Sokoni

Aaya! Sokoni - in the market. On wednesday some of the students and I went into Arusha town and checked out the market. We had to take a bus there which took about 15 or 20 minutes and then from there we split up. Mzungu means white person, and we stick out like a sore thumb in the market place so we spilt our group up into smaller groups in order to explore the market better. I did not bring my camera on this trip because Arusha's market is pretty big and kinda crazy. As soon as we arrived where the women were selling food some boys came up to us and started giving us tours. They spoke English well, but we all tried to use our swhahili. The whole time Simba, one of the boys, said "polepole, hakuna shida, hakuna matata." I am sure this sounds familiar to anyone who has seen The Lion King...anyway i got a bracelet resembling the Tanzanian flag and tipped the boys for there help. Unfortunatly I was unable to find a bike. On the way home we got a daladala, which is similar to a small bus are van. We crammed inside and made it back to TCDC (the compund) for dinner.

Today, we walked to Usa Market which took about 20 minutes. I took my camera this time and took some pics which i loaded on facebook, unfortunatly i was not able to figure out how to get them on my web gallery efficiently, facebook is quicker. Everyday we are given an assignemnt to go up and start a conversation with a Tanzanian about various topics, today we had to ask about there daily routines. I met a guy named Sudi, thought of my friend from Swahili class in Ohio becuase his name is Sudi too! Then, the cutest baby ran up to us so we took pictures of him. He immediatly wanted to play with our cameras, so we let him snap pictures of us. I bought some kangaas today for cheap at the market, one of them reads "Leo ni siju ya furaha"- Today is a happy day!

Must go, it is time for dinner and i am starving
Usiku Njema

Kuna Baridi Sana.

It is cold here. But today the sun is out (kuna jua!). We split the class up into two group and are learning in smaller classes, which helps me out alot. We are starting by going over basics to make sure everyone is on the same page. I have been feeling unworthy of being here because my speaking skills are so weak compared to the other students. Last night i met a guy names John at the campus bar (baa). He was from Kenya and was a teacher here on campus and at the University of Nairobi. He taught me to say "ninakwenda haja." THis is the right way to excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, instead of saying "ninakwenda choouni" (I am going to the toilette). The polite way actually translates to something like "natures calling." haha.

So i have been keeping with my vegetarianism here and it turns out that it is easier than expected. I eat rice, vegetables, some beans, fruits, and peanut butter! I actually am eating alot...I also learned that greeting are very big in Kiswahili. People take alot of time to greet each other and there are specific ways to answer each greeting. According to Mwalimu Yusta's (one of my teachers) the reason is that people here are naturally concerned with the well-being of others. I am planning on looking into buying a used bike today in order to get out of the compund and explore the city more.

Kwaheri!

Tulifika! (We Arrived!)

Hamjambo! So i made it to Arusha, no problems. The flights were long and the food was plenty! It is Sunday morning here, I just ate breakfast, and I was able to find the computer lab with some help. Today we will head to Arusha to exchange our money and then we will have a free day to explore. So far I think i am adjusting well to the time change, but it will take a few days to feel 100%. Monday starts the first day of classes and orientation, i will keep ya'll posted!
Salaam

Destination: Arusha, Tanzania

I leave today, June 20th, from Detroit and I will spend 17 hours on a plane until I arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport on the evening of the 21st.  This is my first time going to Africa and hopefully the first of many!  I will be studying Kiswahili for 8 weeks, but I will also be immersed in the culture through various excursions and staying with my Host Family on the weekends.  Packing is never fun, but I think I am as prepared as I will ever be.  I can't wait to share my experiences with everyone!

Next post will be via computer in Arusha!

Kwaheri rafiki zangu na familia zangu. Ninampenda! (goodbye my friends and family, I love you all!)

-sam