Salama tu

I have learned, after being in Arusha for only about a day, that there are many different ways to say the same thing. When first saying hello, Hujambo is most common greeting, Jambo is used for tourists, Shikamu is used for someone older and I believe Mambo is the hip greeting, used for friends. Then for asking "how are you?" you can use habari za asubuhi or habari za mchana (how are you this morning/afternoon). In response to this, you can say nzuri (good), nzuri sana (very good), vsuri sana (very well), or salama tu (at peace). There are many others that I have not mastered yet, for example, I'm awesome - but I forget the swahili translation. I like salama tu. It is very much the mode of thought that I want to master while here. The most common form of transportation here is walking, which is great because it gives you time to think. Most of the time I spend my walking hours being amazed that I am finally here. It is surreal to hear Swahili all around me, be the only Asian in the whole city and know that shortly, I will be living in a homestay in the countryside. The only downside to walking is crossing the street, because walkers do not have the right of way here and no traffic lights/stop signs, so often you have to dash across the street when there is a small break in the constant stream of cars.

The exchange rate here is 1000 t0 1. Yesterday we had dinner, and it was $6, a moderate amount to spend in Arusha - mostly because it was food that you can get back in the U.S. In an attempt to make myself feel better for eating pizza - something that I could easily get back in the States, I ordered Chicken Tikka pizza, which was very interesting. Another girl ordered banana pizza. Today we are going to a place that serves traditional Tanzanian food (thank goodness) and it should cost no more than $4. We will also be having skirts made!! And planning a 4day safari to the Serengetti and the Ngorogoro crater.

Now it's time to walk back to the hostel so we can buy the fabric at Masaai market. Gwaheri (bye!). You can also say Badaaye (later!)