http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/11/29/tanzania.albinos/index.html
Oh crap! I wonder what they do to blue eyed albino look alikes.
FYI, for those of you who are geographically challenged, both Tanzania and Burundi share a border with Rwanda. Damn, damn, dammmmmmmn.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Christmas Music in June...
First and foremost, Windy, I love your picture. It is a true representation of who you are and I love it. I laughed so thanks.
Secondly, Max, welcome to the parks & rec team and, no, I did not bring Nana's sweater with me (although I should have!!!). I'm sure it is around there somewhere and I would be honored if you carried on the tradition and wore it this year. Due to the fact that you were the only one who agreed that it was the sweater she was wearing her last Christmas, I think it is only right!
Lastly, an update...since it is that time of year, we often listen to Christmas music and it is so weird! It's hard to get in the spirit here because it feels like June and there are no lights or decorations anywhere. It makes me realize that I could never live in a state where it does not snow. I need snow, I need four seasons. I will say that I am kind of grateful that I feel this way because it does make it much easier to miss my first Christmas. Without the hoopla, it will simply feel like Jesus' birthday...which I guess is a good thing but much less fun.
Other than that, I have nothing to report. I have legit done nothing the last three days. I went into town twice and other than that have been chilling...str8 chillin (that's for you LT, do you even say that?). I've spent a lot of time sitting on my porch reflecting on life, mine in particular. I strongly recommend it. I feel calmer than usual and although I felt like a waste of space, I think it is vital to do a personal inventory...yes, Paula, I just said that. I have dissected basically every part of myself and concluded that I do in fact like myself...so I guess that's good. I have realized how tired I was and, although I would like to pretend I could have continued the way I was going, I can now admit to myself how much I did need this time. I have been running on empty for awhile now and look forward to coming back refreshed...watch out world.
Sending a massive, suffocating, hold on for a minute passed comfortable HUG.
P.S. I have been working on my proposals as well...they are taking forever! I am a slacker and should take self-starter off my resume because it is a lie (but I'm not going to).
P.S.S. Men hold hands in Rwanda. Like, interlocking fingers hold hands. Not going to lie, in the beginning I was puzzled. I did not understand how so many men were openly gay in an African nation. For a day or two I thought maybe they move here from Ethiopia because they can get killed there and maybe in Rwanda it is more accepting...nope. They just hold hands. I kind of like it, manly men, holding hands...it's nice.
P.S.S.S. African Cup starts Friday...I WANT TO PLAY BASKETBALL. My game is slippin!
Secondly, Max, welcome to the parks & rec team and, no, I did not bring Nana's sweater with me (although I should have!!!). I'm sure it is around there somewhere and I would be honored if you carried on the tradition and wore it this year. Due to the fact that you were the only one who agreed that it was the sweater she was wearing her last Christmas, I think it is only right!
Lastly, an update...since it is that time of year, we often listen to Christmas music and it is so weird! It's hard to get in the spirit here because it feels like June and there are no lights or decorations anywhere. It makes me realize that I could never live in a state where it does not snow. I need snow, I need four seasons. I will say that I am kind of grateful that I feel this way because it does make it much easier to miss my first Christmas. Without the hoopla, it will simply feel like Jesus' birthday...which I guess is a good thing but much less fun.
Other than that, I have nothing to report. I have legit done nothing the last three days. I went into town twice and other than that have been chilling...str8 chillin (that's for you LT, do you even say that?). I've spent a lot of time sitting on my porch reflecting on life, mine in particular. I strongly recommend it. I feel calmer than usual and although I felt like a waste of space, I think it is vital to do a personal inventory...yes, Paula, I just said that. I have dissected basically every part of myself and concluded that I do in fact like myself...so I guess that's good. I have realized how tired I was and, although I would like to pretend I could have continued the way I was going, I can now admit to myself how much I did need this time. I have been running on empty for awhile now and look forward to coming back refreshed...watch out world.
Sending a massive, suffocating, hold on for a minute passed comfortable HUG.
P.S. I have been working on my proposals as well...they are taking forever! I am a slacker and should take self-starter off my resume because it is a lie (but I'm not going to).
