The Trip of a Lifetime

My whole experience in Africa has been the most amazing 6 weeks of my life. I struggle to come up with an answer when people ask me, "What was your favorite part?". Everything. I absolutely loved the people, the culture, and the chance to call Bukoba my temporary home. It would be an understatement for me to admit that I fell in love with my time there. I would go back in a second.

Turns out, I want to. I apparently am terrible at functioning as an American--
I was more sick returning home than I ever was in Bukoba
I apparently forgot how to operate my own vehicle while I was away & locked my keys in my car on the way home from the airport
I've already had to cancel appointments because I was late. 15 minutes "late" would make you early in Tanzania. Here, rather, I was obnoxiously late. Nice way to be welcomed back to the fast paced American lifestyle!
I'm overwhelmed by my phone and my computer. I lose my phone countless times everyday and forget I actually have to respond to people's calls/texts. 

I must admit if there was any consolation for leaving Bukoba, though, it was seeing my Mom at the airport with our new puppy and a slew of American food :) That goes for the rest of my family and friends-it has been so great to see everyone back home! "Reunited & it feels so good"?

 --

There is just something about being in Africa that you cannot articulate. I had so much to tell you all while I was away, and now that I'm trying to summarize the whole experience I find myself lost in every moment of the trip. I'm afraid any attempt I could make of accurately describing my last 6 weeks would fall disappointingly short of how amazing it really was; there is really no good way of communicating such an incredible opportunity.

I can say, though, that I will be returning to Africa. Among the hospital conditions I observed, the children I held and played with, the lepers I interacted with, and the people I met I couldn't stay away from this place. I have never in my life been treated so kindly by absolute strangers. It is impossible to effect change in a matter of weeks, but the chance to become an ambassador for the people I saw is an opportunity within itself that I hope to use to continue evoking change.

Possibly a picture montage may help me show you how amazing my experience was. Enjoy :)

Bukoba

Bukoba Town

Bukoba Secondary School (site of computer lab & organic chemistry)

Organic Chemistry Lessons!

The Girls and Bukoba Seco

A very typical African meal-Pilau!

Ntoma Baby Orphanage

Mugeza Albino Orphanage

The infamous Edwin!

Entrance to the Bat Cave

Africa <3

During a muddy hike to church

Soccer and Jumping Dance with the Maasai

Village in Shinyanga

Site of the Community Center for the Leprosy patients awaiting hospital stays--conditions of the housing left capacity for the center at half of what it should be able to hold

Safari!

Lions in the middle of the road, snoozin.

  Thank you ALL for keeping up to date with me while I was away :) I will be happy to chat up with you all when I see you next and tell you even more about my trip!

-Carly

An Amazing Trip Sadly Over

Hello hello!! My apologies for being MIA the past week. I'm currently waiting to board the plane back to Minneapolis and I will time travel to be home in just a few hours. Crazy. Lucky I haven't seen a return flight to Tanzania or I might have taken it! I have so much to tell you all--I will make sure to post one more blog about Shinyanga, Safari and Arusha when I'm back home tonight. Seeing the leprosy colonies in Shinyanga was life changing, to say the least. I was amazed at how welcomed we were in Shinyanga and so impressed with the work of House of Grace. I will definitely be staying in contact with them to hopefully return again (possibly next summer? Surprise Mom and Dad). Safari--there are no words to describe y!! Ngotogoro was the most incredible place I have ever been. Seeing the elephants, giraffes and zebras were definitely my favorite, and we saw so much more. I have never been dirtier than I was after standing up in a safari vehicle for 8 hours. More details and lots of pictures to come! Being back in the western world is a little crazy. My firs purchases: a newspaper, water, the best "mango & passion fruit" yogurt drink, coffee, a cheese stick and chocolate. I'm even laughing at myself. This has been by far the most amazing experience of my life. Africa gets under your skin and into your heart and I just cannot wait to come back! Look for a better post tonight and Im so excited to see you all!

Last Day in Bukoba

Sad post today :(

Its our last day in Bukoba and I have already had to fight back tears. I really cannot believe the time has gone by this fast; it seems like last week when we got here. I have had such an amazing time and being a part of this community has taught me so much. I so badly want to come back someday!

We have made the most of the past few days. On Monday evening we brough some soccer balls to the Masai who guard the dorms at Bukoba Secondary School. We started up a match, and it was so much fun! Turns out "football" does not appear to be a common sport for the Masai (I guess killing adult male lions with only a spear is a little time consuming), so it was shockingly a pretty even matched game! I continue to find ways to re-hurt my ankle at least weekly, but I'd say soccer and dancing with the Masai was absolutely worth it. We watched them do their jumping dance (youtube it people, really cool!) & they pulled me in, gave me a club, and asked me to join. Really cool right? Okay, yes, except if you've seen my vertical jump (its probably half an inch) so compared to their foot and a half jump it was really just embarrassing. I'm so glad we got to see and do that though! They way they jump and the music they make is really impressive--I'm excited for the Masai tour on Safari!

