Last week I went to Usa River which is a town about 20 mins from Havilah. First, I went in the bus which they call the Dulle Dulle and boy was it exciting. While I was waiting for the Dulle Dulle, I meet this lady and her cousin and had a nice talk. The man was telling me how he believes that Tanzania isn’t progressing because the government is corrupt. He said that Tanzania people should be very rich because off all the minerals it has but that the government is corrupt and thus all the money stays with them and doesn’t reach the people. I asked him why he thought the government charged for education and he said that they are trying to keep as much money for themselves and because they are trying to keep the people ignorant. I had noticed how poor Tanzania is and that very few children are able to get an education, but what kind of leaders would purposely keep their people ignorant? I can see how it would benefit a government for the people to remain ignorant, but what kind of leaders would do that? Obviously I did not believe all this man said because I learned in college not to just rely on one source but to see look at many and see what they all have in common and to also use what you know. I know that this country has a social security and that says a lot. It shoes that the government does care. I am still not sure what the truth is because after all I have only been here for a month and well I haven’t done any research. But seeing all these kids not having an education is starting to put a passion in my heart. My parents have always told me how important education is and well seeing this lack of education because of lack of funds in my mind is ridiculous. Basic education shouldn’t have a price and this is something that the Tanzanian government should understand. How is a country supposed to prosper if the citizens are not educated? Still besides the fact that Tanzania is a poor country the people are so friendly. I will not walk past a person without them saying hi to me and welcoming to Tanzania. Its like they see this thorn bush but instead of focusing on the thorns they focus on the roses. There is a flower her in Tanzania that is beautiful but if you try to pick it, you will either get pocked or the flower falls apart. The people of Tanzania have ignored the sting that you feel and focus on caring for the flower. This is something that I will try to learn from these people.
Anyways, back to my day in Usa. I bought some phone credit from my friend Amani that has a convenient store and then waited for the Dulle Dulle. It arrived some 30 minutes later and then I was on my way. Dulle Dulles are the cheapest way to travel here in Usa, they cost less than 50 cents and even thought they cram you in there like sardines it is a fun ride. The reason that I decided to go to Usa is because I wanted to experience Tanzania. When I first got here, my boss said that if I really wanted to experience Tanzania, then I just had to get on the Dulle Dulla and just go and that is exactly what I did. I walked around Usa and bought some hair products and after I was done looking I started my trek back home. I saw so many things in Usa that were pretty. I saw a two creeks and gorgeous flowers and met some people. Here in Tanzania people stop me and just start asking me questions, like where I am from and what I am doing here. Usually, I would be cautious about all the questions and I still am because I never tell them where I live but I have come to see that they are just being friendly and trying to make me feel welcome. I have meet so many more people in the month that I have been here than a year in the states. The people are just so welcoming and kind. If you look lost or you are just standing alone they go out of their way to help you and welcome you. I love Tazania! Anyways, on the way back I decided to take a motorcycle taxi and boy was it fun! At least until the motorcycle got a flat tire. I told the man that I was going to give him 2,000 which is about $1USD and I ended up giving up all of it to him because I felt bad. He wasn’t going to be able to work for the rest of the day. I didn’t have any more with me or else I would have given it to him. But riding it was so much fun and even Mount Meru looked prettier. I had always wanted a motorcycle and now that I got to ride one I really want one! The guy looked really bummed that he had a flat but he said that if I went to down to Usa again that he would teach how to ride it and I was like “Yeah”. I’m totally going to go and learn. Motorcycles are so awesome and there seem to so many motorcycles here than cars. It cost 500 to go on the Dulle Dulle but the bikes are so much more fun!!