P.S.S. Men hold hands in Rwanda. Like, interlocking fingers hold hands. Not going to lie, in the beginning I was puzzled. I did not understand how so many men were openly gay in an African nation. For a day or two I thought maybe they move here from Ethiopia because they can get killed there and maybe in Rwanda it is more accepting...nope. They just hold hands. I kind of like it, manly men, holding hands...it's nice.
P.S.S.S. African Cup starts Friday...I WANT TO PLAY BASKETBALL. My game is slippin!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Caught in the act...
Tonight I went to a screening of a film called, My Neighbor, My Killer, with two of my roommates (Rachel and Sam). It was an interesting film offering a different angle than As We Forgive. Rather than focus on repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation, this film followed a village through their experiences at Gacaca. The Gacaca is basically a community court room. The perpetrators that were released are forced to face the community and the survivors are their judge and jury who determine what their sentence will be. The perpetrators stand up in front of the counsel and the survivors stand up and testify against the perpetrators. The perpetrators then either deny or confirm the claims. Once everyone has spoken, the counsel gives them their sentence – freedom or additional jail time.
To be honest, the film was rather depressing. Most, if not all, of the survivors interviewed basically said that it didn't matter if the perpetrators were released and killed them because they were already dead. They said they almost hoped they would come back and finish the job. I'm sure a significant percentage of the survivor population feels that way, as they have lost everything, but I'm over here in la la land watching amazing things happen with repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation that it's almost easy to forget the immense, inconsolable pain felt by so many (especially those without a God).
The film was thought-provoking to say the least. My roommates and I had a great discussion regarding the possibility of true reconciliation and whether it is better to talk about all of this horror or just let it die with that generation. I have my own opinions (of course) but I don't want to bore you with them right now but I'd be happy to discuss when I get home.
After the film my roomies filled up on snacks and had a couple drinks. When we were leaving they decided that it would be a good idea to take a couple beers home with us. One of us, Sam, was able to slip one in her purse but Rachel was having some issues so asked me to grab one for her. I didn't plan on taking my own so didn't think it would be problem. I don't know what we were thinking to have me, the tallest, whitest, brightest haired person in the room, take the beer but it seemed like a good idea at the time. So, me being my incredibly smooth self, unzips my purse and on the way out attempts to put it in my bag (which I thought I almost missed). Well, I made it down one step before being followed out and told that I could not bring that out of the hall. Of course the first time I attempt to take booze semi-illegally, I get caught! I should have known though because they are always watching me like a hawk...every where I go!!! But, we all got a good laugh and there was no jail time so it was worth it :)
That's all I got. LOVE YOU.
To be honest, the film was rather depressing. Most, if not all, of the survivors interviewed basically said that it didn't matter if the perpetrators were released and killed them because they were already dead. They said they almost hoped they would come back and finish the job. I'm sure a significant percentage of the survivor population feels that way, as they have lost everything, but I'm over here in la la land watching amazing things happen with repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation that it's almost easy to forget the immense, inconsolable pain felt by so many (especially those without a God).
The film was thought-provoking to say the least. My roommates and I had a great discussion regarding the possibility of true reconciliation and whether it is better to talk about all of this horror or just let it die with that generation. I have my own opinions (of course) but I don't want to bore you with them right now but I'd be happy to discuss when I get home.
After the film my roomies filled up on snacks and had a couple drinks. When we were leaving they decided that it would be a good idea to take a couple beers home with us. One of us, Sam, was able to slip one in her purse but Rachel was having some issues so asked me to grab one for her. I didn't plan on taking my own so didn't think it would be problem. I don't know what we were thinking to have me, the tallest, whitest, brightest haired person in the room, take the beer but it seemed like a good idea at the time. So, me being my incredibly smooth self, unzips my purse and on the way out attempts to put it in my bag (which I thought I almost missed). Well, I made it down one step before being followed out and told that I could not bring that out of the hall. Of course the first time I attempt to take booze semi-illegally, I get caught! I should have known though because they are always watching me like a hawk...every where I go!!! But, we all got a good laugh and there was no jail time so it was worth it :)
That's all I got. LOVE YOU.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Nothing exciting to report...