Yesterday we went to the clinic in the hospital and observed some really interesting cases. We got to compare X-rays of a dislocated shoulder before and after seperation, and saw a patient who was just in a really serios pikipiki (motorcycle) accident (ie his ear was really not even connected to his face anymore! The surgeon made sure to tell us he'd be doing some "plastic surger", which I really think he just meant some serious suturing). I bought y'all souveniers this week as well and last night we took our hosts and everyone we've met/thats helped us out to dinner at a family style restaurant! It was great to be able to treat the people who have been so kind to us here.

The ferry is leaving tonight, so we are spending today packing up. We said goodbye to the school, and they told me they wanted me to stay and continue my organic chemistry coursed. Dont doubt for a second that I didn't do a quite logistical analysis of how I could stay! Too tempting.

I will never be able to forget how friendly and welcoming the people in Bukoba have been! The ferry will take us to Mwanza in the morning, and we will be driving to Shinyanga to work with an organization, House of Grace, that helps people with leprosy. We will be there for 3 days, then we will be traveling through Serengeti for Safari! If there is one consolation for leaving Bukoba, its definitely the prospect of exploring a new city and tenting in the middle of Serengeti National Park in less than a week! I'll take lots of pictures :)

I may not be able to get to internet, so this may be my last post until Amsterdam! I will be so excited to see you all, have some fabulous American food (aka, Mom will you please make me a chicken ceasar salad with milk and chocolate cake for dinner on the 27th? You're the best!), get a hug from my momma, be once again reunited with my long lost roomate, see my puppy and tell you all about this trip!

Prepare Minnesota for me!

Xoxo
Carly 

A Weekend to Remember

Habari!

I might venture to say I've just had one of the best weekends in years, or possibly ever. It was so much fun and I could honestly cry thinking about leaving Bukoba. I can't believe I need to take the ferry back this Wednesday night. I make everyone stop talking about it when it gets brought up!

Friday night was the night in the Bandas--so much fun! I have so many great stories and memories. The Bandas were really nice and we sat on the beach around a campfire and looked at the stars until really late. It was beautiful  was amazing to wake up in a banda to the sound of Lake Victoria. We even got up to watch the sunrise. Saturday afternoon we headed off to William's village. We hiked while we were there and we had a huge meal of matoke, pilau, beans, and meat with banana leaves as spoons under the stars. Our group layed out on a big tent outside for hours after dinner. We slept in tents outside under the banana trees (that I obviously helped to pitch, Brian--the years of tenting in Crane really paid off!). In the morning we basically scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro to get to church (okay fine, it was just a very steep hill but it felt mountainous). Church was...long (2 and a half hours of Roman Catholicism in Swahili--oofta). It was definitely interesting to see though and I'm really glad we went! We spend yesterday afternoon at the beach and relaxed.

I guess its hard for me to describe well how great this weekend and whole trip has been. I can't wait for safari but I'm sad to leave everyone we've met here. I am so excited to see you all when I get home though!

Xoxo

Hi hi!

Just a quick update today!

This week we dropped off a bunch of school supplies and sheets at the Tumaini Street Kids Center (200 notebooks, 200 pens, protractors, calculators, chalk, ect). It was great to be able to donate supplies for those kids and help support a really well run organization. We also visited Budap this week, which is a organization in Bukoba that empowers disabled people by teaching them how to make things like jewelry and drums so they can make a living. We bought some souvenirs and visited the Bukoba museum while we were there. Last night we went back to watch another soccer game at the same restaurant. Go Germany? We cheered for our new friend Fab. We also all learned how to make matoke last night, which are cooked plantains with a bunch of veggies. I peeled 3 plantains in the time it took Zaharan to peel 15. We were so slow that eventually our friends took over and cut up all the veggies for us--so we sort of made it ourselves?

Today we visiting a private hospital to watch some really interesting operations--it was the 5 star hotels of hospitals compared to the Bukoba Hospital! The difference was amazing. The operations were also really cool to watch. After the hospital we stopped to hike and look at some rock paintings that were done allegedly in 300 bc. The views across the plains were absolutely incredible--it made us all so excited for Safari! Tomorrow night we are staying at the Bandas on the beach and Saturday we are going to William's village!

Meaghan--Becca and I are reading Fool Me Twice and having very nice "Dean's Scholars" conversations about them! Pass the word onto Dean Elde that his books have traveled all the way to Africa!

I've had some extra time this week to relax and its been so nice--There's not a whole lot better than drinking smoothies made of fresh fruit while looking at the beautiful African landscape!

I'm getting really excited to see you all when I get back--June 27th will come fast! I also had a dream about a room full of sub sandwiches. Its clearly time for some American food.

xoxo

Happy Birthday to my big bro! (June 13!)

I don't think I'll be able to blog tomorrow--so I must give an advanced Happy Birthday to my Big Bro! Love you Curt && I miss you like crazy! Keep your phone on you so I can give you a birthday call!

(And the rest of you--make sure to leave him a facebook post or a phone call tomorrow!)

xoxo

Me--the Adventurist?

Hey hey!

I have so much to tell you guys! Its been such a great past couple days.

