not know, one member of our team brought a luggage with a leopard print. It appeared that as soon as this piece was taken out of the vehicle, one of the lionesses started coming towards our driver. Once notified, he ran back into the vehicle, leaving our luggage outside and us inside with no tire. Teamwork was necessary at this point. Some of the drivers brought their vans around ours to cover us while the tire was changed, but the lioness kept coming towards us and was not fooled by the blockade. Finally, some of the drivers got out of their vehicles and changed the tire for us, as our driver was so nervous he could not hold anything steady for more than 1 second. In a matter of seconds, the tire was changed and we were all finally safe to go on. All in all a great story, but a bit unnerving while it was happening. Did I mention that all the others were hysterically laughing at us ("this silly Americans")? Well, they were. I have to admit I was laughing too, but only AFTER the ordeal.
The safari was amazing. We got to see so many wonderful animals and very close too. My favorite was the family of elephants. I’m a sucker for babies. They were so close to our vehicle that I could reach out the window and touch them. There was also an encounter with baboons and two little ones decided to jump on our vehicle to play. I think we spent an hour just watching them and laughing at them as they played with each other.
Once the safari was done though, it was back to Mwanza for the next set of site visits. Jamie had already gotten started the day before and I needed to catch up with her. Read about that adventure in the next blog!
I know I have been quite behind in keeping this blog up to date. Let me attempt to catch you up to the happenings of my TZ life:
Last week was a bit uneventful for me as I got a bit sick on Thursday. I could not seem to keep any food down and Dr. G in her wisdom forced me to stay behind. I spent two days recovering and by that time, the first set of site visits were over with. I must admit I was sad because I was enjoying the site visits, even though they are tiring. The roads are very hard on your body and the food is not something I had gotten used to yet. However, I was enjoying the process.
Come Saturday, it was time for us to head out to our mini safari. I was looking forward to the trip, but I was a bit fearful of how my recovery was going. The safari stories I have for you are enough for a novel (j/k). On our first day out, we noticed that the vehicle's tire was a bit flat, and mentioned it to our driver. He shrugged it off and said it was okay. As the day progressed, other drivers pointed out the "flat" tire to him a few times, until it was absolutely necessary to change the tire. When did he choose to change the darn thing? When we were right next to the lionesses!!!!!! His reasoning: "Here, I can tell exactly where they are and I know if they are coming my way or not. Any other place, they could be hiding and charge at me without me knowing or being able to do anything. Plus, there are 4-5 other vans here that can help keep an eye out for danger." Makes some sense, but why not change it while we were at the lodge?!?!?!?!?
As he got out of the van to change the tire, he had to pull out our luggage to get to the spare. Well, if you did not know, one member of our team brought a luggage with a leopard print. It appeared that as soon as this piece was taken out of the vehicle, one of the lionesses started coming towards our driver. Once notified, he ran back into the vehicle, leaving our luggage outside and us inside with no tire. Teamwork was necessary at this point. Some of the drivers brought their vans around ours to cover us while the tire was changed, but the lioness kept coming towards us and was not fooled by the blockade. Finally, some of the drivers got out of their vehicles and changed the tire for us, as our driver was so nervous he could not hold anything steady for more than 1 second. In a matter of seconds, the tire was changed and we were all finally safe to go on. All in all a great story, but a bit unnerving while it was happening. Did I mention that all the others were hysterically laughing at us ("this silly Americans")? Well, they were. I have to admit I was laughing too, but only AFTER the ordeal.
The safari was amazing. We got to see so many wonderful animals and very close too. My favorite was the family of elephants. I’m a sucker for babies. They were so close to our vehicle that I could reach out the window and touch them. There was also an encounter with baboons and two little ones decided to jump on our vehicle to play. I think we spent an hour just watching them and laughing at them as they played with each other.
Once the safari was done though, it was back to Mwanza for the next set of site visits. Jamie had already gotten started the day before and I needed to catch up with her. Read about that adventure in the next blog!
