Tanzania for the win!

This morning, I woke up in Africa.  What a joy.  How amazing!  Two days ago, I left the familiar ground of Minnesota in an airplane filled with travelers heading all over the world, and now, I am on the other side of the planet, spending time with my daughter in a world I have only dreamed about.

We spent today running errands and walking around Arusha, Tanzania, a world entirely separate and different from the one I am used to.  In the shadow of Mt. Meru, we navigated the busy streets teeming with traffic and people.   I have seen where Erin lives, explored the byways that she has called home for four months, and have become familiar with the words you must utter over and over whenever you are out - hapana asante, which means no thank you!

It is difficult to explain to anyone who has never experienced it, but true anarchy can be found on the streets of most countries in the developing world, and it is overwhelming.  Arusha is no different, especially once you are out of the tourist zones.  There are few road rules, and those who observe them are at constant risk from the majority who don't.  The motor scooters compete for space with the buses filled with people, and the large trucks rumble past with barely a hair's breadth between them.

We went to a Masaai marketplace and spent thousands of shillings, (only a few dollars,) buying some things we can't leave without.  I am happy to have seen it, and glad that it is out of the way!  Too claustrophobic for me.  But it was very enjoyable to watch Erin speaking and bartering in Swahili like she has been doing it all her life.

The compound where Erin lives is lush and green, large by any standards, to say nothing of Tanzanian standards, I am sure.  Although not particularly luxurious to those accustomed to four star hotels, it is comfortable and relaxing.  It feels like a place I could make myself at home.

Here are some things about Tanzania, at least the part of it where I am at, which I have discovered in the past few hours that have surprised and entertained me:

• The shower is not confined to it's own little space.   It's just there, hanging right on the wall in the middle of everything.
• Hot water is at a premium.  Cold showers can be bracing.  (That is another word for short and breathtaking.)
• They do not have the same liability laws as we do.  If you aren't careful when you are walking, you could easily fall into a hole or be run down.  No one seems too concerned about it.
• Everyone walks in the street.  All the time.
• Dust is everywhere, even when it's wet.  In fact, if it's wet, it just sticks harder.
• Mosquito netting causes you to seriously consider whether you really need to get out bed once you are tucked in for the night.
• Women's knees are not something to be seen.
• Tanzanian children have the cutest smiles you can imagine.
• You really CAN pick out Americans from a mile away, and it's not just the color of their skin that gives them away.
• Africa is noisy and colorful, and the people are very friendly.  Very.  In fact, they will grab your hand and try to pull you into their shop.

Tomorrow, we take the bus to Moshi, and hopefully a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Meanwhile, it's dinner time!