Kilimanjaro! Intense. That's the only word I have to discribe it. The climbing itself wasn't that hardcore, but at altitude the whole no oxygen thing really drains you.
We spent four-and-a-half days going up, and then one-and-a-half down. The first couple of days, we kept telling ourselves "this is going to be easy!" It was pretty much just a few hours of hiking per day. Then, on day three, came the "Breakfast Wall". We got up at 6:30 in the morning, and Cheka and Wilson (our guides) pointed at this rock wall, and told us it was the first part of the climb for the day. Intimidating. So this is when it became less of a "walk in the park".
Every night we had views of beautiful sunsets, and every day we were so fully immersed in Life. It really gave a new appreciation for the beauty of nature. I loved every minute of the climb, even the difficult parts. I learned so much about my body, its limits, and what happens when I push beyond them.
The last part of the climb was the most difficult part of the climb. We started off at the Barafu camp at around 4600 meters (that's high). We left at 11:30 pm, after about two hours of sleep. Pitch black, with just our tiny headlamps, we made our way up to the peak. It's about a six or seven hour climb to Uhuru peak, and if you're quick you can watch the sunrise from the top. I wasn't so quick. They warned us that our water bottles would freeze around 2 am. They weren't lying. About two hours into the climb, I started to hallucinate. But it wasn't bad, and it added a little to the barren landscape, so I wasn't complaining. About an hour after that I started vomiting. While this does slow you down, I really didn't want to give up, so I kept pushing myself. After a little more of that my vision started to fade. So, that was annoying. Every couple of minutes I had to sit for a little and wait to be able to see again. I ended up eating some snow because I was ridiculously thirsty. Almost to the top, at a place called Stella Point (5745 meters), the sun started to rise, so I waited there for a little and let myself warm up. By then, my body was exhausted and I could barely see. But, I wanted to push a little more. So close to the top! But then the logic side of me kicked in. "If you push any more, you won't be able to get back down."
While collapsing at the top, and then having to be carried down would make an interesting story, my insurance doesn't cover "extreme sports," so I decided it really would be best to head down rather than push myself anymore. Too tired to be frustrated about not making it quite to the top, I started my way down. It was a slow process. By the time I got back to the Campsite, Jenna was already packing up her stuff, a bundle of energy (she's got a ridiculous amount). She was the first person to the summit of the day. I laid down in the sun and pretty much passed out.
So, that's what happens when I push my body beyond its limits. Good to know.
I have to say, I'm not upset that I didn't quite make it to the summit. While, yes, summiting would have been wonderful I don't think it really had a negative impact on the experience. I certainly don't think of it as a failure. It just means I'm going to have to try again (Hah, maybe not, since the first time blew out my bank account). But I would love to do some more mountain climbing when I get back Stateside.
Later this week, after a few days rest, we will be going to Zanzibar to work at the Kizimkazi Cultural Music Festival. The festival is to promote diversity, environmental awareness, and "Social Responsibility; Usafi Kama Kawa" (cleanliness as usual). We will be building a stage, and some little shops for refreshments and the like. This is through the Kizi-Noor Cultural Center, if you want to look it up (I haven't, so you'll know more about it than I). I think their website is www.kizinoor.org.
Then, I will be back in Arusha for a week of orientation for the Sustainable Agriculture part of the GSC program. After that week, we will be spending two-three weeks in the villages/"the Bush," and then a week back in town, on rotation. I most likely won't be online as much as I have for most of this experience. That's when I start the agriculture part of the program, so I'll basically be digging holes and gardening , and throwing in a couple HIV/AIDS (VVU/UKIMWI) lessons along the way.
I love you all, and I wish you all the best.
P.s. I'm a little frustrated with the Tanzania Postal Service (though not surprised). I've received two cards and one letter, from my parents and girlfriend, since arriving here, and I know more than that has been sent. None of the packages sent to me have arrived. Yup. And apparently post cards have a smaller chance of getting home to the States than letters/cards. So I'll send more cards and letters, I suppose. I've sent over thirty postcards/letters/cards, but only heard from three or four people that they've received anything.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
I'm climbing Kilimanjaro next week.. Whoa.
The last few weeks have gone by so fast. I've been here almost a month!
Teaching has been incredible. Sometimes I feel like I'm learning more than the people I teach (though that probably doesn't say much for my teaching). Each week has been a new experience. The first week was a group of mid-aged women, the second, younger girls, and now highschool boys and girls. It's incredible how little is understood about HIV, the human body, and essential things here.
