I'm not so good at updating these types of things but thought it would be a good idea to update you all on my travels. I'm off to Tanzania (a country on the east coast of Africa) for two months! I will be volunteering with a non-profit NGO called Support for International Change and teaching about HIV/AIDS. I will be living in a rural village outside of a town called Arusha. There will be no running water or electricity (BIG BIG change for me- we'll see how long I last) . My updates will most likely be only twice a week (at most) since they will be from internet cafes. I am stoked to be able to have this opportunity and can't wait to share all of my stories!!
love,
Court
Court:
ReplyDeleteCant wait to start hearing about your adventures in Tanzania!
Hey Pumpkin Pie!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you enjoyed the nine hour hike in the jungle - it sounds beautiful! Enjoy the adventure!
I love you to the moon and back!
xoxo,
Mom
Court asked me to post this for her: "Mambo means Hey how's it going (people ask you that all the time on the streets here). Yesterday we went on a NINE (yes, nine) hike through a masai town, up a rain forest, through an alpine forest, up a river to the most beautiful rain forest I've ever seen. There is no way to put its beauty to words besides that I felt like I was in the scenery of Avatar or Fern Gully. It was absoultely breathtaking. I am incredibly proud of myself for accomplishing the never ending hike and had a FABULOUS time to say the least. At night we went
ReplyDeleteto this restaurant (car repair by day, AMAZING middle eastern/traditional tanzanian) food by night). Its called Kahn's and is phenomenal. It kind of reminded me of a hole in the wall Carnivores. They served us all sorts of different bbq'd meats, chibatti (this YUMMY bread that is like a thick tortilla/nahn bread), beans, sauces, and grilled vegetables. Sooo good!
Everyone (the other students) in my group is SO RAD. All unique, really awesome people that come from all over the nation and different schools. Some of the people I've become closest with so far are from Harvard and Cornell. Surprisingly, they are so humble and normal- you would never guess it! They have all made the time that I've spent here so far feel so comfortable. On my long flight here I started to question whether or not I made the right decision to come but now there is no doubt in my mind that this was the right experience for me. I have a long way to go, but I am having the time of my life so far- I am in heaven!! The culture here is so refreshing and calming. The day before our hike we went into town and bought these beautiful fabrics to make our skirts, bartered for the price in swahili (thought of you!) and then took them to a tailor to get made. It was so fun!!
At night we went to a really nice dinner (looked like a place we went to in S. Africa--very touristy) and met all of the teaching partners we will be working with in the village. Out of 600 applicants, 12 were chosen-- aka they are the best of the best and truly incredible people. It has been so interesting to talk to them about Tanzania, their lives, outlook on life etc etc etc. They are all so incredibly nice and welcoming. One of the bigger ladies calls me her baby . From here on out, we will be spending all of our time with them too (through orientation and in the village). We passed the village yesterday on our hike and it is sooooo beautiful. It is on the slopes beneath a rain forest- I can't wait to meet my homestay family!!
Today we are leaving the city hostel and going to an agricultural college for a week for orientation. This is where I will learn all of my AIDS facts and learn how to teach. I think I am going to ask to teach little kids. Everytime I see one here I want to scoop them up and put them in my luggage!!
I love you all so so much!
xoxo
Court