Saturday, July 18, 2009

First Impressions


Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania


So I have finally arrived in Africa. Everyone told me how shocked I would be once here, how "you won't understand untill you see if for yourself." In all honesty I didn't really believe them. I feel like a "seasoned traveller," I've been to third world countries before, but I really was shocked. I thought for sure I could handle it, but now I'm not too sure...


We flew into Dar airport and it doesn't seem like an international airport by any standards... very weird. We walked down stairs and were stopped at a gate by police. We had to fill out forms saying we didn't have swine flu and then proceeded to customs. We showed them our faxed copies of our residence visas (which we were told would be fine to get in the country) and they looked at us like they had no idea what we were doing. The main officer came over and goes, "I don't know what to do with this. Sit here." Megan and I just sit and go oh shoot what are we going to do?! Finally he comes back after like half an hour and tells us we are ok. Then my stupid passport won't scan in the machine. I'm sitting there thinking I'm not going to be able to leave the airport! But finally the guy just shrugs and sends me on my way. Some security... but at least we're finally here! Our taxi driver is waiting with a sign with my name on it just like in the movies (I've always wanted that to happen) and we head to our hotel. It's late so we just lay down and try to sleep.

My family at the airport saying goodbye :(



Chelsea

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