Thursday, November 29, 2007
Getting drunk
So late Sunday night Marc texted me and asked me if I wanted to go to Saana Juu for a drink. It was so funny, I realized how stubborn I am especially when everyone else is not drunk with me. I only had two beers and a packet of Concac (hard OH) I was so drunk after that, I didn’t think about it but I have not really drank in a long time and I didn’t eat anything before that, it was cute, I sat between standard and midget peach. It also was funny because most of the time I was holding hands with Midget, or trying to bite him because he was hold my hand too tight. I was also trying to tickle him. But with Marc I had my foot on his chair most of the time and we gave each other looks. He didn’t drink which kind of unset me but I guess that it was good, because if we were both drunk it might not have been good of us. He asked me if I wanted another after the second one I told him if I drank one more I would end up in his bed if he liked it or not; he smiled. After the two he was trying to get me to drink a packet of Concac, I said that I would drink anything he gave me. So we walked back to Siha, its like 2.5 km, a long freaking way in the dark, around 8pm, drunk and with asthma. Towards the end I was starting to get tired. It was funny, because since everyone can see me, I was trying to not be drunk. So funny. At one point they were talking about how we were moving slow, and so I tried to jog, and almost fell down, then they said after that we cold slow down and they tried to pull me so I would slow down, and I shook them off. I hate to be cared for. When we got back they said lets have a rest in the grass. I laid down, and My Nyari just happened to walk by he came over and laughed at me. I didn’t really care. Then we went to see the Dar boys I hugged them in the middle area out side and then Marc dusted me off. It was pretty funny. All I wanted to do was sleep, but they made food and milk by the time I went home I was sober. At one point we, Marc and I were laying on the bed and I tried to kiss him when no one was in the room but he pushed me off and said no. I have mixed feelings about that.
Marking Territory
A teacher liking it ruff, and telling me I’m intelligent for marking my territory. I told him that he is ruff that later he asked me what the benefits of scratching were, I told him that it can be stimulating, that it is a way of marking territory, and something else. He didn’t understand the marking territory. I told him that some girls, like Kris made her boy bleed, like to scratch guys backs during sex; and that it was a way of marking the territory if a girl leaves marks, then if another girl sees it she will now that he has a girl. He laughed and said that I was very intelligent of that, I just smiled.
Throwing balls
25 July 2007
Wednesday so today I had some students fall asleep so I started to correct that behavior, First I had his friend wake him up and then asked him to come up and erase some stuff on the board, it was only like three lines, and then had him sit down. The next student I had come up to the front of the room and just stand there, I felt bad for him, but I need to try to figure out a way to make things work. It was really nice, one of the students in the C class, asked to add to something, he came up and wrote some stuff on the board and then asked me how the increased pressure worked during blood filtration, I explained it to him and then he explained it in Kiswahili, and then students started to ask questions, I was so happy. It was really good to find out that they just cant understand me not that they don’t care.
Wednesday so today I had some students fall asleep so I started to correct that behavior, First I had his friend wake him up and then asked him to come up and erase some stuff on the board, it was only like three lines, and then had him sit down. The next student I had come up to the front of the room and just stand there, I felt bad for him, but I need to try to figure out a way to make things work. It was really nice, one of the students in the C class, asked to add to something, he came up and wrote some stuff on the board and then asked me how the increased pressure worked during blood filtration, I explained it to him and then he explained it in Kiswahili, and then students started to ask questions, I was so happy. It was really good to find out that they just cant understand me not that they don’t care.
I intimidate boys
22 July 2007
So apparently the boys at Siha like me, they have also noticed that I am friends with the male teachers and not the female teachers. And by the term boys at Siha, I mean the entire male student body. They asked me why I hung out with males and not females. I told them that I grew up close with my brother and guys are more fun than girls most of the time.
Dennis and his friends came over and hung out for a few hours. It was really funny, because they were talking not in English, I knew that it was something about me by the way that they were acting, but they wouldn’t tell me. They eventually said that it was a personal question and didn’t want to disrupt me, I told them that it was fine to ask me, the question was why I don’t have a boyfriend. I said that I intimidate guys.
When Dennis and his friends were walking me to get my kanga, I was showing them it and the fact that the proverb, basically says that bad people talk about others and not about themselves, quite fitting in my option, then Dennis said the wedding would be very soon. I chased after him to hit him and he ran. I then threw my shoe at him. They were all laughing. He was just joking, but when we were at the tailor shop the women said something about getting married in Africa, Dennis started laughing. I told them that it was the second time this week that someone told me that.
I so excited to wear my skirt tomorrow, I hope that it will make some people think twice before talking about me.
So apparently the boys at Siha like me, they have also noticed that I am friends with the male teachers and not the female teachers. And by the term boys at Siha, I mean the entire male student body. They asked me why I hung out with males and not females. I told them that I grew up close with my brother and guys are more fun than girls most of the time.
Dennis and his friends came over and hung out for a few hours. It was really funny, because they were talking not in English, I knew that it was something about me by the way that they were acting, but they wouldn’t tell me. They eventually said that it was a personal question and didn’t want to disrupt me, I told them that it was fine to ask me, the question was why I don’t have a boyfriend. I said that I intimidate guys.
When Dennis and his friends were walking me to get my kanga, I was showing them it and the fact that the proverb, basically says that bad people talk about others and not about themselves, quite fitting in my option, then Dennis said the wedding would be very soon. I chased after him to hit him and he ran. I then threw my shoe at him. They were all laughing. He was just joking, but when we were at the tailor shop the women said something about getting married in Africa, Dennis started laughing. I told them that it was the second time this week that someone told me that.
I so excited to wear my skirt tomorrow, I hope that it will make some people think twice before talking about me.
Engulfing boys
20 July 2007
I engulfed Erasto. that consisted of me tackling him on the bed at their house, it was so funny, he was fighting it then gave up. It was kind of annoying, to say that someone is fat is not a bad thing here, but it get annoying when people say “your so fat”.
So this afternoon I washed my hair because I knew that I would not get the chance any other way, by the time I went over there it was dry. All the guys petted me at least once, it was so funny, it was like they never touched white person hair before. They would run their fingers in my hair and pet it, Erasto, actually started to pull it, I informed him that it was indeed attached to my head and would not come off.
It was so cool later in the night, I was sitting on the bed and Erasto came and laid down next to me, and used my leg as a pillow, my heart went yea, I love that the guys are that comfortable with me, and for once it is just a friend thing, no strings attached. I realized how close we are around each other. When we walk around, we hold hands at times, drap our arms around each other, Im in heaven. I love having four guys to play with that actually want to hangout with me.
I engulfed Erasto. that consisted of me tackling him on the bed at their house, it was so funny, he was fighting it then gave up. It was kind of annoying, to say that someone is fat is not a bad thing here, but it get annoying when people say “your so fat”.
So this afternoon I washed my hair because I knew that I would not get the chance any other way, by the time I went over there it was dry. All the guys petted me at least once, it was so funny, it was like they never touched white person hair before. They would run their fingers in my hair and pet it, Erasto, actually started to pull it, I informed him that it was indeed attached to my head and would not come off.
It was so cool later in the night, I was sitting on the bed and Erasto came and laid down next to me, and used my leg as a pillow, my heart went yea, I love that the guys are that comfortable with me, and for once it is just a friend thing, no strings attached. I realized how close we are around each other. When we walk around, we hold hands at times, drap our arms around each other, Im in heaven. I love having four guys to play with that actually want to hangout with me.
About TZ relationships and dating
16 July 2007
So today was interesting, Marc came before and after classes; I spent like 2.5 hours with him. We talked about so many different things; Brian, Mary his ex, my parents, divorce, how schools are different, so many different things. The most interesting part was when we started talking about us. I was talking about the difference about dating here and in the states. Apparently dating is not common here, they don’t even have a word for it in the language; he was surprised at how common it was in the states. He asked me what a couple do, how is it different from just friends, and how people pick their partner. I started to laugh because I was basically describing why I was interested in him; and when it came to what couples do, I was describing it and he asked me, and “what are we?” (I don’t know yet. I told him honestly). I said that couples, basically is a boy and girl that spends the most time together. Which by todays example( 10 hours) would fit us. But later when we were walking I started talking again. I asked him how is felt about me and the whole possibility of us. I was let down, but the message I got was that the environment was not good for it, because of the people that we live with and everything, but he told me not to feel awkward around him, just be normal. That threw me because Charles said to be normal around him too. For most of the walk up I could tell that I was withdrawn from him but on the way back down. It was better mainly because of the joke about the cows being afraid of me and warning the other cows, as we passed each on they mooed.
So today was interesting, Marc came before and after classes; I spent like 2.5 hours with him. We talked about so many different things; Brian, Mary his ex, my parents, divorce, how schools are different, so many different things. The most interesting part was when we started talking about us. I was talking about the difference about dating here and in the states. Apparently dating is not common here, they don’t even have a word for it in the language; he was surprised at how common it was in the states. He asked me what a couple do, how is it different from just friends, and how people pick their partner. I started to laugh because I was basically describing why I was interested in him; and when it came to what couples do, I was describing it and he asked me, and “what are we?” (I don’t know yet. I told him honestly). I said that couples, basically is a boy and girl that spends the most time together. Which by todays example( 10 hours) would fit us. But later when we were walking I started talking again. I asked him how is felt about me and the whole possibility of us. I was let down, but the message I got was that the environment was not good for it, because of the people that we live with and everything, but he told me not to feel awkward around him, just be normal. That threw me because Charles said to be normal around him too. For most of the walk up I could tell that I was withdrawn from him but on the way back down. It was better mainly because of the joke about the cows being afraid of me and warning the other cows, as we passed each on they mooed.
Stupid things and trip to Moshi
15 July
Today was great, we went all over the place; my first stupid mistake. After we got to Moshi, I was standing around and this guy came up to me and put his arm on my shoulder. After ne left I looked down and the 500 Tsh that I had in my pocket was gone. I knew what he was doing, but could not move. I’ve thrown more money then that on the grown before so I was not upset.
So when we were walking around it was funny these three guys were passing us and one asked Mac why he was making the white person walk so fast. He walks fast but not that fast compared to Americans. I laughed. So also I chauked this up to trying to make a effort of mixing with the culture but Dennis says that I was sending the wrong message all over the place to everyone. Marc and I held hands from time to time. He would grab my hand to pull me somewhere or would slap it and I just let it stay there; holding just enough pressure to hold it, but if he released just a little bit they dropped. Because of the whole friends holding hands; I was trying to be friends. Dennis said that what it looked like to others was that we’re going out; because we are different sex and the same age. Damn.
Dennis said that it seemed to him that I did not return the affection and that I should put limitations on the relationship; and tell him, I just want to be friends and nothing more. That way any message is not interpreted incorrectly. My problem is that I don’t want to limit myself. I do like talking to him. I like how he is not always, God this and God that; actually the only thing related to God is the fact that I know he goes to church. I realize that I like guys that challenge me, I think that is why I liked Alex for so long, I don’t think he ever stopped or let me slide while I was with him. Now with Alex I know it was because he cant really think beyond himself, but with guys in general I find that Im attracted to guys like that. When we were walking we would ask me if I was tired and would wait for me to rest, but we kept going in the loop. With Donald it was different, he kept asking me if I was tired and when I said I was he suggested we turn around, quit.
