After getting through customs, which was a breeze, we were met at the airport by Dr. Prichard and Yusta, our "mom" (and course coordinator) from TCDC. We all rode on a bus to the compound, struggling to keep our eyes open but still filled with excitement. After getting to the compound, we had dinner waiting for us, then a hot shower, and then sleep (on an actual, horizontal bed--after so many hours of attempted and failed sleep on planes, this felt like heaven).
Our first Tanzanian dinner! Mutton, potatoes, and carrot soup for me (there's always a wide selection at the cafeteria).
This morning (Saturday, May 18), we had a good breakfast at the cafeteria at around 7:30--mine consisted of cereal, fresh watermelon, a croissant, and fresh passion fruit juice. After breakfast, we started the first of our two-day orientation course, discussing topics such as our health and safety, Tanzanian culture, and what to expect when we move in with our host families tomorrow. One wonderful thing about classes here is that we will always get a tea break about halfway through, and today was no exception!
Things I learned in class today: If your host family tells you you're getting fat, it's a compliment. Tanzanians are incredibly hospitable, and apparently feeding guests, as well as family, is a favorite activity. So while this "compliment" may be a little hard to swallow if it comes my way during the next few weeks, I'll just try to keep in mind that this must just mean I've really been enjoying the meals my family has prepared for me (and they'll love knowing that, too)!
Our mwalimu (teacher), Steven, spoke a lot about family today. It was really neat to hear about how close-knit everyone is here, and how even non-biological friends can be considered family. He told us that if you do not have guests (family is common, but friends are also welcome) just show up at your house at some point during the week to join you for dinner, then there is something wrong with you. Invitations from the family, or a notification from the guests who will be joining, is not necessary--Tanzanians always make more food than is necessary for the family living in the house in order to be able to accommodate unexpected guests, and if there is still not enough, they don't have a problem with just heading back into the kitchen! I think my favorite thing that Steven said about family today was, "I am because they are." This perfectly encapsulates how Tanzanians view personal relationships, and I find this viewpoint absolutely wonderful. I'm very excited to become a part, however temporary, of a family here.
After class and lunch, we all piled back into the bus and went into Arusha town for the afternoon in order to withdraw Tanzanian money for the first time and to pick up whatever supplies we may need from the supermarket, Shoprite, there.
All I needed was soap, so after I acquired that, my roommate Jennifer and I went over to a little coffee shop across the way and had some iced lattes, just like back in the states! After this, we all got back on the bus and came to TCDC for the evening. The ride to and from Arusha was a pretty incredible experience. When we arrived last night, it was already pitch black outside, so during the ride to the compound, we didn't have to ability to see anything but the headlights of passing cars. Today, we could see everything: cows grazing on the side of the road, men and women carrying goods to and from their destinations, children playing jump rope in front of houses and businesses, and so much more. I was astounded by how much was going on! Everybody seemed to be outside doing one thing or another, whether it be work or play. It was a nice contrast to life in America, where we all use our cars to reach our destinations and socialization occurs mainly in restaurants and other indoor locations, rather than the constant outside mingling that we witnessed. And the surrounding landscape is probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot of beautiful places. Everything is so lush and green, the trees are so tall, and the flowers are colorful.
Whole plots of land are not plowed in order to construct a building--development and wilderness live side by side in a way I have never seen before...and I love it more than I could describe.
Today has been an eye-opening experience. I feel like I've seen and learned so much already, and it's only our first day! I can't wait to see what the rest of the trip brings. But now, we are off to dinner, so kwaheri until later!
Thanks so much for the updates! We are enjoying this very much! Carol Anwar (Alyssa's mom)
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