Anyways, I will make this short but first, I MISS those mosquitos and I miss Africa, I haven't been back more than 24 hours, and I know I will start to miss those things even more once I get actually home and realize WHERE i was and WHAT I was doing.

My flights were interesting the first one from Kili to Dar Es Salam and then to Amsterdam I was sitting next to this pilot who worked for air tanzania who was very friendly and we had a few good chats, and he said he'd add me to his list of people who get discounts to fly to africa so that I can come back. He's canadian now, but was born in Tanzania and now lives there again, so we had a nice talk. At times I wanted to just do my own thing, but he was friendly, and that is something I feel like you don't find as often at home. He was going to calgary for 6 weeks vacation -crazy I know! The other woman was a refugee who now lived in the states and was coming to tanzania to visit her sick mother but because she oonly had refugee documents and no passport they shipped her back to the us without having left the airport in Dar, she'd been travelling for 4 days, it was sad and she looked very defeated. I felt badly for her, why does everything have to be such a challenge for people?

It was freezing ni Amsterdam, only 6 degrees, and I had long pants and a long sleeve and flip flops but comeing from 35 degrees, it was toooo cold. I felt like the only person not in a suit goingfrom Amsterdam to London, since it was a business hopper flight, but no big deal, I didn't even care. London was equally as cold, brrr, and to top it all off, my luggage didn't arrive. It's on it's way here now though, so I hope I get it soon. My running shoes and jacket and warm vest were all easily accessible to put on, but when they didn't arrive that plan was thrown out. Either way, I'm lucky enough to be able to borrow clothes from family so I don't freeze to death.

It's sunny today, I feel like I brought the weather with me, so I'll try to bring it to Vancouver too!

To explain the title, I feel like I keep saying swahili words to people, and then I realize they don't understand. Oh well. I have lots more to say about my last day and stuff but I'll do that later. I'll just say it involved a lot of singing, playing, running, drawing, hugging, eating, smile and tears. I love those kids, and really couldn't have asked for a better last day.

Anyways, I'll update again when I get home home.
Upendo -Laura

written by  Laura Collins on November 19, 2008 from Harrow, United Kingdom
from the travel blog: My Adventure in Tanzania
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Glad to here you're back in the UK safe and sound. Enjoy your stay with family!

A little bit of sunshine ove here would be nice. So excited to see you soon! Happy and safe travels to Vancouver!

written by  Sandra B on November 20, 2008

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Ooops, I meant "to hear".

And I forgot to mention one more thing: Yeah, it's funny how languages like to interfere with each other in our brains. I completely identify with you...I did the exact same thing after my trip, and it happens to me all the time in English/German. But I guess it's also a blessing, in that its a reminder of how our minds "tick"... :)

Anyways, enjoy London and the sweet, sweet sound of "Asante" echoing in your mind!

written by  Sandra B on November 20, 2008

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i'm glad that you got to meet people on the plane! i expect to see you back home soon with a toasty tan from that 35 degree weather...maybe we'll even be the same shade, the way the weather has been going on this side of the world!
had convocation yesterday (wed), it was the most beautiful day!!! can't believe how lucky we were, it was cloudy and cold the day before and today it was just horrible in the morning...instead of the sun shining on my face i woulda had to take pictures under umbrellas....
turns out i tore my acl, and am getting surgery...more on that when u get back.

have fun in england, and hope the flight back home home is bareable!! see you soon :D!

written by  shannon on November 20, 2008

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