Home » Tanzania » Back in Dar Es Salaam- December 15, 2004

I hope this email finds everyone well and not panicking too much from Christmas shopping frenzy. There are a few Christmas trees around Dar Es Salaam, even though the city is mostly Arabic and Muslim. However, it is close to 100 degrees today, so it does not feel like Christmas to me in the slightest. Will feel even less like Christmas when I arrive in Sri Lanka in two days since it is a Buddhist and Hindu country, and, therefore, I don't think Christmas will be an extravagant affair like it is back in the good, old USA. I don't think it will be an affair at all, which will be odd.

Back in Dar Es Salaam- December 15, 2004

Lasulo
2005-11-25 17:38:14

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Mzungu Out of the Mist

I hope this email finds everyone well and not panicking too much from Christmas shopping frenzy. There are a few Christmas trees around Dar Es Salaam, even though the city is mostly Arabic and Muslim. However, it is close to 100 degrees today, so it does not feel like Christmas to me in the slightest. Will feel even less like Christmas when I arrive in Sri Lanka in two days since it is a Buddhist and Hindu country, and, therefore, I don't think Christmas will be an extravagant affair like it is back in the good, old USA. I don't think it will be an affair at all, which will be odd.

Have to admit, I have been thinking more about home over the past weeks - maybe because I have been alone and have more time to reminisce, or maybe because it is the Christmas season and the most difficult time to be away from home. I miss Manhattan at Christmas time (like you, Jen) and the Union Square Market and the snow (yes, I miss that, too!) and wearing a scarf, and the chaos at my sisters' houses, and so many other tangible and intangible things. Shopping.... Delis....REAL coffee (not instant)...hugs from my nieces and nephews...Secret Santa with my girlfriends from school (Jill, don't have too much fun without me!!)...and the smell of pine trees on every corner of the East Village. But, being away makes me appreciate it all the more when I return.

I cannot believe I am leaving Africa today. It has been my home for the past five months. There is something about this continent that gets into your blood and your soul and makes it difficult to leave. I am not ready; therefore, like Arnold, I will be back - definitely to further explore Rwanda and Uganda, and I also am curious about Ethiopia. Somehow, travelling doesn't quell the need to explore; it ignites the need to see more and go further. Somehow I can't help it; maps excite me. Weird, I know. ...