40 DAYS!

It's crazy to think that there's only 40 days until we step back into Canada.
The past week has been pretty rough with almost our entire group sick with something. Either it's Malaria, stomach worms/virus, suspected scabies.. or other problems....

I did have some sort of stomach virus, but I'm on some meds now so I'm A-O-K :)

Tomorrow morning we leave for Bagamoyo (about an hour north of Dar) for our mid-project weekend. Should be a fun time :) Sorta relaxing for a couple days, and see a different part of Tanzania.

I'll try to upload some pictures into a slide show coming up soon :)

Differences…

I came on this exchange to gain a new perspective to open my mind to new experiences (I know that sounds cheesy). Lately I’ve been wondering more and more, I am really glad I came on this exchange. Thus far, I had the chance to sort of self-analyze myself to entirely new degree in terms of what drives me in life and what do I really want to do with my life (Not that I’ve answered that question yet, but I think I’m a bit closer).
After talking to one of the Tanzanian participants and some older Tanzanians at the Orphanage, it never really hit me how different our views on life and specifically volunteer work are. I keep asking myself, has CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) wasted our tax money on the Tanzanians??? I’m really not a negative person, but I am very critical. Hearing other Tanzanians say that the program now is a waste of time for them because they could be in school instead of volunteering, makes me a bit angry. I’m not completely sure why… but it does. So I kinda provoked some argument ad said “Why did CIDA bother spending so much money on you to participate in CWY??” Answer I got was “I don’t know, and I don’t care”. I think “I” was worth the investment of CIDA and my donors because I think that from a Canadian perspective having international experience gives you a different edge. It gives you the chance to see things that you the chance to see things you never have before and volunteerism in our eyes is seen in a different light and is valued in our society. I know why I chose to be on the program, but I get the feeling that others simply came on the program because they saw a potential for a free trip to Canada (I wouldn’t blame them), but I personally hoped that participants would realize the greater meaning in their involvement (and I guess some haven’t). The narrow mindness of some people drives me up the wall…. I don’t understand people…. You’ve seen a different culture…. you’ve seen a different lifestyle…. And that’s it…. There’s no deeper thinking to what you have to do in order to evoke change to life…. I don’t mean this as if I’m coming off my high horse…. Even if you know what could work in one place...does not work in another. The drive that is instilled in us, I think it’s culturally bound. Being brought up in a somewhat traditional Chinese family definitely plays a bit part in how I function as a person. The combination of my Asian values and my “North American” values created almost conflicting messages a lot of times, but somehow its worked out for the best so far in my life.
How we’re brought up to think and to do is so different. The ability to do “whatever it takes” is completely different and I think ultimately creates the drive we have or don’t have. If you constantly think that you can’t make a different and this is a waste of time, then that’s the way it’s going to be. You’ve already made up your mind.

Weekend

This past weekend was quite eventful. On Saturday, MJ and I went to Sarah’s cousin’s wedding. Overall, I’d say there are quite a few similarities between Chinese weddings which I’ve been to and this one. As for comparisons with “Canadians” weddings, I’m not quite sure since the only wedding I’ve been to was a wedding on ice. Both weddings go on for majority of the day from early in the morning to late in the evening. Many traditions exists to show respect for both families.

The day started at the church with the typical reading of the vows and being blessed by a pastor. There was lots of singing going on and we were constantly standing and sitting the entire time. I didn’t understand anything during the ceremony since it was all done in Swahili. After the ceremony, Sarah introduced us to her family… which seemed like an endless list of uncles and aunts and cousins. We then all piled into buses and were sent to the mall for pictures, after that we all went to Sarah’s house for lunch. When I say all, I mean literally ALL. The house was filled with around 80 people all eating together.

Later on we prepped for the evening reception. I noticed was that on our invitations it clearly stated that the reception was to start at 6pm. Since Sarah was busy with her family affairs we went to the wedding at 6pm by ourselves to realize no one was actually there. It wasn’t until about 8pm that approximately half of 500 guests had arrived. The concept of time is definitely not the same as Canada, its one thing to be late a couple minutes, but to show up hours after the published time seems a bit extreme.