Last week was a bit uneventful for me as I got a bit sick on Thursday. I could not seem to keep any food down and Dr. G in her wisdom forced me to stay behind. I spent two days recovering and by that time, the first set of site visits were over with. I must admit I was sad because I was enjoying the site visits, even though they are tiring. The roads are very hard on your body and the food is not something I had gotten used to yet. However, I was enjoying the process.
Come Saturday, it was time for us to head out to our mini safari. I was looking forward to the trip, but I was a bit fearful of how my recovery was going. The safari stories I have for you are enough for a novel (j/k). On our first day out, we noticed that the vehicle's tire was a bit flat, and mentioned it to our driver. He shrugged it off and said it was okay. As the day progressed, other drivers pointed out the "flat" tire to him a few times, until it was absolutely necessary to change the tire. When did he choose to change the darn thing? When we were right next to the lionesses!!!!!! His reasoning: "Here, I can tell exactly where they are and I know if they are coming my way or not. Any other place, they could be hiding and charge at me without me knowing or being able to do anything. Plus, there are 4-5 other vans here that can help keep an eye out for danger." Makes some sense, but why not change it while we were at the lodge?!?!?!?!?
As he got out of the van to change the tire, he had to pull out our luggage to get to the spare. Well, if you did not know, one member of our team brought a luggage with a leopard print. It appeared that as soon as this piece was taken out of the vehicle, one of the lionesses started coming towards our driver. Once notified, he ran back into the vehicle, leaving our luggage outside and us inside with no tire. Teamwork was necessary at this point. Some of the drivers brought their vans around ours to cover us while the tire was changed, but the lioness kept coming towards us and was not fooled by the blockade. Finally, some of the drivers got out of their vehicles and changed the tire for us, as our driver was so nervous he could not hold anything steady for more than 1 second. In a matter of seconds, the tire was changed and we were all finally safe to go on. All in all a great story, but a bit unnerving while it was happening. Did I mention that all the others were hysterically laughing at us ("this silly Americans")? Well, they were. I have to admit I was laughing too, but only AFTER the ordeal.
The safari was amazing. We got to see so many wonderful animals and very close too. My favorite was the family of elephants. I’m a sucker for babies. They were so close to our vehicle that I could reach out the window and touch them. There was also an encounter with baboons and two little ones decided to jump on our vehicle to play. I think we spent an hour just watching them and laughing at them as they played with each other.
Once the safari was done though, it was back to Mwanza for the next set of site visits. Jamie had already gotten started the day before and I needed to catch up with her. Read about that adventure in the next blog!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Roughing it has a new definition
Man oh man OH MAN!!!! So, I'm a very nature loving-outdoorsy kind of gal, I really am. But, the last couple of days has been enough outdoors for a good year! We have driven through corn fields that somehow are true roads; we have slept in places where I hope to never sleep again; I have starved due to an ant infestation of my food, and I have traveled tiring distances in a land rover that others travel daily by foot.
As we reach the dispensaries so deep in these districts, I sometimes wonder if anyone makes use of them. They are so far out in the "bush," as we have come to call it, that it appears as though there is no human life there to speak of, but then, out of nowhere, we find the facility and the data proves me wrong! It is amazing the work these people do! They average about 15 to 20 deliveries per month with a staff of two! Somehow, they still manage to provide community outreach programs and care for the ill.
We have a few more to visit, and I hope to bring you more pictures soon! Wish us luck, we will need it in the next couple of days!
As we reach the dispensaries so deep in these districts, I sometimes wonder if anyone makes use of them. They are so far out in the "bush," as we have come to call it, that it appears as though there is no human life there to speak of, but then, out of nowhere, we find the facility and the data proves me wrong! It is amazing the work these people do! They average about 15 to 20 deliveries per month with a staff of two! Somehow, they still manage to provide community outreach programs and care for the ill.