When dealing with younger groups, the course is often more of a "sex ed" class, whereas with older folks who have already done the whole puberty thing we focus more on HIV and nutrition. Both are interesting in their own way. This week, we're teaching a highschool class so they can start a "health club" at their school, and teach everyone else.
I've discovered that I'm not a great public speaker (okay, I sort of already knew that). I've been very grateful to Tom who is the guy I usually work with. He's much more... vibrant in front of audiences. I'm sure that over time, this will help me to be better in front of people, though.
Today is World AIDS day. I'm not sure if that's an international thing, or if they just call it "World". It's being hosted in here in Arusha. I'm going to be handing out free water bottles, I believe. If we get any (a company said they would donate 2000). And when there's free stuff in Tanzania, one generally deals with a mob, I've been told. Could be interesting.
The GSC office is closed for a while, so I will be going to Zanzibar from around the 19th of December to the 5th of January. I'm going to help build a stage for a benefit concert, and then I get to watch the concert for free. :)
When I come back to Arusha, I'll be starting the agriculture part of the program!
If you haven't already found them, I have pictures at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Brendan.Clower/Africa
The last few weeks have gone by so fast. I've been here almost a month!
Teaching has been incredible. Sometimes I feel like I'm learning more than the people I teach (though that probably doesn't say much for my teaching). Each week has been a new experience. The first week was a group of mid-aged women, the second, younger girls, and now highschool boys and girls. It's incredible how little is understood about HIV, the human body, and essential things here.
When dealing with younger groups, the course is often more of a "sex ed" class, whereas with older folks who have already done the whole puberty thing we focus more on HIV and nutrition. Both are interesting in their own way. This week, we're teaching a highschool class so they can start a "health club" at their school, and teach everyone else.
I've discovered that I'm not a great public speaker (okay, I sort of already knew that). I've been very grateful to Tom who is the guy I usually work with. He's much more... vibrant in front of audiences. I'm sure that over time, this will help me to be better in front of people, though.
Today is World AIDS day. I'm not sure if that's an international thing, or if they just call it "World". It's being hosted in here in Arusha. I'm going to be handing out free water bottles, I believe. If we get any (a company said they would donate 2000). And when there's free stuff in Tanzania, one generally deals with a mob, I've been told. Could be interesting.
The GSC office is closed for a while, so I will be going to Zanzibar from around the 19th of December to the 5th of January. I'm going to help build a stage for a benefit concert, and then I get to watch the concert for free. :)
When I come back to Arusha, I'll be starting the agriculture part of the program!
If you haven't already found them, I have pictures at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Brendan.Clower/Africa
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
T-I-A
This is Africa
That's what you say here when something weird or very "Africa" happens. Like, when the conductor of a Dala Dala gets out and bangs on the sliding door with a rock to get it to close. This was the first time I ever heard "T-I-A" used. Tom, my counterpart (the guy I teach with) asked me if I knew what it is and explained it to me.
Good times.
So class was interesting. There is a lot of waiting in Tanzania. Like, a lot. So the first day, we met at 9 to go to the teaching site, and waited for the woman who was supposed to meet us to take us there. She showed up around 10. It took us about an hour to get there. Then we waited for another 30 minutes or so for all of the women we were teaching to show up. So, around 11:30, we started class. We had to end at 12:30. Very productive day (oh, by the way, there is no sarcasm in Tanzania. They don't really get it. You have to say exactly what you mean, which is tough for me, because I am a rather sarcastic fellow).
Anyway, we pretty much just introduced ourselves and then did just a little bit of teaching. It was a new experience.
Day two went a little better. Actually, it was fun! We didn't have much more time than Monday but it was still productive. We did a condom demonstration. The ladies thought it was hilarious (keep in mind it is Tom and myself--two men). We pulled a dildo out of our box, and they just started laughing. Good times, good times. Then came time for the female condom. Many of them have heard of and seen male condoms, but female? We blew their minds.
At the end, on the way back to the GSC office, Tom and I were waiting for a Dala, when a good sized lumber truck drove by. We were tired of waiting, so we jumped on the back and rode it in to town.
T-I-A.
