Yesterday we visited the Rwanda Tribunals which are taking place in the Arusha United Nations office for about two weeks. There are people from all over the world here to participate in and observe the tribunals, and it was interesting to see a trial in the works. The room does not look like a court room, but rather a large conference room with people set up with computers, hedaphones and cameras seated in different directions. Rather boring, actually. I guess evil isn't glamourized like it is in the movies. After a while, the physical process of the trial is quite long and boring. Through the numerous translations, a lot gets lost, often to the point where 5 or 10 minutes is spent going over what is said in various languages just to make sure that every word is correctly understood. These misunderstandings are actually the most entertaining aspects to the outside observer. We dwelled on the difference between "exclude" and "excommunicate" for a good 10 minutes.
After spending a day out on the town, 16 of the volunteers went out to Via Via, a night club and bar. There was a live music - the band was awesome, steel dreams, electric guitars, three main male singers with simple choreographed dances that we proudly copied - and we danced and drank (well I just danced, but yea...), for a good 3 hours. We met a lot of Tanzanians from Arusha and surrounding areas who are always curious why we are there. It is always interesting to hear the Tanzanian perspective on Americans, especially after we note that we aren't here for tourism (at least not solely). The main industry of this country is tourism, and if we aren't giving them business, why are we here? They are also always quick to point out how hard it is to succeed in Tanzania without connections and money. It's a self-perpetuating cycle... for most, it is impossible to move up in social class, because even if you're smart, you can't go to college unless you know the right person at the right time.
We made a few friends at Via Via both through chatting and through dancing. People just walk up to you and go crazy. Probably because they are drunk, but mostly because we are in Africa! It was the most fun I've had since the trip began. The safari was awesome, but the energy in this outdoor bar was just unbelievable.
I felt a lot closer to a lot of volunteers after last night. Though many of them probably don't remember it (these people are CRAZY), it was good to just hang out in that type of environment with the people I am going to be working with for the next 3 months.
Tomorrow the program officially begins, and our 2 weeks of training commence. I'll update when I can.
Baadaye (later!),
Devon
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5 comments:
happy beginnings with your program!
<3 jenn
Are you in the same program as stef wong? She and I used to work together in San Ramon. Anyways, looks like total fun, I will be tacking your progress, and you should check out our newblog:
Http://thenewohltrlicas.blogspot.com
Not that you have time to read such things, as you are probably too busy savig the world and/or running from lions! Good luck!
The Lauren formerly known as Stienstra
So I just finished reading all four of your blogs and I couldn't be more proud (That mazumgu was my counselor!) You are a wonderful person with a heart of gold! Everything sounds so exotic and adventurous, plus what you're doing inspires me to give something back as well, so asante for that! Keep up the wonderful work!
Your rafiki sana,
Liz
but what happened to your bag?!
the suspense is killing me!
haha, take care!
so, i don't have anything inspirational to say, but what is food like in africa?
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