One of the major problems with all this is that I feel that all the younger guys are for the most part competing with each other for me. Actually I feel that there is three competitors currently, Donald (who as made is very obvious), Benn (some hints here and there he mainly spends his time talking to me and saying “ok” and “so nice” in the cutest accent), and the late comer Marc (so far the best choice in my book). He has 5 siblings, 2 sisters (youngest) and 3 brothers I have already met two brothers. He said that he was going to take me to his home sometime. I told him that I would teach him to drive in the states.
I think that was the one to bring it up but I asked when Marc would be getting married, apparently they have weddings on Saturday. They are fantastic and very noisy. He said that maybe after being at the university, which he hopes to go to in Sept. I made a sad face. I said “your leaving?” in Sept. but Im here until Dec.. I said that I didn’t really have a time when I would get married, probably after I finish the university because I had only one year left, and that is not enough time to plan a wedding.
Okay I need to stop myself. I am already trying to figure out how to make that relationship work. All we did is hold hands, and Im thinking how weird it would be for mom to have two daughters marry within two years, and would the school that he is at have a good bio and anthro dept. Too much too fast. I talked to mom and Dan just now. I told her about holding hands, she asked me if I had kissed him, completely different culture. She said that I should not get involved with any teachers because it could cause trouble and that he could come visit me in the states. Mom!!! The thing about holding the hands was that I liked it, I remember comparing holding hands with Marc to Chris; when Chris and I held hands I felt like he was showing me off like a new ring, Brian was the same way if he had something that could be impressive to others, he had to show off and show it off. I hate that. I mean where is the tact. If I’m reading it correctly that Marc is into me, then I like his personality in that he was chil about it, we held hands than let go, there was no rush to grab hands again.
Today was great, we went all over the place; my first stupid mistake. After we got to Moshi, I was standing around and this guy came up to me and put his arm on my shoulder. After ne left I looked down and the 500 Tsh that I had in my pocket was gone. I knew what he was doing, but could not move. I’ve thrown more money then that on the grown before so I was not upset.
So when we were walking around it was funny these three guys were passing us and one asked Mac why he was making the white person walk so fast. He walks fast but not that fast compared to Americans. I laughed. So also I chauked this up to trying to make a effort of mixing with the culture but Dennis says that I was sending the wrong message all over the place to everyone. Marc and I held hands from time to time. He would grab my hand to pull me somewhere or would slap it and I just let it stay there; holding just enough pressure to hold it, but if he released just a little bit they dropped. Because of the whole friends holding hands; I was trying to be friends. Dennis said that what it looked like to others was that we’re going out; because we are different sex and the same age. Damn.
Dennis said that it seemed to him that I did not return the affection and that I should put limitations on the relationship; and tell him, I just want to be friends and nothing more. That way any message is not interpreted incorrectly. My problem is that I don’t want to limit myself. I do like talking to him. I like how he is not always, God this and God that; actually the only thing related to God is the fact that I know he goes to church. I realize that I like guys that challenge me, I think that is why I liked Alex for so long, I don’t think he ever stopped or let me slide while I was with him. Now with Alex I know it was because he cant really think beyond himself, but with guys in general I find that Im attracted to guys like that. When we were walking we would ask me if I was tired and would wait for me to rest, but we kept going in the loop. With Donald it was different, he kept asking me if I was tired and when I said I was he suggested we turn around, quit.
One of the major problems with all this is that I feel that all the younger guys are for the most part competing with each other for me. Actually I feel that there is three competitors currently, Donald (who as made is very obvious), Benn (some hints here and there he mainly spends his time talking to me and saying “ok” and “so nice” in the cutest accent), and the late comer Marc (so far the best choice in my book). He has 5 siblings, 2 sisters (youngest) and 3 brothers I have already met two brothers. He said that he was going to take me to his home sometime. I told him that I would teach him to drive in the states.
I think that was the one to bring it up but I asked when Marc would be getting married, apparently they have weddings on Saturday. They are fantastic and very noisy. He said that maybe after being at the university, which he hopes to go to in Sept. I made a sad face. I said “your leaving?” in Sept. but Im here until Dec.. I said that I didn’t really have a time when I would get married, probably after I finish the university because I had only one year left, and that is not enough time to plan a wedding.
Okay I need to stop myself. I am already trying to figure out how to make that relationship work. All we did is hold hands, and Im thinking how weird it would be for mom to have two daughters marry within two years, and would the school that he is at have a good bio and anthro dept. Too much too fast. I talked to mom and Dan just now. I told her about holding hands, she asked me if I had kissed him, completely different culture. She said that I should not get involved with any teachers because it could cause trouble and that he could come visit me in the states. Mom!!! The thing about holding the hands was that I liked it, I remember comparing holding hands with Marc to Chris; when Chris and I held hands I felt like he was showing me off like a new ring, Brian was the same way if he had something that could be impressive to others, he had to show off and show it off. I hate that. I mean where is the tact. If I’m reading it correctly that Marc is into me, then I like his personality in that he was chil about it, we held hands than let go, there was no rush to grab hands again.
My Frist impressions of Marc
So for those of you who dont know Im dating Marc. He was a teacher to Siha with me until he went to university..
13 July 2007
A guy teacher (Marc) came up to me, I had met him yesterday and he said that he was looking for me yesterday; and asked if I was able to walk. He wants to take me around the area to some waterfalls and such. As soon as he said that I was like ok. I don’t care how far away it is. So tomorrow I think that I’m going to go on a walk with him and whoever comes with us. One thing that will really piss me off is if because of the thing with me an Donald the other guys back off. If that happens I’m going to be so mad.
Also the guy (Marc) that I was supose to go on a walk ditched me again. My plan for tomorrow, not to let him leave my sight after lunch. Im kind of glad that we didn’t go today because I was having trouble staying awake. The roommate just came over and gave me his eggs. how nice.
It was funny, I was in the lower office all day, at one point Orio came over and said that I had to go to the science office. Their fighting over me. Donald said that he was the only winner, I said that he was the most persistent so far.
15 13 July 2007
I am going to sleep so good tonight. Marc and I went on a walk this afternoon. Walk is not really a good description, it was more of a hike. The terrain is up or down, not really any flat parts, not even the bridges that we walked across were level. I liked it, but we had to stop like 4 times so I could rest. Apparently he does these walks like everyday. It kicked my ass. Now I understand why they all have such nice butts, they really work them in the freakin hills. We made a big loop, Im fine now but I know that Im going to be really sore tomorrow when we go to Moshi. I told him that I was going to go to Moshi tomorrow by myself, he said that he would accompany me because I want to get a cell phone and he said that most people cant speak English very well and it would be hard to get cell phone.
I saw my first monkeys. We were walking and he stopped me and pointed in the trees. The monkey moved as so we walked off the path and got closer; it was really cool because one started to make a warning call to the others. I didn’t get the best pictures but they are wild monkeys, come on. While we were walking I had mention that I wanted to see monkeys, at first he pointed at something in a tree (avocado) he asked me if I knew what it was, I said “Monkey?!” He laughed, it was a guy that was up there knocking avocados off the tree. I laughed, unknown to him that some people call black people in the states. I felt really bad.
It was also interesting, when we were walking I said that I was sorry to be slowing him down, and asked him if I was boring him. He didn’t understand why I would say this. I told him that growing up I got used to boys hanging out with me because they wanted my sisters. The guys that I hung out with were friends, not love interests. And basically I feel that Im a boring person and that I felt sorry for slowing him down. He said “no worries” he thinks that Im a interesting person and fun to be with. He said when Im with him, “no worries” I laughed.
So today for lunch, it was very good; it was some kind of boiled banana (yuck) and meat soup/stew. Still not liking boiled bananas but overall very good. The teacher (Marc) that I went ona walk with sat next to me. I swear I don’t understand it, whomever I am with when I got the lunch/tea room sits next to me at which ever table I sit at; and then more likely than not, not very many other people sit at the same table as us. Today when we were sitting next to each other, Donald and his group sat across the room, even though they had sat at the “high table” at tea. The guy that I was sitting next to said that people thought that we were together because we were sitting so close together. I pointed out that Mr. Orio and his friend were touching elbows, but I don’t think that he fully understood what I ment. Mr Orio and his friend were asking me when I was going to get married, I told them after I was engaged. when? After I find the right guy. They asked after I study? I said maybe one year, maybe 10 years. They said that was too long, no one would want me. I said that I would get married before that, be I had to find the right guy first. They asked what about Mr. Orio? Maybe? What about him (pointing at someone else) Maybe. I then told them that I thought that they could not handle my personality. I don’t think that they understood what I was talking about.
13 July 2007
A guy teacher (Marc) came up to me, I had met him yesterday and he said that he was looking for me yesterday; and asked if I was able to walk. He wants to take me around the area to some waterfalls and such. As soon as he said that I was like ok. I don’t care how far away it is. So tomorrow I think that I’m going to go on a walk with him and whoever comes with us. One thing that will really piss me off is if because of the thing with me an Donald the other guys back off. If that happens I’m going to be so mad.
Also the guy (Marc) that I was supose to go on a walk ditched me again. My plan for tomorrow, not to let him leave my sight after lunch. Im kind of glad that we didn’t go today because I was having trouble staying awake. The roommate just came over and gave me his eggs. how nice.
It was funny, I was in the lower office all day, at one point Orio came over and said that I had to go to the science office. Their fighting over me. Donald said that he was the only winner, I said that he was the most persistent so far.
15 13 July 2007
I am going to sleep so good tonight. Marc and I went on a walk this afternoon. Walk is not really a good description, it was more of a hike. The terrain is up or down, not really any flat parts, not even the bridges that we walked across were level. I liked it, but we had to stop like 4 times so I could rest. Apparently he does these walks like everyday. It kicked my ass. Now I understand why they all have such nice butts, they really work them in the freakin hills. We made a big loop, Im fine now but I know that Im going to be really sore tomorrow when we go to Moshi. I told him that I was going to go to Moshi tomorrow by myself, he said that he would accompany me because I want to get a cell phone and he said that most people cant speak English very well and it would be hard to get cell phone.
I saw my first monkeys. We were walking and he stopped me and pointed in the trees. The monkey moved as so we walked off the path and got closer; it was really cool because one started to make a warning call to the others. I didn’t get the best pictures but they are wild monkeys, come on. While we were walking I had mention that I wanted to see monkeys, at first he pointed at something in a tree (avocado) he asked me if I knew what it was, I said “Monkey?!” He laughed, it was a guy that was up there knocking avocados off the tree. I laughed, unknown to him that some people call black people in the states. I felt really bad.
It was also interesting, when we were walking I said that I was sorry to be slowing him down, and asked him if I was boring him. He didn’t understand why I would say this. I told him that growing up I got used to boys hanging out with me because they wanted my sisters. The guys that I hung out with were friends, not love interests. And basically I feel that Im a boring person and that I felt sorry for slowing him down. He said “no worries” he thinks that Im a interesting person and fun to be with. He said when Im with him, “no worries” I laughed.