Friday night we went to our friend Rasta's house and he made us dinner--fish, matoke, bananas and avacado! Yum. Saturday we visited Mugeza, which is a village outside of Bukoba. In the morning we went to the Mugeza Deaf orphanage. It was really interesting to watch the kids interact with each other. The teacher introduced us and explained that we were there to visit and that we had six soccer balls to donate. It was really impressive to see the teacher translate from English to Swahili to sign language. We spent the morning warming up with the kids and just playing around with the ball. Some of the younger boys showed us all their gymnast tricks (stunting Brandon!) and it was amazing! They did so many backflips and back handsprings in a row. We got a soccer game organized and didn't do too terribly (with the help of some of the kids, Zaharan and a few other guides)! I couldn't say no & it was definitely worth the re-swollen ankle. (Dont worry guys, I'm resting up for soccer again this Friday) My first soccer game reffed in sign language! I loved hearing all the kids laughing and seeing them have so much fun with the new balls.

After the deaf orphanage we went to the Albino and Disabled orphanage where we cleaned all the dorms. I have to admit, its hard to see any progress cleaning cracked and broken concrete floors, but knowing the cleaning solution was at least doing something was promising. We spent a lot of time with the kids as well, and I was reunited with Edwin!! I think he recognized me right away from my necklace, and he even asked me how I was, a huge change from last weekend when he said nothing to me. He also told me he was "fine, thank you" and then said a lot more in Swahili that I didn't catch. We also gave the albino and disabled orphanage 6 soccer balls and they loved playing with them also. It was definitely a full day worth of happy kids!

Sunday we relaxed on the beach and met a German intern here,  who invited us to watch a soccer game at a restaurant with us last night. It was fun pretending (yes, pretending) to be a soccer fan (proud of me, Peter?). Sunday night we also played a pictionary-like game that was really fun-I can't remember the last time I cried so hard from laughing.

Monday was definitely a favorite day for me! Carly--the non-adventurist, climbed through the jungle to a waterfall and crawled through a batcave. I'll specify. By "climbing through the jungle" I literally mean I walked on rocks across a river and held onto tree vines (and anything else that would hold me up) to get to this waterfall--barefoot. The whole time convincing myself that spiders and snakes did not exist in that small stretch of wilderness (which, after seeing the aftermath of two snake bites during rounds at the hospital this morning I'm glad I did this yesterday). It was so great! Right after that we went to this bat cave and crawled through it. Yes, I do mean a bat cave, as in there were multiple bats flying around in the 3 vertical feet I had to maneuver through (my one Ace Ventura moment Dad & Tommy!). Big day for me, considering I'm generally afraid to even take public transportation when I'm at home. Later in the day we went to the baby orphanage. Whats cuter that 15 1 year old little babies around a big plate of rice eating with their hands? Nothing--Grandma, I don't think you could have walked away empty handed. We got to give them all baths and play with them outside after they had lunch.


Also--I found ice cream AND yogurt! HUGE SUCCESS PEOPLE! Not the best of either, but they were delicious considering my lack of dairy here.

I can't believe I leave Bukoba in almost a week. I don't want to leave!! I am really looking forward to the Bandas Friday night and Safari next week! Give me some updates on MN when y'all get a chance!

Miss you all!
Carly

Fun Facts from Bukoba

Mambo!

Today we had our last computer class at Bukoba Secondary School. The girls have improved so much and its great to see them using all the computers. We are hoping to meet with the teachers next week to follow up on how the computers can be used for the classes. Yesterday we bought school supplies for Tumaini, which is th e street kids center we visited earlier this week. We basically bought out the whole bookstore and got 200 noteooks, 200 pens, gluesticks, scissors, chalk, calculators and protractors. We are all really excited to go back and deliver the supplies to the kids!

Last night Bahati (who makes us chips mayai and is our guard) brought us a bunny. Apparently he brought it for us as a new pet, so we made it a little cage (out of a cardboard box?). Bahati drops by to bring the bunny food--he doesn't really speak English so its as mystery to all of us how long (and why) we haev the bunny but we named it Miko (which means allergy in Swahili because Kevin is allergic).

We also learned how to dance African style last night at the pub. We all danced with our friends from town and our guides. Its was a great time!

Hope you are all well back home!
Carly 

Hello helloo!

Not too much of an update from the other side of the world but wanted to check in and say hi to everyone! Yesterday and today we have continued our computer classes at the school and the girls are starting to do really well! I went to the hospital again this morning and listed to the morning meeting with all the doctors-its great to get the chance to hear them talk about all the patients and argue over the diagnoses! We also went to a street kids center yesterday and watched the kids sing and dance for us. It was a really well run organization and we are planning on buying school supplies for all the kids to use before we leave. The center, Tumaini, takes kids that have run away from home and gives them housing and counseling. They also reconnect them with their family and resolve the issues that made the kids run away, and then follow up with the family after they have returned. Watching the singing and dancing was so great! Such impressive rhythm. This weekend we are going back to Mugeza. Next weekend we are staying in bandas at the beach one night and in our tour guides village the other night, so I'm getting really excited about that! (Mom--I can literally see the concern on your face right now, don't worry! Our guides will be with us the whole time!).

I rolled my ankle on my run on Wednesday, which has made the half hour walk into town across the hilly & rocky roads slightly painful but the swelling is going down so its all good! I'll be healed up for our soccer match next Friday. And I was coincidentally talking about how I am less clumsy when I run the second I rolled my ankle--typical of me!

