Day 1

We just finished a long day of orientation. 8:30-5:30 of warnings, bureaucratic logistics, and then awesome tid bits about what my life will be like here!We've been sitting in an air-conditioned conference room at the hotel then sitting outside for our meal breaks. It's insanely hot and humid, which I expected. I will just have to make do, considering I did choose to come here. :) But it's so beautiful here. I love it. It has a wonderful feel and the people are so nice.

I started out the orientation being a bit worried. Everyone seems to have a lot more experience traveling than I do and I think some things will take getting used to. For example, transportation in the city is a bit insane. Daladalas are little crowded mini buses that you have to jump on to in order to get anywhere.I know i'll get used to things in time, but for now it's a lot of work to take it all in. Luckily some other people are just as worried as I am.

We have two directors of the program who are wonderfully helpful and delightful human beings. Ken is the former program director and is from Kenya but has lived the past 7 years in the US. Jenny is the new program director from Chicago and has lived in Tanzania on and off for several years. Then we have three students who help with our confusion and answer any questions we have about student life, one of whom will be living in the dorms with us.I had some more information about my conditions there. We move in on Sunday and are given a few basics. There are showers, but there is often no water running through the pipes, hence the bucket and cup. It turns out that at the beginning of february, our room mates will all be on vacation since the Tanzanian school system is different than ours. It will be strange to experience the campus while they're on break.

Tomorrow we start our crash-course in swahili, which i am especially anxious for. It will be hard to do anything around here with out the language. It seems like we have a wonderful few days lined up where we will tour around and really get a feel for the city. I'm anxious to get to the point where I can be used to my life here, instead of being that strange combination of nervous and excited. We'll see what the future holds!

Love and hugs to you all!