Today it was raining. Very few women were there, because it rained, but still, a good story from today:
It was raining, so GSC got us a cab. That was nice. On the way, there are some pretty beat up roads. So... kind of flooded when it rains. We found a puddle that was.... a little deeper than it looked. So Joe and I got out and pushed. We were up to our knees in water (well, I was. He's tall). It was actually a lot of fun. :)
T-I-A
That's what you say here when something weird or very "Africa" happens. Like, when the conductor of a Dala Dala gets out and bangs on the sliding door with a rock to get it to close. This was the first time I ever heard "T-I-A" used. Tom, my counterpart (the guy I teach with) asked me if I knew what it is and explained it to me.
Good times.
So class was interesting. There is a lot of waiting in Tanzania. Like, a lot. So the first day, we met at 9 to go to the teaching site, and waited for the woman who was supposed to meet us to take us there. She showed up around 10. It took us about an hour to get there. Then we waited for another 30 minutes or so for all of the women we were teaching to show up. So, around 11:30, we started class. We had to end at 12:30. Very productive day (oh, by the way, there is no sarcasm in Tanzania. They don't really get it. You have to say exactly what you mean, which is tough for me, because I am a rather sarcastic fellow).
Anyway, we pretty much just introduced ourselves and then did just a little bit of teaching. It was a new experience.
Day two went a little better. Actually, it was fun! We didn't have much more time than Monday but it was still productive. We did a condom demonstration. The ladies thought it was hilarious (keep in mind it is Tom and myself--two men). We pulled a dildo out of our box, and they just started laughing. Good times, good times. Then came time for the female condom. Many of them have heard of and seen male condoms, but female? We blew their minds.
At the end, on the way back to the GSC office, Tom and I were waiting for a Dala, when a good sized lumber truck drove by. We were tired of waiting, so we jumped on the back and rode it in to town.
T-I-A.
Today it was raining. Very few women were there, because it rained, but still, a good story from today:
It was raining, so GSC got us a cab. That was nice. On the way, there are some pretty beat up roads. So... kind of flooded when it rains. We found a puddle that was.... a little deeper than it looked. So Joe and I got out and pushed. We were up to our knees in water (well, I was. He's tall). It was actually a lot of fun. :)
T-I-A
Saturday, November 14, 2009
In the Cirrrrrcleeee
The Circle of Liiiifffe.
That song is perpetually stuck in my head. I suppose it beats "Bumblebee Tuna" and the "Bandaid Brand" song.
I was sick on Thursday. It happens. So, I took the day off and basically just stayed in bed the whole time. So that was kind of lonely. But I feel better now, so it's all good.
I don't really get online very often, so I'm just going to type this up on my laptop in my spare time. You may get a few days worth of jibberish, or maybe just occasional entries. I dunno. I guess it depends on how much time I have to kill.
I start teaching Monday! Wish me luck! It should definitely be interesting. It's a women's group from a nearby village.
This probably won't end up being the big "life-changing" experience I came here looking for, but I suppose one can never "look" for something like that. It will be a wonderful experience though, and I am having a great time getting to know new people and experiencing a whole new world/society.
I'm having a great time, and the people on staff at GSC are great. I'm still getting to know them, but they seem like they will be a lot of fun. There aren't very many volunteers this time of year, just one other long-termer, Jenna. And another volunteer, Danielle, is leaving tonight. It was her class that I went to yesterday. She loved it here, so that's a good sign.
It's incredibly peaceful here. Everyone is laid back. I don't know why everyone back home thinks of Africa as a dangerous place. Yeah, I got sick, but that's just because my immune system is not used to the different things here. It's quiet (well, if you stay out of the town center), and I haven't felt unsafe at all while I was here.
Now, the question is, should I come home for Christmas? It won't be cheap, so yeah. But at the same time, I get about a 3 week break when everything will be shut down, and going on a safari or anything would be about as expensive. Then again, I would love to go on a safari. Oh, decisions, decisions. At this point, it isn't likely that I will be coming home, so don't get your hopes up (sorry honey), but it isn't off the table.
That song is perpetually stuck in my head. I suppose it beats "Bumblebee Tuna" and the "Bandaid Brand" song.
I was sick on Thursday. It happens. So, I took the day off and basically just stayed in bed the whole time. So that was kind of lonely. But I feel better now, so it's all good.
I don't really get online very often, so I'm just going to type this up on my laptop in my spare time. You may get a few days worth of jibberish, or maybe just occasional entries. I dunno. I guess it depends on how much time I have to kill.
I start teaching Monday! Wish me luck! It should definitely be interesting. It's a women's group from a nearby village.
