African Adventures: Karibu

The title of this post, "Karibu," means "Welcome" in Swahili. It is a word that has followed me around, without fail, since I first stepped foot in Tanzania. Not yet have I walked down a busy street, introduced myself to a new friend, or asked for help from the man squeezed next to me in the overcrowded Dalla Dalla (public mini-bus taxis) without hearing the kind word "Karibu" as he or she welcomes me to their country. But even after a week I have found that's what Tanzania is all about. Everyone is always willing and ready to have a conversation or share a welcoming, whether it be twenty seconds or ten minutes; on the way to class, during dinner in the cafeteria, late at night when all you can think about is lying in bed after the long, hot day under the ever-present sun, or even in the morning after the call of the adhan (which I have come to find quite soothing) awakes you only briefly before you fall back asleep thinking of the new found respect you have for the faithful Muslim community.

What is Tanzania to me? It's hard, if not impossible, to pinpoint a perfect answer. Right now, in my view, Tanzania is only the experiences I have shared. It's a taxi driver coming back to give you an envelope filled with all the cash you just exchanged at the airport that fell out of your pocket in the car. It's a Dalla Dalla, only supposed to seat around 18, packed completely full with 30+ people, yet not a soul lets out even a hint of complaint. Or a crowd of close to a hundred primary school children right at your side chanting, laughing, and finding every opportunity possible to practice their English with the "mzungu" visiting their school. These are only a few of the many experiences so far, and miniscule compared to the many more ahead.

On another note, we are finally settled into our dorms after a few days of orientation and are going to be starting classes this week at University of Dar es Salaam. We are also in the process of choosing our internship programs. As of now I am trying to decide between working in a health care clinic or teaching an English class at one of the Primary schools. Both will prove to be great experiences and I will post updates on what happens over the next few days, so keep an eye out for new posts!

Below are some pictures from the various sites we visited during orientation.