Kwaheri from Kili Airport

I cannot believe I’m leaving. Time flew by so quickly. Even today, MW woke me up at 7am because I slept through my 550 and 615 am alarms. I rushed non-stop - packing, picking up my last dress from the Indian lady, going to Masai Market for one last time to get JD’s necklace fixed and buy some painting and necklaces, saying goodbye to everyone at ICTR, trying to grab something to eat (FAIL) and finally getting into the shuttle to go to Kili Airport with AJ. How did those 6 hours go by in a blink??

The one benefit of having so much to do - no time to think about anything. I didn’t have time to think about how much I’d miss everyone, how I am not going to wake up in my bed surrounded by a mosquito net, not going to wonder if I’ll have electricity, not going to come home and hope I can wake up Seff to get into my house (oh crap - I forgot his tip. His inappropriate hugs and kisses should be sufficient for a tip… right?), how I won’t be able to get chipsi mayai for 1500 Tsh and a Stoney (oh Stoney - I tried to hard to find you and take you home) for 500 Tsh. No more “Mambo mama?” No more “Ninakupenda, dada.” No more “You are an AFRICAN woman” (complete with hands indicating an hour glass shape).

Last night we pseudo-played highs-lows. Lows certainly include getting my new purse slashed and my camera and bracelets jacked, cancelling on Evans’ mom’s dinner after she cooked ALL day for us (yes, I realize how awful I am) and how lonely I felt at the very beginning (especially when AJ went to Zanzibar and I was left in Arusha). But even that (the loneliness) turned out to be fantastic - I got to hang out with EB, meet several of his friends (which later turned out to be really helpful when we wanted to see Moshi and do the waterfall hike), go to all the going-away parties for all the previous interns, and go on an amazing safari with AK, IB and EW.

Highs: Cheetah hunt on safari, watching the lion family eat and play, ZANZIBAR (especially Friday/Saturday nights), pub crawl (minus getting my camera stolen at Masai Camp), Masai Camp Attempt #2, and just generally hanging out with such cool people. It’s amazing how close you get to people in such a short amount of time. I don’t think I really got to really know anyone until almost a month in. Now? I definitely have several fabulous friends that I must see when I go back to the states. I’m glad I was there for some people during some really hard times, that I had people I could confide in too.

Ultimately, I hope this trip brought MW and I closer. We definitely had our own highs and lows this summer but I think (hope?) that we’ll come out of it stronger - because of our love for Afrika, our appreciation of new and amazing cultures, and most importantly, just how much we mean together. MW came to the conclusion this summer that he did not want to be apart long-term again. Plans for his two foreign service missions abroad for 4 years while I’m in the states / not with him - out the door. He got really upset with me when I said I wasn’t sure I could wait for 4 years (especially without being married). Now we agree - if he goes, we get married so we can be together. I figure with a JD and my go-getter attitude (;)), I’ll find something satisfying to do wherever he lands).

I am tearing up as I write all this. I already miss TZ. I cannot wait to go back. At the same time, I am SO ready to see MW, my parents, my wifey (and her new husband!) and all my other HS, W, and BU rafikis. I wonder how I’ll find school, the refugee clinic, and all my friends at home. Will I be distant? Will I constantly long to be back? Will I feel at home? I guess I can only hope that I am happy to be home but be ready to leave to Afrika whenever the chance arises.

Final Countdown

The final countdown has begun. I leave Kilimanjaro Airport 6 days from today and arrive in Boston almost exactly one week from this very hour. I have a 6 hour delay before another 5 hour flight to home sweet home: Sin City. An hour later, I'll finally see MW after more than 11 weeks apart.

I've enjoyed being in Arusha. I could definitely come back to Tanzania to work, at least for a few years. Even if I don't wind up living here, I certainly plan on returning with MW to climb Kili, enjoy Zanzi (especially Stone Town) and traipse around the rest of this beautiful country.

But for the first time, I feel ready to go home. I'm ready to see my parents, my dogs, my BFF/wifey, my high school friends.

Most of all, I'm longing to see MW. It's been a hard 2+ months. I hope that we will see each other and the same sparks that flew when we first kissed will fly again, that we will discover a new, deeper love for one another now that I understand and have also come to adore one of his greatest loves: Afrika.

