London layover/ First weekend in Dar Es Salaam
Trip Start
Aug 08, 2006
1
14
Trip End
Jun 12, 2007
London,
United Kingdom
Monday, August 14, 2006
I have now been in Dar Es Salaam for three days and have loved every minute of it.
After saying goodbye to friends and family, I left Boston on Tuesday August 8th on a 9:20 p.m. flight to London. I had a two day stopover in London to stretch a bit and to visit the always fabulous Megan Roarty. After a 7 hour overnight flight, I sucked up the jet lag to run around London with Megan and Alyssa. It was great to have a break in the flight time and see to friends before setting off.
On Thursday morning, we awoke to the news about the terrorist plots at Heathrow airport and news of cancelled flights
Ferry to Kipepeo!
. With my flight to Dar Es Salaam scheduled for 7:20 p.m. that night and Megan's flight to Portugal scheduled the next morning, we were both worried about the conditions at the airport, not to mention the worry that there had been a potential terrorist attack and that no one seemed to have any detailed information about it. Luckily only short haul flights within Europe and some flights to America were cancelled and all or most long haul flights were operating. A bit frightened, I went to the airport around 5:00 p.m. and with slight hesitation transferred my laptop, ipod, and important items I had stored in my carry-on into my checked luggage. Left with only my passport, ticket, and wallet, I said goodbye to Megan, received my thorough security pat down, and boarded the plane feeling a bit naked without baggage.With a little extra room on the plane because so many people has missed their connections in Europe, I settled in for my 10 hour flight to Dar Es Salaam. I watched 'V for Vendetta' which my brother had raved about (I will not rave) and fell off to sleep. I arrived in Dar Es Salaam at 7:00 a.m. the next morning. My rotary host counselor, Saada, works for British Airways and had my name announced over the plane loud speaker when we arrived. I was relieved because I worried that I would not find her at the airport but she was plane side waiting for me. For those who don't know, through my Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, Rotary assigns me a host counselor who is my primary contact in the country and someone I can go to for questions
Hello Africa!
. I was happy to find Saada as my host counselor not only because she is extremely friendly but also because it meant that the Dar Es Salaam rotary club admits women! This is not the case in all countries and Rotary club in general didn't admit any women until 1989.Saada took me to her home through tons of traffic (so many Tanzanians are now buying cars but the roads are not built for so much traffic so it gets congested easily). I met her son and husband. We then proceeded onto her BA office where I called my parents who had sent Saada an emergency email with their worries and then we headed to the University of Dar Es Salaam. The University of Dar Es Salaam is further from the city then I had thought it would be but it is a community in itself. All faculty and students live on the large campus. Through my Swahili course, I was assigned a home stay with the Reverend Ngao who preaches at the church on campus. At first I was apprehensive about being in a home stay because many of the students are in dorms but it turned out to be the best thing. There I have my own room, they fed me breakfast, lunch, and dinner (great African food), they have small daughters who are beyond cute, and they help me with my Swahili. I will only be staying with them for three weeks while I'm in my course and then move into the dorms but at this point I'm thinking about arranging an option to stay with them
London
. The rest of the day Friday was spent getting to know my host family and getting to bed early. Saturday, I woke up with a huge desire to have a cell phone as much as I had wanted to resist that urge. Saada's son TJ came to pick me up from the University to go into town to buy a cell phone and I spent some time at their house. Their plan for the day had been to visit Saada's brother (actually cousin but they call children of their aunts and uncles brother or sister) in the hospital. He was diagnosed with colon cancer. They invited me to go which I thought was a little strange at first but when we got there, there were about 20 people in the room. When someone is sick in Tanzania, everyone goes to the hospital -- even work friends of the relatives! It's interesting and they go every day. It was nice to meet Saada's family and I was interested in checking out the hospital. Later that night, I had dinner with the reverend and his family then went out with Saada's son and his friends. It was a lot of fun with a mix of African and American hip hop playing.
Sunday, I woke up to go to church hoping to hear the reverend preach but learned that he only preached at the Swahili service. I went to the English service and hope that once I have learned enough Swahili I may be able to attend his
Megs and Jess london style!
. Later that day his wife invited me to a "Kitchen Party" which is like a bridal shower but much more elaborate and festive. Only women are invited -- usually married women -- and they are to teach the bride the things she is supposed do for her husband and they give her houseware gifts. All the women had the same patterned fabric sash on. The bride, the women of her family, and close friends have dresses in different styles made of that design. The bride sat on a stage with her maid of honor and all the other women sang, danced, and gave speeches on her behalf. All and all the process lasted 6 or 7 hours. Although I did not understand it, it was amazing to be a part of. It is getting dark outside and I must get back to my room. I actually thought I might not have that much to write about but I guess I did. This email is very schedule orientated so I'll write more about language, culture, and environment later. Kwaheri!! Goodbye!
Comments
So glad to hear from you!
Jessica-
Thank you for setting up this blog and including me. Your parents weren't the only ones worried about you -- I'm relieved to know that you were able to leave London safely.
Your adventure has begun and already you have experinced so much -- thank you for sharing it with us.
Much Love!
Julia
We Love You
It is great to hear from you. We too are doing some international travel and may not be able to connect often. We love your first travelpod.
We are so proud of you. We touch base when we get back to the states.
Love,
Dad & Margot
glad your'e safe, love you 1million jelly bellys
Hey Tanzi Girl,thanks for sharing! Love you a million watermelon jelly bellies !!! Hugs and Kisses Mom & Larry
Ms.U lots
Hi There!
