Update from Sengerema

Sorry for not making a real post in some time, internet and power can be scarce here in Sengerema and I have been moving around quite a bit.

I was able to go on a safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater last week for a few days. I dont really know what to say but it was better than I could have imagined and never knew so many diverse animals could live in one area. Some memerable moments: watching the wildebeast migration, seeing the most beautiful starry sky and the milky way while camping in the serengeti, waking up in my tent to the noise of an elephant and several zebras walking past, winning a $50,000,000,000 (yes billlion, in Zimbabwe dollars = worthless) from a big game hunter over dinner, watching a leopard drag an antelope up an acacia tree with its mouth, and seeing the view into the crater. See pictures below (if the internet cooperates...).

I am again staying with the Malekala family. Originally I thought there had been 11 people at the home. I now realize this number fluctuates from about 11-18 with all the visitors, friends, and family moving in and out. There are always lots of children running around to keep me busy and entertained.

I was also sick last week with the flu and stomach problems. Ironically, I was sick, not from the food in the village, but from the safari. That wasn't a lot of fun and I got sent to the doctor. The doctor visit and medication cost me about $2, less than the taxi to get there.

At SISA (sengerema informal sector association) and with Joseph Shigulu, its director, I have been able to work alongside some government extension officers and see their projects in the various villages in Sengerema district, since SISA works in cooperation with the district government. This means I accompany people from various departments (fisheries, agriculture, livestock, natural resources, etc.) on their visits with small scale irrigation as well as illegal fishing patrol and others, which is always excting and a great learning experience to interect with both government officials and the farmers themselves. Im sure to write more on these details and things I've seen in the future.

I have also had the chance to visit several schools and talk with older students about the environment and issues of poverty. I ask them questions like 'what is the environment', 'what is its significance', and what specific environmental problems affect them day to day. It is an amazing experience to interact with them and learn from them, hearing their stories, perspectives, and understanding. They are also keen on hearing from me and asking me questions on my perceptions and what I am learning about Tanzanian life and their environmental issues. They intrigued to realize how their water shortages, deforestation, sanitation issues, food supply, and farming practices are all deeply related and how they too are a part of the environment. These are all issues they must deal with each day. (One secondary school of 900 students (most living on the grounds) has a single water tap!). I think it is a great experience for me to learn from them and for them to get another perspective. They always want to hear more and talk more so I am working at arranging youth-group meetings for the weekends.

Its hard to believe I have less than a month left in Tanzania, and even less in Sengerema. In some sense I feel I have just arrived while I also feel I have met so many people and been to so many places and have learned too much to write. I am looking forward to returning home and eating something other than ugali, but I know I will deeply miss interacting and living with the people here.