May 28, 2010

Quote of the Day: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” – JFK

Today we had a half-day of volunteering. I taught a class on the environmental effects of rapidly growing populations and learned that Tanzanians are encouraged to have no more than 2 children. Meanwhile Hope continued to help Prosper in the biochem lab, and Sherri, Kate, and Meghan went to the clinic where they witnessed a man dying of AID and sarcomas. His family had to carry him into the clinic. We then had a quick lunch and went to the market. No one bought anything but we saw lots of things being sold: food (fresh and cooked), winter jackets (even though it’s not cold to us!), shoes, combs, congas, underwear, t-shirts, etc. There weren’t too many crafts (if at all other than the congas). By the time we got back from the market, our jeep for the safari was at the house, so we left for our weekend adventure at Ruaha Nat’l Park! The drive was about 4 hrs and we stopped in Iringa (or “Iringa Town” as everyone says) to pee. We got to the Hilltop Lodge at about 5 pm and just gasped in awe. It was stunning. I think it exceeded everyone’s expectations. The views were just incredible, particularly with the setting sun. And we were treated to lovely rooms with big beds, pillows, showers, towels and soap. I felt spoiled – it was awesome. And dinner was delicious…we just couldn’t get over the peanut soup! It was fun to see another part of Tanzania and be welcomed by the same hospitality. We retired early and awaited our safari the next day.