Jambo from Arusha!

It has already been a quick couple of days that I've been in Tanzania. I landed at the Kilimanjaro Airport around 7:45pm and after getting my visa and clearing customs, I found a random shuttle heading towards the city of Arusha. It was about a 45 minute ride into town, and unfortunately took place in the dark, so I didn't get to see any scenery on the way. I've spent the past two nights at the Arusha Backpackers Hotel, which is pretty nice and is right in town. For 15,000 Tsh ($10) I get a very small room, cold showers, and a lot of street noise- but I like it. 

Arusha is quite an interesting place. I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but it's quite different. It was slightly overwhelming at first, being dumped in the middle of the city for my first day in Africa. Arusha is nestled within some small mountains and hills but is very busy and is bustling at all times of day with people. The streets are very hectic with cars, buses, and motorcycles, and a complete lack of traffic rules. In fact, this morning we witnessed the aftermath of a bicyclist being hit by a motorcyclist outside our hotel. Fortunately, nobody seemed seriously injured.

The view from the third floor of the hotel

Yesterday, another American and I went to the first ever game of football on the continent of Africa! Drake University played against CANADIEP, a Mexican team. It was a little boring, and I felt bad for the Tanzanians whose first exposure of the game was that. It ended with a mildly exciting 3rd quarter and a final score of 17-7, with Drake winning.

 

A view of Mt. Meru from inside the stadium

Tomorrow I am leaving for a three day hike as part of a cultural tourism program. It will start in the village of Ilkiding'a and proceeds from their tours go to the primary school in the village. I'm really excited to go on the trip and see more of Tanzania!

Correction: hot showers were available from 4-10 pm