We have a few more to visit, and I hope to bring you more pictures soon! Wish us luck, we will need it in the next couple of days!
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Another day another adventure
Well, it has been a few days since I last posted something. I apologize to those who actually log on to see what new adventures we have in store for you.
As we continue to go out on the field, I am more and more convinced that the work being done in Tanzania is amazing. There is a small group of people genuinely devoted to improving the health situation in TZ. While they are few, their dedication and enthusiasm is admirable. The CARE team has become a new family to us and it feels amazing. When we greet each other in the morning, it is with a firm hug. At times, the women call us their daughters (and Adam their son). They have to power to melt the mightiest of hearts.
The data collection process is a strenuous one and I have now fully learned by personal experience the definition of African time. What should have taken one day has now taken three, and no one really seems to mind except those of the non-Africans. One of my biggest personal struggles is impatience, and I am learning to be patient every day here. It is a great lesson to learn, and so far, it has not been as painful as one would imagine it to be.
I get to go out to the "bush" tomorrow and stay over for a night. I am both excited and nervous as I do not know what to expect. I'll let you know how it goes in a couple of days!
As we continue to go out on the field, I am more and more convinced that the work being done in Tanzania is amazing. There is a small group of people genuinely devoted to improving the health situation in TZ. While they are few, their dedication and enthusiasm is admirable. The CARE team has become a new family to us and it feels amazing. When we greet each other in the morning, it is with a firm hug. At times, the women call us their daughters (and Adam their son). They have to power to melt the mightiest of hearts.
The data collection process is a strenuous one and I have now fully learned by personal experience the definition of African time. What should have taken one day has now taken three, and no one really seems to mind except those of the non-Africans. One of my biggest personal struggles is impatience, and I am learning to be patient every day here. It is a great lesson to learn, and so far, it has not been as painful as one would imagine it to be.
I get to go out to the "bush" tomorrow and stay over for a night. I am both excited and nervous as I do not know what to expect. I'll let you know how it goes in a couple of days!
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Finally Out in the FIELD!!!!
Can you tell I'm excited?!?!?! We had another meeting with our CARE team and headed out to the Misungwi District Hospital and met some more amazing people. Take a look at our photos links to "meet" them yourselves!
So, am I ever without an amazing adventure? Not yet! We stopped at a restaurant to eat and while the setting to me was "questionable" (as in, "Goodness will they have food that will not make me sick?), we were thrown into the environment without a life-vest. See, in this restaurant, there were only about 10 tables and all of them were either partially or completely filled. You pretty much need to sit where there is an empty seat, whether you know the other person sitting there or not. So . . . . Adam and I teamed up and sat with a gentleman sitting by himself. When the waiter came to take our order, and the blank stare of "I did not understand a darn word" the gentleman quickly started to interpret for us. With his aid, Adam and I were able to order our food. He then proceeded to help us name everything on our plates in Swahili. I think I already forgot most of what he taught us, but the gesture will never be forgotten. That is the nature of the people here: sincere kindness to those in need, and boy were we in desperate need of help!
On our way to Misungwi, we are fortunate enough to stop on the side of the road because we got a flat tire. This gave us the opportunity to meet a local woman and her children. While they were somewhat fearful of us, they were neither rude nor did they run away. Once the tire was like new, we continued with our trek towards the hospital.
At the hospital, I got to see firsthand our friend Jane in action. The keen eye of this woman is incredible. She is part of the CARE team we met yesterday and is a very experienced mid-wife. In a matter of seconds, while in the expecting mother's room, she noticed a mother in need (while the rest of us had continued walking not noticing the subtleties of a woman in labor). She quickly reacted and aided the woman into the labor room, and I know if she had been given the opportunity, she would have delivered the baby herself! The kindness and experience held in this one woman makes me hope that when I have a baby, I can have someone just as kind and knowledgeable.
For yet another adventure, post a blog for Dr. G and ask her about the outbreak she almost volunteered to work on!
