So comes to an end our 3 weeks in Tanzania. What incredible experiences we have had in this beautiful and challenging country. We have seen some absolutely gorgeous places - some of the most stunning in the world. To all the warm people we met who shared a smile, a laugh, a kind gesture - all of which added to our experiences and touched our lives - we are so grateful. Our girls learned that despite the many differences in the worlds in which we live, the kids in Tanzania have much in common with them - they played soccer together, shared photos and games, drew pictures together, shared laughs, and learned from each other. What a priceless gift.
It is with mixed emotions that I leave Tanzania. There is something about it here that draws you in and makes you fall in love with this country. Perhaps it is the sheer beauty in the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the lush rolling hills of the coffee plantations, or the turquoise waters and coral reefs off Zanzibar. Maybe it is the majestic African animals in the wild, or the warm smiles of the Tanzanian people. Perhaps it is being witness to a country still developing, and the incredible resilience of its people. Maybe it is a little of all of these things that make it hard to leave.
There is another side that has me looking forward to returning to the comforts of the western world. Maybe it is the constant smell of diesel, or burning garbage. Maybe it's having to use bottled water to drink and brush my teeth everyday, Maybe it's being on the edge of losing power or water any day, or being cautious of what we eat. It might be the diligence required to put on mosquito repellant and put down the mosquito net over the bed every night. It could be the constant layer of dust on our bodies, clothes and belongings due to the dirt roads and walkways, or the coating of dirt on our feet that has become the norm.
I do feel some shame in complaining about such annoyances or inconveniences, acknowledging that for millions of Tanzanian people this is their reality - everyday of their lives. They truly are a strong and resilient people. But for all of that, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I hope we can return one day. Until then, asante sana, Tanzania.
It is with mixed emotions that I leave Tanzania. There is something about it here that draws you in and makes you fall in love with this country. Perhaps it is the sheer beauty in the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the lush rolling hills of the coffee plantations, or the turquoise waters and coral reefs off Zanzibar. Maybe it is the majestic African animals in the wild, or the warm smiles of the Tanzanian people. Perhaps it is being witness to a country still developing, and the incredible resilience of its people. Maybe it is a little of all of these things that make it hard to leave.
There is another side that has me looking forward to returning to the comforts of the western world. Maybe it is the constant smell of diesel, or burning garbage. Maybe it's having to use bottled water to drink and brush my teeth everyday, Maybe it's being on the edge of losing power or water any day, or being cautious of what we eat. It might be the diligence required to put on mosquito repellant and put down the mosquito net over the bed every night. It could be the constant layer of dust on our bodies, clothes and belongings due to the dirt roads and walkways, or the coating of dirt on our feet that has become the norm.
I do feel some shame in complaining about such annoyances or inconveniences, acknowledging that for millions of Tanzanian people this is their reality - everyday of their lives. They truly are a strong and resilient people. But for all of that, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I hope we can return one day. Until then, asante sana, Tanzania.