You Can Take the Girl Out of the City But..

How do I even begin? Everyday here is a new chapter in an adventure novel with no predictable plot. Still, I have managed to fall into a routine of the strangest accord. For in this new life kept sane only by some semblance of control, my 6:30am bucket bath and 8:30 pm bedtime are essentially all I can control.

My life is: foreign, basic, confusing, inefficient, full of learning, busy, and intense.

I live in a tiny village about 6 hours into the interior of Tanzania. I have no electricity or running water. I eat dinner by lantern and my toilet is a cement hole in the yard. I live in the bush.

A typical day:

4am-1st rooster crows
401am-dogs howling in response
402am-put in earplugs and doze in and out of sleep until
630am-wake up, bathe in a bucket with a pitcher (think lemonade) depending how cold it is, my pants may or may not come off
700am-get dressed, eat breakfast, wash my dishes outside, go to school
8am-5pm-SCHOOL, kiswahili all day, everyday
5:15-7pm-sit outside with mama and sister (dada) and help cook, do hw, and practice the langauge
7:15-730-din! For a meal that takes several hours to prepare we eat, quickly, quietly, and loudly :)

As for foods, WHOA leave it to me to go to Africa and get fat! I eat everything?! I think a parade is in order. I am now a huge fan of spinach, beans, mangos, papaya, cabbage, etc. ANYTHING. GO ME GO ME GO ME. I may be fat, but during a time when "mental health" is the most important, I'm happy.

This is my first time at a computer since Washington DC. I'm frantically typing away before being whisked back into the bush.

Everyday is a new ride of 10 highs and 10 lows. My reality now consists of pooping in a hole, wearing skirts everyday, and going to bed when the light is gone. Did I mention, I live in a roach motel? I 'endure' about 10 roaches a day. Usually I yell, DADA!!! She'll laugh and kill them, but the novelty of the scaredy cat American is getting old, fast.

I'm making a lot of great friends, and we meet as a big group once a week. I LIVE FOR THAT DAY. It feels America again.

I have so much more to say, but I can't rely on the internet much longer.

BUT GUESS WHAT!?!! I GOT A PHONE! CALL Me Or TEXT ME Right this instant!!!!!

from the states dial 255 787 788 683. The last 9 digits is my #. I think it's just 255 + the number, but google calling/texting to Tanzania to find out.

Lots of love,. Shout out to Huffy: my only letter so far. You made my week. You go girl. I read your letter maybe 10 times.

Lots of love and happiness to everyone.

Your pal,

Katie

Ready, Set, Go.

Leaving tomorrow. SO FRAZZLED.

Staging was good. People are very friendly.

Can I do it? Probably not gracefully. I think I'm looking forward to a messy, uncomfortable, and pretty damn remarkable experience.

See you in Africa.

-K

All My Bags Are Packed... Ready to go?

My luggage is about 4 lbs over and 7 sq. inches too large.  Shh!  Don't alert airport officials.  

It's quite a desperate effort packing for two years.  It's like every last argyle sock is a must-have luxury.  I've hoarded as many first world items as could fit including everything from Ziploc containers to a kitchen knife and even rat traps.  After living in and traveling Africa last year, I'm convinced rules are made to be ignored or bent for a cash incentive.  Let's just see how this philosophy bites me in the ass over the next 3 days.

Guess what I had for dinner tonight?  A hamburger and french fries!  And naturally, I wore heels.  What can I say?  I'm just a hamburger loving, high heel wearing kinda girl!  It was a very fitting last meal.  Where else but America can you eat a $13 hamburger?  I think I'll be able to buy the whole cow for that price in Tanzania.   

Alright, we both know I'm stringing you along with useless information.  I promise not to write again until I have something valuable to contribute.  I don't want to cry wolf with so many blog posts from the 602.  We'll probably meet again in Washington, D.C.  

Until then!

Katie

The Pony Express

Start writing letters NOW!  My address during training is:

Kate Glantz, PCV

Peace Corps Training Site

PO Box 9123

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

On average it will take about a month for letters to reach me.  Once I'm at my official site (end of August), I will have a new mailing address.  It is encouraged to hold off on sending packages until I am settled in at my site.  And get this... packages sent via surface mail can take 3-6 months to reach Tanzania!  When sent via air the time is about 3-8 weeks. 

Now that everyone is aware Tanzania's postal system bears striking resemblance to the Pony Express, you have no excuse.  Get out your writing utensils and stationary (or buy them) and try your hardest to remember how to print.  I'm not asking for cursive, calligraphy, or even a vibrant gel pen.  Just a sassy little note from the bottom of your heart.  :)  Gossip and secrets are encouraged.  After all, who am I going to tell? 

Let me be the cool kid at summer camp who has the best friends in the world and gets all the greatest letters.  

Lots of love to everyone.  

Your little adventurer, 

KG