The wedding reception was decorated very extravagantly with easily over 1000 roses hanging around the head table and fabric draped across the ceilings and chairs. It turns out that for Tanzanians weddings, the families divide up into committees where they each take on a role such as entertainment, food, transport….etc. It’s neat how the families come together and the planning of the wedding turns into bonding time for the families. During the evening, there were a couple performances going on. I was asked to perform my silver plate dance and I think it definitely was a hit. It’s a custom to throw money at the entertainer if you like what you see. I received a good amount of pocket money, although I found it a bit awkward picking up the money after I performed. We had some funny members of the audience come up and comically mock me with my plate definitely had some good laughs.

The cake they had was a combination of about 10 cakes. The groom and bride were to give a cake to each side of the family and to key persons on each side. There were also a number of symbolic gifts were given by the parents and grandparents of each side. Some gifts were clothing, a hoe, spears, knife...etc. Months before the wedding, the groom also had to pay a dowry to the bride’s family. Depending on the tribe the dowry could be from a simple payment or lengthy list of specific items to be collected.

After the necessary traditions were carried out, we finally ate supper at 10pm. I was definitely starving by that time, after eating we still had a 2 hour drive home so left the reception but I’m sure the festivities lasted past midnight.

Seeing the wedding made me realize how little I know about Chinese wedding traditions. I know a little bit about certain symbolic gestures, but overall not very much. I guess I’ve been Canadianized over the last couple years. Some day when I choose to walk down the aisle I wasn’t to incorporate the traditions into the big day. I think it’s very important for me to stick to my roots and I’m very proud of it. Even though my family has immigrated to Canada, I want generations down the road to still speak Chinese and follow at least some of the old customs and traditions. It won’t be easy, but I want to put an honest effort in trying to preserve it.

PICTURES!

Here are some pics as promised :)
This is the house I live in, it's quite nice. We have a nice big room. The biggest change is not having electricity and running water. The next picture is my host family.


































This is our room.




This is lil Isaac that I want to take home :)

He also likes playing with his reflection in the near by truck.































This is the well which we fetch water from...funfun..


I'm as dark as the lighter African kids....haha

2 Months to go…

It seem as if life here is slowly becoming the norm. I’m getting use to living with no electricity and running water. At first it was a bit frustrating especially using a kerosene lamp every night, but now it’s sorta comforting. Fetching water from the well isn’t so fun anymore though…

In the Eco-Village, we’re basically in the middle of nowhere. The only sounds you hear are the sound of crickets chirping and bird calling. (I accidentally left the front door open the other day and 2 birds flew into the house.) Around the house are rows and rows of pineapple; I’m excited for when they become ripe :) I could live off of pineapple and mangos everyday. Fruits are so inexpensive. Mangos are about 30cents or less.

Every morning on my way to work at the orphanage, I go by a lady that makes Chapati (this thin flaky layery roti pancake type of thing), I can’t resist I have to buy at least 2 everyday. I also walk by the Kitumbua lady (this fried donut made from rice flour), I just can’t help myself….each item costs less than 15cents for each so buying several of them really doesn’t hurt my pocket book :) But they will hurt my waist line. I think I’m starting to notice it. Many of the foods here we eat are fried :S I definitely have to start watching what I eat or maybe just stick to mostly veggies and fruit.

I have a new routine... I've really enjoyed sitting outside on our "porch" before supper time and just simply stretching and doing some exercises. It's really the only time I day that I could endure any sort of physical activity

As for working at the orphanage, I really thankful that I get the chance to leave the Eco-village. Only Susan and I work at the orphanage, which requires us to take the dala-dala to work 4 times a week. When we first arrived at the Eco-Village, we took a route to Mbande in order to catch a bus into Bagala and Dar es Salaam, but now that route is deemed potentially unsafe for foreigners since it’s a small country route. I personally feel very comfortable taking that route especially if we are in a large group; I’m feeling a bit like a child because of all the restrictions. I understand safety precautions that we must take, but having a rule such as always having a Tanzanian with us is a bit extreme. Taking public buses is very doable on our own and I don’t need someone following me every second. I do appreciate the Tanzanians helping me bargain but I can do many things on my own. Meh.. I’m use to being on my own and doing my own thing.

Coming up this weekend is Sarah’s cousin’s wedding :) She’s invited me to go and asked if I would perform my silver plate dance (I brought my costume and plate with me). So I’ve agreed to provide a bit of entertainment for the event. It’ll be neat to see how a Tanzanian wedding is like.

Although I’m adjusting well, I feel as if I’ve been here for a long period of time already but we still have 2 months to go, seems so far away. I’m trying to search for a job now for when I go back… not so fun… But I’m definitely excited to go back and see everyone again :)

I'll post some pictures in the next few days.. the internet connection is very slow today and the the power keeps cutting :S

Settled….

