"I didn't know the black mamba would chase you!"

 

Snake Zoo & Maasai Cultural Center

I've never been what you might call a "diligent student." So, when Rich & Carli, fellow language learners, asked if I wanted to skip class and go look at poisonous snakes, I didn't hesitate. Lisa, not one to "break the rules"…or really enjoy snakes for that matter…took some convincing. But with the promise of danger and romance, she was entered and we were on our way. The snake farm took about an hour to get to because the president was in town campaigning. He "inconspicuously" flew in on a helicopter. And, just in case you missed that noise, the fact that every building in town had his poster or banner displayed might have clued you in. Some particularly fashionable advocates had cloth wraps called "kangas" with the president's face on them wrapped around their waist!

 

Nevertheless, we survived the increased traffic and arrived safely at the snake zoo. We paid the "local rate" of 5000/= (shillings) and entered. Our tour guide told us about the approximately 20 varieties of snakes on display. Nearly all of them were poisonous and, of course, resided in northern Tanzania…aka Lisa & Seth's back yard! We enjoyed the hooded cobras and python (complete with pictures of a boy that had been eaten by one). But, the show stopper was the 6 foot black mambas they had on display. Then, our guide told us that they will chase you…at 15 MPH! And…to avoid them catching you it is necessary to run in a zig-zag pattern from them. I'm thinking this might be something we can drill on at school…Fire Drill, Bomb Threat…and now Black Mamba Chase Drill.

 

After the Snake Zoo we were ushered into the Maasai cultural center. We learned some of the intricacies of Maasai life. At the conclusion of the tour, our guide said "this is the conclusion of the tour." Then, he stood in the doorway and looked at us as if to say "and now comes the part where you tip me!" It was about a 7.5 on the awkward moment's scale!

 

Overall, the snake zoo and cultural center a great excuse to blow off class!

 

Watoto Foundation Boys Technical School

This week we were treated to a field trip to a technical school for "hard core street boys." The students were between the ages of 13-18 and had previously been living on the streets. The school provided basic formal education, such as reading, math, etc… However, where the school really shined was in the technical skills arena. We (the language class) were ushered around by boys currently living on the campus of the school. The boys showed us the facilities where they learned skills related to agriculture, carpentry, masonry, electrical and welding. I particularly enjoyed their garden which had a drip irrigation system. Each boy started with an 18 month rotation to try out each of the trades. Then, the next 18 months would be spent focusing on just one trade. Finally, the boy would do a 6 month internship with a partnering company. If the boy performed satisfactorily, he would likely be hired by the company. In general, there was a feeling of optimism at this place.

 

Going Away Party

Thursday this week we had a rip-snortin' party to conclude our time at TCDC. The night was complete with live music, a DJ, a BBQ. I mean, we had it all! It was nice to be able to visit with our fellow participants one last time before saying good-bye.

 

 

 

 

Dinner with Friends Rich & Carli

We have really met some great people here at TCDC. We hit it off with a married couple that is about our age named Rich and Carli. They are from Canada and moved here to manage an orphanage. They, along with their daughter Elise, have been good companions here. Last night we went to dinner in Arusha. The place we went could easily have come from any city in America. I ate a beef burrito and Lisa ate pizza. We have seen and felt a strange dichotomy of lifestyles in our short time here. This shopping center/restaurant was well stocked with virtually any product you could buy in the States. There were a variety of restaurants to choose from. However, walking around the compound, it was primarily "wazungu"…the Swahili word for white people. It felt strange to be in the middle of Africa yet surrounded by the same amenities you might find at home. Then, as soon as we left the gates of the shopping center, you drive by the local scene of open front shops with rusted metal roofs. It is almost like driving through two very different worlds in one trip.

 

Arrival at Monduli

We have arrived in Monduli and been to the school twice. We hope to have pictures and more detail posted soon!