Hakuna Matata: A Journey from Kentucky to Tanzania: Kwa Heri Tanzania!

It's official, my time here is coming to an end and this will be my last posting while in Tanzania. To be honest, there's nothing in particular I'd like to talk about and I don't want to bore you with cliches or weird contradictions because nothing can fully say what this experience has given to me. Mainly, I'd just like to state a few random things I've learned and give thanks to everyone here. So here it goes...

1. While people do fight off horrible diseases here such as malaria and HIV/Aids, I cannot argue with statistics, on the whole people don't normally seem to be sick. Contagious infections like the cold or the flu aren't as common nor are allergies or asthma. I have no statistics but just from my observations.

2. Country music is very popular especially Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Celion Dion is also very popular.

3. Celebrity gossip happens just as much as in the US.

4. Speaking a few words in Swahili automatically make people tell you that you know Swahili.

5. No hurry in Africa is definitely true, don't expect anything to start on time.

6. People are constantly discussing about the Free Masons and the Illuminati and if you come into a lot of money quickly you will be thought of as being one.

7. Obama's face is EVERYWHERE! He is on pencils, pens, notebooks, fabric, signs of barbershops and on the sides of buses.

8. Students are given a sum of money from the government for school to pay for meals and accommodations.

9. Doctors like to protest and strike.

10. Having your clothes made by a tailor instead of store bought is normal.

Firstly, I'd like to thank my program, the on-site coordinator and my host family for making sure my stay was comfortable and everything stayed in place.

My Swahili teacher, without any Swahili I don't know how someone could live here.

The friends I've made, you have all changed my life in ways that can't be explained and will miss you terribly.

Especially to Kassim, who has wanted a shout-out forever, but is hands down the most memorable part of my time here.

Well I'll leave you with some pictures. =)