Tanzania Bound

I originally thought I would be on my own arriving in Dar es Salaam.  I received a phone call this morning from a program director of the Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI) in San Diego.  Amanda works with all the students going to Tanzania and probably other countries as well.  She called to let me know there would be a local Tanzanian director who will be meeting me at the airport to answer any questions I may have.  I was not sure this was going to happen as I am arriving a month early to explore, dream and discover as the program in Dar (the short name of the city, Population 4.3 million) does not start until June 12.  I wanted to take advantage of the whole summer abroad instead of arriving just prior to the Swahili class and internship.

The plane is boarding in 10 minutes in Charlotte, NC.  I am so excited.  Next stop Washington D.C. then Doha, Qatar on the Persion Gulf east of Saudi Arabia (a 13 hour flight) followed by a 5.5 hour flight to Dar in Tanzania.  I arrive there Thursday at 0800 local time.  Let the adventure begin.