So today for lunch, it was very good; it was some kind of boiled banana (yuck) and meat soup/stew. Still not liking boiled bananas but overall very good. The teacher (Marc) that I went ona walk with sat next to me. I swear I don’t understand it, whomever I am with when I got the lunch/tea room sits next to me at which ever table I sit at; and then more likely than not, not very many other people sit at the same table as us. Today when we were sitting next to each other, Donald and his group sat across the room, even though they had sat at the “high table” at tea. The guy that I was sitting next to said that people thought that we were together because we were sitting so close together. I pointed out that Mr. Orio and his friend were touching elbows, but I don’t think that he fully understood what I ment. Mr Orio and his friend were asking me when I was going to get married, I told them after I was engaged. when? After I find the right guy. They asked after I study? I said maybe one year, maybe 10 years. They said that was too long, no one would want me. I said that I would get married before that, be I had to find the right guy first. They asked what about Mr. Orio? Maybe? What about him (pointing at someone else) Maybe. I then told them that I thought that they could not handle my personality. I don’t think that they understood what I was talking about.
Rounder Apples??
Rounder apples?
So something that the anthologist in me is interested in. Like every teacher and person that I have met here, has deep roots here, near Kili, when I start talking about myself, and mention how Busch is German, they ask if my parents live in Germany, and I explain how Im like 4 or 5th generation American. So my question-observation is this, is it that my ancestors were/are more mobile then these people’s ancestors. I mean this area is the source of human live, African Eve lived right in this area; and the people that I met have not traveled far, most have been to Kenya and that is about it. I know that this is my first real trip out of the states, however I have been to Alaska, Washington, Montana, AZ, and now Holland and Tanzania being born in CA. Even taking out international travel I still have traveled more than all of them. You know that saying the apple never falls far from the apple tree. Well do the branches that I fell from produce more round apples, then their branches, since we are all from the same tree? Have I inherited a travel gene???
So something that the anthologist in me is interested in. Like every teacher and person that I have met here, has deep roots here, near Kili, when I start talking about myself, and mention how Busch is German, they ask if my parents live in Germany, and I explain how Im like 4 or 5th generation American. So my question-observation is this, is it that my ancestors were/are more mobile then these people’s ancestors. I mean this area is the source of human live, African Eve lived right in this area; and the people that I met have not traveled far, most have been to Kenya and that is about it. I know that this is my first real trip out of the states, however I have been to Alaska, Washington, Montana, AZ, and now Holland and Tanzania being born in CA. Even taking out international travel I still have traveled more than all of them. You know that saying the apple never falls far from the apple tree. Well do the branches that I fell from produce more round apples, then their branches, since we are all from the same tree? Have I inherited a travel gene???
Wearing skirts and risky behavior
“…looks like a lady”
So today I wore a skirt, to see what the guy said today and you know try it out. Well I got the response I knew I would get and was hoping I would be wrong. He saw it and said “now you look like a women, very pretty”. I was a little put out by it. I wanted to say if anything I would look more like a women in pants because you could see my curves, instead of a bag over everything. The skirt that I wore has a slip under it, I ended up putting a cut in the hem so I could spread my stride wider, I almost fell twice because I could not put my foot up high enough to walk up a step. I hope that he does not think that Im going to wear them everyday. That man is crazy. and Fuck him; wonder if he would like to see what I wear the states, them men would really be able to see that Im a women, tank top that show major cleavage, is what Im comfortable in. Everyone knows that I have boobs, if you can see a little, whatever its skin. I don’t gock at guy when I can see their butt.
tight clothes = risky behavior??
Benn let me look at last terms final. I started laughing so hard, one of the questions on the test said that wearing short skirts and tight clothes is risky behavior. I laughed and we talked about how in different cultures, different things were appropriate.
So today I wore a skirt, to see what the guy said today and you know try it out. Well I got the response I knew I would get and was hoping I would be wrong. He saw it and said “now you look like a women, very pretty”. I was a little put out by it. I wanted to say if anything I would look more like a women in pants because you could see my curves, instead of a bag over everything. The skirt that I wore has a slip under it, I ended up putting a cut in the hem so I could spread my stride wider, I almost fell twice because I could not put my foot up high enough to walk up a step. I hope that he does not think that Im going to wear them everyday. That man is crazy. and Fuck him; wonder if he would like to see what I wear the states, them men would really be able to see that Im a women, tank top that show major cleavage, is what Im comfortable in. Everyone knows that I have boobs, if you can see a little, whatever its skin. I don’t gock at guy when I can see their butt.
tight clothes = risky behavior??
Benn let me look at last terms final. I started laughing so hard, one of the questions on the test said that wearing short skirts and tight clothes is risky behavior. I laughed and we talked about how in different cultures, different things were appropriate.
Ants
12 10 July 2007
I wish no more drugs was the answer!!!!
So if last night had been from my drugs, I would have stopped taking them in a second. I went sleep around me regular time, 10 PM and woke up around 4 AM to pee. It was dark but I had me head lamp so I turned it on and put on my shoes incase I saw a mouse. But what I saw was so much worse. It scared the pee into me. I saw that there were some ants on the floor, I was stepping on the ones that I saw, the big ones, but as my eyes adjusted I saw that they were everywhere. There were ants everywhere on the walls, floor, ceiling. I almost thought that I was hallucinating, but then some of them bite me because they climbing up my boots. in the bathroom and back room they covered like a fourth of the wall (literally ), I wanted to freak out, but I was locked in my house and had no where to go. I decided that I really didn’t need to go pee anymore. I climbed back into bed and saw that they were at the foot of my bed; I swept them off and folded the blankets under to try to make sure that they would not get me. I dozed a little bit but could not sleep because I thought that I could feel and hear them climb. They were in my clothes, on the floor. When I turned off the light I could not touch it with my arm so I used my foot from the bed. It was like a nightmare. They never got on the upper half of the bed, but that didn’t let me sleep. This morning some of them disappeared, or were in straight lines so I could step over them. I shook out my clothes and quickly put them on and unlocked the doors and ran around the house to pee; I had to so bad. Later after I came back I threw away all the food that they got into. At school some of the teachers taught me how to say many ants disturbed me.
I wish no more drugs was the answer!!!!
So if last night had been from my drugs, I would have stopped taking them in a second. I went sleep around me regular time, 10 PM and woke up around 4 AM to pee. It was dark but I had me head lamp so I turned it on and put on my shoes incase I saw a mouse. But what I saw was so much worse. It scared the pee into me. I saw that there were some ants on the floor, I was stepping on the ones that I saw, the big ones, but as my eyes adjusted I saw that they were everywhere. There were ants everywhere on the walls, floor, ceiling. I almost thought that I was hallucinating, but then some of them bite me because they climbing up my boots. in the bathroom and back room they covered like a fourth of the wall (literally ), I wanted to freak out, but I was locked in my house and had no where to go. I decided that I really didn’t need to go pee anymore. I climbed back into bed and saw that they were at the foot of my bed; I swept them off and folded the blankets under to try to make sure that they would not get me. I dozed a little bit but could not sleep because I thought that I could feel and hear them climb. They were in my clothes, on the floor. When I turned off the light I could not touch it with my arm so I used my foot from the bed. It was like a nightmare. They never got on the upper half of the bed, but that didn’t let me sleep. This morning some of them disappeared, or were in straight lines so I could step over them. I shook out my clothes and quickly put them on and unlocked the doors and ran around the house to pee; I had to so bad. Later after I came back I threw away all the food that they got into. At school some of the teachers taught me how to say many ants disturbed me.
Women should not wear pants
11 09 July 2007
Today was interesting, I was asked by one of the chemistry guys, older, why I wear trousers like men and not dresses or skirts like the women. I noticed this last week sometime and in the market. All the women, both young and old, don’t wear pants, and if it is cold enough that you might want to, they wear a skirt over them so they cant be seen. I could not really give him a good answer, I wear them because they are simple, convenient; which is kind of ironic because if you think about skirts all they are is a circle of fabric with a hole cut out of it, how much more simple can you get. I grew up wearing them and never really like skirts that much. I think that I will ask one of the women here if they will go to the market with me and help me pick out some dresses and skirts. I really like the clothes here, I just don’t have the fashion sense to pick out stuff.
Today was interesting, I was asked by one of the chemistry guys, older, why I wear trousers like men and not dresses or skirts like the women. I noticed this last week sometime and in the market. All the women, both young and old, don’t wear pants, and if it is cold enough that you might want to, they wear a skirt over them so they cant be seen. I could not really give him a good answer, I wear them because they are simple, convenient; which is kind of ironic because if you think about skirts all they are is a circle of fabric with a hole cut out of it, how much more simple can you get. I grew up wearing them and never really like skirts that much. I think that I will ask one of the women here if they will go to the market with me and help me pick out some dresses and skirts. I really like the clothes here, I just don’t have the fashion sense to pick out stuff.
Friends and my being a tomboy
8 July 2007
movies After church was over, two freaking long hours, but I think it would have been longer if I could have understood them. I took a nap on my couch because the power went out. Dennis came by..yeah. We finished watching The Saint and started watching BI. I really need to get some more movies. We talked about random stuff. The real fun started the next time that he brought his best friend over. We started BI over and talked about a bunch of different stuff. I think that he is getting comfortable with me because he started asking me some more sensitive topic questions. For example HIV and asked if I had a boyfriend( in a round about way).
I surprised both of them with that fact that owning a gun is quite common in the states. We talked about how people here and the states don’t like to get tested because they are afraid of the results. But he was surprised that I had got tested. This brought up the discussion of how people HIV. He started talking about how they get it from sex, but he said “being sexy” I started laughing so hard. I then explained that being sexy can mean “being attractive” as well, not “having sex”. I ended up showing them my flyers that I had brought about HIV and other STDs. They took them, and were impressed that they offered them for free in the states. I was a little reluctant to give them to them because Im not sure how the church will react. But Im preparing myself for that battle. The HM already agreed with me on the importance of education in people lives.
We also talked about tattoos, HIV, him asking me if my boyfriend was going to visit me. I told him that if he wanted to visit the States, that he could say at my place anytime. He was surprised and was like okay I come to America. He got really excited when I told him that a boy from Arusha goes to U of O. So people from Tanzania actually study in the states. I like talking with him because he is close to my age (his 22 to technically he is older than me, but I’m more mature then him in some ways (my universal problem)) and he will discuss I think anything and his eager to learn. And he’s really cute.
Its kind of cute when ever he has a random question it will say “can I ask you a question.“ They asked me this one question, but could not explain what they meant because a bunch of girls showed up. Their question was something about a hen laying a egg in a thorn bush?? They said that is was a indirect question but I didn’t understand what they meant. As soon as the girls showed up they left, I guess they don’t like sharing me.
But I have basically decided that I would be able to start any kind of a relationship with anyone I have close contact with. They are too tied to their religion and think that others are wrong and need to be converted. I kind of wish that I was a real Christen so I could still argue with them about the views and still actually believe. So many of me views, like abortion, sex ed, condom/birth control use, other religions, sex before marriage, cohabitation, so many of my views that are held by real christens as well, I would love to argue but I don’t know how to make them realize that there are different views and degrees on the religion.
Dennis and flashcards. He made me little signs of words in Kiswahili of common items in the house. How nice, and when he came back the next day he quizzed me.
I just saw my first mouse, it freaked me out because I don’t have any shoes on because it rained and they have clumps of mud on them.
