Chuo Kikuu - UDSM

Feels like we're back in freshman year - moved into the dorms at the University of Dar es Salaam on Sunday. Living in Hall 3 with the rest of the SIT gang, which is just like any other college dorm (well, basically) and we have already decorated the rooms with whatever we could find to put up on the walls (and kept up some of the interesting decorations that we found already in the room - posters of "fancy rooms"). We have some kids from Mozambique in the dorm next door which I was really excited about because they speak Portuguese! My brain is so messed up with all of the languages I've been learning lately that I think I was speaking Portuswahilenglespanol, but it was a lot of fun to talk to them!





At UDSM we are having a lecture series that is focusing on environmental issues on the mainland, which is completely different from environmental issues in Zanzibar for two reasons. One, the mainland is obviously comprised of many different environments, ranging from the Kilimanjaro highlands to the northeast Rafiji coast. And two, though Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania are united, Zanzibar remains semi-autonomous and governs itself for issues concerning the environment, among other things. We are also going to be doing some field trips to see alternative energy sites and to do some snorkeling, AND next week we are going to Mikumi National Park for a safari!

The campus is beautiful and offers everything that any American college would, although sometimes in a different fashion. The library has a wealth of books, some looking centuries old. We've already found our favorite study spot underneath a giant banyon tree - and there's even wireless there (sometimes)! There is this little footbridge over to the residential part of campus that crosses a ravine and is engulfed by draping vines that could undoubtedly hold the weight of a person. Monkeys run around and the people - who are here despite it being winter vacation - are completely unfazed. Rumor has it there is also a baboon, but I haven't been able to see it yet.

Having a wonderful time here! Haven't gotten to see much of the city yet but that doesn't make me too sad knowing how beautiful it is here. Definitely feels funny to be back on a college campus!

Alright well, that's all for now but...

Tchau/Kwaheri/Adios/Bye!