Today was a rainy Sunday with no electricity so I do not have too much to report. I went to a new church...a singing, dancing, praise the Lord church...AWESOME voices! It was an interesting experience but I think I prefer a step down in intensity. After church we hosted a big lunch at the house. My roommate from the UK, Donna, cooked and it was impressive (still starchy but nice...this girl is dying for a basic salad with some balsamic vinaigrette on the side). After lunch it poured so I watched He's Just Not That Into You. It was my first time watching anything since I got here and although it was a mind-numbing chick flick there is nothing better than a movie on a rainy day! I will say that the movie confuses that heck out of me but I have no idea what I am doing anyway when it comes to dating so it does not really matter at this point!
This week is going to be busy...tons of meetings and I have to finish my proposal for a radio show we are producing as well as the Walk to Remember plan. I am going to be the jack of all trades by the time I get home…
Other than that, due to my inability to stay in the moment (I'm working on it), I was thinking how crazy it is that I have only been here for a month and already have people to miss AND people from Africa...that just sounds cool. But, it's true, I have met so many wonderful people and I just really enjoy my roommates and the PLP guys.
I think of you guys all the time! If I could, I would give you all massive hugs right now!
This week is going to be busy...tons of meetings and I have to finish my proposal for a radio show we are producing as well as the Walk to Remember plan. I am going to be the jack of all trades by the time I get home…
Other than that, due to my inability to stay in the moment (I'm working on it), I was thinking how crazy it is that I have only been here for a month and already have people to miss AND people from Africa...that just sounds cool. But, it's true, I have met so many wonderful people and I just really enjoy my roommates and the PLP guys.
I think of you guys all the time! If I could, I would give you all massive hugs right now!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
You want me to what?
I, Kate Kelley, am now the International Coordinator of A Walk to Remember. I have meetings with individuals from Asia, India, and the UK next week to discuss this year’s event as I am now responsible for all of our international efforts. I am incredibly honored that PLP has chosen me but I would love to see my Mom's face right now as she reads this. If I were not so concerned about google and this blog coming up when you search for A Walk to Remember I would elaborate. How and why do these wonderful things keep happening to me? If I knew I would be put in all these positions, I would have studied A LOT harder in school!!! (You'll have to wait for more information on the event. I am in the process of reworking our mission statement and strategic goals but will share once they have been approved).
In other news, today was The Watchman. The Watchman is another event hosted by PLP at the Niboye Peace Village. This village is a collection of 22 houses with an average of five people living in each house (three small rooms, kitchen, and living room). The individuals living in the houses are all victims of the genocide and part of children run households. The oldest person at the village is approximately 25 and all of its inhabitants are orphans. They live on roughly $124 frw or $0.22 USD per month. Since the oldest child in each house (now around my age) was responsible for taking care of the others, they did not have the opportunity to go to school or have access to programs that would teach them income generating skills. As a result, very few households earn any additional income. Many of the children, who are now in their teens, have been displaced so often that most are still in primary school. For example, the family I met included a boy (15), Goodness, who was one at the time of the genocide and his brother (21) who was six and sister (22) who was seven. Their parents, older sister, aunts, uncles and grandparents were killed during the genocide. They had one grandmother left who they lived with until she passed in 2004 and moved to the village in 2007. Goodness is 15 and in the sixth grade, his brother is currently unemployed and his sister is a secretary. They have no electricity and minimal plumbing.
The primary purpose of the event is to show the people of the village that they are not forgotten and bring them two months worth of food and supplies. Now that I am more involved with PLP, my goal is to have workshops next year that will teach them the skills necessary to generate some sort of income for their families. The workshops could include basket weaving, farming, etc. There have to be a couple people in the farming community that could use some help and the kids stories are so moving that you could set up some sort of foundation or online store to sell their goods. I have to think about it more but I know there is a solution. Right now we are just giving them the food/supplies which is only a temporary fix. I would much rather help them to become self-sufficient. The whole give a man a fish vs. teach a man to fish thing...