I am so sure of the fact that Im a tomboy; of all the “friends“ that I have made to far here. Maybe three/four are girls and seven are guys. I know that I need to work on this, but I feel that my I feel that the guys are more open to talking about more stuff and the girls are more conservative here, it the culture mixing. Well see with time.
movies After church was over, two freaking long hours, but I think it would have been longer if I could have understood them. I took a nap on my couch because the power went out. Dennis came by..yeah. We finished watching The Saint and started watching BI. I really need to get some more movies. We talked about random stuff. The real fun started the next time that he brought his best friend over. We started BI over and talked about a bunch of different stuff. I think that he is getting comfortable with me because he started asking me some more sensitive topic questions. For example HIV and asked if I had a boyfriend( in a round about way).
I surprised both of them with that fact that owning a gun is quite common in the states. We talked about how people here and the states don’t like to get tested because they are afraid of the results. But he was surprised that I had got tested. This brought up the discussion of how people HIV. He started talking about how they get it from sex, but he said “being sexy” I started laughing so hard. I then explained that being sexy can mean “being attractive” as well, not “having sex”. I ended up showing them my flyers that I had brought about HIV and other STDs. They took them, and were impressed that they offered them for free in the states. I was a little reluctant to give them to them because Im not sure how the church will react. But Im preparing myself for that battle. The HM already agreed with me on the importance of education in people lives.
We also talked about tattoos, HIV, him asking me if my boyfriend was going to visit me. I told him that if he wanted to visit the States, that he could say at my place anytime. He was surprised and was like okay I come to America. He got really excited when I told him that a boy from Arusha goes to U of O. So people from Tanzania actually study in the states. I like talking with him because he is close to my age (his 22 to technically he is older than me, but I’m more mature then him in some ways (my universal problem)) and he will discuss I think anything and his eager to learn. And he’s really cute.
Its kind of cute when ever he has a random question it will say “can I ask you a question.“ They asked me this one question, but could not explain what they meant because a bunch of girls showed up. Their question was something about a hen laying a egg in a thorn bush?? They said that is was a indirect question but I didn’t understand what they meant. As soon as the girls showed up they left, I guess they don’t like sharing me.
But I have basically decided that I would be able to start any kind of a relationship with anyone I have close contact with. They are too tied to their religion and think that others are wrong and need to be converted. I kind of wish that I was a real Christen so I could still argue with them about the views and still actually believe. So many of me views, like abortion, sex ed, condom/birth control use, other religions, sex before marriage, cohabitation, so many of my views that are held by real christens as well, I would love to argue but I don’t know how to make them realize that there are different views and degrees on the religion.
Dennis and flashcards. He made me little signs of words in Kiswahili of common items in the house. How nice, and when he came back the next day he quizzed me.
I just saw my first mouse, it freaked me out because I don’t have any shoes on because it rained and they have clumps of mud on them.
I am so sure of the fact that Im a tomboy; of all the “friends“ that I have made to far here. Maybe three/four are girls and seven are guys. I know that I need to work on this, but I feel that my I feel that the guys are more open to talking about more stuff and the girls are more conservative here, it the culture mixing. Well see with time.
Food, Teeth and the posta
Posta experience
So I think that the posta is the best place to experience cultural differences in space. I was the bio guy and we had to go to the posta to get some stamps. There was a black guy at the station, and then a white tourist behind him, a person- and a half space behind him; the teacher just walked up right in front of her. She looked at me and gave me a “I cant believe he just did that” look. It was funny.
smiling with teeth
This is another difference that I have to keep reminding myself, its small however. So when people smile here, or at least with me, I have to smile with my teeth showing to get a response out of them. I think that it is because they cant tell that I’m smiling unless they can see my teeth. I kept smiling at people that I know can see my face but they could not smile or wave back until I showed my teeth. It is similar with me because I cant always tell the facial features, especially when we are driving around.
Speaking of food and diseases another thing that I have noticed that is different here. All the food that is served hot is HOT moto! Im pretty sure that it is the real potential of disease with food. Im glad for it but I think that is funny that it is not that way in the states. If someone served me a warm plate of food, I might complain to my friends but would still eat it and not think anything about it.
So I think that the posta is the best place to experience cultural differences in space. I was the bio guy and we had to go to the posta to get some stamps. There was a black guy at the station, and then a white tourist behind him, a person- and a half space behind him; the teacher just walked up right in front of her. She looked at me and gave me a “I cant believe he just did that” look. It was funny.
smiling with teeth
This is another difference that I have to keep reminding myself, its small however. So when people smile here, or at least with me, I have to smile with my teeth showing to get a response out of them. I think that it is because they cant tell that I’m smiling unless they can see my teeth. I kept smiling at people that I know can see my face but they could not smile or wave back until I showed my teeth. It is similar with me because I cant always tell the facial features, especially when we are driving around.
Speaking of food and diseases another thing that I have noticed that is different here. All the food that is served hot is HOT moto! Im pretty sure that it is the real potential of disease with food. Im glad for it but I think that is funny that it is not that way in the states. If someone served me a warm plate of food, I might complain to my friends but would still eat it and not think anything about it.
Organized Chaos and Markets
daladala rides
When we got in the daladala, the guys let me sit up front so I could see everything; they were trying to get this little boy to sit between me and this old guy but the kid wouldn’t. It was pretty entertaining the ride, I would look around and realize that at least one person was staring at me. It was amazing how well the little buses handle with all that weight and the bumpy roads in Africa. One thing I really didn’t like that much was the fact that it seemed that people didn’t really want to sit next to me, which is weird for me because in the states I would love it if I had my own seat in a bus; but here I feel like a leper sometimes. Thes buses would never be found in the states, first off too many people go into them, they never denied a person a ride, even when the door would not shut, it is really funny the money collector would hit the side of the bus and the driver would start to take off and the guy would come jogging up the side and jump on, it was great.
And the bus stations the two words to describe it perfectly…organized chaos. It is amazing that they actually work with such efficiency. it cost me 200Tsh to go from Siha to Sanya Juu, and them 1400 Tsh to Moshi from Sanya Juu; that like less then 2 bucks for a two hour drive; since a majority of people do not have any transportation they are always full and run often.
A little boy crying because he was scared of the daladala cars in general actually, the teacher that I was with said that he was crying because he was afraid of cars probably because he was not to used to them.
The markets were so awesome. You can get anything there. Today I went to two markets on Moshi town, I think that both were everyday markets. I took some pictures, I stopped after a women was getting pissed that I was taking a picture of her booth, I was actually taking a picture of her peppers, but whatever. I got this really cool necklace at one. The guy wanted 3000 first, I said that that was too much and I would pay 1500 for it, and he said that it was too low. I didn’t really want to so I said thank you anyways. And gave it back to him, and started to look at other stuff, then he said 2000, so I got it. I is pretty cool, I think that I can find nicer necklaces, but Jordan might like it.
It is so different from the states. I mean that these markets are were people get everything, food, soap, veggies, blankets, shoes, spices. Most of the stores seem to be rundown, stuffed with stuff that fell of the truck type of stuff, the markets are full of fresh items, so cool. And there are a lot of things that you have to go to the market to get, that you cant get at the stores. And to get people attention to pay the fare, they start jingling coins a round, I didn’t get it any of the times because I was zoning out and looking at the land around.
When we got in the daladala, the guys let me sit up front so I could see everything; they were trying to get this little boy to sit between me and this old guy but the kid wouldn’t. It was pretty entertaining the ride, I would look around and realize that at least one person was staring at me. It was amazing how well the little buses handle with all that weight and the bumpy roads in Africa. One thing I really didn’t like that much was the fact that it seemed that people didn’t really want to sit next to me, which is weird for me because in the states I would love it if I had my own seat in a bus; but here I feel like a leper sometimes. Thes buses would never be found in the states, first off too many people go into them, they never denied a person a ride, even when the door would not shut, it is really funny the money collector would hit the side of the bus and the driver would start to take off and the guy would come jogging up the side and jump on, it was great.
And the bus stations the two words to describe it perfectly…organized chaos. It is amazing that they actually work with such efficiency. it cost me 200Tsh to go from Siha to Sanya Juu, and them 1400 Tsh to Moshi from Sanya Juu; that like less then 2 bucks for a two hour drive; since a majority of people do not have any transportation they are always full and run often.
A little boy crying because he was scared of the daladala cars in general actually, the teacher that I was with said that he was crying because he was afraid of cars probably because he was not to used to them.
The markets were so awesome. You can get anything there. Today I went to two markets on Moshi town, I think that both were everyday markets. I took some pictures, I stopped after a women was getting pissed that I was taking a picture of her booth, I was actually taking a picture of her peppers, but whatever. I got this really cool necklace at one. The guy wanted 3000 first, I said that that was too much and I would pay 1500 for it, and he said that it was too low. I didn’t really want to so I said thank you anyways. And gave it back to him, and started to look at other stuff, then he said 2000, so I got it. I is pretty cool, I think that I can find nicer necklaces, but Jordan might like it.
It is so different from the states. I mean that these markets are were people get everything, food, soap, veggies, blankets, shoes, spices. Most of the stores seem to be rundown, stuffed with stuff that fell of the truck type of stuff, the markets are full of fresh items, so cool. And there are a lot of things that you have to go to the market to get, that you cant get at the stores. And to get people attention to pay the fare, they start jingling coins a round, I didn’t get it any of the times because I was zoning out and looking at the land around.
Staking ones territory
Something that I am pretty sure that is universal, the staking ones territory. I was noticing at meal time that the women sit on the mt side of the room, even when there is only one or two they always sit on that side. Donald and his friends sit on the far side, in my opinion the best because it is the most lit and the table has a place to put your feet. Everyone else sits on the other side; I say everyone else because I have not figured out who that includes yet; but I don’t like it because it is the darkest of the whole room. Today that was the bio teacher, me and commerce guy, and someone else. Me being me had sat in all of the mentioned places. Im not sure that I know were I like to sit.
2 weeks in
I really can’t believe that I have only been here for a week, granted it doesn’t feel like forever, but at least mbili (2) weeks. There are lot of things that Im know that Im failing at. First of all I have not turned a open ear to people speaking anything but English to me; I look like I’m ignoring people. Today I was walking by the boys dorms with the bio guy and some of the boys were welcoming me, I didn’t notice until the bio guy told me. I felt really bad. It happens often, people will be speaking Kiswahili, and then ask me a question in English, the only thing that I notice is because they are looking at me like I should be answering them. Its hard though because I am just not used to hearing it at all. Also a interesting thing that is happening to me here, is my Spanish reacall is amazing. Every word that I want to answer to someone is in Spanish.
Talking abortions
After a while the bio guy came and I showed him the stuff that I brought. I had the textbook and the poster that I got. He liked it; I think. After that I went with him to the bio office because I thought that we would do something; I was a little disappointed. I did get to look at the textbooks that they are using and we had a interesting discussion on abortion, family planning and some other topics. He said that abortion was killing a life, and I told him the sometimes not getting a abortion can destroy two lives. I said that people should have the right to chose, I told him that if I had got pregnant I would not get a abortion but I don’t think that other people should choose for other people. If it is illegal then it will still happen, but it will be unsafe for the baby and mother. I kind of agreed with me. It is amusing how the different people had their strong points in English. He could understand a lot if science but when I asked him when we would go to Moshi, he got confused. I looked over the textbook it seems like any other high school textbook.
