TravelStream™ news feed for member revrosefairy on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/revrosefairy en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:19:13 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1207090680/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1207090680/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1207090680/tpod.html Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:19:13 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

Well, it was my last night, and what a doozy! We went to a cultural dinner and dance put on by one of the Trade Schools here. They teach sewing, knitting, computer, cooking and such. It was a pleasant evening; I didn't eat too much, cause we weren't sure if it would make us sick or not. I petted my first cat there. Like all of the other animals I have seen, it was very scrawny, but seemed muscular. I fed it my meat. After dinner, they performed some rational African dances, did a little fire-eating and then we all danced to African rock/rap/melodies. There was a tremendous rain storm during the performance, and it was still raining when we left. Of course, we were traveling the usual dirt roads, only now they were rivers! You know how you see people stuck in their vehicles with the water rushing by on TV? Just like that! When the water got a few inches above our 4-wheel drive van tires, the engine conked. We couldn't get out of the van, cause the current was too strong. Not to mention that the water was probably filled with disease. So we waited about 45 minutes and the water started going down. Then we got the engine started, and our wonderful driver, Peter, was able to get us out! The rest of the ride home was pretty rough and scary, but we made it. We were supposed to get back around 9:00, but we didn't get in until 10:45. Time for bed!
Today was my last day at school. I took the kids a cake and some cookies and candy. Also, one last batch of pencils and sharpeners. I am happy to say that they love the pencil sharpeners. I got the teacher to throw away the razor blades, and hopefully those 3-6 yr olds will never use them again. But they go through pencils quickly, because they like to sharpen them all of the time! Oh, well! I intend on staying in touch, and I will continue to send them things. I took pictures of the kids, the teacher and her baby, Kelvine, and the classroom. I can't wait to share my pics with you all!
I am packed up and ready to go. We are leaving for the airport right after dinner. Three of us are on the same flight to Amsterdam. Then one goes to London, one to L.A. and I come home!We get into Amsterdam at 7:30 am, and I have a 5 hr layover. Then onwards to DC! I get into Dulles at 4:55pm. Long trip home, but I am totally ready for it!
This was a fabulous trip, and I am truly glad I came. Africa can not truly be explained, however, you must experience it for yourself. It is such a land of contrasts. Beauty beyond your imagination, and ugliness, neglect and poverty. People w/o anything, but they constantly have a smile. If you ever get a chance to go to Tanzania, I highly recommend it.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1207018860/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1207018860/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1207018860/tpod.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:18:21 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

Last night I went out with a few of the other people here. We went to the Kinderoka Hotel. It has a restaurant on top of the building. We ate and drank and chatted, and had a nice time. I had one of them peal the label off their Kilimanjaro beer to give to my ex, Bill. I thought he might like it. Their slogan is: If you can't climb it, then drink it!"
Today we went into Arusha. We didn't get to go to the Rowanda tribunal, as it was closed. I was disappointed; I really wanted to see it. We went to a Massai market and shopped, then we went to a shop that sells tanzanite. The shop owner says that it is not true that all of the tanzannite mines are mined out. He says there are still stones coming out, but they are the darker, more expensive kind. Anyway, three of the girls purchased some. Not me! The highlight of our trip was our visit to the Shopright! It is a real grocery store. We had soda and potato chips!

I never get tired of looking at the scenery as we drive along. People here treat their goats like dogs; you see them walking with the goat on a leash. They will have a cow leashed out in their front yard to graze; and chickens pecking around it.

And it is just so weird to see how there is always people walking everywhere! They don't have cars, so they have to walk. It would be like walking along Rt 27 with people walking along both sides of the road; even it 10:00 at night in the pitch dark! It's definitely a different lifestyle.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206985080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206985080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206985080/tpod.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:50:06 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

I had a good day at school today. The children always run down to the van yelling"Teacha, Teacha!" George always carries my bag, and Juluis carries my purse. This morning they wanted me to make Lizards (usees) and elephants (tembos) with the play dough. We sang lots of songs, and their favorite is "Where is Thumbkin?" Tina, the teacher, has a 4 month old son. He stays in class with us, and she breast feeds him as she teaches. Can't see that happening in the States!
The children here are very physical; lots of hitting, pushing and kicking, but it is just part of their culture. In the schools, they still have corporal punishment. My teacher rarely hits, but in the Primary/Secondary schools, they hit and cane the children. To receive a caning, you get in the floor in a 'push-up' position, and get caned across the back. And, of course, at home they use 'switches' to punish the children.
I think I am going to walk down to the Kawasaki bar now. On the way down the dirt road, children will come up and hold our hands as we walk along. Children here just love white people. They wave to you wherever you go. The others will have a Kilimanjaro beer, and I will have a Coke. It is so funny to have the chickens run around under your table!
Tomorrow after school, we are going to Arusha to the UN to watch the Rowanda trials. I am really looking forward to that. Also we are going to a store that sells tanzanite. I am not going to take my credit card, so I can't be tempted!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206984420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206984420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206984420/tpod.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:37:47 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

