Personal Space? Me no understand.

My first sleep in the house was a difficult one. I am right by the window, and all night loud and terrifying sounds took place, sounded like wild boars to me. Turns out they’re frogs.

Breakfast was delicious. Watermelon, pineapple, and bannock-type bread.

We took a Dala Dala, which is like a minivan with the motto, “you can always fit one more”.  This is no joke. We had 22 people in a 15 person van. There is a driver, and a “conductor” which collects money, figures out what stops people need, and yells at people to see if they want a ride. Its normal to have a baby put on your lap, to sit on other person’s lap, basically no personal space. Every inch of the seat is used. The trick is to time your breathing strategically. If timed wrong, a very strong stench will be inhaled, whether it be B.O. or terrible halitosis. Each ride costs 400tsh, or 26cents Canadian.

We had orientation at another volunteer house. The newest, and fanciest of the volunteer houses. It had a pool! With no water in it. We organized our working permits, had a Swahili lesion, and talked about excursions. Then we went into town to set up our phones, and take money out. It is taking me a lot of time to figure out converting Tanzanian Shillings into Canadian dollars. For example, I had a coffee which costs 3000Tsh. I almost fell over! Then realized it was only $2.

It was an early night for me. Bedtime at 8:30pm.