So, am I ever without an amazing adventure? Not yet! We stopped at a restaurant to eat and while the setting to me was "questionable" (as in, "Goodness will they have food that will not make me sick?), we were thrown into the environment without a life-vest. See, in this restaurant, there were only about 10 tables and all of them were either partially or completely filled. You pretty much need to sit where there is an empty seat, whether you know the other person sitting there or not. So . . . . Adam and I teamed up and sat with a gentleman sitting by himself. When the waiter came to take our order, and the blank stare of "I did not understand a darn word" the gentleman quickly started to interpret for us. With his aid, Adam and I were able to order our food. He then proceeded to help us name everything on our plates in Swahili. I think I already forgot most of what he taught us, but the gesture will never be forgotten. That is the nature of the people here: sincere kindness to those in need, and boy were we in desperate need of help!
On our way to Misungwi, we are fortunate enough to stop on the side of the road because we got a flat tire. This gave us the opportunity to meet a local woman and her children. While they were somewhat fearful of us, they were neither rude nor did they run away. Once the tire was like new, we continued with our trek towards the hospital.
At the hospital, I got to see firsthand our friend Jane in action. The keen eye of this woman is incredible. She is part of the CARE team we met yesterday and is a very experienced mid-wife. In a matter of seconds, while in the expecting mother's room, she noticed a mother in need (while the rest of us had continued walking not noticing the subtleties of a woman in labor). She quickly reacted and aided the woman into the labor room, and I know if she had been given the opportunity, she would have delivered the baby herself! The kindness and experience held in this one woman makes me hope that when I have a baby, I can have someone just as kind and knowledgeable.
For yet another adventure, post a blog for Dr. G and ask her about the outbreak she almost volunteered to work on!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Ever heard the phrase “felt alone in the world in the middle of a crowd” before? If you understand the saying, you will understand exactly how I felt today.
As we re-packed for our Mwanza flight, I listened to my Swahili lessons on my iPod and practiced as much as I possibly could. I read my language books, and tried to memorize as many phrases as my little brain could hold. I figure, I still have some more time before I need to really know this! As we walked to the airport, the heat beat down on my body and I wondered if I was ever to get used to this human bake-fest. It was so hot that if my toes had been kernels of corn, we would have made a lot of popcorn (that one was for you Jamie).
Now, imagine yourselves back in a 1950’s flick about flying, and you can find yourself in the same place I was today. We walked outside of the airport to get to the small airplane carrying us over to Mwanza. I had heard that these smaller planes are a bit more turbulent, and while the physics of the situation made sense, this fact did not register until I found myself holding my breath. There was a nice 10 second block of time (that felt like minutes) when the airplane took a couple of small, but well established dips. All that my wonderful friend sitting next to me could do was laugh at the strangled armrests within my fists and the beacon of light that was my face as all the blood rushed towards it. All was worth it though.
As we landed at the Mwanza airport, the scenery was spectacular. The vegetation seemed to go on for miles and miles, and somehow, we were right in the middle of all this natural beauty (with added clumps of airplane exhaust). I finally was able to experience firsthand the need to squat in order to use the restroom; I will one day have the leg power to this with no difficulty, but for now, as a novice, all I could do was laugh at my sad attempt.
While I will not bore you with the details of the next hours, I will retell the story of our little adventure that led to the beginning of this story. As it was time to prepare for dinner, Jamie, Adam and I decided to go grocery shopping in Mwanza. What we did not know was that this would be one of the truly exhausting days in our wonderful journey. Our very sweet driver understood very little English and I, well “nifahamu Kiswahili kidogo” (I understand Swahili a little), but not enough to venture in the city on my own. As we are well prepared graduate students, we cleverly packed our Swahili dictionary and phrase book and a wonderful head lamp just in case.
Our first stop, the small U-Turn “grocery-store” that sold no actual groceries! Not to worry, we found some nice crackers and other snacks to entertain us. The next stop, the restaurant to pick up food for our starving friends, and this is where it all went down-hill for us!