Well, we have off today for Easter Monday. They are very religious here, and the Christians and Muslims get along perfectly. We can often hear the chanting from the mosque.
I am going to try to get into town today, and use the Internet a bit. BTW, I thought you would like to know that when you blow your nose here, you have totally black boogers. It is from all of the dust and pollution here. That was your interesting fact for the day.
A speaker came today to tell us about the women's movement here, and the judicial system. There is a lot of corruption (bribing, and such) and movement is slow and very frustrating. She was a lawyer and very interesting.
The cab driver is making a mix CD for me of African music. I wanted to buy some, but didn't know what, so he said he would make a compilation for me. The people of Tanzania make an average of $26.00 a month, so they are always looking for ways to make money. When you are in the city, they are constantly approaching you to buy something. And, then the bargaining begins!
The other girls got back form the Mt. Kiliview lodge and had a fantastic time! They wake you up at 6:00 am in the morning, so you can watch the sunrise over the mountain. They said it was really cool, and constantly changing colors. I will have to come back again someday, so I can go there. The Mt. Kilimanjaro is really odd. It is absolutely stunning in the morning! Just breathtaking! But by 9:00, it is totally covered with clouds, and you can't even tell it is there. If you drove through then, you wouldn't know the mountain was there.
I am still tired today, and I need to get my lesson together for school tomorrow, so I had better go now. Talk to you tomorrow!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206983640/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206983640/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206983640/tpod.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:26:59 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

Well, I am back home now, but I am going to continue with my Blog. I journeled every night, so I am going to copy it here for you.

Friday - March 21
Alas, no trip for me! Thursday night and Friday Iwas so sick that I do not remember much of anything.Throwing up, diarrhea, chills, sweats, aches and pains, dry heaves and fever! I took the meds the travel doctor gave me, but I just threw them back up. Yuch! It is bad enough being sick at home, but in Africa, not so good. I was on the top bunk, so I had to throw a blanket on the floor and lie there. In the bathroom, you don't want to touch the toilet, floor or walls (there are lizards on them), so it was a very difficult time. By Saturday morning I was just dry heaving, so I was able to keep the meds down. The Staff wanted me to go to the hospitqal, but I said "No", as my home doctor had told me not to go to a dopctor in Africa unless it was an emergency. I knew I didn't have malaria, because I haven't had any mosquito bites, so I just figured it was some kind of virus. The staff kept trying to feed me, as that is how they treat diarrhea here, but I stuck to liquids. Saturday evening I started to feel better. There are only 14 of us here this weekend, as everyone else has gone away. So saturday evening I wrapped some candy in paper napkins, put them in a bowl and drew a sign with a bunny on it saying, "Happy Easter". I put it out this morning, and everyone was very happy with their treat; especially the young ones. John, one of our drivers, invited us to his house for Easter lunch. I still am not 100%, so I didn't go. I would have loved to see his home & how they celebrate.
So, now I am waitng for everyone to get back. It is lonely here by myself. I am feeling better, but weak & tired. I think I will be good tomorrow.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206625080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206625080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206625080/tpod.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:47:16 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

We don't have work today, Friday, Sat, Sun and Monday. It is a combination Muslin/Easter vacation. Mary Alice and i made a Banana Cake this morning. They have lots of fruits and vegies here, but they haven;t heard of things like Banana bread or cake. We got the recipe from the interenet and did the best we could with ingredients and measurements. It turned out pretty good, and everyone liked it.
After we baked, Nikki, Mary Alice and i went into Moshi. We went to the P.O. and I mailed some postcards. Unfortunately, about an hour later, I remembered that I forgot to address them! Guess I'll have to get a new batch. Then we went to EasyCom and i Blogged for awhile.
When we left, we went to the bank. I was down to my last $50, so I was happy my card worked in the ATM,. We walked around town, looked in shops and ate at Deli Chez. I had a hot dog and fries. Not quite the same as ours, but still good for a change. We founds a guy named Regan selling coffee necklaces, very popular here, so I bought some. Then we took a taxi to the Keys Hotel and Paid $3 each to swim in the pool. I have been so hot, that pool felt fabulous! I was in heaven! We left there around 5:00 to go back to homebase., and pack for my trip tomorrow. I am going to the Mt. KiliView lodge avbout 3900ft up Kili. We will hike to another wareerfall and then just chill. I am looking forward to it.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206624000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206624000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206624000/tpod.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:37:11 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

