It's only been a couple of weeks since I left the US, but it seems like a lot longer - in a good way though! I moved in with my host family about 1.5 weeks ago after staying in Dar for about a week. At Dar we were given time to get over jet lag and slowly transition to Tanzania. Lots of logistics stuff, cultural training and a bit of language practice. We also got to venture into the city for a day to get our bearings. I'm not sure how to describe Dar. IT's a sharp contrast to what I've seen of other parts of TZ. The only way I can think of describing it is as the TZ equivalent of the capitol in the Hunger Games, haha. Obviously not as elaborate but the infrastructure and people are distinctly different from those outside the city. We also got to take the public transportation into the city, aka daladala, which is pretty muhc a minivan style vehicle that they stuff with as many people and things as possible. It was about as crowded as the T after a sox game, except with less head room. I can't imagine being fluent in Swahili like the other volunteers who have been here a year and helped us navigate the area.
Village life is going well. Lots of language learning. My family is great - we've got cows, so it reminds me a lot of Vermont, haha. I have an teenage brother and a younger brother and sister (6 yrs old) who are great. The younger kids are super cute and I spend most of my time at home playing with them.
Don't have much time left, but the best way to get in touch with me is through letters. I also have a phone now, which is free for me to receive texts or calls. My number is +255786620691. Feel free to text/call (but remember im 7 hrs ahead of east coast time).
That's all for now!
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