Overall, great day, I feel so blessed to be here and have the opportunity to meet all of these wonderful people. They are always falling all over themselves trying to thank me for being here and I wish somehow I could communicate to them just how grateful I am to them for being a part of my life. It's hard to explain but they are giving me more than I could ever give them.
I can't believe it is December 5th...so crazy. I hope everyone is getting in the Christmas spirit...PLEASE BUY A BRICK! www.livingbrickscampaign.org
Love you more than you know.
P.S. The first member of my A Walk to Remember US based team will be Ms. Brittany Kelley, followed by Ms. Windy Kelley, Mrs. Paula Reele, and Ms. Rebecca Shaw. Our first meeting will be two weeks after I get back, more details to come.
In other news, today was The Watchman. The Watchman is another event hosted by PLP at the Niboye Peace Village. This village is a collection of 22 houses with an average of five people living in each house (three small rooms, kitchen, and living room). The individuals living in the houses are all victims of the genocide and part of children run households. The oldest person at the village is approximately 25 and all of its inhabitants are orphans. They live on roughly $124 frw or $0.22 USD per month. Since the oldest child in each house (now around my age) was responsible for taking care of the others, they did not have the opportunity to go to school or have access to programs that would teach them income generating skills. As a result, very few households earn any additional income. Many of the children, who are now in their teens, have been displaced so often that most are still in primary school. For example, the family I met included a boy (15), Goodness, who was one at the time of the genocide and his brother (21) who was six and sister (22) who was seven. Their parents, older sister, aunts, uncles and grandparents were killed during the genocide. They had one grandmother left who they lived with until she passed in 2004 and moved to the village in 2007. Goodness is 15 and in the sixth grade, his brother is currently unemployed and his sister is a secretary. They have no electricity and minimal plumbing.
The primary purpose of the event is to show the people of the village that they are not forgotten and bring them two months worth of food and supplies. Now that I am more involved with PLP, my goal is to have workshops next year that will teach them the skills necessary to generate some sort of income for their families. The workshops could include basket weaving, farming, etc. There have to be a couple people in the farming community that could use some help and the kids stories are so moving that you could set up some sort of foundation or online store to sell their goods. I have to think about it more but I know there is a solution. Right now we are just giving them the food/supplies which is only a temporary fix. I would much rather help them to become self-sufficient. The whole give a man a fish vs. teach a man to fish thing...
Overall, great day, I feel so blessed to be here and have the opportunity to meet all of these wonderful people. They are always falling all over themselves trying to thank me for being here and I wish somehow I could communicate to them just how grateful I am to them for being a part of my life. It's hard to explain but they are giving me more than I could ever give them.
I can't believe it is December 5th...so crazy. I hope everyone is getting in the Christmas spirit...PLEASE BUY A BRICK! www.livingbrickscampaign.org
Love you more than you know.
P.S. The first member of my A Walk to Remember US based team will be Ms. Brittany Kelley, followed by Ms. Windy Kelley, Mrs. Paula Reele, and Ms. Rebecca Shaw. Our first meeting will be two weeks after I get back, more details to come.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Dear Tiger
If I were your wife I would have just gone straight for that freshly rehabbed knee and then maybe the rotator cuff.
You're a jerk.
Warm wishes,
Kate
You're a jerk.
Warm wishes,
Kate
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Some like it hot...
I LIKE IT COLD.
O my goodness, Tanzania was soooo hot!!! Like, stand still and sweat hot. The sun was beating on me all day, every day. On the beautiful beaches of southern Zanzibar, I was in the pool and ocean lathered in my spf 45 (didn't have my spf 85) for less than 25 minutes before diving for cover under an umbrella and I immediately turned into a freckle freak and burnt the heck out of every area I missed! It was unbelievable. Granted we were at the equator and this skin was made for the rolling green hills of cloudy, rainy Ireland but come on, what happened to evolution?! I've been gone for generations...
The trip overall gets a 5 out of 10...I was gone for seven days and spent 4 1/2 on a bus, was followed by locals begging for money or for me to buy over-priced crap non-stop, was constantly forced to barter for everything (taxi fares, tickets, etc) because everyone tried to rip me off, was suffocated in a cloud of cigarette smoke for the last two days and had to pay for a plane ticket home due to the fact that I decided I already wasted too much of God's time over the last week praying to safely arrive at my next location that it was just becoming selfish.