A few more interesting things:
I've gotten tongue in my market food twice now. I have not eaten it. Not planning on it.
The big dipper and the moon are both "upside down" on this side of the equator! Obviously, I guess, but surprised me when I saw that.
Traffic laws? Don't exist. Mayhem on the roads.
The food ladies at the market now fight over us. Its hilarious.
We found hot dogs at the food store here!! Huge success. Can't wait for some American food tonight. 
We will never stop being Mzungus--the kids never get tired of yelling that at us! And its still cute.

Next week we are doing all sorts of new things so I'm looking forward to updating you all about that then! Possibly won't be back on till Tuesday though.

Love you all!
Carly

Surgery #2 and Lake Victoria!

Hi hi hi!

I just came from the market today, where I had cooked plantains and beans in a tomato sauce (its called Matoke here). Delicious, and so cheap (honestly, $1.00). I also pitted two of the market cooks against one another in price so I got it even cheaper (ha!).

Today I spend the morning at the hospital and got to see another really interesting surgery! It was a cyst removal on the bladder of an 85 year old woman (who, I might add, did not look 85 at all). I was still fascinated to see all the operation. Even just seeing the conditions of the operating room is so interesting, and different. For example, the woman just walked herself right into the OR and didn't get any anesthesia until after they had prepped her (she got an epidural--legitimately the largest needle I have ever seen. After that and the maternity ward, childbirth couldn't seem more unappealing!). The nurse just chatted away with her while I watch the operation. The nurse also answered 3 cell phone calls during the surgery. Totally normal here. Crazy! Its great when the surgeons stop and explain things to us too.

Sunday we spend the day on the beach and yesterday we went to Ntoma, which is where the baby orphanage is. They are really well funded so it was great to see such a well-run orphanage. The babies were of course adorable. I was one of the lucky ones that didn't get peed on (no diapers, so surprise!). After the orphanage we went over to a beach there and went swimming in Lake Victoria! It was great. I'm also getting to know our tour guides and they are so fun. Ashley--love Zaharan!

Thats all for now! I have some lengthy emails to tend to from my momma and my fabulous roommate (who keep me quite updated while I'm gone, I love it!)

Xoxo
Carlyle. 

Scrubbed up!

Hey guys!!

Its been an exciting past couple days. I scrubbed in for my first surgery yesterday!! And by scrubbed in I mean I literally put on all the scrubs, face mask, gloves and everything (I even helped the surgeon tie up his scrubs--no big deal). It was SO so awesome and I loved every second. I think I've regained my shaken confidence about working in a hospital after the maternity ward. I got to stand right next to the surgeon during the surgery while they performed a hernia repair operation that lasted about 2 hours. I had no idea what I was watching, but I saw a lot of abdominal tissue and the abdominal cavity. It was really great (and I didn't feel queasy at all). I also followed that doctor around the hospital as he did his morning rounds and he explained a lot to us. I'm so excited I got to have the chance to be in the OR!

Today we went to Mugeza, which is the albino and disabled orphanage. Last night we prepared all the suncreen bottles by writing directions on them in Swahili and put together all the clothes. We showed them how to use the suncreen today and we distributed the clothes. The kids were all in great spirits, but it was still a really sad place. Most of the albinos have families at home but can't live there as it is too dangerous for them due to believes about albinos and witchcraft. They are too persecuted at home so they stay at this orphanage. So many of them have terrible burns and really dry & cracked skin. They sleep in small rooms with so many bunk beds--generally about 40 kids in one dorm with about 30 beds. The rest of the kids are disabled. Despite their conditions, they were all happy and played with us for the morning. I befriended a young blind boy named Edwin. I saw him alone in the back of the classroom and gave him a tshirt. When I noticed him trying to walk around by himself after I picked him up, helped him with the candy we all gave him and held him for the next 2 hours we were there. He loved playing with my necklace and my backpack. It was hard to leave him! I wanted to take him home with me. It was great to just give all the kids attention there.


Outside of the projects we have been having a really great time with the group. I've taught everyone how to "Shake It Out" (thank you Kristen)--needless to say we're having a lot of fun. We've even made some interesting dinners that have been less tasty than just comical. Its hard to cook here!

Love you all :)

Mambo from Bukoba!

(I can hear y'all saying poa in response)

This week has been filled with hospital time and teaching at Bukoba Secondary School! My second O-chem lesson was 2 hours long, which was a surprise to all of us when we arrive but we managed to fill up all the time! It was another great experience that I really loved. I even got compliments from the girls about teaching, and it was great to hear them liking organic chemistry again. We all exchanged names and emails after the class so we could stay in contact when we go back home. I went to the hospital on Wednesday morning and I must admit, it was another hard experience for me. I think I just don't care for the maternity ward, which is good because we will be switching wards next week. I observed my first delivery--and by "observed" I mean I watched until I felt so queasy that I had to leave and sit down (which I have to admit was only a few minutes--but I'm sure the mother was happy to have me and the disgusted look on my face that I couldn't disguise leave the room). With no anesthesia and some necessary cutting (with quite a dull looking scissors) and the screaming that went along with that, there was only so much I could take. When I returned to the room, the nurses were trying to revive a quiet baby right on top of the mother. I'm not sure the baby made it, and the premies from my earlier post passed the night before. Another sad morning at the hospital. Lets just say OBGYN will not be my specialty in med school. Tomorrow, though, we are planning to observe some surgeries so I'm hoping to make it through an observation period!

