we're here!

We made it safely yay! our flights were not bad, but they were really long obviously. And being in economy means we were really cramped in there and hard to sleep. I didn't sleep on the first leg, but passed out on a bench in the Amsterdam airport and then passed out for about half the Tanzania flight. So many people flying to climb the Mt-everyone in full REI gear haha- made me jealous! next time. we had to wait to pick up 2 other volunteesr (not staying with us) so we didn't get to  our house until 2 am.  Pretty brave of these women to travel on their own seperately (they are also traveling around after this). Everyone has been very nice but we have to be trusting bc I mean we were driving through backroads in the middle of the night with men who we just met and who are staying in our house as well. (from everything I hear, although you have to be careful, Tanzania is probably the safest place in Africa) We ate rice and cucumbers with the host Nelson.  The roads are horrible- huge deposits of water and if you think Chicago potholes are bad- look at these roads! The house is very modest - but likely way better than others. typical kind of clay style, some bedrooms- we are in one w 2 bunk beds and literally room for nothing else. I am glad I do not weigh any more or else we wouldn't be able to get in. There are no dressers or closets so the room is already strewn with my clothes. we picked the room with the best bathroom- although not saying much. There is no fan or AC- glad we packed mini fans although the battery died halfway through the night. We are covered by mosquito nets. We woke up to the roosters outside our window at 6 am and then if that wasn't bad just about every farm animal started singing their song. Breakfast was an omelette- we have a cook, great luxury. a cat wandered in (?the neighbors pet?) and I felt bad bc it was so hungry. Of course it got a bite of my omelette lol. We are in town right now (no internet at home, have to use a cafe) to get our volunteer visas, look around, get oriented , go to the hospital etc. The drive was awesome (besides the potholes) bc everyone was out and it was very interesting to see day to day life- carrying water on heads, toting babies around, scooters,etc. little kids running around. Nelson was right- muslims (wearing hijabs) and christians existing together in harmony- nice to  see.  Real work tomorrow. hope to post soon