So, I will focus on the more negative parts first so we can end on a positive note.
Bus Ride: Insane. Most of the time we were on dirt roads getting slammed all over the seats. The "buses" ranged from 1970's vans to regular charter buses...none of which had bathrooms and all sounded like they could break down at any minute.
Begging: Leave me alone. The begging is non-stop! It's annoying and most won't quit. They follow you and it's just ugh. I have a new strategy with the beggars that are kids. Now when they come up to me I tell them if they can give me five good reasons why I should give them the money I will. It stops them in their tracks and they just smile and want to know everything about you.
Bartering: In the "real world" tickets and taxi fares have a fixed price. Not in Africa...at least not if you're white. EVERYONE and I mean everyone tried to rip us off. It was outrageous and so frustrating. I was even to the point of telling people to go screw and although this comment might cause a debate, which I welcome, Africa is by far the most racist continent I have ever been on. It's unfortunate but people try to take advantage of you at every turn and it's just corrupt. For instance, we went into a ferry company office to buy a ticket from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar. It was a legit establishment and we knew going in that the tickets cost $35USD. We walked in, asked for two tickets and the guy said $50USD a piece. We said we knew they only cost $35USD and he smiled and said no, $50USD. We said no thanks and walked out. As we were leaving, he said fine $35USD. We left and bought them from someone else for the right price. It's so frustrating because that man does not understand the effect that his actions have on his company...he is losing business. What if we had just moved there and needed tickets weekly, or if we had a massive group with us, or if we were writers for some tour guide book...it's just bad business. Another example is with the taxi drivers - nuts. One guy actually told us it cost $50k shillings to go less than three miles (it should cost approx $7-10k). I was really fed up at this point because it was after four days of people constantly trying to take advantage of us so I looked at him and told him I am a good person and although he is not acting like it right now, I'm sure he is too so why is he trying to rip me off? He started laughing and grabbed my hand and wanted to know my name and where I was from and then asked me how much I wanted to pay to get there and he'd take me. It was actually a nice interaction but it's so easy to see why people just write-off Africa....so many of the people you interact with just push you to your limits.
Smoke: I have never been around a group of people who smoked so much in my life. Of the eight people I was with for my two days in Zanzibar, five of them smoked at least two packs a day. It was constant and I hate cigarette smoke...hate it.
Plane Ride: Ok, this one is not to be repeated to Pat. If she finds out, it will have to be through reading the blog so, in some ways, this is a test. I decided to take a plane back because the bus ride to Dar Es Salaam was so crazy and I was legit afraid for my life. One incident in particular sealed the deal. When we walked crossed the Rwandan border into Tanzania we had to switch buses and pick up two armed guards. I thought nothing of it because I just figured they had to get somewhere as well. Guess what...I was wrong! About an hour north of the border we passed a van with a bullet hole through the driver’s side window. Unbeknownst to me, bandits flood the area before Christmas and highjack and rob the cars and buses passing through. Luckily the bandits missed the drivers head so were unsuccessful in their attempt but it was scary nonetheless. Anyway, about 20 minutes after passing the van with the bullet hole we were stopped by a group of about 10 decent sized men with machine guns...eight of which were dressed in civilian clothing. At this time, all I was thinking was "Super, look what I got myself into." and "Way to be selfish and get killed on Thanksgiving." (I was also drowning myself in prayer but was mainly thinking, "Super, how am I going to get out of this one?"). Well, turns out they were all cops hunting for the bandits but still...woah. Needless to say, I decided then and there that if I didn't buy a plane ticket back I was basically putting a price tag on my life and I would be so ticked off if on the way home we got highjacked...that is one experience I do not need to have. All that being said, I also feel the need to point out that nowhere on the embassy website did it say that there were bandits in Tanzania...I did look before leaving.