Hi Jessica!
Thanks for adding me to your Travel diary. I will definitely read it. You are going to have a such an awesome experience in Tanzania! Think about how many people actually get to go out and explore other cultures and live within them? Not many. I am hoping I get to do the same thing next year. What course are you pursuing at the University? Is it easy to get around there?
I'm also glad your host family and Rotary host are good people. You must dish on the dorms: I wonder if they will be anything like GW!!
Ok, Have fun and be safe. I'll look forward to your posts.
Alethea
How cool!
Hi, Jessica-
Thanks for sending me the link. (Makes me think I should do one for my Singapore stay ;-)!) Glad to read you got there safe and sound...looking forward to reading more. Have a great time!
Monica
Thanks for the website!!
Hi Jessica!!
First and foremost, after the events at Heathrow last week, we're all relieved that you made it to Tanzania with only minor inconvenience. And I'm glad everything worked out meeting up with Saada, your Rotary host counselor. She seems like a great person who will help you a lot.
After reading your first entry, I cannot wait for your (hopefully) weekly updates. Besides all of your other attributes that enabled you to get the scholarship, you have wonderful writing skills!
I've forwarded your link to all in Peabody Rotary so everyone can keep up with your travels.
Hope the rest of your time in Tanzania goes as well as your first few days!! Enjoy!!
Herb
Great page..
Hey Jess,
I am happy to hear that you have made it to your new home safe and sound. Quite a journey to Tanzania. Second time in Africa and I haven't been once. Something a little off about that. Perhaps I'll have to come and visit you sometime.I'll have to see if Delta flys there.
Anyway, I know you're gonna do well. Couldn't think of any girl more ready for such an experience. Hope all is well. Your page is officially bookmarked. I can't wait to hear updates. I'll keep you updated on the excitement that is Boston, from my perspective. Enjoy.
P.S. I wonder what kind of place Dorchester/Boston/The States would be if everyone took the time to care enough to visit relative strangers in the hospitals when they were sick. A bit less harsh I'm sure.
- Nagib
Great to now you are safe!
Hi Jessica,
Just a follow-up to my separate e-mail which I sent last week. As Herb said, we were all worried about you in London. Great to know you are finally there safely, and your host family sounds great! Looking forward to your updates. Also, my wife's second grade class may write to you in the fall when school resumes here. She thinks this will be interesting for them to understand geography and different cultures. Stay safe.
Dick D'Ambrosio
I guess I can't spell
'Now' should be 'know'
That's a lesson for me to use the preview button before posting.
Dick D'Aosio
my girl!!!
My little Jglynn is growing up to be such a brave and beautiful independent babe! I love you girl! Keep your adventures coming.
heyeyayyyyy
Jess...man I love you. You are amazing in a million different ways. Mostly because you have a sweet sensitivity that's interrupted every once in a while to reveal the hard core attributes of what you're cabable of- all in what seems like an effortless fashion. You know what that makes you? Wise. Because a person of wisdom is not immune to fears, but instead they possess the ability to hide them by embracing them for the opportunites that lie within. One of your most admirable qualities.
On a seperate note, I have left my current job because I was recently hired as a junior copy writer for Hallmark. Just kidding. But the above statement was more or less convincing.
I think if I don't say this- I'll not only stand isolated from the commentator crowd, but I'll also appear overwhelmingly uncaring, sympathetic and subsequently your worst friend to subscribe to your blog yet. SO- JESS I AM GLAD TO HEAR YOU HAVE ARRIVED SAFELY AND HAPPILY IN THE STUPEFYING CONTINENT OF AFRICA. I actually really do care. No seriously, I do.
Ok. So in effort to post entries that I enjoy writing, you might actually want to read, and might even- ever so slightly contain some useful content... I am going to include a Swahili phrase you wish you would have known in an event described in your blog entry, or might find useful in an event that you inform us all is about to occur.
As you are new to Tanzania, isolated from your protective network, sweet, cute, female.. and well blonde, your priority is to avoid conflict of any kind. Should you be approached by a character of questionable motives who slurs phrases of questionable content, simply smile and exclaim Ninapenda Tanzania! (I like Tanzania!) If that doesnt fend the person off, then try: Chuki binafi haifai (Hatred is not an appropriate thing.) As last resort tell them to: Go away (Nenda zako) I was bitten by an insect (Mguu wangu unauma).
love u.
a.
We are kindred Spirits, but you're nicer than me
Hi J Glynn,
I too am forgoing the real world a bit longer to go do marketing for an adventure island resort (Dominca) in the Caribbean. yeah, so I will be there for 6 months until February and then I am going to try to work with the Cricket World cup happening in my new hood (the Caribbean) in March-April 2007.
Let's definitely stay in touch better, and if you want to check our my resort it's www.junglebaydominica.com
Wishing you all the best,
Voula
wow
Jessi,
Thinking of you so much: thinking so much of you. Thanks for including me on your mailing list. I'm so glad to hear you sound so happy. What an adventure.
Take care.
Mama Slavin
Finally responding!
Jess,
So sorry to be so late in adding my comments, but we were away without internet access -- just back last night. What a fantastic travel log entry!! It all sounds so exciting and interesting (even if a little bit scary at times). It's really great that you have several local folks who are hosting you and exposing you to some of the 'real' Tanzania. I'll be sure to share this with my friends and co-workers who ask about you all the time. Please please please continue writing such fantastic detailed logs. You can tell that we all devour every word!
Love you lots and hope to talk to you very soon.
Margot and Dad