The computer classes at the school have been great! Its interesting to teach people who have never seen a computer before how to use it (and admittedly, a little frustrating to teach something that is so second nature!).

I've been continuing to eat great fresh fruit (pineapple and mango are my favorite) & some interesting food. I'm pretty sure the other day at the beach they killed a chicken just for our meal (did I mention that before?). Oh, and we have have found a heart and an intestine in our "meat". Needless to say, I monitor my meat intake quite closely now.

I think I said this before, but people have a really hard time with my name here! Its funny. I have somewhat of an admirer in town--the feeling's not mutual--who thinks my name is Caroline, except he mostly calls me Carlile (you should enjoy that one Saemrow).

Some things from home that I'm starting to miss--
 Silence. Honestly--its never quiet here! Between our group, people in town, the constant music playing and the rooster that lives 2 feet outside our window I'm not lying when I say I haven't had more than 5 minutes of silence at once.
Chocolate--self explanatory.
Hugs from my momma. 
Milk. Cheese. Dairy--completely deprived.
Hot showers--You really cannot get used to an ice shower.
My long runs!
(and all of you of course)

Other than that I'm really enjoying being here and am excited for all our upcoming projects!

Love your emails, keep them coming!

xoxo
Carlile. 

Let the fun begin!

 Hey everyone!

Just wanted to give you all a quick update. We've started out a busy week and I've had some highs and lows all in one day.

Yesterday we spent the morning inside reading because it was raining and spend the afternoon on the beach, which was great! I also spend a chunk of the day figuring out my lesson plan for today's Ochem. Skirt making at the market was a success, wearing it right now actually.

Today we started out in the maternity ward of the hospital. The hospital--Wow. I never expected there to be such a difference in the conditions of health care, but it left me speechless. We saw twin babies born at 6 and half months. The best they could do for them was lay them on a table on oxygen, wrapped up in blankets. They were so small--I unsuccessfully tried to choke back the tears when I though of how small they were compared to my beautiful and perfect baby niece back home (whom I miss like crazy, and I hear she is anxiously waiting my arrival back home--give her endless kisses from me). It was all I could do not to break down and cry. I hated that these two babies will most likely not survive, quite possibly due to the lack of availability in medical equipment and attention. Between the broken heated lamp they tried to use and the ant crawling up the nurses gown, I couldn't be more shocked, and angry, at the unfairness (of nobody's fault) of these conditions.That being said the hospital is very well run and is doing the very best they can. We were warmly welcomed to observe, which I genuinely appreciate.

On a happier note--we began our computer classes at the secondary school today and I led my first 80 minute organic chemistry lesson. The girls are brilliant and it was another one of my happiest moments here to have the girls really  understanding and being excited about what we were doing. I love being at the school!

Tonight I'll be working on the second lesson, relaxing, and starting my 4th book. I love it here.

Miss you all!

Mzungu...how are you??

Hey guys!!

We've been all around since Thursday. and I've eaten a lot of interesting food! (But I feel fine, so thats reassuring).

Thursday we brought the computers to the Bukoba Secondary School. This was hands down the most heartwarming experience I've had thus far. The school made our donation a huge ceremony and all the kids were outside waiting for us. and by all the kids, I mean literally like 400. They announced us all and we all got a change to talk to everyone and introduce ourselves. They told us that the computers we brought would cost them half their annual budget so it would have taken them many years to buy them as a school. There was music and so much thanks. It was definitely my happiest moment here. We also got to see the kids rap and dance to the music (on this huge sound system, which was really cool). Turns out free-style swahili rap is pretty impressive. We also all danced a little for them, to many laughs from the crowd.

Thursday for lunch I tried a lot of new things. Kitambua, which was good, is a fried and doughy pancake. I also had kibabu, which was basically like a fried meatloaf stick (literally everything is fried here unless its rice, or fruit). I also had the 'hamburger' which was definitely not an American burger--much more sweet with some really good spices! We've also been having chips maiai, which is basically potatoes and eggs fried up together. Its delicious and definitely a favorite of mine. Between the new food and the delicious fresh fruit, I'm enjoying my dining experiences.

Yesterday we went to Mr. Raza's mosque to visit the kids, many of which are orphans whose parents have died from HIV. All our girls wore head scarves and love sleeves when we observed the prayers. We also had lunch with the kids and ate pilau (comparable to fried rice) on huge platters from which we ate with our hands. A new experience all around, to say the least.

Everyday we've been to the market to pick up fruit or chippatti. Today we had the fabric we bought previously made into skirts that will be done tomorrow! Mom--you made out well on the fabric deal :) This week was like a grasshopper festival in town. Honestly. It was like the African version of the great locust. There are huge bags of live grasshoppers that people sell to make sinainai (fried grasshopper). The past couple days the streets have been filled with people carrying around bags of living grasshoppers. Yes, people, I did have fried grasshopper. It wouldn't have been all that bad had I not been able to feel myself chewing its head. Not an favorite of mine.

Africa lifestyle is good for me. I've been sleeping, a lot, drinking a lot of water and reading a lot. Supplementing 10 hours of sleep and 3 liters of water a day for the 4 hours of sleep I got with a coffee diet has been really great (you're welcome Mom!!). I've also been running whenever I can recruit someone to go with me (Kristen..where ARE you??). Its quite the run though--basically a mile straight uphill. and people look at us like we're crazy when we run..and I don't totally disagree with them.