So, positives...saw most of eastern Africa; including, Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tribes people and their villages; met some really nice, helpful people; and, swam in the Indian ocean (that was about 80 degrees, no lie, hottest water I have been in since being in Africa, showers included)...there are probably more but I am tired :) If I think of them I will write it tomorrow.
Lastly, you may think I am nuts but this fascinated me so I have to share... We stayed at my traveling companion's friend’s house in Zanzibar. It was freaking hot and there were no fans / air conditioning so as soon as we woke up in the morning, we would bring our blankets outside and lie on the porch because it was cooler outside. Well, lying there I noticed the line of ants that were walking across the porch and up the wall. The ants were going in two directions passing each other...I swear some of the ants acknowledged one another. I was watching them and some of the ants stopped and touched heads then moved along. They were not walking into each other and they were not greeting every ant. Moral of the story - ants have friends. (No, I don't do drugs).
Lastly (for real), my biggest take-a-way from this trip is that Rwanda was the right country in Africa for me at this time. The landscape, temperature and the people fit me better than Tanzania and Kenya...(although I'm sure there are great people there too). One thing that I should say after bashing the African's for being corrupt is that on my way back from the airport I was preparing myself for my pending fight with the moto driver for a fair fare. I decided on a price that I was willing to pay and as I waved down the moto was preparing my speech. I asked the moto driver how much and for the first time in Africa, he quoted me a fair price - the actual real cost of the ride. I was shocked. When I got home, I gave him the money and he gave me the correct change! I tipped him which confused him because people don't tip here and thanked him for his honesty...it was exactly what I needed!!!
That's all. Lots of reading! Although a majority is negative, each experience was worth it (minus the bandits, no point in that one).
I love you and am so grateful to be back in Rwanda safe (but on guard)!
O my goodness, Tanzania was soooo hot!!! Like, stand still and sweat hot. The sun was beating on me all day, every day. On the beautiful beaches of southern Zanzibar, I was in the pool and ocean lathered in my spf 45 (didn't have my spf 85) for less than 25 minutes before diving for cover under an umbrella and I immediately turned into a freckle freak and burnt the heck out of every area I missed! It was unbelievable. Granted we were at the equator and this skin was made for the rolling green hills of cloudy, rainy Ireland but come on, what happened to evolution?! I've been gone for generations...
The trip overall gets a 5 out of 10...I was gone for seven days and spent 4 1/2 on a bus, was followed by locals begging for money or for me to buy over-priced crap non-stop, was constantly forced to barter for everything (taxi fares, tickets, etc) because everyone tried to rip me off, was suffocated in a cloud of cigarette smoke for the last two days and had to pay for a plane ticket home due to the fact that I decided I already wasted too much of God's time over the last week praying to safely arrive at my next location that it was just becoming selfish.
So, I will focus on the more negative parts first so we can end on a positive note.
Bus Ride: Insane. Most of the time we were on dirt roads getting slammed all over the seats. The "buses" ranged from 1970's vans to regular charter buses...none of which had bathrooms and all sounded like they could break down at any minute.
Begging: Leave me alone. The begging is non-stop! It's annoying and most won't quit. They follow you and it's just ugh. I have a new strategy with the beggars that are kids. Now when they come up to me I tell them if they can give me five good reasons why I should give them the money I will. It stops them in their tracks and they just smile and want to know everything about you.
Bartering: In the "real world" tickets and taxi fares have a fixed price. Not in Africa...at least not if you're white. EVERYONE and I mean everyone tried to rip us off. It was outrageous and so frustrating. I was even to the point of telling people to go screw and although this comment might cause a debate, which I welcome, Africa is by far the most racist continent I have ever been on. It's unfortunate but people try to take advantage of you at every turn and it's just corrupt. For instance, we went into a ferry company office to buy a ticket from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar. It was a legit establishment and we knew going in that the tickets cost $35USD. We walked in, asked for two tickets and the guy said $50USD a piece. We said we knew they only cost $35USD and he smiled and said no, $50USD. We said no thanks and walked out. As we were leaving, he said fine $35USD. We left and bought them from someone else for the right price. It's so frustrating because that man does not understand the effect that his actions have on his company...he is losing business. What if we had just moved there and needed tickets weekly, or if we had a massive group with us, or if we were writers for some tour guide book...it's just bad business. Another example is with the taxi drivers - nuts. One guy actually told us it cost $50k shillings to go less than three miles (it should cost approx $7-10k). I was really fed up at this point because it was after four days of people constantly trying to take advantage of us so I looked at him and told him I am a good person and although he is not acting like it right now, I'm sure he is too so why is he trying to rip me off? He started laughing and grabbed my hand and wanted to know my name and where I was from and then asked me how much I wanted to pay to get there and he'd take me. It was actually a nice interaction but it's so easy to see why people just write-off Africa....so many of the people you interact with just push you to your limits.