Okay, so back to last Wednesday! We had our box lunch picnic. PB^J sandwiches *not as good as the States(, cooked chicken *they are scrawny here(, a hard boiled egg, a muffin, and an apple. We all hit the bathroom and got ready for out trek to the Ngoro waterfall. First we hiked through the rainforest, very lush with banana trees everywhere, past some houses, and stopped at a little hut to pay for walking sticks to use on our hike. You continue down a very winding, muddy, steep path with huge rock steps. It is very far to the bottom, and Nikki *18 yr old Australian, and I just tripped on down merrily and were the first to be rewarded with the beautiful waterfall! We climbed on rocks and took lots of pictures, and one of the girls went swimming. One of the guides stripped to his tiny red Speedos, climbed up the rocks of the waterfall, went behind it, came out the other side, and jumped in! We all rested there in the coolness of the mist and then it was time to hike back up. Not as easy as going down! I thought I was going to have a heart attack! It was easy to jump down those huge rocks, but not so easy for my short legs to climb back up. I couldn't catch my breath and after awhile I felt nauseaus. I was sweating like a pig! Nice picture, huh! Two other girls were also having problems going up, so we stayed together and went Pole, pole *slowly. When we finally got back up to the picnic area, I layed down in the shade and drank a full bottle of water.
On the drive back, we stopped in a batik clothing shop. I bought a purse, and I may go back next Thursday to buy some fabric.
We got back to homebase at 6>00, took a quick shower and they had a specail BBQ dinner for us! It was beef/vegie kabobs, pioeces of pork, peanut sauce, avocado, cuke and tomato salad, baked potatoes, watermelom, pineapple, and Coke! We were very excited about the soda!
So I wish we had wireless internet here. I am sorry to be so behind on my Blog. I am sorry if it is confusing for me to be writing in the present tense, on the wrong day, but I am just copying my journal every time I get into town.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206365640/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206365640/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206365640/tpod.html Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:56:37 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

Wow! I have gotten to use the computer twice in one day!!
So now to tell you all about Wednesday.
Today CCS staff took all of the new volunteers on a cultural field trip. It is a special day to thank us for volunteering and exposing us to their culture.
We left the house at 8:30 am. Our first stop was at a batik making shop. Fabulous! The owner gave us a short demonstration on the making of batik. Then we were able to shop! He had a beautiful selection of wall hangings/pictures in many sizes. He also had a picture book of others he had done. You could order one and pick it up in three days. I really wanted this gorgeous creation of a map of Africa accented with the African animals, but I couldn't think of any place to put it when I got home. So instead I bought several small pictures, but they are also lovely. Then we drove to the volcanic ash quarry on Kili. How amazing! The men/women/children go down to the bottom of the quarry and carry large, heavy rocks on top of their heads up to the top. They are paid $.20-.40 per rock. On the top of the quarry they cut them into large bricks. They use machetes to cut them! The leftover pieces are used in peoples' gardens and on the roads.
We left there and went to a blacksmith. They do all of the work by hand. We watched for a while and then shopped! They had authentic spears, rattles, hammers, knives, bells, etc. I bought a bell and rattle for $3.00. When we finished, we hiked from the blacksmith through the rainforest to a Chagga tribe home. There is an authentic Chagga hut, with a tunnel hut, too. A tunnel hut was were they would hide in case of attack by other tribes. We were invited to go down into the tunnels. Only 5 of us went. You go straight down a hole on a rickety wooden ladder. At the bottom there is only room for one person to stand. During attack, that person would have been armed with a spear. The tunnel starts there. You must crawl on your hands on knees through the dirt tunnel about 8-10feet, You emerge into a small round sitting room. The ceiling is about 3-4' tall., and it is about 12' in diameter. Then there is another hands and knees tunnel into the area called the kitchen. I didn't go there! I felt claustrophobic, so I crawled and climbed back out to the aboveground again! Air!!! I guess if it was a choice between getting killed and staying in the tunnel, then I would stay in the tunnel. But it was not pleasant. And I was filthy! After we kind of cleaned up, we hiked back to the van at the blacksmith.
We went to the 'Market' next. I find them very interesting. It is very crowded with everyone selling there wares: bananas, fish, clothes, baseball caps, fruits, veggies, electronics, etc I bought a Kanga (traditional African wraparound skirt) for $4.00. I love it! We also bought our bottled water for our picnic,

