The Honeymoon is Almost Over

I have been in Tanzania for about two weeks now and have learned that while there are many things I love about this country and the culture, there are just some things that I am struggling to adjust to.  I should start by saying that training is absolutely EXHAUSTING!!! We spend the entire day doing language and technical training along with some cultural training.  We have very little free time and it has been a struggle to even find time to study let alone blog.  But here I go (I figured list form would be easier to digest)...

THINGS I LOVE

1. My Host Family!  I have lived with my family for only a little over a week, but they have been very welcoming. My host Momma taught me how to do laundry by hand and cook on a charcoal stove (I even made spaghetti for everyone). I have always wanted sisters and was lucky enough to be given two of them.  My sisters are ten years old and love to smile and laugh as I attempt to navigate their culture and make pretty basic, yet embarrassing mistakes.  For example, "magi ya kunywa" is drinking water and "maji ya kunya" is water with shit in it.  It is very important to learn proper pronunciation in Kiswahili!!  Luckily my sisters act as my teachers and correct my homework, make my flash cards, etc.  My brother (kaka) is only 5 years old and quite demanding.  I am sure it will only be a matter of time before he forces me to understand what he says.  My family got a puppy yesterday, so that was the highlight of my week.  They don't treat dogs well here, so I am hoping this can be a good cultural exchange.


2.  Emphasis on Relationships!  The Tanzanian people care far more about interpersonal relationships than productivity.  For example, a teacher may be late for class because they were busy talking to another teacher.  Strangers always say hello when they pass on the streets and most people here are friendly. I value productivity, but every once in a while it would be nice if Americans would smile and say hello to strangers. 

3. CHOCOLATE!!  I have an addiction to chocolate and I worried that when I came to Tanzania there would not be a large supply.  Luckily, I have found delicious but overpriced chocolate to keep me comforted. It can literally make a gloomy day brighter, and I am thankful that I found it here.

4. Clothes.  I will be getting some custom made clothing while in Tanzania because the fabric is BEAUTIFUL and custom made dresses are cheap.  I haven't bought one yet but will keep you posted. 


5. Physical Beauty of Country!  Tanzania is AMAZING!! I love all of the beauty here. We can see the mountains from where we are training and its gorgeous.  I can't wait to explore more and walking everywhere is a wonderful workout.


THINGS I AM STRUGGLING TO ADJUST TOO....I know eventually I will get over these things, but at this particular moment in time I think the excitement of it all is fading quickly.


1. The choo!  I love western toilets!  As much as I try to adjust to squatting its just really difficult for me.  There is definitely no temptation to stay in the bathroom.  I know this is something that I will learn to love, or at least tolerate but at the moment its one of the things I hate most.  Also a tip for women planning to come to Tanzania....skirts are AMAZING!  While it is true that wearing a skirt is part of the culture, it is also very functional.  There is an acrobatic workout that women undergo while on the choo.  You are squatting while standing on your toes, trying to lift up a skirt with one hand, wipe with the other, all without losing balance.   The choo requires skill!


2. The food!  I don't mind Tanzanian food, what I am struggling with is the EXCESSIVE amount of carbs.  I enjoy rice and potatoes, but I cannot eat it every single meal. Also, my host family keeps trying to make me eat more and I have to politely decline and explain that I am not a machine. In this country, being fat is a sign of wealth so they encourage girls to eat up.  And it would look bad on my host Momma if her American actually lost weight while staying with her. That being said,  I just want a big salad with a tasty boneless skinless chicken breast on top.  Maybe one day...

3. Bucket Baths!  Yes this is superficial but I miss hot showers. I just don't feel quite as clean.  And we bucket bath in the same room as the choo, so the water goes everywhere.  Yes imagine trying not to slip while using the choo after reading what I described above.


4.  Relationships with Men.  In this country, men and women aren't friends.  If they are alone together it is assumed they are having sex.  Since I don't want to be the town hussie, I need to work on this.  It just doesn't seem fair (note:  I was a tomboy for several years).


Overall, I LOVE Tanzania. I am sure I will adjust to everything eventually.  Please keep commenting and I will keep writing =)