a little culture-shocked
Africa, day 2. I started my placement today, it seems interesting - while here, I'll be working at a place called WAMATA,which is an NGO that works to prevent HIV/AIDS through education, and also provides support to those with AIDS, and to AIDS orphans. Despite appearing terribly inefficient, the people seem really positive, and they do a lot of amazing work in the villages.
I went into Arusha again yesterday afternoon. That was an adventure. We went as a big group and took a "dala-dala", which is a very sketchy form of public transport - basically, they're large vans driven by people who make Quebec drivers look good, packed way past a safe capacity with people. They only cost 300 shillings per person, though... which is about 30 cents - so I guess you get what you pay for. Once we made it into Arusha, we had fun, though I breathed in so much smog from the profusion of old, diesel-powered vehicles during rush hour that I've since completely lost my voice. Hoping it'll be back tomorrow!
I have plenty of political and developmentalist observations about Tanzania, but I'll save those for a time when my net time isn't running out, and I'm using a keyboard that works propery (this one sticks like crazy - it's taken me a full 10 minutes to type this little entry.) I'll just end by saying that although I am quite culture-shocked, and a part of me wants to catch the next flight back to Europe (or North America, or Australia), all is well, and I'm optimistic about the rest of this trip. Though it is shocking to see the developing world first-hand, I'm glad I'm doing this... and when I've arrved home, I'm going to appreciate my hot shower and safe drinking water a lot more!
I went into Arusha again yesterday afternoon. That was an adventure. We went as a big group and took a "dala-dala", which is a very sketchy form of public transport - basically, they're large vans driven by people who make Quebec drivers look good, packed way past a safe capacity with people. They only cost 300 shillings per person, though... which is about 30 cents - so I guess you get what you pay for. Once we made it into Arusha, we had fun, though I breathed in so much smog from the profusion of old, diesel-powered vehicles during rush hour that I've since completely lost my voice. Hoping it'll be back tomorrow!
I have plenty of political and developmentalist observations about Tanzania, but I'll save those for a time when my net time isn't running out, and I'm using a keyboard that works propery (this one sticks like crazy - it's taken me a full 10 minutes to type this little entry.) I'll just end by saying that although I am quite culture-shocked, and a part of me wants to catch the next flight back to Europe (or North America, or Australia), all is well, and I'm optimistic about the rest of this trip. Though it is shocking to see the developing world first-hand, I'm glad I'm doing this... and when I've arrved home, I'm going to appreciate my hot shower and safe drinking water a lot more!
posted by jenni | 1:43 AM
3 Comments:
Oh my God Jenni I cant believe you are actually in AFRICA! I know you are going to have an amazing experience, and its going to give you a whole new outlook on life. Have an amazing time!
By the way, dont forget to take tons of picture of EVERYTHING.
Anything that can rival Quebec driving is seriously disturbing. Glad to hear all's well and hopefully stays that way! I myself could use an escape to Africa right about now. :P
Wow your hardcore, I never had the balls to ride in one of those. In Indonesia they used to have a guy waiting at the door to collect the fair; once I saw the guy peeing as they speed down the highway.
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