After another long bus ride back to Dar… we’re finally here. Not without any other “incidences” though, there were some problems that had arise with the bus company. At first, it was simply that not all 20 people could travel together, no biggie there. But then as we got on the bus, we soon realized that other passengers had taken our assigned seats and refused to go to theirs. We simply shrugged it off and moved to the back of the bus to find other seats. As we got to the back we soon realized that the seats were not in the greatest condition, some seat cushions had suck down to the actual frame of the seats. As for my seat, it seemed to be in decent condition, then suddenly I heard a crack… some part that was holding my back rest together had given way so my seat was permanently in the incline position. I didn’t mind so much but the person behind me did so we tied together some rope and somehow held my seat together by attaching it to the window. Ta..Da…

As we drop we suddenly realized the seat in front of us was shifting. Basically what you see in 4D amusement rides when the seats move with the moving screen, we found it hilarious at first, but once we got the bumpy part of the journey… the two seats together literally began to shift more and more…until finally it was in a full inclined position and was no longer attached to the floor. As for leg room on my end… What leg room?? The back of the seat was literally leaning on the seat of mine, so my legs were literally curled up to my chest or stuck in the little hole to the side. Not sure if the pictures I took do any justice, but I definitely appreciate the buses we have in Canada to a different degree.

My host family is at the Eco-village. It’s a new area being developed by Uvikiuta to promote a more environmentally friendly way of living. My host parents are Sylvester and Rosie along with 2 kids Peter and Rajabu. I’ll post some pics in the next few days.

Deborah and I share a nice big room and the wind comes right into our room and the sun rises on our side J it’s perfect.. Lifestyle is a bit different. We don’t have electricity.. only when we turn on the generator which is about every 2^nd day for about 2 hours at night. We also have to fetch water from a nearby well… that definitely makes you realize how much water you are using…

The work at the orphanage has its ups and downs… definitely mentally and physically exhausting especially having children hang off of you.. literally.. wait till you see pictures

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Back to Dar

I've decided to simply use one of the other participant's labtops to type up my blog and then post it whenever I get the chance to go online. Then I don't forget things which I want to write about. The dates which the entries are posted may not be accurate, but they'll be close.

January 1st, 2010
It's 2010!! Happy New Years :)
Yesterday was our last day of digging and helping out at the school. I'll miss the little kiddies but definately won't be missing the digging. My back and shoulders are in need of a massage....
For the new years celebration, our supervisors hired a DJ and invited some locals to have a dance party. At first it was a small crowd of youth, then some other kids (10-15 year olds) came and danced with us. Some more people our own age joined in. It was fun dancing under the moon light.... We headed to bed after midnight.

This morning, another goat was being slaughtered for our new years dinner and also 4 chickens. Another chicken chase was on the go this morning, since it got away over night... pretty funny watching 5 grown men chasing a chicken...

We head back to Dar this Sunday and move in with our host families:) I'm excited for that, can't wait to learn to make Chapati...mmmm this flaky bread pancake thing...that you eat with saucey dishes (That's my only way of really explaining it) but it's sooo good. My host family is living at the Uvikiuta Eco-village. Not sure what they entails but I guess I'll soon find out, We did find out our workplacement, we had the choice between the Yatima Orphanage, Uvikiuta Community Library/Office work, Eco-village Compost Program or Tree Nursery.My 1st choice was the Orphanage then the Library then the others. Turns out I was the only one who had the Orphanage as my first choice :) So that's where I'll be! I think the other volunteers were turned off from working with the kids in Lindi... so none of them wanted to work with kids at the Orphanage. I'm happy about that since I got my first choice. Don't know much about it right now, but I'll be doing some sort of needs assessment to put the money that we fundraised in Canada to use.

That's the update thus far, I'll hopefully get the chance to go online on the weekends :)

December 26th, 2009
Rain... oh rain...