I'm thinking of you all like crazy and wish I had more time to email you all back!!

xoxo
Carly 

P.s. Ashley Mcdonough, we need a serious reunion celebration when I get back! 

Bukoba: Becoming a Lifestyle

Mambo everyone!!

Life in Bukoba is becoming much less hectic as I get used to the busy streets. There are motorcycles, bikes, cars, horns and colors. Everywhere, all the time. This past week we had to spend our time going to the organizations we will be working with and setting up times and dates to do our projects. We have also spent some time exploring the markets and the city. Today we went to the hospital and plan to begin there Monday. We got caught in some really heavy rain today and ran to the nearest restaurant! Always an adventure. Yesterday we met with Mr. Raza and set up the time to visit his orphanage/temple on Friday and some other hopsital visits. He also arranged for us to go to Mugeza, which is the albino orphanage. We settled all that information today, and it turns out if we had not brought suncreen, we most likely wouldn't be able to go there this year as there is such an effort to protect those kids. So Mom and Sandra---we owe you guys for your sunscreen donations!! We also met with the Secondary school yesterday to plan the organic chemistry lessons and computer lessons with the computers we are donating (I cant even stop nerding out in Africa). It has been heartwarming to hear the appreciation from these people and how our projects in the past continue to impact and help the community. I'm really loving it. I can't wait to get started on all our projects, especially teaching at the school! They had a huge sign on their chalkboard that said "Bukoba Secondary School Welcomes Biology Without Borders". It was so great. Tomorrow we will be bringing the computers and they are making a huge ceremony of it will all the students and their parents. I'm really excited to meet all the kids! I'm looking forward to filling you all in about our projects soon.

For time sake, here are some notes about Bukoba (Tanzania? Africa? I'm not sure how broadly I can generalize all this!) and experiences I've had:
-The kids here are beyond adorable. I want to take them all home (Grandma, this would be a serious problem for you). They love seeing us and always ask us "How are YOU??, how are YOU??" Its honestly the cutest thing in the world.
-I've heard the word "Mzungu" (white person) more times than I can count
-Everyone wants to make sure you know the proper way to greet and respond, so a lot of times people come up to you and just say "Mambo..Poa" or "Habari..Nzuri". Then since they have greeted you and basically responded to their own greeting its always a little awkward so come up with a response.
-Barter, barter barter! When to barter? I never really know. I've been laughed at and successful. Maybe I'll learn. I know the numbers but there are so many vowels that it all goes too fast for me to understand.
-Banks. An interesting experience. Always armed guards outside, but its not as intimidating as it seems. Yesterday the woman told me she wanted my money instead of the bank for a terrible exchange rate. This mzungu was not falling for that. I successfully exchanged today though!
-People are in no hurry. ever. I honestly don't know what people do around here all day or when kids go to school. There is a serious "Africa-time" situation here. This is probably good for me.
-I've been called "sister" often. always amusing. I also a firm handshake and a "Hey Beautiful" on the way to the internet cafe today. I've also been informed that a couple people "love" me (or want to, which sounds a lot more uncomfortable than I think they intend in translation). Its been funny. Dad, please calm down. Someone gave me "knucks" today. Or "dap" (ha, right Brandon?). Or--I don't even know what to try to call it here.
-It is obviously not socially unacceptable to laugh and stare at people. Thats also been funny!
-The Masai people around here are honestly so cool. I want to talk to them but have only gotten the chance to just see them. They are so interesting!
-My flip flop tan line is already out of control (I'm wearing my suncreen though, Sandra!)

I have so much more to tell you all! I hope everything is great back home. I'm sorry if my emails are short but its been great hearing from all of you! I'll be getting to work starting tomorrow on all these projects and will give you the details when I can! Xoxo.

Love,
Carly

P.s. I don't really have time to edit the blog, so apologies for the possible nonsense!

Bukoba :)

After a long and interesting ferry ride, I'm finally in Bukoba!

to preface this post, the "shift" button only works for certain letters--advanced warning for the awkward grammar of the blog!

Let's begin with the ferry. How to begin, is really the question. We boarded and were literally swarmed by lake flies outside our room. We don't come lightly, lets just say that, so it takes us a while to transport all of our stuff. We got into our rooms, locked up our stuff, had dinner and sat around near the bar for a while. I think we were all pretty tired so we turned in pretty early. The bathrooms--my first mentally trying experience. The hole in the ground was fine, I camp so I know whats up with that but the spiders in the stall were a challenge for me. I thankfully didn't notice their size and abundance until I was done, but my goodness I did not go back there. The huge grasshopper I had to remove from our room was also interesting, but not quite as scarring of an experience for me. It was an interesting ride, though! We got to Bukoba early this morning and took a van to Williams house.

William's house is so nice! His wife, Jackie, made us a great breakfast and we settled in. This afternoon we have been walking around town and stopped to buy some supplies. We will be figuring out the schedule for the rest of the trip today with Mr. Raza.