This probably won't end up being the big "life-changing" experience I came here looking for, but I suppose one can never "look" for something like that. It will be a wonderful experience though, and I am having a great time getting to know new people and experiencing a whole new world/society.
I'm having a great time, and the people on staff at GSC are great. I'm still getting to know them, but they seem like they will be a lot of fun. There aren't very many volunteers this time of year, just one other long-termer, Jenna. And another volunteer, Danielle, is leaving tonight. It was her class that I went to yesterday. She loved it here, so that's a good sign.
It's incredibly peaceful here. Everyone is laid back. I don't know why everyone back home thinks of Africa as a dangerous place. Yeah, I got sick, but that's just because my immune system is not used to the different things here. It's quiet (well, if you stay out of the town center), and I haven't felt unsafe at all while I was here.
Now, the question is, should I come home for Christmas? It won't be cheap, so yeah. But at the same time, I get about a 3 week break when everything will be shut down, and going on a safari or anything would be about as expensive. Then again, I would love to go on a safari. Oh, decisions, decisions. At this point, it isn't likely that I will be coming home, so don't get your hopes up (sorry honey), but it isn't off the table.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Here I am!
I'm not really sure what goes in this blog. Am I going to tell you what happens, like a narration? Or just small blurbs with thoughts on the big experiences? I suppose that will depend on how often I can get online, and what y'all want to hear about. :) I've been trying to keep a journal, with details and such, but I probably won't put all of that online.
A lot of little things have gone crazy/wrong in the last few days, but I suppose that's just part of the experience. A lot of things have gone right, too.
I arrived in Arusha late Friday night, exhausted, and the people from GSC dropped me off and said they would come pick me up Monday morning. So I was tired
In the morning, I was still a little nervous but I went to breakfast (they serve it at 7 am! Who does that?) and met two people from Denmark, Anke and Niles, who have been here for a while. I talked to strangers! You should be proud of me. They were talking about going into town, and asked me if I wanted to join them. Of course I did, since I didn't know anything about the place. So I went with them into the town, and our first stop was an ATM for me. And... it failed. I still haven't figured that out, either. I have about 40 dollars worth left, so that should last me a few days but it's kind of a problem if I don't get it working. Wiring money is expensive, so I don't want to make my dad do that. My card works as a credit card, but very few places can take it. The ATMs all say they are having problems connecting to my bank, so I have no idea what's going on. It doesn't say my bank is rejecting it or anything, it just isn't connecting. It's a little on the frustrating side.
Anyway, Anke had heard of the Masai Camp Cafe and wanted to go there, and Erna had recommended it too, so we decided to go try to find it. We walked around for about 30 minutes, asking people where it was and they kept pointing in random directions (they want to be polite here, so much that they don't want to tell you they don't know something, so they friendly-ly give you directions). Eventually we found someone who offered to walk us there, in exchange for buying him a beer when we arrived. So that was good. And there was wireless internet!
I really haven't started the GSC part of this, I've mostly just been exploring around town. I started training on Monday, and I've been doing things here-and-there. Mostly Swahili lessons (I must say I do miss Latin-based languages). I will start trainings and working with kids and such in the next week or two, and then I'm sure I will have many more stories to tell!
There have been so many small encounters with the people here, and many ways to experience the culture. Tanzania truly is a wonderful place. A wonderful, stinky, dusty place. While I do get homesick, I also love it here.
Quite a bit more than that has happened, obviously, but that's what I've had time to write about. From now on I'll probably stick to shorter posts (with pictures, I assure you!), but we shall see.
I love you all!
Peace + Love,
Brendan
A lot of little things have gone crazy/wrong in the last few days, but I suppose that's just part of the experience. A lot of things have gone right, too.
I arrived in Arusha late Friday night, exhausted, and the people from GSC dropped me off and said they would come pick me up Monday morning. So I was tired
In the morning, I was still a little nervous but I went to breakfast (they serve it at 7 am! Who does that?) and met two people from Denmark, Anke and Niles, who have been here for a while. I talked to strangers! You should be proud of me. They were talking about going into town, and asked me if I wanted to join them. Of course I did, since I didn't know anything about the place. So I went with them into the town, and our first stop was an ATM for me. And... it failed. I still haven't figured that out, either. I have about 40 dollars worth left, so that should last me a few days but it's kind of a problem if I don't get it working. Wiring money is expensive, so I don't want to make my dad do that. My card works as a credit card, but very few places can take it. The ATMs all say they are having problems connecting to my bank, so I have no idea what's going on. It doesn't say my bank is rejecting it or anything, it just isn't connecting. It's a little on the frustrating side.
