I finally feel like I'm in my element. I have succesfully completed the first lesson in Swahili, and I start private lessons tomorrow (since Allison went back to South Africa, an I'm the only student at my current level). Zanzibar is definitely a destination for adventures, volunteers, and driven individuals. I am enjoying every day now, meeting new people and delving further into the East African culture. I had dinner the other night with two British fighter pilots, a Canadian doing relief work in Pakistan, NGOs (Non-Government Organization) from the U.S. and Norway working in Sudan, and a girl from Holland involved with Aids prevention in Dar Es Salaam. How's that for diversity?! It's so easy to meet people here- the locals, because Tanzanians are extremely hospitable and friendly, and the foriegnors because we're all kind of in the same boat. It's certainly a nice change from the usual 'Thank you but I'm keeping to myself today' attitude we Americans like to emit. Not a day goes by that I don't get involved in a lengthy conversation on the street with a total stranger, or fail to ask a fellow Mzungu (slang for white person) where he or she is from. I can speak now fluently enough to get a point across, but only catch every fifth word spoken to me- partly because Zanzibaris usually speak haraka (quickly), and also because I am still learning new words every day. Depending on the conversation, I will either feel like I've conquered this language, or that I've learned absolutely nothing. I guess it's the same in any language- first you learn how to find the restroom, how to ask much the octopus costs, etc. - if someone asks you to explain physics, you may be at a lose for words. Anyway, I'm trying to update this blog, but my routine probably won't change for the next few months. It will be nice to see you all again and fill you in on the stories that are already too numerous to write about. Here's just a couple of examples too good to leave out: When a Zanzabari tells you his name is Muhamed Ali, it's best not to laugh. Trust me...that's his name. A man approached Allison the other day and very enthusiastically asked, "What is my name?" The first response of "I have no Idea" was not acceptable, as we quickly learned that he had simply mixed up his pronouns. I can only imagine the grammatical errors I blurt out on an hourly basis. Word to the wise- Rahisi means "cheap and easy", and Raisi means President. When your pointing out a Tanzanian's president to a group of Tanzanians because you want them to know you recognize their leader, please make sure you leave the 'h' sound out.