It's been 4 days of rain so far, I guess in the south currently is is the rainy season which gives farmers around here a bit of a break and hope for the next crop season. The rain storms are pretty ridiculous though, the other night... everyone in the room got woken up at 3AM because of the ridiculously loud thunder happening outside. It felt like the lighting was hitting the building and was deafening. I tried recording the sounds on my MP3 Player, but kept missing the really loud bangs. Some even sounded like gunshots in your ear and would make you cringe. The most amazing aspect was the lightning that would light up the entire sky and you could see it spread across the ocean infront of us. I lopve storm watching and maybe sometime when I come home, I could drive up to Shediac or Peggy's Cove to watch a storm, would be awesome! :)

At the workcamp, it's much quieter now since the other international volunteers (12 of them) have left. I miss them though, eventhough we only spent just over a week with them. Some I clicked with right away. If I get the chance to go to Europe in the next year, I think I'll even give them a shout and we could meet up. Most fo the volunteers were >25 years old and had been in the work environment for sometime, I got into some deep conversations about career moves with them and I think I know have some other things to ponder about when I get back. There's about 70 days to go before we return to Canada, not that I'm not enjoying my time, but I so excited to get into other things when I get back. So many people have told me to take it easy when I get back... which I sorta will... but at the end of the day I think it's just my personality to be on the go all the time.



December 25, 2009
Oh Christmas Tree...Oh Christmas Tree...
Last Friday, we had gone to the school to see the kids and hand out Christmas presents to them. Many of the international volunteers (not from CWY) had brought lots of goodies for the kids, from balloons to crayons to candy and balls. It's amazing how the kids get worked up over the smallest things. The group which I work wth (5 year olds) are obsessed with balloons and bubbles. As soon as they see you with a blown up balloon, it's as if you ahve a magic wand. They listen to you, their eyes are glued to your every move until you lket go of that little red floaty thing. We gave eat kid their own balloon and crayons along with some little candies. Some of them took a little while to figure out it was actually candy, which was hilarious to watch.. they would stick the entire candy cane in their mouths wrapper and all... then we would have to pull it out of their mouths to show them how to open it. Giving the kids gifts was a highlight, but also... caotic. Kids were fighting over candy and steling each others candy and older kids came over and bullied the lil ones to give them candy, we had a few teary eyes by the end of it all but most conflicts were resolved. It's hard to avoid jealousy amongst the children, they have all grown up in similar living situations and when you don't give the big kid something that the lil one has you're basically asking for trouble. We tried as much as we could to prevent that, each kid did get something, but conflicts still arised.

Before the international volunteers had left, there was one little girl that Yvonne (Canadian Volunteer who I helped out with) and I had grown very fond of. We're not suppose to pick "favorites" in the group, but sometimes there's just that one kid that you're drawn to. I'd say I have a couple favorites, but I don't necessarily treat them differently. Ruti is the one who Yvonne and I adore. She's the smallest of them all, she never complains when she gets pushed or doesn't get the ball, she just sits there listening to us intently (atleast we think she is). She's absolutely adorble! Well.. Ruti.. hadn't shown up for several days before Yvonne was leaving...On christmas day Yvonne wanted to see Ruti one last time, so we got one of the other kids to bring us to her home. After a decently long walk to the other side of the village, we got there. We gave Ruti her balloon and candy and crayons, you could just see her face light up and she smiled and shyly backed up towards the house. An older lady then came out and introduced herself as Ruti's grandmother, she then explained to us that Ruti's parents had passed away from AIDS and she was HIV+. That's why Ruti hadn't been to the school in the last couple days, she wasn't feeling well. Her grandmother then went into the house and showed us hospital paperwork documenting Ruti's condition. At that point, Yvonne, Adol and I were trying really hard not to cry. Yvonne then talked about somehow sponsoring Ruti and asked her grandmother to send me contact info the next week (Since Yvonne was leaving). We then walked away... It still seems a bit surreal, you always hear about stories and and how people are affected by the disease but seeing it first hand is when it actually hits you. We had visited two HIV/AIDS local organizations in Lindi last week and heard about local initiatives to education and prevent the spread of the disease. Medications for people who are affected by the disease is free of charge, but nutritional needs are on their own, thus many people still suffer dearly from lack of daily nutrition. I wonder of the 150 some children/youth in the village, how many are affected by HIV/AIDS....

After finding out about Ruti I definately wasn't in the greatest mood, but as we were walking back, we passed the main village entrance and heard VERY loud music playing. One of the other volunteers then waved us over to this little building surrounded by a fence made of palm leaves. As we peeked inside, we saw 40 kids all under the age of 10 breaking out their dance moves. It was amazing! These 5 year old kids have a better sense of rhythm than people I have seen in dance clubs back home. They new the words to all the songs...You could just see the kiddies were estatic over dancing. I made several videos of them dancing (try to post them somehow). After dancing up a storm with them it definately cheered me up a bit...