Everything we wanted to express to our driver was first looked up in the dictionary. Once we thought we had successfully communicated, we found ourselves being driven to locations that technically we had asked for, but not the one we wanted. We stopped at three places before we could finally find someone willing to sell us the requested food. What was so special about this place you ask? Simple, they spoke English and noticed our lost and confused bodies wandering the streets with a Swahili book in our hands! Who knew ordering grilled chicken could be so hard. We spoke and all we got were blank stares. “Was it our accent? Did we say the wrong word? But, I know that this is the word because it is what the dictionary says it should be! Why can’t they understand?” All these tumultuous feelings slowly barricaded me into a corner and I wondered if I was ever to find someone who could feed me that night.
Was it really that serious? Probably not, but when you find yourself surrounded by hundreds of people and maybe only one of them can partially understand you, you feel like it is. Needless to say, we had a nice laugh at the end and managed to get our wonderful food. Now, how do we tell the driver to take us home? Start the whole process again, and hope that you managed to learn something useful in order to survive!
Please do not be alarmed, I am a drama queen at times, and while this is how I felt, I know that the three of us managed to get home and even know, I can laugh at the 25 year old woman who felt like a 2 year old girl learning to speak for the first time in her life. I have a few weeks to grow and I know I can improve. Can’t wait until my next outing.
As we re-packed for our Mwanza flight, I listened to my Swahili lessons on my iPod and practiced as much as I possibly could. I read my language books, and tried to memorize as many phrases as my little brain could hold. I figure, I still have some more time before I need to really know this! As we walked to the airport, the heat beat down on my body and I wondered if I was ever to get used to this human bake-fest. It was so hot that if my toes had been kernels of corn, we would have made a lot of popcorn (that one was for you Jamie).
Now, imagine yourselves back in a 1950’s flick about flying, and you can find yourself in the same place I was today. We walked outside of the airport to get to the small airplane carrying us over to Mwanza. I had heard that these smaller planes are a bit more turbulent, and while the physics of the situation made sense, this fact did not register until I found myself holding my breath. There was a nice 10 second block of time (that felt like minutes) when the airplane took a couple of small, but well established dips. All that my wonderful friend sitting next to me could do was laugh at the strangled armrests within my fists and the beacon of light that was my face as all the blood rushed towards it. All was worth it though.
As we landed at the Mwanza airport, the scenery was spectacular. The vegetation seemed to go on for miles and miles, and somehow, we were right in the middle of all this natural beauty (with added clumps of airplane exhaust). I finally was able to experience firsthand the need to squat in order to use the restroom; I will one day have the leg power to this with no difficulty, but for now, as a novice, all I could do was laugh at my sad attempt.
While I will not bore you with the details of the next hours, I will retell the story of our little adventure that led to the beginning of this story. As it was time to prepare for dinner, Jamie, Adam and I decided to go grocery shopping in Mwanza. What we did not know was that this would be one of the truly exhausting days in our wonderful journey. Our very sweet driver understood very little English and I, well “nifahamu Kiswahili kidogo” (I understand Swahili a little), but not enough to venture in the city on my own. As we are well prepared graduate students, we cleverly packed our Swahili dictionary and phrase book and a wonderful head lamp just in case.
Our first stop, the small U-Turn “grocery-store” that sold no actual groceries! Not to worry, we found some nice crackers and other snacks to entertain us. The next stop, the restaurant to pick up food for our starving friends, and this is where it all went down-hill for us!
Everything we wanted to express to our driver was first looked up in the dictionary. Once we thought we had successfully communicated, we found ourselves being driven to locations that technically we had asked for, but not the one we wanted. We stopped at three places before we could finally find someone willing to sell us the requested food. What was so special about this place you ask? Simple, they spoke English and noticed our lost and confused bodies wandering the streets with a Swahili book in our hands! Who knew ordering grilled chicken could be so hard. We spoke and all we got were blank stares. “Was it our accent? Did we say the wrong word? But, I know that this is the word because it is what the dictionary says it should be! Why can’t they understand?” All these tumultuous feelings slowly barricaded me into a corner and I wondered if I was ever to find someone who could feed me that night.
