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!!