Here's to hoping that the adventure that physically took me so far away will emotionally bring me closer to those I love most.

Vegas

Decisions, Decisions

I'm trying to decide what to do this weekend. I only have 3 left and I want to make the most of them.

My options are:

Waterfall hike on Marangu or Machame (bottom of Kili): This was the original plan but Sabi, a friend/guide, has yet to get back to me about time, cost or required equipment. I'd like to go but it looks like without the information, this won't happen.

Trip to Masai village near Monduli: This is a trip organized for/with a Masai friend of JS to his village. The cost is around $50-60USD. We'd see a sacred tree, eat lunch, and walk around his village. The money would help the village but I'm not sure I want to spend that much money on a day trip when I have to start thinking about gifts, etc.

Trip to Mulala: This is a cultural tourism program that I wanted to do from the very beginning. The more trips people do though, the less I think it's a good idea to do. They really try to rip off wazungu (white people) so I'm not sure I want to spend my day getting hustled.

Stay in Arusha / hang out / go to the Masai market: AB and NK are planning on just hanging out and going to the Masai Market down the street from me. I was planning on going again to get gifts but not sure I should do this now or during the week. I feel lame just staying in town. If I go to Tenga next week and Nairobi the following week though, this might be the best time to get everything organized. Plus, I could still go to the dance competition at 730 and do a different day trip on Sunday.

Also - I realize how silly this may be. No matter what I do, I'm still in AFRICA. And I love it. :)

Zanzibar: Alhamisi!

I was supposed to go to work for a half day but a late night meant I got to work around 10:30. Unfortunately, our flight got pushed back so instead of leaving at 1pm, we had to leave at 4pm. BB, AT, NK, HB and I were all on the flight together. Little did we know that Arusha airport was so tiny that we couldn't even check in until 30 minutes before the flight.

While we waited, we decided to go across the rocked parking lot to a little bar, where the boys started the vacay off with some Konyagi (nasty but popular local gin). HB and I looked on in amusement but declined to partake.

Finally, we returned to the little airport and stood in a long line extending out past the airport's front doors. Once inside, we handed someone an old school printout of our itineraries and were handed flight stubs. We went through mini-security and then waited in a patio-type area outside to board our plane. After a few minutes, we were lead to a plane and told to choose our seats. NK and I sat together behind BB and in front of AT. AT, NK and I attempted to watch XMen on NK's laptop but the volume was far too low. Instead we all wound up chatting about the UN, other interns, how excited we were, how beautiful everything was, etc.

We saw Dar (huge city) and then started flying over the Ocean. The further we went, the more blue it turned. It was unbelievably gorgeous. The excitement kept building as the plane got closer. When we finally were able to exit, the air was warm, a welcome change from Arusha's cold winter. We filled out a quick immigration form (Zanzibar is *officially* part of Tanzania but still acts like it's own country... sorta - look it up) and headed out to get a taxi. For people traveling here, BEWARE. Men will approach you with laminated pieces of paper claiming that the official price is $20USD for a taxi ride into Stone Town. Do NOT listen to them. Tell them you're a resident. Tell them there is no set price. 10,000Tsh is what we paid for 5 people in a van and a car would be even less.

Driving through the town, I was mesmerized. Stone Town is Mje Mkongwe, or Ancient Town, of Zanzibar City. It is heavily populated and influenced by Islam and Mosque-like architecture. I think all the shapes and colors on the buildings and beautiful hijabs on the women were fantastic. While there is a Muslim population in Arusha (approx. 1/3 of the population), they usually hang out around Mosque Street, where I have been to all of twice in my past two months. In Zanzi, they are everywhere.

Once we got to the hotel, we discovered that they were booked so HB and I had to stay in the hotel behind Princess Salame. Score! Place turned out to be nicer and cheaper. We had a fabulous little balcony, king size beds with huge mosquito net set-up over a canopy and a shower complete with mirrors (amazing or awkward? Unclear).

We were all quite hungry so we met up with the other interns who had arrived a few hours earlier at a really expensive restaurant. Too expensive for me so I just had a Stoney Tangawizi (oh, how I will miss thee).