Bukoba is really busy! Not quite the peace and quiet in Africa I was expecting! Its a little hectic, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Everyone on the trip has been really fun and I love the people here. I don't understand much, but when I hear Mzungu (white person) I know they are talking about us, which is always pretty amusing. We get a fair amount of stares, but the kids are the friendliest. I'm excited to start our projects and go to the girls school. This is all so different and its really fun to see it all. more to come later!


It's hard to articulate this experience well with the little time I have on the computer. Dont worry, though, I'll remember it all to tell you when I'm back.

Love you guys! 

P.s.--I was less than impressed with my email inbox, people!!

and Peter, I tripped over some odd metal object so your injury to my toe is not the only one now, hopefully thats somewhat comforting to you!

Mwanza

Africa is amazing.

I have so much to tell you all!

Lets begin with the subsequent series of "Embarrassing-Carly" social blunders. Some "notes-to-self" future travel:
1. Do not fill up your brand-new filtered water bottle right before boarding in Amsterdam as security is at the gate. This ended up in me running from the security line to dump it out somewhat frantically
2. Do NOT take pictures of your gate sign while in the security line. You will immediately be approached by a security guard to see your camera. Intimidating, but the situation ended fine. Except that my fellow travelers warned me if I did that in Africa, I would not be leaving Africa. I have been "shutter-shy" since. (Dont worry, Dad, I'm not going to get stuck in Africa).
3. Following numbers 1 and 2, do not leave on your watch and bracelet going through the metal detector. Honestly, I've never been good at this whole security situation.

After (finally) getting onto the Amsterdam flight, I was worn out from the day and slept through the night! It was great to rest up before getting to Nairobi. We got a good meal on the plane (salmon, spinach, and cous cous and wine, Mom). We got into Nairobi at around 6 am. I could hardly stand how excited I was to be in Africa! We did a little  shopping during our layover and I got the best Chai I've ever had. We went through security in Nairobi (or lack there of!) and walked out to our plane. Our plane was quite small, small enough to have propellers. I felt like I was boarding a plane from the 1950's... except for the fact it wasn't made out of wood (Tommy & Jim, forgive my terrible description of this experience). Sitting directly behind the propeller on the inside was not the most comforting seat. Our flight to Mwanza was only about an hour long, but the runway was right next to Lake Victoria and it honestly seemed like we would be doing a Hudson Bay landing. Needless to say, I was told to calm down on this flight.

The "airport" at Mwanza was entertaining. It was more like a small wooden building with an etched sign above the doorway that said "International Arrivals". We showed our visas and our yellow cards, picked up all (17) of our suitcases, and were greeted by our travel guide, William and his crew. Before I knew what was going on I was giving a friendly handshake to a smiling guide of Willam's. Hearing "Karibu", which means welcome, I haven't stopped smiling since. We packed up into the van and drove to our hotel in Mwanza. In the car it was great to chat with William and his workers. Seeing Africa from the window was surreal! I saw women with huge baskets of artichokes and bananas on their heads, colorful clothing everywhere and children playing.

This experience has been amazing so far. I've already made friends with the guides (Dixon and Fazier) and one of the artists (Ally). Yesterday we walked around Mwanza, saw the market and had our first African meal--chicken and rice with a delicious tomato sauce. Today we went back to the market to watch Ally make a painting. He let us all help and even "chose" me to etch "BWB '12" into the panting. After some successful bartering, I walked away with 3 beautiful oil paintings (and Ally's email address!). Yes Ashley, I found you your painting! After we walked around Mwanza and saw a beautiful view of Lake Victoria from one of the points and "Bismark Rock". Our travel guides are so fun and my favorite part has been getting to know them and talking to the people here. Yesterday I went and sat down at the hotel to read my book. After a page, a local man (Martin) sat at talked to me for about 2 hours about Obama, gay marriage, my religious views--needless to say I needed a nap after trying to have that! You would have liked this guy, Dad--he pointed out the dichotomy between America's capitalism and Obama's socialism. He refers to us as "impureists". For lunch today I had the fish (as in..the whole fish: head, scales, eyes..everything) and fruit. It was delicious!

I love it here. This is all so amazing and I can't wait to get to know the people of Bukoba. We are getting the ferry tonight and will be there tomorrow!

Wish I could tell you all more :) Until next time!!

Adventures of Amsterdam

Turns out blogging from Amsterdam means everything on my web page is Dutch! German..? It's ambiguous. After a day in Amsterdam, the thought of another 8 hour overnight flight is making me cringe! I just can't master that "sleeping while sitting" thing. Amsterdam was great today!! I encountered my first embarrassing social blunder, thankfully in the privacy of my own bathroom stall (awkward intro to my story, I know). Turns out picture directions are worth a million words and I should really start paying attention to them so I don't put the toilet seat sanitizer on my hands. Shoot, better luck next time. We took a train to the city and walked around town. I made sure to grab a street vendor hot dog (how American) and a beer (or two) at a local pub! The whole group had a great time! Amsterdam is a beautiful and old city! Gotta board the next flight, more to come later!! Xoxo

Bon Voyage, Folks!

Bukoba here I come!

...eventually, in 4 days after 3 flights and a ferry.

