March 21, 2008  (Matt's birthday!!!  Happy birthday, Swifty!)

I flew from Johannesburg, South Africa to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania today, to begin my 4-week volunteer program with ART IN TANZANIA.   The flight wasn't great (quite delayed, and I got serious attitude from the flight attendant because I ordered a vegetarian meal, which they didn't have) but I was welcomed with hugs by Selestin and Ben, the AIT "Welcome Wagon".  The drive was humorous, as construction vehicles and pedestrians, the ubiqutious minbuses (called "Dala Dala" here.  "Dalah" is the slang for 5 Tanzanian Shilling, which used to be the cost of the ride - the name stuck) and bicyclists fought for forward progress on the road.  I couldn't help but think "T.I.A.", as Jon in Mozambique would say, meaning simply, "THIS IS AFRICA".  Well, that's definitely true, here in Tanzania more than ever. 

Anyway, it was Good Friday today, so I will wait until TUESDAY (after "Easter Monday") to get fully orientated in this location and with the project I am working on.  What I can tell you now is that I am about 30 km from the Dar es Salaam airport (about 15 km, I am guessing, from the city centre -- this is the "Commercial Capital", fyi).  I am living with more than 20 volunteers, most of whom have been here for 10+ weeks.  They are close friends with one another, and speak highly of the program.  Many are leaving in the next 3-10 days.  You have to take your shoes off before you enter the place (so everyone's barefoot)... Baptista, the head chef, makes a mean vegetarian pasta sauce.  Malaria is like a bad flu (so I'm told) but I will be vigilent with my bug spray, hoping NOT to get it.  I can't really say more 'til I've experienced more, but I can tell you now that I am excited to take this on... and COUNTING THE MINUTES til my next SCUBA dive!  I have been bitten by the bug for sure, and was told there's great diving just a few km's from here.

For the last time, I must say, I have been cared for royally, by people (new friends, previously friends-of-friends) who have treated me like family.  I feel so lucky, and already look forward to visiting South Africa & Mozambique again in the near future (2010 WORLD CUP & DIVE TRIP, ANYONE????), to take in more fun and culture.

OK, it's a full moon so I must go outside and see it in all its glory... hopefully find the southern cross as well.  Until next time  ~steph 

THE STREET MARKET IN KARIAKOO - DAR ES SALAAM