Smoke: I have never been around a group of people who smoked so much in my life. Of the eight people I was with for my two days in Zanzibar, five of them smoked at least two packs a day. It was constant and I hate cigarette smoke...hate it.
Plane Ride: Ok, this one is not to be repeated to Pat. If she finds out, it will have to be through reading the blog so, in some ways, this is a test. I decided to take a plane back because the bus ride to Dar Es Salaam was so crazy and I was legit afraid for my life. One incident in particular sealed the deal. When we walked crossed the Rwandan border into Tanzania we had to switch buses and pick up two armed guards. I thought nothing of it because I just figured they had to get somewhere as well. Guess what...I was wrong! About an hour north of the border we passed a van with a bullet hole through the driver’s side window. Unbeknownst to me, bandits flood the area before Christmas and highjack and rob the cars and buses passing through. Luckily the bandits missed the drivers head so were unsuccessful in their attempt but it was scary nonetheless. Anyway, about 20 minutes after passing the van with the bullet hole we were stopped by a group of about 10 decent sized men with machine guns...eight of which were dressed in civilian clothing. At this time, all I was thinking was "Super, look what I got myself into." and "Way to be selfish and get killed on Thanksgiving." (I was also drowning myself in prayer but was mainly thinking, "Super, how am I going to get out of this one?"). Well, turns out they were all cops hunting for the bandits but still...woah. Needless to say, I decided then and there that if I didn't buy a plane ticket back I was basically putting a price tag on my life and I would be so ticked off if on the way home we got highjacked...that is one experience I do not need to have. All that being said, I also feel the need to point out that nowhere on the embassy website did it say that there were bandits in Tanzania...I did look before leaving.
So, positives...saw most of eastern Africa; including, Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tribes people and their villages; met some really nice, helpful people; and, swam in the Indian ocean (that was about 80 degrees, no lie, hottest water I have been in since being in Africa, showers included)...there are probably more but I am tired :) If I think of them I will write it tomorrow.
Lastly, you may think I am nuts but this fascinated me so I have to share... We stayed at my traveling companion's friend’s house in Zanzibar. It was freaking hot and there were no fans / air conditioning so as soon as we woke up in the morning, we would bring our blankets outside and lie on the porch because it was cooler outside. Well, lying there I noticed the line of ants that were walking across the porch and up the wall. The ants were going in two directions passing each other...I swear some of the ants acknowledged one another. I was watching them and some of the ants stopped and touched heads then moved along. They were not walking into each other and they were not greeting every ant. Moral of the story - ants have friends. (No, I don't do drugs).
Lastly (for real), my biggest take-a-way from this trip is that Rwanda was the right country in Africa for me at this time. The landscape, temperature and the people fit me better than Tanzania and Kenya...(although I'm sure there are great people there too). One thing that I should say after bashing the African's for being corrupt is that on my way back from the airport I was preparing myself for my pending fight with the moto driver for a fair fare. I decided on a price that I was willing to pay and as I waved down the moto was preparing my speech. I asked the moto driver how much and for the first time in Africa, he quoted me a fair price - the actual real cost of the ride. I was shocked. When I got home, I gave him the money and he gave me the correct change! I tipped him which confused him because people don't tip here and thanked him for his honesty...it was exactly what I needed!!!
That's all. Lots of reading! Although a majority is negative, each experience was worth it (minus the bandits, no point in that one).
I love you and am so grateful to be back in Rwanda safe (but on guard)!
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