Well, I am finally here, in Tanzania. The flights were long, but comfortable as Qatar airlines treated us excellently, Air Canada could definitely take some tips from these guys. The whole group is in one piece, all still happy, and I think they are all trully amazed by this place. I know I sure am. Unfortunately we are all a little tired, two days of sleeping in airplane seats and spending the entire day (sunday) sight seeing in London will do that to you. We had a little trouble at the border, nothing serious, we just had to pay an extra fee to get the correct visa, it took a while, but everything worked out in the end.
One thing that I need to say right off the bat is that I am so happy that we are not here duing the hot season, because I am not sure I could handle it!!! It is so warm here, over 30 celsuis, but it cools at night thankfully!
We travelled to the house we are staying in by daladala, the local taxi. It was an interesting experience. 14 people and a ton of luggage crammed into a little van type vehicle. We took pictures so hopefully I will get the chance to post some of them soon.
The house we are staying in is very nice, clean, with security and a house mother (a wonderfull tanzanian women who helps around the house and prepares our meals). Upon arrival we all got together with program manager and programming assistance to YCI Tanzania, (Deanna and Pam), and had a mini discussion session where we all received special gifts. A kanga, which is the traditional dress that the women wear, a scraf, and coin bag, a necklace, as well as a hand painted oil lamp. It was such a surprise. The boys received the equivalent with a male twist.
I wish I oculd write more, but I am so tired right now that I can barely remember all the things that happened today. I can say for certain however that myself, and the entire MUNHOPE team is truly happy to be here and excited to move on to Chogo to get started on our project!
I will try to update as often as possible to let you all know who things are going.
Pao,
Heather
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Hello, Goodbye, Hello Again and Goodbye Again!
The past few days flew by.
Ottawa was amazing. It was so great to see Andria again, it was like no time had past. I forgot how much I laugh when I am around that girl, suffice it to say, I had a wondefull few days in Ottawa and Toronto.
On friday morning I met Mark Evans for breakfast and we went to this wonderfull little organic restaurant/coffee house called the Wild Oat. I had a mango lassie that was made with rice milk. We also happened upon the Tulip festival on International day where I had the best choloate truffle that I have ever had. I can't remember the name of the desert, but it was from Brazil.
Andria and I, with some last minute planning, jumped a train to Toronto Friday afternoon and headed to Toronto, where we spent the weekend in... MY OLD RESIDENCE. It as a real blast from the past! Good Ol' Michener! The whole weekend was a trip down memory lane actually. We went to O'Grady's on friday night for a couple pints, and to The Villiage Idiot on Saturaday. Jerr Bear camp out with us too, he hasn't changed a bit and it was great seeing him. We went back to his place in the beaches, a gorgeous place, and played with his adorable puppy Ella!
On Sunday I checked in to my hostel, the Canadiana Backpackers Inn, and then said good bye to Andria at Union Station. And then I was on my own, or so I thought... back at the hostel it wasn't long before I started making a few friends. Two wonderfully Aussies, Sian and Ash. There is a little movie theatre in my hostel, with airplane seats! Anyway, they showed the horror film hostel (I was crazy to go I know) and then the three of us headed to the pub across the street for a few pints and some laughs, it was comedy night! I had an absolute blast and I was sad to see Sian pack her bags to head to niagra falls this morning.
As for the YCI orientation, the reason I'm in Toronto, it began today. The whole MUNHOPE gang arrived on time! And we started into a day long process of presentations and discussions about our up coming project in Tanzania, including health and safety concerns, aims and goals of YCI and the MUNHOPE project, project life, etc. etc. etc. It was a good day, very informative, and I'm pretty sure the entire MUNHOPE team learned alot and had many of their concerns addressed. Only 4 more days of orientation left before we hop on the plane. I am getting so excited, but there is so much more for me to do in Toronto before I leave...
Ottawa was amazing. It was so great to see Andria again, it was like no time had past. I forgot how much I laugh when I am around that girl, suffice it to say, I had a wondefull few days in Ottawa and Toronto.
On friday morning I met Mark Evans for breakfast and we went to this wonderfull little organic restaurant/coffee house called the Wild Oat. I had a mango lassie that was made with rice milk. We also happened upon the Tulip festival on International day where I had the best choloate truffle that I have ever had. I can't remember the name of the desert, but it was from Brazil.
Andria and I, with some last minute planning, jumped a train to Toronto Friday afternoon and headed to Toronto, where we spent the weekend in... MY OLD RESIDENCE. It as a real blast from the past! Good Ol' Michener! The whole weekend was a trip down memory lane actually. We went to O'Grady's on friday night for a couple pints, and to The Villiage Idiot on Saturaday. Jerr Bear camp out with us too, he hasn't changed a bit and it was great seeing him. We went back to his place in the beaches, a gorgeous place, and played with his adorable puppy Ella!
On Sunday I checked in to my hostel, the Canadiana Backpackers Inn, and then said good bye to Andria at Union Station. And then I was on my own, or so I thought... back at the hostel it wasn't long before I started making a few friends. Two wonderfully Aussies, Sian and Ash. There is a little movie theatre in my hostel, with airplane seats! Anyway, they showed the horror film hostel (I was crazy to go I know) and then the three of us headed to the pub across the street for a few pints and some laughs, it was comedy night! I had an absolute blast and I was sad to see Sian pack her bags to head to niagra falls this morning.
As for the YCI orientation, the reason I'm in Toronto, it began today. The whole MUNHOPE gang arrived on time! And we started into a day long process of presentations and discussions about our up coming project in Tanzania, including health and safety concerns, aims and goals of YCI and the MUNHOPE project, project life, etc. etc. etc. It was a good day, very informative, and I'm pretty sure the entire MUNHOPE team learned alot and had many of their concerns addressed. Only 4 more days of orientation left before we hop on the plane. I am getting so excited, but there is so much more for me to do in Toronto before I leave...
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
And so the journey begins...
Hey everyone!
Well, the time has finally come for my long awaited volunteer trip to Africa to begin. Today I jumped on a plane to... well to Ottawa actually, to do a little visiting, but I will be in Toronto on Monday, along with the rest of the MUNHOPE gang, for our orientation with YCI and CIDA.
I found out yesterday that I will have access to internet (MUNHOPE will have access to one hour of satelite internet per week), while working in the refugee camp, so I will try to keep this blog updated.
I am sure that my volunteer experience in Guyana has prepared me somewhat for this new prject in Africa, but so much is still unknown. I really have no idea what to expect for myself, or for the MUNHOPE team. My hope is that we will make a positive impact at the camp, implement programs with sustainability, and to come away from the experience changed for the better.
Kwa heri,
Heather
Well, the time has finally come for my long awaited volunteer trip to Africa to begin. Today I jumped on a plane to... well to Ottawa actually, to do a little visiting, but I will be in Toronto on Monday, along with the rest of the MUNHOPE gang, for our orientation with YCI and CIDA.
I found out yesterday that I will have access to internet (MUNHOPE will have access to one hour of satelite internet per week), while working in the refugee camp, so I will try to keep this blog updated.
I am sure that my volunteer experience in Guyana has prepared me somewhat for this new prject in Africa, but so much is still unknown. I really have no idea what to expect for myself, or for the MUNHOPE team. My hope is that we will make a positive impact at the camp, implement programs with sustainability, and to come away from the experience changed for the better.
Kwa heri,
Heather
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