Tanzania is amazing. I absolutely love it here. The people are so nice. They literally greet everyone and I do the same. Everyone is seen as family. They call others mama (mom), baba (dad), dada (sister), kaka (brother) and so on, depending on age. Respect is big here so greeting elders is a must.
I speak a lot of Swahili here (as much as I know, anyway) and Tanzanians love that I speak it to them. I enjoy the language so much that I plan to pursue it when I get back.
I have 3 roomies. A mother and daughter team and a Norwegian. Nice people.
Us volunteers are pretty spoiled at the home base. There's the main house and a smaller house behind it where the volunteers sleep. We get amazing food that the cook makes and an abundance of nice, clean water.
I live in the village of Karanga and every other day or so I go into town (Moshi) where I wander with the other volunteers. It's really fun except for the people who go up to us wanting to sell us things. They really don't take no for an answer. I would say "Hapana asante" (No thank you) or "Pole" (Sorry) but they would still follow us around thinking that MAYBE we'd change our mind. That's the annoying part of it all - no matter what, can't really fit in because of skin color. White = $$$. Other than that though, it's fine.
I started my placement today where I taught about 20 or so children basic math and we also have art time. It was chaos. Very short attention span. They are definitely tough to control. There are some that listen to me but the others don't really. Whenever the head teacher is around though just to look into my class, they are quiet but right when he leaves it's a totally different story. My classroom is actually outside because the actual classroom is getting plastered. I can't see how the children could really concentrate with chicks and roosters running around. I have a chalkboard up front and they have benches and tables which is nice. The kids are quite lovely though and they are fun to play with. I am usually found playing soccer with them during their 30 minute play time. They love to touch my hair and hold my hand.
The people here love my big smile and how I seem happy all of the time which is pretty nice because people here always seem happy themselves. I have been asked quite a few times if I'm Chinese. I found that pretty funny.
Internet is extremely slow here.
I don't take as many pictures as I would like because I would have to ask if I could take their picture since some don't want their pictures taken. Also, I feel weird taking pictures when I'm in Moshi because I'd like to fit in as much as possible - if it's at all possible.
The volunteers are pretty cool. Pretty diverse group. 3 from England, 1 German, 1 Norwegian, 1 Czech, a few from Canada, and rest Americans. Very diverse agewise as well. Nice group.
Basically, I LOVE it here and I shall try to blog it up more often.
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6 comments:
Evalynn,
I Read your page, sounds like you're having a really good time. I'm sure you're having a good experience. As far as the children go, you must not show fear. Children can smell fear. I'm sure you've heard that before but if not, it's true. I saw a commercial the other night where they made that statement. Gentle but firm is the general rule but you do have the right to let them know that you are not very happy with their behavior. But, you were a kid once, you remember that the new or substitute teacher alway caught it rough for at least the first few days. Just stand your ground and you'll be ok. When you mentioned the food, I got this image of it in my head and then I imagined the taste of it. No doubt you're experiencing good old fashioned African home cooking.
Anyhow, have fun. See you when you get back.
Diane
Hi Evalynn,
I'm so glad you're enjoying the great culture and people of Tanzania. Good luck with teaching, you'll be fine. I'm sure they love you!! I miss you so much at work. Come back soon. Anyways, be sure to take good care of yourself, be safe and have fun.
See you,
Emily
mambo?
we like to read your blog
although we are in a fog
as to why we are not in it
perhaps you should spin it
to include anna and molly
and reduce the danger of folly
stop looking at my computer
It's about time Fanny!
Cool though, sounds like you're having a great time.
glad to hear that you're doing well. yeah I agree with diane. Do not show them fear because they run with it. I get that from my rugrats in the hospital. can't wait to see your pix when you get back.
dude im glad ur having a great time. its all gonna be a crazy blur when u come back so document everything in like a journal. u gotta. i know ur not takin a lot of pictures, but please take some, hahaha. i want to see africa through ur eyes man. take care!
joseph
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