First couple weeks in Tanzania

I dont even know where to start!! Lets see about 10 days ago I was dropped off at my homestay family. I was super nervous but they are so so awesome. There is no electric or running water and a banana,orange,papaya and avocado tree in my backyard. Right outside my bedroom window there is an amazing tree with pink flowers. My Mama is one the the happiest, relaxed people I have ever met. We are always singing and dancing together. She is pretty good at the thriller dance. My baba (dad) is a farmer and is really chill as well. We have a lot of laughs together daily....usually about me trying to speak Kiswahili. One night  tried to say  I was going to brush my teeth but accidentally said I was going to fight someone. Then I have a little kaka (brother) He is the cutest 9 yr old I have ever met. His smile can light up a room. I also have 2 dadas (sisters) One is 20 and is a nurse, just like my best friend! They help me with the language a lot and teach me how to cook, clean and o laundry TZ style. I went with my kaka to get water yesterday and carried the bucket back on my head....everyone got a huge kick out of that. Oh and I went to the neighbors and fed a monkey an orange. Think Aladdin. Apparently the monkey then got eaten by a dog...sad.

Training is very intense. We have 8 hour days of language learning, other days we have technical training. I am picking up on the language more and more everyday. I have training with 3 other PCTs that are staying in the same village as me. They are all really awesome and our LCF (language and culture facilitator) is the best. We really lucked out. On certain days we go to the training center and we get to see everyone. I love those days, its like a family reunion. I Just got a cell phone my number is 078597 4834. Plus the country code, Ill let you figure that out since I dont have much time.
I think I am finally getting used to bucket bathing....the 1st morning I was standing outside inclosed in a topless hut made of bamboo bating from a bucket was the time it really hit me....wow I am in Africa and this is my life now. Once I talked to everyone else they had the exact same moment. Like I said training is tough but it's already flying by and before I know it Ill be finding out my site & where Ill be the next 2 years. I just need to get down the language and pass the tests. In 2 weeks after our mid training test we are going to a swanky beach resort for a weekend....just the volunteers. That will be great.
Oh and this month is apparently one of the hottest. I wake up and go to bed sweating but I know I can handle it. I think this is all for now.
I'll keep you posted,
Maria

First couple days in Tanzania

The 7 hour  flight from NY to Amsterdam was fine. I stayed up and drank wine with a couple girls and watched movies etc. The 10 hour flight from Amsterdam to Tanzania went by fairly quickly...I slept about 7 of the 10 hours.. We were all delirious and sweaty but managed to get through a short session on safe water and the next days schedule then we crashed. We are staying inside a fairly large, really pretty Catholic compound. There are so many awesome plants and interesting bugs. My fav is a tree with yellow flowers growing on it.The staff is all great and there are 2 current PCVs here to answer questions and help with the training overview. They are both amazing. Tomorrow, after we get more shots,we are going out in Dar to explore the Peace Corps office and do a little shopping. Tuesday we go to our host families and start the 9 weeks of intensive training. I doubt I'll have Internet access very often if at all those 9 weeks so letters letters and more letters =).We had a survival Swahili class today basically so we are able to have some communication with our host families...it's still going to be awkward but pretty awesome...... I am excited to meet them. I am updating my wishlist.... apparently the first 2 packages I get while in training the PC covers the fees on.I could really use some bicycle shorts and more wet ones/baby wipes whatever kinda wiped you want. Just try to sent stuff in padded envelopes under 4 pounds or Ill have to pay massive fees when picking up the packages.

I have had some crazy vivid dreams since taking the malaria pills...they dont make any sense but they seem so real they stick with me. I could tell you every detail of them. I am so very tired I am going to go eat dinner then sleep.Oh yea, I washed my clothes by hand today for the first time. It seemed like no matter how much I rinsed there was stil a layer of soap on them ha.
Ill keep you posted!!

Staging in a half hour!

I made it to Philly last night!I was a nervous mess...at first I couldn't find where I put my luggage key (yikes). Thankfully, I eventually found it and I was also having trouble forming complete sentences. Then I met up with several other volunteers who came in a day early for dinner and drinks and started to calm down a bit.They are a great group of people. At first I was hoping to have a room alone for a night but I can say I am very very glad I am sharing my room with someone both nights. When I am by myself I start to get nervous and freak out. Her presence is very calming and she is easy to talk to.