Dennis form 6
It was so cute, around 6 ish, I was laying in my living room reading my book, and I heard a person say Hodi (hello-kind of) I jumped up because I was not expecting a visitor. It was a form 6 student Dennis, he came to ask me if I could help him with his English, his exams were is Feb, and he thinks that is English is not that good. He wants to get together like once a week and talk with each other. I told him that I would only if he helped me with me Kswalli. He told me that is was way easier than English. So he will come back another day and we will talk.
Market place
I was to go the market with secretary and driver. She asked me what I needed and I randomly gave her a list of things. She had the HM look over and then list amts that he thought I would need. Im pretty sure that I wont need any more rice forever. It was really funny when we were in the market I would grab a handful and they would say more, 2 more handfuls. We got a big bag full of just cucumbers, carrots and peppers, which because I was feeling so rotten wanted to make me hurl, I didn’t want to waste that much food. As eventually took off to the market, I didn’t bring my camera because I was going to me focused on the food thing and didn’t want it to be stolen. On the drive over the driver to the secretary to tell me that there are many thieves at the market, I brought my bag but only for my book, everything else that was of any value was out of it, at one point she told me that I should put it in front of me.
As we were driving down the little kids would laugh, wave, smile and shout “mzungu!!” they were so happy it was cute.
The open market was so cool. It had all kinds of booths and I was a center attention because I am mzungu, which is fairly rare around here. People would say their two English phrases out on me, “Hello” and “your welcome”. We started at a veggie both, they had cucumbers, green peppers, and carrots (which are much smaller and fatter).. we got like ¾ of a bag full for like 400 Tsh, that’s less than 5 USD. It is amazing.
An another thing, we got what I think is a type of lettuce, I said that I would like some, so we got 6 bundles of it. I just hope that it is lettuce and that it tastes good. The meat booth kind of freaks me out, it is a small shack with peaces of meat hanging from hooks, we got a kilo of beef, and they wrapped it up in some newspaper, I cant remember how long it can last, so I will make it tomorrow and the next day. Im going to have to ask mom to send me some recipes for food so I can make some up and show the people around here some American food. Oh I need a good pizza one (crust and sauce recipes too)
At the spice booth it was so funny, of what I could ID, was ginger and garlic. The guy gave me a piece to try of ginger, the driver took his piece and motioned for me to bite a piece. I did and before I actually tasted it chewed it a few times, then once the flavor hit me I spit it out because it was so strong. They thought that I didn’t like it but I told them “yes, its just strong.” So we got some of each. We also got dried milk, water, sunflower cooking oil, eggs, some bread, shampoo, which I enjoyed tonight.
In the market I asked her what some people were carrying, it was sugar cane, she asked me if I wanted to get some, I said no because I wouldn’t know what to do with it. Later she bought me a cane-stock?. It is a sweet treat, you take the stock, cut off the outside and chew/suck on the inside, it was really sweet, the texture almost made me want to gag, it reminds me of chewing on really hard celery but woody. We made another stop on the way and this little kid called her friend over by saying mzungu, I caught it that time. I smiled at them I tried to give them I piece of my sugar cane but they were too embarrassed to come up to me. ‘The white devil could have eaten them in one gulp.’
As we were driving down the little kids would laugh, wave, smile and shout “mzungu!!” they were so happy it was cute.
The open market was so cool. It had all kinds of booths and I was a center attention because I am mzungu, which is fairly rare around here. People would say their two English phrases out on me, “Hello” and “your welcome”. We started at a veggie both, they had cucumbers, green peppers, and carrots (which are much smaller and fatter).. we got like ¾ of a bag full for like 400 Tsh, that’s less than 5 USD. It is amazing.
An another thing, we got what I think is a type of lettuce, I said that I would like some, so we got 6 bundles of it. I just hope that it is lettuce and that it tastes good. The meat booth kind of freaks me out, it is a small shack with peaces of meat hanging from hooks, we got a kilo of beef, and they wrapped it up in some newspaper, I cant remember how long it can last, so I will make it tomorrow and the next day. Im going to have to ask mom to send me some recipes for food so I can make some up and show the people around here some American food. Oh I need a good pizza one (crust and sauce recipes too)
At the spice booth it was so funny, of what I could ID, was ginger and garlic. The guy gave me a piece to try of ginger, the driver took his piece and motioned for me to bite a piece. I did and before I actually tasted it chewed it a few times, then once the flavor hit me I spit it out because it was so strong. They thought that I didn’t like it but I told them “yes, its just strong.” So we got some of each. We also got dried milk, water, sunflower cooking oil, eggs, some bread, shampoo, which I enjoyed tonight.
In the market I asked her what some people were carrying, it was sugar cane, she asked me if I wanted to get some, I said no because I wouldn’t know what to do with it. Later she bought me a cane-stock?. It is a sweet treat, you take the stock, cut off the outside and chew/suck on the inside, it was really sweet, the texture almost made me want to gag, it reminds me of chewing on really hard celery but woody. We made another stop on the way and this little kid called her friend over by saying mzungu, I caught it that time. I smiled at them I tried to give them I piece of my sugar cane but they were too embarrassed to come up to me. ‘The white devil could have eaten them in one gulp.’
July 4 and food
04 July 2007 chai moto sana. the tea is very hot.
I am in heaven, I just finished eating and I don’t want to rip out my stomach. I don’t know if it is the pain killers that I took or the fact that I got to go to the market today and cooked my own food. The whole time I was cooking was practical bent over in stomach pain, but I knew that it was not a bad, I need a doctor pain, it was the smell of food was making my stomach hurt. For some retarded reason I didn’t bring any stomach pain killers like Tums or pepto. I have plenty of runny crap med, but no meds I really need.
For dinner I made some really simple thing, frying pan with sunflower oil- fried carrots, potatoes, garlic, salt, onions, green pepper, it didn’t really taste that delicious but as I ate it my stomach started feeling much better, or I should say it stopped hurting. Finally, this is the first time that I have been able to eat and not want to go make myself throw-up right after. Right now Im waiting for water to warm up so I can take a bath.
This morning I had some eggs that Donald’s roommate gave to me from his “locally fresh chickens” (they live outside). They didn’t feel that bad in my stomach, but I didn’t have anything to put in them.
I am in heaven, I just finished eating and I don’t want to rip out my stomach. I don’t know if it is the pain killers that I took or the fact that I got to go to the market today and cooked my own food. The whole time I was cooking was practical bent over in stomach pain, but I knew that it was not a bad, I need a doctor pain, it was the smell of food was making my stomach hurt. For some retarded reason I didn’t bring any stomach pain killers like Tums or pepto. I have plenty of runny crap med, but no meds I really need.
For dinner I made some really simple thing, frying pan with sunflower oil- fried carrots, potatoes, garlic, salt, onions, green pepper, it didn’t really taste that delicious but as I ate it my stomach started feeling much better, or I should say it stopped hurting. Finally, this is the first time that I have been able to eat and not want to go make myself throw-up right after. Right now Im waiting for water to warm up so I can take a bath.
This morning I had some eggs that Donald’s roommate gave to me from his “locally fresh chickens” (they live outside). They didn’t feel that bad in my stomach, but I didn’t have anything to put in them.
Americans are too fast
While we were walking the other teacher (Cartmen) home, were discussed the difference between rivers and streams and how Americans do everything so fast, we were all walking and I had to think about not walking fast, and staying with the two others. I talked about how my dad, brother and I would have walking races and that dad would always beat us because he had longer legs.
The other teacher said that Americans are always going places fast, moving fast and thinking fast. I agreed that we are raised to be competitive and always thinking. I think that is why I could not think it was possible to just sit around for a day, I would get too bored.
When it was getting towards the end of the day, I was getting mentally tied, even though most of the people know English and were speaking it, except at meals, it was still a challenge for me because I had to think about what they were talking about, because they would be talking to each other and then ask me a question, and I would find people looking at me like they were expecting me to answer, but would not have been listening and did not know what to say.
The other teacher said that Americans are always going places fast, moving fast and thinking fast. I agreed that we are raised to be competitive and always thinking. I think that is why I could not think it was possible to just sit around for a day, I would get too bored.
When it was getting towards the end of the day, I was getting mentally tied, even though most of the people know English and were speaking it, except at meals, it was still a challenge for me because I had to think about what they were talking about, because they would be talking to each other and then ask me a question, and I would find people looking at me like they were expecting me to answer, but would not have been listening and did not know what to say.
Paired and bored
5 3 July 2007 Tuesday
So today don’t know if it was a positive in the internship or not. Everyone kept telling me that I need to learn the language, but that it was easy to learn and that Ill sound like a native if I practice.
I actually didn’t get to do anything, I sat around, wandered around, talk to few people. At I was like the first to arrive at the teachers lounge and then sat with Matron, my next door neighbor, it was good but hard because she cant speak much English. Cool thing it rained all morning which was nice, so I could wear my sweatshirt. The matron showed me around the compound, I met some of the girls and the boys that the school already. Everyone was all smiles, and very friendly. On another outing myself, I met a form 6- Rose, she said that her English was not that good, but I was impressed.
But yea I didn’t do anything as to start preparing for class, the headmaster said that I was to wait for someone, in the science dept and that he would come find me when he had time for me. Apparently today was not the day.
So I sat around with some of the other teachers, a chatted about why I was here how I liked it, would I want to stay forever, if I was married, how old, differences between here and America, if I was a Christian, about divorce? At one point one of the older teacher (31ish) said that he was not married yet because he wanted to marry a American and ask if I could be that one. I laughed and said that I was not ready to settle down yet. How do I get myself into these things. However I do think that I may have been paired with the other male teacher that is similar in age to me (26). His name is Donald (Mr Garrison) and he teaches history. He started to talk a lot to me and asked me all kinds of questions. Around 11AM was tea time and he showed me where to go, it was really funny because about half way there I asked him were I was going and he told me not to worry and follow him, that is twice that it has happened here in Tanzania. At lunch I also followed him to lunch and he waited for me to finish. He later took me to see the surrounding area to walk another teacher home, well we went half way. He kept asking me if I was getting tired we stopped half way and took some pictures by the bridge across the river. We talked about spiders, snakes, the difference in climates, my asthma, which started to kick up on the way up the hill. As we walked back it was funny because everyone, especially the little kids would smile and say hello. This one group of kids were like freaking out our we were at least a 100 feet away and they were yelling goodbye, goodbye. Donald said that there are not many whites around here, ever.
Donald walked me home and the kids that live next to me were smiling and laughing, I don’t know if I have been paired or not. We’ll see.
So today don’t know if it was a positive in the internship or not. Everyone kept telling me that I need to learn the language, but that it was easy to learn and that Ill sound like a native if I practice.
I actually didn’t get to do anything, I sat around, wandered around, talk to few people. At I was like the first to arrive at the teachers lounge and then sat with Matron, my next door neighbor, it was good but hard because she cant speak much English. Cool thing it rained all morning which was nice, so I could wear my sweatshirt. The matron showed me around the compound, I met some of the girls and the boys that the school already. Everyone was all smiles, and very friendly. On another outing myself, I met a form 6- Rose, she said that her English was not that good, but I was impressed.
But yea I didn’t do anything as to start preparing for class, the headmaster said that I was to wait for someone, in the science dept and that he would come find me when he had time for me. Apparently today was not the day.