And then we headed to the Night Market. If you don't know, look it up. This was spectacular. I've never seen anything like it. At least 50 guys fill up the plaza off the docks and have tables filled with fresh lobster, clam, shark, barcuda, red snapper, shrimp, etc. If you know how to bargain, you can easily get the different kinds of meat on a stick for 1000Tsh/each. By far, the best thing we ate was the shark and spicy lobster. Also, try the sugar cane juice that they squeeze on the spot. The juice is the same all around (500-1000Tsh, depending on size) so get it anywhere.

After a couple hours trying all the different types of seafood, we asked some locals where we could go to dance. They suggested a place and we all piled into two taxis to head over. Unfortunately, when we arrived we realized we were the only ones at the place. Most of the group decided to stay and drink, but AN, NK and I peaced to a different place per the suggestion of our taxi driver.

Once there, the owner told us that the club wasn't open yet (it was only 10, we had to return at 12) but we were free to go upstairs and join the wedding celebration... so, of course, we decided to crash the wedding. Four different ladies and the Zanzibar-version of Ricky Martin each took turns singing on this music system that was blasting so loudly I legitimately thought I was going to have permanent hearing problems (like I don't already, right MW? Lol). The other group showed up for about 10 minutes but then decided to go back to the hotel to hang out on the roof deck and stare at the ocean. I opted to stay with the boys (AN, NK, BB) and shoot some pool.

NK and I schooled AN and BB. Twice. Then NK got BB to bet some local that he'd beat him in a game. Fortunately for BB, the local guy did not understand nor was interested in betting on a game. Second funniest thing of the night: the local guy kept waving his hand in front of his face, as if he were hiding or something? I had no idea what was going on, but later found it's John Cena's move in WWE? If you mention his name or make that motion, every kid in TZ will know what you're referring to. Bizarre.

After the boys finished off about 8-10 bottles of Konyagi, AN decided it was time to go down to the club. Between going upstairs and coming back down, the price of admission into the club had gone up 500Tsh (less than $0.50). AN was displeased. He tried to get us all in for 2500Tsh (less than $2). No go. He tried to get *me* in for free (I'm a lady after all). No go. How about 5000Tsh? No. After 10-15 minutes of failed bargaining, NK finally paid the 10k and walked us in. I was going to suggest that one of us pay the 2500 to see if it was worth it before all paying and wasting our money, but alas, I was too late.

Oh was I right though. Not a damn person in the place. I was quite tired at that point and sat down on the couch while AN and BB tried to haggle with the bartender over the price of a bottle of Konyagi, claiming it was 2000Tsh cheaper upstairs (it was not). Finally, AN, in his drunken glory came out to the dance floor with a drink in his hand and eyes closed and did the GIN HIPPY dance. It was spectacular. Oh, how I laughed at this 6'4, lanky Indian boy hippy dancing all over the fog filled room. THE funniest moment of the night.

Finally around 2 we went home. I was so happy to climb into my huge bed and fall asleep. I really felt like a queen but I'd much rather take my full size bed at home and be squished to the end, but held so tight, by the one I love. In fact, the entire trip just made me miss him more. No better way to enjoy heaven than with your boo, right?

<3

The Beginning of the Mombasa Mafia

Saturday I woke up at 7am to the beautiful view of the Indian Ocean and beach outside my window. It was warm enough for me to walk around in my bathing suit + yellow dress (unlike Arusha where I wear a fleece and scarf every day). I enjoyed the sun until about 10am when NK woke up and went to the ocean for a morning dip. Around 11, everyone was finally up and we had breakfast. Steven cut up some passionfruit, mango, bananas and pineapple for our fruit platter. He also made toast, eggs, and "sausages" (like beef hot dogs).

At some point, someone suggested we get massages. Everyone agreed to a 1000Ksh maximum. I secretly did not want a massage (I hate people touching my body) but I agreed anyway (mostly because I didn't think it would happen). But - voila! - Steven knew a woman who agreed to come to Sutt Cliff to do 30 min full body massages for 500Ksh/person including tip. After she arrived, we set up a place for the massages on one of the tables on the veranda. We then each switched off between getting our massage, basking in the sun, going for a dip in the pool/ocean, and walking along the beach. As someone who really hates their body being touched, especially by strangers, I will admit that the massage felt really good. I've never had a full body, deep tissue massage done before, especially not with a view that amazing.

