In town antics

Yesterday we traveled to town for a bit of shopping. In Arusha there are 15 passenger vans called Dala Dala. They usually hold around 30 passengers, people sitting on top of one another, small babies sitting on their sisters lap, sister sitting on mom's lap. The Dala Dala's driver is very highly skilled and able to navigate the crowded streets of Arusha. People walking on the side of the road, carrying heavy loads, selling sunglasses and shoes, etc. The driver has a navigator that sticks his head outside the bus to make sure there is space to drive. Each Dala Dala has a name inspired by American pop culture, music or politics. When the Monica Lewinsky scandal hit the news stands, quite a few Dalas were painted with the name Monica Lewinsky. Yesterday I spotted, Jennifer Lopez, L.L Cool J, Business Class, Led Zepplin and a few others. My goal is to have a photo album showing off the best ones with the funniest names. I am keeping my eyes peeled for an Obama Dala Dala.

Arrival in Arusha

So after 2 long plane rides and a 5 hour bumpy dusty shuttle ride from Nairobi to Arusha, I have landed at my Aunt Maureen's school and house which I will call the "Plantation"from now on b.c of its beautiful landscape (banana trees, roses, crazy wild crows that look like they are wearing tuxedos, and a pack of 10-12 dogs) that belong to the school and my Aunt's friend Jerri who lives at the house. So last night after an amazing arrival dinner of spaghetti with home made sauce and garlic bread I passed out to the sounds of chanting from the nearby mosque (its Ramadan) the chanting was quite soothing and lulled me to sleep. I awoke to crazy cackling birds and the morning prayers from the mosque. Its not like Chicago noises that I was used to hearing in the a.m. (alley cars honking, trains rattling, neighbors music blaring) but I think I will soon adjust to life here at the "plantation". I am looking forward to heading to the school and meeting the students today!

Cheers,
:) Lisa

Ready to Fly?

Labor Day September 1st

Today I leave for Africa and Europe for 6 weeks. The last few weeks have been crazy;'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''l......................................(my friend Lyle's cat Jack just typed that)..hehe

Yesterday I moved out of my apartment on Humboldt Blvd and tried to pack for the trip in the midst of crazy cleaning, sorting, and boxing. My parents came down to help with the big move and Chris was on hand to be the packing specialist, helping me to get rid of extra things. My boxes for Portland are headed to be shipped by Amtrak tomorrow and I will most likely take the train with my dad when I return to the states to head west to my new home.

I am very excited for my Africa adventure, my 2 bags are filled with camping gear (for my safari) school supplies for the girls at my Aunt's school, and minimal amounts of clothing.. * with each trip i always seem to over pack.

It will be 2 days and 2 long flights till I reach Arusha Tanzania. A more exciting update is on the way!