So I sat around with some of the other teachers, a chatted about why I was here how I liked it, would I want to stay forever, if I was married, how old, differences between here and America, if I was a Christian, about divorce? At one point one of the older teacher (31ish) said that he was not married yet because he wanted to marry a American and ask if I could be that one. I laughed and said that I was not ready to settle down yet. How do I get myself into these things. However I do think that I may have been paired with the other male teacher that is similar in age to me (26). His name is Donald (Mr Garrison) and he teaches history. He started to talk a lot to me and asked me all kinds of questions. Around 11AM was tea time and he showed me where to go, it was really funny because about half way there I asked him were I was going and he told me not to worry and follow him, that is twice that it has happened here in Tanzania. At lunch I also followed him to lunch and he waited for me to finish. He later took me to see the surrounding area to walk another teacher home, well we went half way. He kept asking me if I was getting tired we stopped half way and took some pictures by the bridge across the river. We talked about spiders, snakes, the difference in climates, my asthma, which started to kick up on the way up the hill. As we walked back it was funny because everyone, especially the little kids would smile and say hello. This one group of kids were like freaking out our we were at least a 100 feet away and they were yelling goodbye, goodbye. Donald said that there are not many whites around here, ever.
Donald walked me home and the kids that live next to me were smiling and laughing, I don’t know if I have been paired or not. We’ll see.
Frist day at School
4 2 July 2007 Monday
It is like 10 AM and I went on the internet earlier. The guy that works at the café started to talk to me. His name is Winston. It was fun talking to him. Everyone is so nice. He asked how long I was staying here and I told him that I was leaving today, but would be at Siha for six months. We talked about how nice the language was and that I’m looking forward to learning it. He told me that if I wanted I could come back and talk with him and learn more words.
I have arrived at Siha, finally. So I cant be sure of it but I do believe that the headmaster is disappointed with me, I know that he is kind of quite, but the way that we acts and a couple of things that he said seems like it. Today when he came to pick me up at the hostel he asked me how the last 48 hours were. I told him great and listed the stuff that I did. He said that he was glad because he was a bit worried how I would fare by myself. I almost wanted to ask what he meant by that, he was with me for like what two days and only 6 hours max, and though that we really didn’t talk much. Im on another freakin contient. What did he expect, the only person I know a 1000 miles in any direction, him, whom I met only a hour or so ago and had no direct contact until I met him at the airport by a sign that said Stephanie Busch, was going to leave me alone at a hostel, with no phone, and not even in the same town as were Ill actually be. But whatever. Also Im pretty sure that I have failed his attempts to have a meaningful conservations with me, about politics and religion. My two weakest subjects, give me something about
I really didn’t not feel it necessary to explain to him what a loner I am most of the time, I know that people think that I am a social butterfly and the talking to people comes easy to me, but actually I don’t have any actually friends and it takes a lot of work for me to talk to people.
I’m also nervous about tomorrow. When my actual internship starts. I have no fuckin clue what is expected of me. I found out the other day that there kids apparently have a limited vocab in English, and that I am at a great disadvantage not knowing their language. Today I tried out a new phrase on him, his response was that it was good I was learning because I wont be able to function if I don’t. I just feel really unprepared for this internship. I mean I was just adjusting to the hostel and getting to meet people there and now I have to adjust to people here. Its frustrating. Not to mention that I have a really bad headache.
So this kind of freaked me out, when HM was showing me around the house, he kept saying its very safe, there are bars on the window, double and triple locks, watchmen making rounds, he also told me that when Im out I should lock my bedroom door. Its very safe. This is the reason I was freaked because I usually naturally assume everything is pretty safe, so when someone keep “reassuring” me I think that they are lying or saying something like ‘its safe as long as you barracked the door‘. So the first night when I was getting ready to go to bed, the wind was blowing and making noise (windows and such). With the front door, and the back door ( to the bathroom) I put filled (water) buckets and locked each door. I know that it was stupid but it helped a little bit. I also locked me room door. (that lasted for one night) and slept with my head away from the window (I never feel comfortable like that).
It is like 10 AM and I went on the internet earlier. The guy that works at the café started to talk to me. His name is Winston. It was fun talking to him. Everyone is so nice. He asked how long I was staying here and I told him that I was leaving today, but would be at Siha for six months. We talked about how nice the language was and that I’m looking forward to learning it. He told me that if I wanted I could come back and talk with him and learn more words.
I have arrived at Siha, finally. So I cant be sure of it but I do believe that the headmaster is disappointed with me, I know that he is kind of quite, but the way that we acts and a couple of things that he said seems like it. Today when he came to pick me up at the hostel he asked me how the last 48 hours were. I told him great and listed the stuff that I did. He said that he was glad because he was a bit worried how I would fare by myself. I almost wanted to ask what he meant by that, he was with me for like what two days and only 6 hours max, and though that we really didn’t talk much. Im on another freakin contient. What did he expect, the only person I know a 1000 miles in any direction, him, whom I met only a hour or so ago and had no direct contact until I met him at the airport by a sign that said Stephanie Busch, was going to leave me alone at a hostel, with no phone, and not even in the same town as were Ill actually be. But whatever. Also Im pretty sure that I have failed his attempts to have a meaningful conservations with me, about politics and religion. My two weakest subjects, give me something about
I really didn’t not feel it necessary to explain to him what a loner I am most of the time, I know that people think that I am a social butterfly and the talking to people comes easy to me, but actually I don’t have any actually friends and it takes a lot of work for me to talk to people.
I’m also nervous about tomorrow. When my actual internship starts. I have no fuckin clue what is expected of me. I found out the other day that there kids apparently have a limited vocab in English, and that I am at a great disadvantage not knowing their language. Today I tried out a new phrase on him, his response was that it was good I was learning because I wont be able to function if I don’t. I just feel really unprepared for this internship. I mean I was just adjusting to the hostel and getting to meet people there and now I have to adjust to people here. Its frustrating. Not to mention that I have a really bad headache.
So this kind of freaked me out, when HM was showing me around the house, he kept saying its very safe, there are bars on the window, double and triple locks, watchmen making rounds, he also told me that when Im out I should lock my bedroom door. Its very safe. This is the reason I was freaked because I usually naturally assume everything is pretty safe, so when someone keep “reassuring” me I think that they are lying or saying something like ‘its safe as long as you barracked the door‘. So the first night when I was getting ready to go to bed, the wind was blowing and making noise (windows and such). With the front door, and the back door ( to the bathroom) I put filled (water) buckets and locked each door. I know that it was stupid but it helped a little bit. I also locked me room door. (that lasted for one night) and slept with my head away from the window (I never feel comfortable like that).
Friday, September 21, 2007
Alive
Okay sorry everyone that it has been about two months since Im posted anything. There is no internet close by and Im think that Im more busy during the weekends than weekdays.
So Ill list somethings that have happened and if you want more details email me.
Ant nightmare- sometime in July I woke up one night because I had to pee, when I went to the back room where the bathroom is I realized that there were ants all over the wall covering more than half of it. I freaked out but didnt know that to do. I just went back to bed and told myself that it was the drugs that i am taking so I am not to get sick from the damn mbo (mosquitos). But it really happened.
Getting a boyfriend
So I am in love and am loved. One of the other teachers, he's only 23, he teachs math and is starting university Monday acutally. It is so funny because everyone, students, teachers and complete strangers are talking about us. Right now Im in Iringa visiting him and I know that people are talking about us. Whatever. For all my friends he is going to visit the US next summer for something very important that will be occuring but more later.
Getting sick
So its great Im losing weight here in TZ. The reason is because I get sick from the food about twice a month. Not to mention that I got Malaria a few weeks ago. That was fun, I realized it after I could not taste anything, had massive headaches, slept all the time, and had to pee all the time.
Making videos
So on top of my internship I have made friends with some students (that are actually older than me) and one of them sings. We made a music video which we did a good job at, and now I have two more videos to make before I leave. It is so fun.
So Ill list somethings that have happened and if you want more details email me.
Ant nightmare- sometime in July I woke up one night because I had to pee, when I went to the back room where the bathroom is I realized that there were ants all over the wall covering more than half of it. I freaked out but didnt know that to do. I just went back to bed and told myself that it was the drugs that i am taking so I am not to get sick from the damn mbo (mosquitos). But it really happened.
Getting a boyfriend
So I am in love and am loved. One of the other teachers, he's only 23, he teachs math and is starting university Monday acutally. It is so funny because everyone, students, teachers and complete strangers are talking about us. Right now Im in Iringa visiting him and I know that people are talking about us. Whatever. For all my friends he is going to visit the US next summer for something very important that will be occuring but more later.
Getting sick
So its great Im losing weight here in TZ. The reason is because I get sick from the food about twice a month. Not to mention that I got Malaria a few weeks ago. That was fun, I realized it after I could not taste anything, had massive headaches, slept all the time, and had to pee all the time.
Making videos
So on top of my internship I have made friends with some students (that are actually older than me) and one of them sings. We made a music video which we did a good job at, and now I have two more videos to make before I leave. It is so fun.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Feeling like crap and strange dreams
Feeling like crap
So I feel like crap today. After breakfast, which I had like half of what I usually do and the tea almost made me throw up. I should mention the cereal I had to day. It tasted like coco puffs but looked like chocolate corn chips. I would have enjoyed them better if I felt better, hopefully they are there tomorrow. I also had I think papaya. it was all fine I just did not want to eat, but I knew I should because I didn’t eat lunch or dinner last night.
Cat Dream
So I think that I finally had a creepy dream that is suppose to happen from the drugs. In my dream I was at home, it was night and it was really weird because there was a bunch of cats like 20 of them and they were freakin out attacking each other. I was running around snapping the necks of the cats that were attacking my cats. I was really vivid, when I grabbed each cat, it was hard to snap their necks but I could feel the snap. When I had killed the third one I realized all the sudden that I was dreaming; which in hind sight was bad because I woke up and it was only 4 AM but I could not go back to sleep and I could here the guy next door snore and this stupid bird/goat was screaming like it was injured. I was temped to go out back with a shovel and find it but I was too tired. I found my ear plugs and put them in but I could still kind of hear it. After like a freakin hour I heard bushes moving, I preyed for a predator and then that animal shut up. Finally.
I reason I would have liked to stay in the dream was because, since I realized that is was a dream I could have changed it. Next time.
So I feel like crap today. After breakfast, which I had like half of what I usually do and the tea almost made me throw up. I should mention the cereal I had to day. It tasted like coco puffs but looked like chocolate corn chips. I would have enjoyed them better if I felt better, hopefully they are there tomorrow. I also had I think papaya. it was all fine I just did not want to eat, but I knew I should because I didn’t eat lunch or dinner last night.
Cat Dream
So I think that I finally had a creepy dream that is suppose to happen from the drugs. In my dream I was at home, it was night and it was really weird because there was a bunch of cats like 20 of them and they were freakin out attacking each other. I was running around snapping the necks of the cats that were attacking my cats. I was really vivid, when I grabbed each cat, it was hard to snap their necks but I could feel the snap. When I had killed the third one I realized all the sudden that I was dreaming; which in hind sight was bad because I woke up and it was only 4 AM but I could not go back to sleep and I could here the guy next door snore and this stupid bird/goat was screaming like it was injured. I was temped to go out back with a shovel and find it but I was too tired. I found my ear plugs and put them in but I could still kind of hear it. After like a freakin hour I heard bushes moving, I preyed for a predator and then that animal shut up. Finally.
I reason I would have liked to stay in the dream was because, since I realized that is was a dream I could have changed it. Next time.