Was it really that serious? Probably not, but when you find yourself surrounded by hundreds of people and maybe only one of them can partially understand you, you feel like it is. Needless to say, we had a nice laugh at the end and managed to get our wonderful food. Now, how do we tell the driver to take us home? Start the whole process again, and hope that you managed to learn something useful in order to survive!
Please do not be alarmed, I am a drama queen at times, and while this is how I felt, I know that the three of us managed to get home and even know, I can laugh at the 25 year old woman who felt like a 2 year old girl learning to speak for the first time in her life. I have a few weeks to grow and I know I can improve. Can’t wait until my next outing.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
First Full Day
Today was HOT. We have now visited a couple of very nice places, and were able to meet with Dorcas; a very nice welcome. We have a lot of work to do! I cannot wait to get started; it was inspiring hearing her talk to us about the work CARE has already done in TZ.
The food has been great so far. I cannot recall the names of any of the dishes, but I can assure you they were delectable. And, they have Mangoes everywhere!!!! I am truly enjoying that experience.
The Driving: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! We are going to crash!!!!!!!!"
That is what I am thinking just about every second I am in a car here. Traffic lights really have no full effect on the driving here. Also, they do not stick to their lanes and it always looks like we are going to have a head on collision, but none to report (so far).
Pictures are soon to come. I am just waiting until I do not look dead tired to post!
The food has been great so far. I cannot recall the names of any of the dishes, but I can assure you they were delectable. And, they have Mangoes everywhere!!!! I am truly enjoying that experience.
The Driving: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! We are going to crash!!!!!!!!"
That is what I am thinking just about every second I am in a car here. Traffic lights really have no full effect on the driving here. Also, they do not stick to their lanes and it always looks like we are going to have a head on collision, but none to report (so far).
Pictures are soon to come. I am just waiting until I do not look dead tired to post!
We take flight
It was finally Friday morning and I was actually on a plane to Tanzania. The flight into Amsterdam was a rough and long, and I dreaded the next long flight. The Amsterdam airport is a beautiful airport, and there is a danger of me shopping A LOT once I fly back home. As we boarded the next flight, I feared another 8 hours of discomfort. To my surprise, this flight seemed so much shorter and was absolutely pleasant. The food was AMAZING (I believe I gained weight just from the flight food) and the entertainment was, well, entertaining.
In case you wanted to know:
1. I have now watched:
-The Prestige
-You, Me and Dupree
-Jane Eyre
-Beauty and the Beast
-The Break Up
-The Devil Wears Prada
2. I only slept 1 hr on my whole trip.
3. It was STICKY, HOT when we finally got in to Nairobi
In case you wanted to know:
1. I have now watched:
-The Prestige
-You, Me and Dupree
-Jane Eyre
-Beauty and the Beast
-The Break Up
-The Devil Wears Prada
2. I only slept 1 hr on my whole trip.
3. It was STICKY, HOT when we finally got in to Nairobi
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
In Preparation
It is Wednesday, February 21, 2007 and I am less than 48 from the beginning of what I can only assume will be one of the major adventures of my life.
I leave for Tanzania on Friday, and I am a bundle of mixed feelings. I am extremely excited about exploring something amazingly different; I am nervous because I am entering "new territory," very unfamiliar territory; I am sad because I will be leaving my loved ones for a long time, and I cannot wait to start this true SAFARI.
I leave for Tanzania on Friday, and I am a bundle of mixed feelings. I am extremely excited about exploring something amazingly different; I am nervous because I am entering "new territory," very unfamiliar territory; I am sad because I will be leaving my loved ones for a long time, and I cannot wait to start this true SAFARI.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
