One more thing

I forgot to make the general annoucement that in the last week here I managed to get Malaria. Just my luck right? But no worries, its like getting the flu here. Was sick for a few days and now I'm doing much better- on good medicine and fast recovery track. I promise I'll be 100% upon departure :) :)

Departure Day

Today was our last day, the group just left to go to Nairobi to fly home. I am still here for another week with my family travelling to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Zanzibar. I can't wait for them to get here!
It was terribly painful to say goodbye to everyone. The past 3 and a half months have truely been some of the most amazing experiences of my life. Tanzania is full of beautiful places and such beautiful people, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to study here for the semester. It has definitely taught me so much and I can't imagine my life without this experience. I am looking forward to returning home and being able to share it with you all.
Best holiday wishes and safe travels
Meg

ISP & Closing Time

Hey everyone!
So I am back in Arusha following three of the most amazing weeks of the trip (yes I know I say that about EVERYTHING). Anyways, I was back on Chole with two other girls from the trip doing our Independent Studies. I was studying the freshwater use on the island (most of the wells are salty water and freshwater is scare) and evaluating a plan to contruct piping to pump water from a neighboring island.
We were living in the village in a house that someone rented out to us. It was beautiful, and right next to the water. We had a houseboy/housekeeper that came every day to wash dishes, clean the house, bring us water, and do laundry. yes, we were very spoiled. We did cook for ourselves though which was alot of fun. We had a charcoal fire outside to cook over, and ate lots of rice and fish.
I spend about 2 hours everyday going out into the village to do interviews. Everyone was incredibly friendly and it was a great experience. In the afternoons we would have alot of down time (it got reallly hot) so we read alot of books and went swimming. We made some great friends on the island who would come over every night to play cards and a local game called bao. There were also football matches every few days that we got to go watch as well. Then our second to last day one of our friends took us out on his boat to go snorkeling and play on the sandbank. It was beautiful and a great way to close up the trip.
Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things to do ever. The culture on the island is incredible- everyone is so friendly and always looking out for you. People want to help in whatever way they can and their hospitality is amazing. Lots of people tried to get us married off there so that we would stay on the island! Our last evening we had a party at the house, bought sodas and made lots of food. Some of our friends even gave us a musical performance which was great.
After lots of sad goodbyes we headed to Dar and began work. Now I am back in Arusha, working hard during the day and having fun at night. So hard to believe that there is only a week here left.
I hope everyone had wonderful Thanksgivings and I wish you all safe travel over the holidays!
Love,
Meg