Anyway, Anke had heard of the Masai Camp Cafe and wanted to go there, and Erna had recommended it too, so we decided to go try to find it. We walked around for about 30 minutes, asking people where it was and they kept pointing in random directions (they want to be polite here, so much that they don't want to tell you they don't know something, so they friendly-ly give you directions). Eventually we found someone who offered to walk us there, in exchange for buying him a beer when we arrived. So that was good. And there was wireless internet!
I really haven't started the GSC part of this, I've mostly just been exploring around town. I started training on Monday, and I've been doing things here-and-there. Mostly Swahili lessons (I must say I do miss Latin-based languages). I will start trainings and working with kids and such in the next week or two, and then I'm sure I will have many more stories to tell!
There have been so many small encounters with the people here, and many ways to experience the culture. Tanzania truly is a wonderful place. A wonderful, stinky, dusty place. While I do get homesick, I also love it here.
Quite a bit more than that has happened, obviously, but that's what I've had time to write about. From now on I'll probably stick to shorter posts (with pictures, I assure you!), but we shall see.
I love you all!
Peace + Love,
Brendan
Monday, October 26, 2009
So soon
I'm leaving in nine days. That's crazy, right? I don't know if I'm going to have time to see all the people I want to see before I leave. That's sad. I'm working up until pretty much the last moment, because my boss needs me so I can't quit sooner. People are always asking me if I'm ready--if I've packed yet. I bought a flashlight the other day. That's about as much as I've done. But really, I don't think there's much I need to do to get ready to go. Perhaps I'm just naive. But, that's why they call these things "learning experiences".
It felt like it was a ways away, then all-of-a-sudden I looked at my calendar and realized that I'm leaving next week.
Next week. It's on.
It's real.
Peace and Love,
Brendan
It felt like it was a ways away, then all-of-a-sudden I looked at my calendar and realized that I'm leaving next week.
Next week. It's on.
It's real.
Peace and Love,
Brendan
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Here's the plan:
My Global Service Corps assignment begins on November 9th, and ends on April 11th of next year. My flight to Tanzania will leave on the 4th. The first few weeks will be training/orientation, and after that I will be living with a local family, and traveling to various places for work. I will mostly be teaching students about HIV/AIDS, and training farmers in methods of sustainable agriculture. Also, I will be volunteering in orphanages, hospitals, and wherever else they may need me.
In my down time, I think I might teach myself how to play harmonica, and write letters home. So give me your addresses! Of course, the occasional safari and perhaps a Kilimanjaro climb are in my future as well (Smiley face).
If you want to learn more about the organization, you can ask me anything, or check out their website, www.globalservicecorps.org .
Also, GSC has a blog at http://gsctz.wordpress.com/
I'll be far from home, and I know I will miss you all, but I truly believe that this what I need and the best thing for me to do right now. I will have access to email/Facebook/life, and possibly even an international cellphone.
It's time for something to happen.
Mailing address!!!
Brendan Clower
Global Service Corps
Plot #4 Sekei East of Golf Course
P.O. Box 16338
Arusha, Tanzania
My Global Service Corps assignment begins on November 9th, and ends on April 11th of next year. My flight to Tanzania will leave on the 4th. The first few weeks will be training/orientation, and after that I will be living with a local family, and traveling to various places for work. I will mostly be teaching students about HIV/AIDS, and training farmers in methods of sustainable agriculture. Also, I will be volunteering in orphanages, hospitals, and wherever else they may need me.
In my down time, I think I might teach myself how to play harmonica, and write letters home. So give me your addresses! Of course, the occasional safari and perhaps a Kilimanjaro climb are in my future as well (Smiley face).
If you want to learn more about the organization, you can ask me anything, or check out their website, www.globalservicecorps.org
Also, GSC has a blog at http://gsctz.wordpress.com
I'll be far from home, and I know I will miss you all, but I truly believe that this what I need and the best thing for me to do right now. I will have access to email/Facebook/life, and possibly even an international cellphone.
It's time for something to happen.
Mailing address!!!
Brendan Clower
Global Service Corps
Plot #4 Sekei East of Golf Course
P.O. Box 16338
Arusha, Tanzania
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