Mjimwema

I've just had the best weekend! I went to Mjimwema with 4 friends, which is just south of DSM, a ferry and then a daladala (minibus) ride away. We got caught in the rain twice on our way, but finally made it to our destination, a resort called Sunrise Beach, with a big restaurant and tent bungalows on the beach. Had some lunch and when it didn't rain, laid on the beach. We met 4 guys, 2 from Israel and 2 from South Africa, who we joined in a game of beach volly. We decided to spend the night in one of the tents, so we also had our dinner and later on a couple of beers on the premises.


I began my sunday with a dip in the indian ocean, relaxing on the sand for a while and then a nice breakfast buffe. I discovered the very tasty chapatis, which is a sort of pancake. Then another game of volley, this time a bit more serious as we played Scandinavia vs the world (ie. girls vs guys), and unfortunately we lost... We decided to head home, getting on the daladala (28 people, 3 chickens and 2 scapi/lobsters, all alive), then on the ferry and finally a short walk to the hostel. A really nice weekend which resulted in my feet having the same colour as a danish mailbox (ie. very red!)

Today (monday) I went to talk to Cowi and they were SO helpful. I'll be moving into one of their guesthouses tomorrow, where I can stay for the remaining of my trip (and Lise as well when she arrives in 2 1/2 weeks time). I also got in contact with an employee there who can help us arranging visits to schools, so everything looks great right now! Tonight I'll be going to quiz-night at the Irish pub with the girls from the weekend. I'm trying to get some photo's here too, but dont know if it'll work. Time will tell...
That's all folks!
Maria

Nothing much...

It only took me 18 minutes to get to this page where I finally could start writing! In other words, the internet is a bit slow (actually SOOO Slowww..), but I guess that's part of beeing in Africa! I still cant really crasp the fact that I'm sitting in Tanzania near the equator, it's a bit weird. But I'm here! It has been quite calm the last few days, I haven't done that much, walked around town to get to know it, prevented two guys from actually stealing something from my bag although they both had their hands on it, experienced a totally dark Dar Es Salaam when the power went out last night and I was stuck at an internet cafe, and emailing some people about housing and visiting schools.
So far I love Dar, the smells (not of the traffic), the sound of the mosque a few times a day, the friendly people (the pocket thieves not included), the delicious indian inspired food and the temperature (around 30)... I've been hanging out with a guy from the States, Tim, who's been here for a while. During my first two days here he had to go a couple of embassy's to get visas and I tagged along to get some sightseeing done from the taxi rides back and forth. He's really nice and we've had some discussions about development, american politics and drinking games although I have yet to taste a local beer! And tuesday night I had dinner with Louise (from the Red Cross in Malmo) and Maria from Malmo, so I'm not totally alone in this mysterious country far away!Despite this I still hope to hear from some of my contacts tomorrow, otherwise I might head out to Zanzibar for the weekend...
You'll have to wait a bit longer for photo's, I need to find a better internet cafe since there's a limit to my patience! I haven't really that many photo's to show as I'm kind of an easy target as it is without me having to pull out a camera, simply by beeing a white girl travelling by herself.
Jambo Inn is a nice hostel in the middle of everything, with a good but pricy (meaning 9 usd for dinner and drink) restaurant next to the reception. The only annoying thing is that something is dripping constantly right outside my window driving me insane when have have to go to sleep at night. I gues I'll get used to that too.
Well, to sum up, not much has happened other than me trying to adapt to my new surroundings and making contacts!
Talk to you later! (thanks for your comments!)
oxo Maria

By the way, I've got a tanzanian phone number, if you want it just write me an email!

DAR

Just want to let you all know that I have arrived safely to Dar Es Salaam, more specifically Jambo Inn on Libya street. It's hot and humid and the rain is pourring down. Moreover, I'm hungry so I'll have to get back to you later!
Maria

Zurich airport

Nothing exiting has happened yet, I just have 4 minutes left on the internet and wanted to use them! I have spend the night at an uncomfortable bench so I'm a bit tired and still have to wait 3 more hours for my next departure. I just received an email from my hostel in DAR confirming my airport pick up so that's nice! Right, Anne? I'll be back with more info later! Times up!
Ciao!

My next adventure...

Just 9 days left before I once again head out to discover the world! This time my destination is Tanzania, Africa. I have really ambivalent feelings; I can't wait but at the same time I'm terrified! Exited could be an appropriate word to describe my feelings...
Anyway I will be updating my whereabouts here, so if you are one of my curious friends interested in knowing what I'm up to, just visit my blog and you will know!

Some info about this trip:
I have been studying developing countries for the past 2 years the result beeing a bachelor's degree in developing studies. In other words I know a lot about developing countries in theory and going to Tanzania is then my attempt to obtain some practical knowledge as well.
Tanzania will be my home for 10 weeks, mainly Dar es Salaam, but I also plan to discover other parts of the country and its population. Obviously I'm planning to go on a safari at the Serengeti and Ngorongoro as well as trying out some beaches on Zanzibar... Only time will show what else will be added to my list!..

Can't wait to read your comments here in the future!
Take care for now!
Maria