We had a picnic a little ways up Mt. Kili. A dirt road goes up the mountain and we went to Gilman's picnic area. Gorgeous! A manicured yard with large wooden carving and beautiful flowers. We had our box lunches there. Well, my time is about up on this computer, so I am going to save and send. I will fill you in on the rest later!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206349920/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206349920/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206349920/tpod.html Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:23:47 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

Back to school the past two days. I am very pleased with the things I have been able to teach DaDa Tina, The teacher, and the children. The children are learning to print, and I showed her the value of teaching them to draw shapes before teaching them their letters. And the dice I brought from my Bunko group have enabled the children to use them for counting and addition. We have learned the Day of the Week song, Head, shoulders Knees and Toes, and the LOVE Where is Thumbkin They love me to blow bubbles for them, but they call them balloons, and they are having fun with the jump ropes I brought for them. Today something funny happened. It had rained, so we stayed inside to play. They were playing with the playdough I had brought them and I was making elephants and lizards for them. I got tired and was standing with my arm around one of the boys. All of a sudden he said something quickly to his friends and two other boys came and stuck their faces in my armpits! They sniffed and said, Ummm, good, Teacher! They don't use deodorant here, so I guess they were impressed with my odor. I have never had anyone want to snill my pits before!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206347760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206347760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/revrosefairy/tanzania1/1206347760/tpod.html Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:10:57 -0400 Tanzania Volunteer Activities

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Moshi, Tanzania

Once again I apologize for the delay in my entries. Our internet at the homebase is not working, we are having many power outages and I can't always get into town.
So,I believe we are now on Saturday at Ngororngoro Crater. This was the best day ofthe safari! The crater was formed by a collaspsed volcano. It is a very flat land with the high walls of the crater all around it. Many animals live here.|We were very fortunate to spot two cheetas. Apparantly they are usually elusive and when they are spotted they run away. These two stayed for about 15 minutes. They are amazingly beautiful, but still so very like my cats at home in their mannerisms. We saw elephants, zebra, buffalo, ostrich, Dik Dik, antelope, warthogs, and many more animals! We also were very lucky to see a rhino and a baby. They are very scarce. We ate at a picnic area by a pool full of hippos. It was fun watching the heads come out of the water. After lunch it rained a little, which turned out to be great for us. The big cats do not like wet grass, so we got to see a whole pride of lions, several females, one male and several cubs. The cubs were playing just like kittens! The malel ion has a very dark mane. He decided to get frisky with one of the females, so we had the pleasure of watching them run as he chased her and they played a courting game! The other females and cubs crossed the road right in front of us! Awesome! I wish so much that I had the pictures to show you now, but I will send them all to you when I return home. That night we ate at camp and then went to visit a Massai village. The Massai warriors are a very old tribe.They live in huts made of cowdung and mud. The Massai usually will not allow their pictures to be taken,but they have allowed this particular site the priviledge in order to make money to send their children to school. It is a very hard way of life. The children and adults have faces covered with flies. They are very dirty. They have herds of cows. They only eat beef, blood and milk. Yuch! They were quite fascinated with my hair and everyone wanted to touch it. They did a tribal dance for us, and showed us the inside of one of their huts. Very dark inside! There is a bed for the husband, and one for the wife and children. The fire to cook is in the middle without any ventilation. Very claustaphobic! I found it very sad and was glad to leave their village.
We went back to camp and took turns roasting coffee beans over an open fire. When they were brown and toasty, then we took turns with a morter and pestule to grind them up for coffee in the morning. Then it was time for bed!
Sunday we got up early and had breakfast, then went to Tangangere Natl park. Not as many animals their, but it was a very beautiful park. We did get to see lots of giraffes and babies! At lunch we had some of our lunch stolen by some Blue Balled Monkeys! They were very fast and had turquoise balls, I KID YOU NOT! Then it was time for our 3 hour ride back to homebase. The whole safari was truly wonderful and I would highly recommend it to anyone. If I come again, I would like to go to the Serengeti.
]]>