So I am leaving for Africa in 2 days and I can honestly say I am not nervous just yet. (once I board the plane it could be a different story...) Last September I was awarded a Rotary Cultural Scholarship to study abroad in Tanzania, Africa. This is truly a once in a life time opportunity for me, and I am so grateful to have the chance to travel half way around the world!
While in Tanzania I will be studying the local language of Swahili on the island, Zanzibar. Zanzibar is about 99% Sunni Muslim and fairly conservative. I am pretty excited to get the chance to be a part of that culture. There is however one Catholic Church on the island and it is in the Diocese of Zanzibar, so I will most definitely be able to go to Sunday Mass every weekend.
While in Zanzibar for my 3 months, I will be living with a home stay family in Stone Town, Zanzibar. The family has 2 children, a 7 year old boy and a 10 month old daughter (who I am told is absolutely adorable). The family owns a catering business on the island, so hopefully the food will be appetizing. And I do know that they speak a little English, but I will be trying to develop my Swahili skills while in the house.
But as mentioned earlier, I will be leaving the USA on August 27th and after stops in Chicago, London, and Nairobi, I will finally reach my destination in Zanzibar. I do know that I will have Internet access over there, but maybe not everyday. However, I will be updating my blog regularly for those of you who want to know about all my exciting adventures in Africa! Wish me luck!