The walk along the beach with AX, EX and AS was great. The flowers, crabs and water were all miraculous in their own ways. EX and I talked about the reputation of frats in Britain versus America (and determined they were the same), while AS, a frat boy, vehemently defended his brotherhood. I also talked to AX about missing MW and plans to live together. A few hours after breakfast, JH and I volunteered to make lunch (since Steven was still out looking for the fish we asked him for). I must say, I (along with everyone else) was pretty impressed by our quesadilla and fresh guacamole meal.

Sidenote: It's so weird that almost all of my friends are engaged, married or gearing up for engagement. I even went engagement ring shopping with another intern today. When did this change happen? Am I at that stage in life where all my friends start to become real grown-ups and get married, have babies, etc? For awhile I felt like I needed to get engaged too, but have (fortunately -especially for MW ;)) stopped feeling that way. Now I've just started telling people I want 9 kids. Mostly because I'm in love with MW's family and his mom is 1st of 9. No worries people - I will not be popping out 9 kids anytime soon. Or ever. Three is probably my real limit. We'll see. SEVERAL years from now. :)

That night, we had spectacular food. We had some type of rock fish and the best curry prawns I've ever tasted. It was so good that we called Steven out to clap for his amazing work. Since I was falling asleep at the table, I decided to take a 1 hr nap (that turned into a 2 hr nap). In that time, I missed Never Have I Ever, the Animal game, Fives, the start of beer pong, a trip to the store for MORE beer and - most importantly - the Star Spangled Banner at midnight (for the 4th of July). Sad I missed all that but I definitely would have fallen asleep outside anyway.

When I woke up, I went to the veranda to watch JY and GG kick everyone's butt in beer pong. To be fair, NK and (mostly) AX were REALLY close to winning - sinking the ball in the last cup on their last chance, requiring a final round of 4 cups, which they brought down to 1-1 before finally losing the game and the 1000Ksh NK bet GG). After the games were done, the girls went to sleep and the guys hung out and chatted. We ate these chocolates that allegedly require you to put them unwrapped on your forehead and worked down into your mouth without any hands. We had pretty awkward / hilarious conversations. GG passed out in his chair and then when he finally woke up, laid down on the couch outside, refusing to get into the bed he was sharing with JH. Hilarious.

Sunday I woke up early again and laid out in the sun for awhile. After a few hours, people started joining and we had Steven make us breakfast on the grass again. Somehow in our ridiculousness, we all forgot to buy food for our BBQ when we went to the store the previous night. JH and I offered to go a) take care of converting the money to pay for the house rental; b) get groceries and c) stop and look for souvenirs. We successfully completed the first two, but sadly not the last.

GG made amazing beef and chicken burgers with cheese and garlic. We also finished off the avocados and mangoes with some pina colada juice (that was meant to be used with the rum the previous night... but never happened). After lunch, we took some final group pictures and then got ready to go. It was so hard leaving because a) we all got along really well; b) no one wanted to leave Mombasa or in particular, the house; and c) no one wanted to head back to their respective internships/jobs in Arusha, Nairobi or Da Daab (refugee camp).

Alas, our trip was over. The drive back was rather uneventful except for the fact that our driver had to physically open the Tanzanian border himself and then hunt down a person to take care of our visas so we could legally come back in the country. Ridic. It was also at this point that Alex asked if: NK was my boyfriend (no); was anyone in the group my boyfriend (no); was my boyfriend in Arusha (yes!); and then for my number. What?? I've definitely had problems with guys when I said my boyfriend/fiance/husband was in America but I thought for sure they'd back off if I said he was in the same city. Apparently, this is a wrong assumption. "African" women - beware. I made a really smart move - I got his number and said I would text him mine. Of course, I never did, despite NK's constant pestering to do otherwise (jokingly, btw :)).

All in all, I'm SO glad I went. It took about 5 hours on Thursday for me to decide if I was going to go or not, but the trip was SO worth it. If you're ever in Mombasa and want to spend some time in your own little paradise, hit me up. I'll give you the info for Sutt Cliff.