Boy issues are universal
Oh so Kris will find this hilarious by the fact that there are people from other parts of the world that have as much trouble telling a untruth to guys that ask for our phone numbers as I do. Laugh it up Kris. Barbara has a volleyball teammate that asked for her number, and she gave it to him. Since then he has called her and text her a few times, but she works weird hours at the hospital and cant have her sleep disturbed. One of the texts that she showed me was like “I love you…blah I love you” she has been here for two weeks. It was really strange because most of it didn’t make sense. He should have just stuck with his own language and she could have gotten someone to translate. He mentioned something about being Massai; is that suppose to mean something. I don’t understand what that means. He’s well endowed/wealthy ??? I gave her the same advice that Kris gave me, don’t give out your number, get theirs that way it is on your terms. She thought that was a great idea.
Boyfriend We also talked about how kind of annoying it was to be hit on by so many guys. We talked about how some people would say that they were married back at home, but both of us didn’t want to be dishonest in case that we did fall in love. I told her that my plan was that I “had a boyfriend at home” because boyfriends and girlfriends can breakup easily. So it leaves me unavailable but I can change that in a second if I find someone I like. She liked that idea too.
Boyfriend We also talked about how kind of annoying it was to be hit on by so many guys. We talked about how some people would say that they were married back at home, but both of us didn’t want to be dishonest in case that we did fall in love. I told her that my plan was that I “had a boyfriend at home” because boyfriends and girlfriends can breakup easily. So it leaves me unavailable but I can change that in a second if I find someone I like. She liked that idea too.
Differences noticed
Chris will be interested in this, I had mention earlier about how formal the culture is. An example of this that I have noticed is how proper professional the staff is around people. In the states I feel that around the off hours “early morning and late at night” that people often get very informal, but here people are just as formal and polite at 7AM as they are at mid day. Another example is with greetings. I asked a hostess how to say good morning she told me, but her mistake was to continue in telling me more about the different versions for different people and times of day, so it all fell out me ear. Information overload!! But I held the first saying long enough to say it the next three people. The last person was a kid that works in internet café, he is probably a few years younger then me. When I said it to him he corrected me in that what I had said was a formal greeting you say to a older person. Then he told me what I could say informally. Again I lost all of it. I’m like a dog that is being taught a new trick. Told over and over again.
Another interesting thing that I noticed, is how people walk. I know that is sounds strange but the way that people walk is a little different. While I was at breakfast I watched as people showed up to work. I know how I walk. I have been told that I look like I’m mad and going to beat someone up. I walk with direction and the purpose of going from point A to point B no matter what the speed. Here watched as women walked towards the lobby but in a wondering sunder, very casual. I have enough trouble slowing down while eating let alone walk like that. When I was growing up, with three siblings and then in school with short lunches, not to waste time with things like eating. But today I don’t really have anything to do and I wanted to watch people so I forced myself to slow down it was hard. I again noticed as we were walking back from Moshi, I was so focused on putting one foot in front of the other I could have missed our turn; to my defense I was getting tired from the “cool” weather; I really am acclimated to Oregon weather.
Another interesting thing that I noticed, is how people walk. I know that is sounds strange but the way that people walk is a little different. While I was at breakfast I watched as people showed up to work. I know how I walk. I have been told that I look like I’m mad and going to beat someone up. I walk with direction and the purpose of going from point A to point B no matter what the speed. Here watched as women walked towards the lobby but in a wondering sunder, very casual. I have enough trouble slowing down while eating let alone walk like that. When I was growing up, with three siblings and then in school with short lunches, not to waste time with things like eating. But today I don’t really have anything to do and I wanted to watch people so I forced myself to slow down it was hard. I again noticed as we were walking back from Moshi, I was so focused on putting one foot in front of the other I could have missed our turn; to my defense I was getting tired from the “cool” weather; I really am acclimated to Oregon weather.
Trip to Moshi
29 June 2007 “Jambo” “Hodi” “Astante”
31 June 2007 “Habari?” “mzuri” “mzungu”
breakfast
tea
bread and jam
cornflakes and warm milk with banana slices
passion fruit juice
green oranges (bitter)
I have not really been eating much, I know that I should eat lunch but when I think about what I would want I am not interested at all. By body cant decide if it wants to be constipated to let everything go all at once. The first night I didn’t eat dinner at all because I fell asleep and when I woke up all I wanted to do was continue sleeping to set a good schedule.
After breakfast I walked down to the lobby to wait for Barbara a German lady I met last night. We had dinner together and she invited me to go to town with her and she would show me around Moshi. I was very grateful. While I was waiting, the guy from South Africa saw me and asked where I had gone yesterday because he was looking for me. I told him that I went to town and was getting ready to leave again. He asked that when I return that I knock on his door because he wanted to hangout tonight. It kind of makes me nervous because I don’t know what he wants, I mean he is married. Later I will go and talk with him, probably have dinner together. We are only going to be together for a few more days so why not. More about what happened later.
She showed me around Moshi, we talked about the difference in the side of driving, they drive on the left and slower traffic keeps to the left. Something that drives me crazy is the horn usage, they use it more of a vocal signal, than a “hey, wake up” like in the states. When we were walking she had me walk on the outside away from the road because she was more used to the traffic.
At the post office I had yet another lesson about space between people, I was standing in line behind two girls about my age with a body sized space behind them and this lady walked right up in front of me and cut in line. I kind of just stood there and then realized that I probably looked like I was not in line so I moved closer. It was really awkward for me to stand that close to some stranger. I guess that I’m learning.
31 June 2007 “Habari?” “mzuri” “mzungu”
breakfast
tea
bread and jam
cornflakes and warm milk with banana slices
passion fruit juice
green oranges (bitter)
I have not really been eating much, I know that I should eat lunch but when I think about what I would want I am not interested at all. By body cant decide if it wants to be constipated to let everything go all at once. The first night I didn’t eat dinner at all because I fell asleep and when I woke up all I wanted to do was continue sleeping to set a good schedule.
After breakfast I walked down to the lobby to wait for Barbara a German lady I met last night. We had dinner together and she invited me to go to town with her and she would show me around Moshi. I was very grateful. While I was waiting, the guy from South Africa saw me and asked where I had gone yesterday because he was looking for me. I told him that I went to town and was getting ready to leave again. He asked that when I return that I knock on his door because he wanted to hangout tonight. It kind of makes me nervous because I don’t know what he wants, I mean he is married. Later I will go and talk with him, probably have dinner together. We are only going to be together for a few more days so why not. More about what happened later.
She showed me around Moshi, we talked about the difference in the side of driving, they drive on the left and slower traffic keeps to the left. Something that drives me crazy is the horn usage, they use it more of a vocal signal, than a “hey, wake up” like in the states. When we were walking she had me walk on the outside away from the road because she was more used to the traffic.
At the post office I had yet another lesson about space between people, I was standing in line behind two girls about my age with a body sized space behind them and this lady walked right up in front of me and cut in line. I kind of just stood there and then realized that I probably looked like I was not in line so I moved closer. It was really awkward for me to stand that close to some stranger. I guess that I’m learning.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Plane ride and teh male population
This I posted a few days ago in a different place. Promises to post a new blog soon.
So I have been in Tanzania for almost two days now.
The trip over was not that eventful, the night before I could not sleep very well, and then I started to cry when I called my parents. My mom was helpful in telling me that everything was going to be alright.
Plane ride
The plane ride was down right boring as hell, they even that these little teasers just to make you realize that you are never going to get to you destination. It is a map that shows where the plane is in regards to the flight and that damn plane doesn't move fast enough. My lower limbs swelled like twice the size they should be, it looked like I has sprained both ankles, but it went down the next day. Oh interesting thing that I noticed at Nairobi , was the two groups of armed guards. Dad will be happy to hear that.
Lost Checked baggage
So when I was at Nairobi we had to pick out our checked luggage and they would throw it on the plane, well my luggage was not there. We ended up leaving without my luggage, kind of frightful. I got my luggage the next day. What happened was that the SFO-KLM guy put the tag that my final destination was Nairobi not Kili so my luggage was left there.
Meeting people
So I don't know why this happens but of the males that I have met so far (which is actually only two), when I start talking to them this is the line of questions that I get, "So where are you from" (US) "what are you here for?" (teaching through a internship for the college that I attend) "what subject?" (bio) "Oh, are you married?" (no) "boyfriend?" (yes his name is Alex) "What does he do?" (student- computer science). … I don't understand, even the married one asked me similar questions.
I feel that a more honest line of questions should be
where are you from…are you available.. is there any chance that I could be more appealing the current guy?
Lost in translation
So I finally realize that if people are going to go to a different country they should know at least some of the language. Not only do I know almost zero (and by that I mean that I know 3 words, I could do better in an Arabic country,) Kiswahili; but the English that people do know is not American English, its English English and I have enough trouble trying to translate what British people say. My plan is to stop trying to translate the words and just think of the words in Kiswahili.
I really don't like the fact that I can not understand anyone AT ALL, at least with Spanish and some Arabic I can understand somewhat. But this is learning right. Not to mention that most of the people around here understand more than one language I makes me sad for the USA school system.
Stepping on toes
So I know that I have been looking into the customs and culture of Tanzania, but I still don't know how many toes that I am stepping on. First example tipping… a guy helped me carry my stuff to my room which I was very grateful for, should I tip.. I tried with one but he wouldn't take it. Personal space. I know Americans like their space and I like even more space than most Americans. A few people (guys) have kind of tried to shake hands or slight touching (no elbows yet Alex ), but I don't really know what it means are they hitting on me to see of I pull away (not interested) or are they just doing what their culture taught them?
So I have been in Tanzania for almost two days now.
The trip over was not that eventful, the night before I could not sleep very well, and then I started to cry when I called my parents. My mom was helpful in telling me that everything was going to be alright.
Plane ride
The plane ride was down right boring as hell, they even that these little teasers just to make you realize that you are never going to get to you destination. It is a map that shows where the plane is in regards to the flight and that damn plane doesn't move fast enough. My lower limbs swelled like twice the size they should be, it looked like I has sprained both ankles, but it went down the next day. Oh interesting thing that I noticed at Nairobi , was the two groups of armed guards. Dad will be happy to hear that.
Lost Checked baggage
So when I was at Nairobi we had to pick out our checked luggage and they would throw it on the plane, well my luggage was not there. We ended up leaving without my luggage, kind of frightful. I got my luggage the next day. What happened was that the SFO-KLM guy put the tag that my final destination was Nairobi not Kili so my luggage was left there.
Meeting people
So I don't know why this happens but of the males that I have met so far (which is actually only two), when I start talking to them this is the line of questions that I get, "So where are you from" (US) "what are you here for?" (teaching through a internship for the college that I attend) "what subject?" (bio) "Oh, are you married?" (no) "boyfriend?" (yes his name is Alex) "What does he do?" (student- computer science). … I don't understand, even the married one asked me similar questions.
I feel that a more honest line of questions should be
where are you from…are you available.. is there any chance that I could be more appealing the current guy?
Lost in translation
So I finally realize that if people are going to go to a different country they should know at least some of the language. Not only do I know almost zero (and by that I mean that I know 3 words, I could do better in an Arabic country,) Kiswahili; but the English that people do know is not American English, its English English and I have enough trouble trying to translate what British people say. My plan is to stop trying to translate the words and just think of the words in Kiswahili.
