Hey! Sorry I haven’t been able to post for so long. The power, and water here are a bit… patchy. So the internet has obviously been patchy as well. I am now in my third week of abroad experiences and boy has it been a wild ride. I’ve never been affected by culture shock before, but it looks like I’ve fallen prey to it this time. The first two weeks were great. Despite some frustrations surrounding the freedoms (or lack thereof) given to us by our program director, I managed to explore Dar a bit and found the most amazing island off the coast. Mbudya Island Marine Reserve. It’s all white sand beaches, turquoise water, whispering pines, tide pools, baobab trees, and coral reefs. Although the beach was great, the reef was what sold me. My friend Jamie and I snorkeled for about two hours and managed to find all kinds of species including (but not limited to) an octopus, an eel, a lionfish, and a puffer fish. It was phenomenal.
However, I have finally descended to what I hope is the bottom of my culture-shock roller coaster. I’m frustrated with the food, the way my blonde hair and white skin attract the “once over” look from everyone I pass, and the way the Africans seem to need to fill – and waste – time. There is no such thing as ending early here. Even if there is nothing more to say. For that matter, there is no such thing as getting anything done on time either. And yet, we’re all expected to be on time and have everything done on time. The double standard is hard to keep up with.
I’m also tired of being such a spectacle. I’ve been going to the track to work out in the mornings and it has made me feel like I’m the center-ring act of a three ring circus. Kids walking to school stop along the side of the track to wait and see if I’ll say hi when I run by. Men come up to me and ask why I wasn’t there the day before and when I’ll be coming back. Others sit down on the side of the soccer field to watch me run killers. They don’t even PRETEND to be disinterested! It’s all very strange… but I guess it’s curing me of my discomfort with working out while other people are watching… haha.
Finally (and this will be my last complaint because I realize culture shock is making me be ridiculous about much of this), I’m realizing how wonderful it is to be a woman in the United States. I have not been hazed much here, but little glances, comments, and cultural signals have started to get to me. It’s just strange to feel inappropriate in a knee-length skirt. Who would have known?
On the bright side, my Swahili is getting better and I have made friends with most of the cafeteria staff so meal times are entertaining… even if my naivety is the source of entertainment (which is usually the case). I’m also busy planning my travels for the week long break in September (before the field station leg of the trip). Jamie and I are going to travel north along the coast of Tanzania and do a variety of things. We’ll stay in a village called Pangine which has a marine reserve that boasts excellent snorkeling and common dolphin sightings. Then we’ll move on north to Tanga, visiting some ruins and other attractions along the way. Then, on our way to join the rest of the group in Arusha, we’ll hike in the Usambara Mountains for a day or two. I’m very excited. 
Well, I’m out of battery now. To get internet, we have to come to the middle of campus where stone tables surround a huge, umbrella-like tree. It’s actually quite a beautiful spot but it means my internet time is limited by my battery life which leaves something to be desired.
I’ll be sure to write again soon to fill you in on the brighter side of the past three weeks. It truly is beautiful here.
love you all!
p.s. To the right, you’ll see a link called “Chelsea in India.” Many of you know her. She’s pretty much the greatest person ever. 
She’s a fellow Ole and one of my best friends. This week she leaves for a semester abroad in South India. You can follow her adventures too! Be sure to check out her blog.
