Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Tanzanian update (#1?)

I have not yet written from East Africa. Why? Simply SO MUCH TO DO.

actually, that is a lie. There hasnt been a whole lot to do before the program started (today). I cant begin to explain how long my transit was!! So much waiting, so much time on moving vehicles. But it's so worth it. It is SO baeutiful here. I believe I was the stupid blogger and forgot my camera cord. You may have to wait.


the internet is too slow. more later.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Dubai

Omg it's like 102 degrees here. thank goodness for air coniditioning.
best airplane food EVER. my meal was made by human hands and there was too much of it.
Today has already been long. Today and yesterday?

fri 9:30-3:00 (6:00est) - seattle to nyc //// flight time 5.5
6est to 11est - waited for airplane //// wait time 5
11:20est-8am dubai time? - nyc to dubai //// flight time 12.5
8 - 10:45 /// wait time 2.75
10:45 - 3:30 - flight from dubai to dar es salaam


and i cant even go on. there is so much crazy stuff going. I'll write later.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Sorry this blog looks so boring

Maybe with some photos and a better color scheme (anyone out there have a nice layout? eh?) it will look nicer. Most of you who are reading this are probably on my 'general mailing list' (minus my parents) and I'm sorry that I don't have more exciting news here. Check back in a few days and i'll give you an update or two.

First letter of conduct, written and sent on July 18th, 2008:
'Hello dear friends!

I'm writing to you just hours away... heck who am I kidding? This is not a formal letter. This is a blurb to tell you what is going on in my life and where I will be the next couple of months in case you were trying to get lunch or invite me to some rad party (like that ever happens anyway).

At 9pm tonight, I fly to NYC, where I will catch a plane to Dubai, from where I will catch another plane to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Yes Tanzania. I included a map with points and destinations for your convenience. From Dar Es Salaam, I will take a 9 HOUR bus ride to Arusha, where I will meet up with the rest of my group. I will be living in a rural village with a Tanzanian family for 2 months, helping teach how to prevent HIV and working with locals to become more aware of the deadly virus. As you may have guessed, I will be taking photographs. A lot of them. And mostly all on film!
Not to totally brag, but I'd like to stick it in REI's face that what they advertised as a "weekend backpack" has me packed for 62 days, no joke.

It's going to be a tough adventure, but I'm super excited because I love traveling and am committed to global health.

Wish me well, that I will come back to Seattle in one piece, with a backpack overflowing with Tanzanian goodies and a mind and heart filled with inspiration, knowledge and awareness.'


Tanzania!!!!!
The flight route



Map of Tanzania