I really don't like the fact that I can not understand anyone AT ALL, at least with Spanish and some Arabic I can understand somewhat. But this is learning right. Not to mention that most of the people around here understand more than one language I makes me sad for the USA school system.
Stepping on toes
So I know that I have been looking into the customs and culture of Tanzania, but I still don't know how many toes that I am stepping on. First example tipping… a guy helped me carry my stuff to my room which I was very grateful for, should I tip.. I tried with one but he wouldn't take it. Personal space. I know Americans like their space and I like even more space than most Americans. A few people (guys) have kind of tried to shake hands or slight touching (no elbows yet Alex ), but I don't really know what it means are they hitting on me to see of I pull away (not interested) or are they just doing what their culture taught them?
Amersterdam
Amersterdam events
Baggage Lockers in AMSThis will be short.. I wanted to put most of my carry-ons in a locker because they weight a million pounds and I didn't want to worry about them getting stolen. Anyways I asked four different people if they could show me how to work the locker payment computer. The last person that worked at the airport had to try it twice before it worked for her. And later I couldn't find it and then found out that the locker and my gate was on the other side of the airport.
Amsterdam coffee shop
So I was really nervous about the coffee shops in Amsterdam. I figured that I should try it since Im in Amsterdam. Anyways this nice Moroccan guy helped me pick some out that was suppose to wake me up a little. I went in the back because the sits were soft, and smoked by myself. I felt really self-conscious because I'm retarded. My whole body was tingling almost like I was going to throw-up. And all I wanted to do was sleep. I had a 9 hour plane ride and 3-4 hours walking around on tired feet. After what felt like hours, I got up, only smoking half, I walked out and realized how blazed I was. I turned a couple of corners and found myself in the red light district. I found this hilarious because I have just spent the whole time prior keeping any eye for it. I was too blazed to even try to keep track of my camera if I took it out, so I guess that I have to go back so I can get pictures. I made my way back to the train station and got on the train that was at 15B not 15A after I asked two people if it was going to the airport and they said it did. What they failed to tell me/me ask them was that it was on a 3 hour loop me 20 min loop like the one I wanted. So I ended up taking a nice ride around Holland and falling a sleep for a hour-ish about 2or 3 AM Oregon time which I think helped me out.
Baggage Lockers in AMSThis will be short.. I wanted to put most of my carry-ons in a locker because they weight a million pounds and I didn't want to worry about them getting stolen. Anyways I asked four different people if they could show me how to work the locker payment computer. The last person that worked at the airport had to try it twice before it worked for her. And later I couldn't find it and then found out that the locker and my gate was on the other side of the airport.
Amsterdam coffee shop
So I was really nervous about the coffee shops in Amsterdam. I figured that I should try it since Im in Amsterdam. Anyways this nice Moroccan guy helped me pick some out that was suppose to wake me up a little. I went in the back because the sits were soft, and smoked by myself. I felt really self-conscious because I'm retarded. My whole body was tingling almost like I was going to throw-up. And all I wanted to do was sleep. I had a 9 hour plane ride and 3-4 hours walking around on tired feet. After what felt like hours, I got up, only smoking half, I walked out and realized how blazed I was. I turned a couple of corners and found myself in the red light district. I found this hilarious because I have just spent the whole time prior keeping any eye for it. I was too blazed to even try to keep track of my camera if I took it out, so I guess that I have to go back so I can get pictures. I made my way back to the train station and got on the train that was at 15B not 15A after I asked two people if it was going to the airport and they said it did. What they failed to tell me/me ask them was that it was on a 3 hour loop me 20 min loop like the one I wanted. So I ended up taking a nice ride around Holland and falling a sleep for a hour-ish about 2or 3 AM Oregon time which I think helped me out.
pictures
I wrote a bunch of stuff but forgot to put in the correct program so I'm just going to post some pictures. The first is my second lunch meal with the headmaster. The things in the top middle are boiled bananas, and there is a little green ball on the left, I don't know what it is but it was very sour. The second is a minibus that they cram like 20 people into.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Traveling to Africa
So Im not going to be able to use this site because all I get in Africa is a bunch of question marks, and Im just guessing and clicking. Ill post a new blog when I get one.
But enjoy the news if you want email me with comments. besteph04@yahoo.com
Baggage Lockers in AMS
This will be short.. I wanted to put most of my carry-ons in a locker because they weight a million pounds and I didn’t want to worry about them getting stolen. Anyways I asked four different people if they could show me how to work the locker payment computer. The last person that worked at the airport had to try it twice before it worked for her. And later I couldn’t find it and then found out that the locker and my gate was on the other side of the airport.
Coffee at a Amsterdam coffee shop
So I was really nervous about the coffee shops in Amsterdam, basically because I usually need someone more experienced than me to make the decisions and load. Anyways this nice Moroccan helped me pick some out that was suppose to wake me up a little. I went in the back because the sits were soft, and smoked by myself. I felt really self-conscious because I’m retarded. Well I think that it was the first time I actually got high. My whole body was tingling almost like I was going to throw-up. And all I wanted to do was sleep. I had a 9 hour plane ride and 3-4 hours walking around on tired feet.
After what felt like hours, I got up, only smoking half, I walked out and realized how blazed I was. I turned a couple of corners and found myself in the red light district. I found this hilarious because I have just spent the whole time prior keeping any eye for it. I was too blazed to even try to keep track of my camera if I took it out, so I guess that I have to go back so I can get pictures. I made my way back to the train station and got on the train that was at 15B not 15A after I asked two people if it was going to the airport and they said it did. What they failed to tell me/me ask them was that it was on a 3 hour loop me 20 min loop like the one I wanted. So I ended up taking a nice ride around Holland and falling a sleep for a hour-ish about 2or 3 AM Oregon time which I think helped me out.
But enjoy the news if you want email me with comments. besteph04@yahoo.com
Baggage Lockers in AMS
This will be short.. I wanted to put most of my carry-ons in a locker because they weight a million pounds and I didn’t want to worry about them getting stolen. Anyways I asked four different people if they could show me how to work the locker payment computer. The last person that worked at the airport had to try it twice before it worked for her. And later I couldn’t find it and then found out that the locker and my gate was on the other side of the airport.
Coffee at a Amsterdam coffee shop
So I was really nervous about the coffee shops in Amsterdam, basically because I usually need someone more experienced than me to make the decisions and load. Anyways this nice Moroccan helped me pick some out that was suppose to wake me up a little. I went in the back because the sits were soft, and smoked by myself. I felt really self-conscious because I’m retarded. Well I think that it was the first time I actually got high. My whole body was tingling almost like I was going to throw-up. And all I wanted to do was sleep. I had a 9 hour plane ride and 3-4 hours walking around on tired feet.
After what felt like hours, I got up, only smoking half, I walked out and realized how blazed I was. I turned a couple of corners and found myself in the red light district. I found this hilarious because I have just spent the whole time prior keeping any eye for it. I was too blazed to even try to keep track of my camera if I took it out, so I guess that I have to go back so I can get pictures. I made my way back to the train station and got on the train that was at 15B not 15A after I asked two people if it was going to the airport and they said it did. What they failed to tell me/me ask them was that it was on a 3 hour loop me 20 min loop like the one I wanted. So I ended up taking a nice ride around Holland and falling a sleep for a hour-ish about 2or 3 AM Oregon time which I think helped me out.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Friday, June 1, 2007
Important Docs
I finally got my plane tickets and visa and all my shots.
In one week I had five freakin shots, plus a rash from my yellow fever shot it hurt so much. I dont understand how I can/like needles from tattoos and piercings but cant stand a actual shot its like what a 20 gauge needle but it hurts.
My padre got my my tickets (until I pay him back). Thanks dad... I fly out of SFO at like 3 pm on June 26th (less then a month yikes) ... then I fly to Amsterdam, then Nairobi then to Kili were I will be picked up my ...someone at like 8/9ish in the morning. Lucky the west coast is 11 hours behind to its like 10/11 ish at night so I should be wide a wake. I dont think that the whole "Im going to live in Africa for 6 months will really hit me until I get on the plane. And freak out. I know I can handle but this is going to be a trip.
As far as the visa thing goes.. I had to send my passport to New York, that was scary. I just got the thing and now I had to send it away with the chance of it getting lost or stolen. While I was at FedEx (they can track your stuff) I was getting ready to put all the stuff in the package, I kissed my passport and said "Come back to me." The guy that was helping me probably thought I was crazy. I it did come back with a lovely stamp for my visa.
In one week I had five freakin shots, plus a rash from my yellow fever shot it hurt so much. I dont understand how I can/like needles from tattoos and piercings but cant stand a actual shot its like what a 20 gauge needle but it hurts.
My padre got my my tickets (until I pay him back). Thanks dad... I fly out of SFO at like 3 pm on June 26th (less then a month yikes) ... then I fly to Amsterdam, then Nairobi then to Kili were I will be picked up my ...someone at like 8/9ish in the morning. Lucky the west coast is 11 hours behind to its like 10/11 ish at night so I should be wide a wake. I dont think that the whole "Im going to live in Africa for 6 months will really hit me until I get on the plane. And freak out. I know I can handle but this is going to be a trip.
As far as the visa thing goes.. I had to send my passport to New York, that was scary. I just got the thing and now I had to send it away with the chance of it getting lost or stolen. While I was at FedEx (they can track your stuff) I was getting ready to put all the stuff in the package, I kissed my passport and said "Come back to me." The guy that was helping me probably thought I was crazy. I it did come back with a lovely stamp for my visa.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Intro
So I think the best way to start with this whole trip blog is to start with a intro about me...
My name is Stephanie, I am a third year at Oregon State University in Corvallis Oregon, USA. I am majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry (if I ever pass organic chem lab).
I am currently getting ready to do a 6 month internship in Tanzania at Siha Secondary School near Mount Kili. I will be teaching basically high school biology and what ever extra activities I get myself into. I am really excited to do this internship even though the rest of my family and friends are freakin. I've never lived or visited anywhere outside of the US before, I figure it is kind of jumping in the deep end with out knowing to swim or my scuba gear on. But whatever, I'm up for the challenge.
I'm basically a nerd, I love science, all areas but physics (maybe), photography, music, learning about different cultures. I am SLOWLY learning Arabic, I know a total of 12 words/phrases, I figure that it will take about 20 years to actually learn this language at this rate.
My friend, Jordan is probably the only non related person that will actually read this on any kind of a regular basis. But that is okay.
My name is Stephanie, I am a third year at Oregon State University in Corvallis Oregon, USA. I am majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry (if I ever pass organic chem lab).
I am currently getting ready to do a 6 month internship in Tanzania at Siha Secondary School near Mount Kili. I will be teaching basically high school biology and what ever extra activities I get myself into. I am really excited to do this internship even though the rest of my family and friends are freakin. I've never lived or visited anywhere outside of the US before, I figure it is kind of jumping in the deep end with out knowing to swim or my scuba gear on. But whatever, I'm up for the challenge.
I'm basically a nerd, I love science, all areas but physics (maybe), photography, music, learning about different cultures. I am SLOWLY learning Arabic, I know a total of 12 words/phrases, I figure that it will take about 20 years to actually learn this language at this rate.
My friend, Jordan is probably the only non related person that will actually read this on any kind of a regular basis. But that is okay.
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