With a breakfast in bed of strawberries and cream with crumbled peanut butter cups (compliments of my momma), my last hot shower for weeks, a visit from my favorite auntie,  and 3 very full & heavy bags, I have been sufficiently spoiled and am ready to go! Forget what I said about those online browsing charges (you're welcome, Dad), grades are up and posted. Another successful semester! Organic chemistry gave me a run for my money, but seeing that A was like a sweet victory (am I right, Chris and Ian?! We need to throw ourselves a celebration when I get home). The 4.0 calmed my nerves for about two and a half minutes until I realized I am leaving...for Africa..for six weeks....in just hours. Wow. I was clearly a fool for thinking the "no-anxiety" feeling would last. Let me tell you, its not!! It will be a miracle if my mom and I can have a dry eyed departure at the airport...

Despite the nerves, I can hardly sit here and write this right now! Brimming with excitement as well :)

I'm off! xoxo

And so the journey begins..

Farewell America! 

I depart from the land of overindulgence and "#firstworldproblems" to a completely new culture..

Considering it is midnight, I can officially say that today is the day I leave! Wild. Looking around my room there are clothes hanging from my bed, paperwork all over my desk, and not a single thing is put into my carry on or duffle bag. Yes, I do leave packing till the last minute, mostly due to my overly anal need to literally see everything I'm bringing until the last few hours before I leave (in case I've forgotten any item I've triple checked myself and with every member in my family). On the agenda tonight is still an online training module and creating an organic chemistry lesson plan or two for the girls school we are visiting. I'll sleep on those couple 9 hour night flights..right? 

I must say I'm going to miss the best family and friends I could ask for. My amazing roommates planned a great night for us last night and I got to see so many of my favorite people! It was a great time to catch up with everyone after finals, non-stressed style. I'll put up some pictures from the night! And tonight, I feasted with my family for my last American meal for a while. It's not like my family to pass up any possible occasion to celebrate, so my departure of course made the cut. And what is a celebration without a dinner? Sent off with perfectly cooked and seasoned pork-chops in a delicious pineapple and brown sugar jam, asparagus,  roasted sweet potatoes and strawberries and cream (Tommy--stop drooling), I couldn't be more satisfied. That meal may have made it a little harder for me to eat granola bars as meal supplements for the next month, though! After the past couple days I have managed to fit in everything I wanted to do before I left, even a little tennis! The only thing I'm anticipating before I leave are my grades. And you people know me & my grades--its serious business. Lets just say, Dad--If you get some roaming data charges on the phone bill while I'm in Amsterdam, don't worry, it will just be me checking One Stop compulsively on my phone for my grades once the plane lands!! 

I'm not one for emotional goodbyes (and let's be honest, I'm really not leaving for that long--no Mom, its really not that long!) so I didn't surprise myself in my casual goodbyes last night. A tearful goodbye to my roommate Ashley, though, did catch me a little off guard! I do really have her to thank for a great night. I can't wait to tell you guys all about this adventure! And my little niece Helena is already so much bigger, I can only imagine she's going to basically be a grown up by the time I get back. Okay, maybe just a little bigger :) Annie and Bridget, tell her to slow down until I get back. 

For now I must get busy. Enjoy some pics from last night! (Also slippin in a pic from the half marathon for my Grams!) 

Dinner with all my favorites! 

Can I "Shake it Out" in Africa for you ladies?!

Stop it. Miss you already. 

A little picture shout out to my Ochem savants--We got through it!! :) 

How could I not miss this family--Especially you Grandma!! 

I have a 4 day voyage to Bukoba ahead of me && will let y'all know when I get there! xoxo

A Packing Explosion

The result of an Africa shopping day accompanied by my patient, patient mom (love you) who put up with a day full of my indecisiveness: 

Let the packing begin, people. Yikes. 

The Calm Before the Storm

My "calm" post before the anxiety of packing begins

And of course I haven't started packing yet..I am my mother's daughter. 

It is crazy to think that I depart for Tanzania in 4 days. I know that two years ago these few days before my departure would have been filled with a hectic level of manageable panic. Tonight, though, I am happy to say that I am simply so excited to begin this journey that no foreseeable amount of homesickness is even crossing my mind. 

As I sit back relaxing, watching a movie with my mom in the comfort of my home laying lazily on my couch, my biggest concerns are the frustratingly slow speed of the internet while trying to create this blog & the fact that I can't multitask enough to follow the plot of the movie and work on my computer.

Rough life, huh?

A week from now I have a feeling these trivial bothers will embarrass me, as they should even now. This trip will be such an experience to learn from and I look forward to what I can bring back from this journey.

I will certainly keep all of you as updated as I can while I'm away! Lets be honest, we all know I'm the worlds worst story teller, but I will try my best to entertain you with my adventures. I'm sure I will have plenty of "embarrasing-carly" moments you all know and love. Don't worry--I won't be shy about them. I would love to hear from you all while I'm gone, so please please please comment on the blog and tell me how your lives are back home! I will be taking a Facebook hiatus (hopefully) but I would love to hear from y'all in emails if you'd like to fill me more explicitly (Ashley's, Kristen, Mar, Nikk, Glenna, Andrew & Chris, this especially means you and all of the things you cannot publicly blog! Don't think because I'm away you're excused from divulging your lives to me (; ).  I also expect frequent updates on how my beautiful little niece is doing back home and how my crazy, beautiful family is as well!

I'll make sure to check up on carly.m.dahl@gmail.com.

I will miss you guys so much! Be good and don't be strangers :)

<3