I made it to Tanzania safe and sound. It was probably the longest journey I’ve taken on this journey so far being that I had a 7.5 hour layover in Qatar and almost 18 hours of flight time but a 2 hr bus ride when I got here. That doesn’t include a layover at JFK and a random one that didn’t show up on my ticket in Dar El Salaam. Anywho…
When I arrived I was greeted by my POC Thomas who I had been in contact with before I arrived. A few of his friends were present and a Swedish girl name Daniela who had just arrived the day before. They were all looking totally confused because I don’t think anyone expected a black person to arrive. I have since learned that I am the first black volunteer that has come to the orphanage and they found it strange that I was a “black American”. (I’ll explain more about the Black American stereotypes in a separate post).
The ride to the orphanage was breathtaking. Views of gigantic hills (which I mistakenly referred to as mountains), random donkeys, goats, and cows walking across the street, and the colorful sights and sounds of the local goings-on. They have a modest way of living here and for some reason I feel more comfortable now than I did back in the states for the last month. Well expect for the fact that some view you as a walking dollar sign which obviously will not fly with me. Since paying $1.50 for some of the best pad thai on the planet I whill (remember to pronounce the WH) not be giving random money away.
Since the electricity at this internet cafe 1hr in to town has gone out three times since I started this post I’m going to end here. Gotta love the randomness of it all. 😉
Will update you all soon.
Peace and Blessings
Miss Venus
Good to hear that you’re safe. Have a great time! I often confuse people, too! Wait, you live in the U.S.? But you weren’t born there, you grew up there, and you have an American accent, too. Actually that is pretty hard for some in the U.S. to get the concept that you can be Black but not Black American and still be American. Yes, we exist. Sigh…I’d love to go to East Africa. I’ve only been to the southern portion of the continent, and I’d really like to go back.
Hi Terri. I know it’s so hard for some to understand. Most people don’t realize just how large the world really is. I hope to head to South Africa after Tanzania it time permits. How did you like the other Southern countries?
Glad you made it safely looks like you off to a great start enjoy the journey. I hope its better than spending a month a home with me thanks
Thanks Mom. The trip home wasn’t bad… just a lot to process after being on the road alone for 4 months. I know other travelers can relate.
Venus,
There you are
Girl you had me looking all over the globe for you. Had me putting one of my SERE Tms ‘SEarch & REscue’ teams on high alert. And you were chillin n de states
You know that you are one of a very few ladies with such an adaptable, free-spirited, trans-continental stature. Dawg girl, you can live anywhere. I see you now and I’m ready for part2 of my cultural enlightenment.
Take us on this journey sistah, ’cause you know most of us are naive about the ‘motherland’! Yeah, our people there see us a little differently as well.
So go you goodwill Ambassadoress.
LoL
Be safe
As always thank you very much for the pep talk. All is well on this side of the world and I’m glad to know that you have my back no matter where I am. This is going to be one heck of a trip…I can already tell. Stay tuned
Hey! Glad your safe Chica! Can’t wait to learn new LANGUAGES! : )
Girl, I’m all over the place here. Learning Swahili from the locals and Swedish from my roommate and teaching them Spanish and English. We speak four languages at the dinner table.
Also you look very cute! I love your hair! You may come home with an African Prince! : )
Lol. Thanks Mama. The humidity and the rain had gotten to it by then. I’m back to the moptop now. I kept it straight as long as I could.