Well hello!
My name is Bridget but thanks to a few friends of mine at Fairfield everyone calls me Beebs. As you can probably guess from the title I will be studying abroad in Africa, specifically in Tanzania, for the next semester. I've never really had a blog before but I'll try to paint a picture of life in Dar es Salaam while adding in some ridiculous details, and I'll try to keep it up to date but no promises!
This is probably the single most terrifying thing that I have every decided to do, and definitely one of the most exciting. I've never been to Africa, I don't speak Swahili, I am allergic to most types of sunscreen, and I have no idea what I am doing. But honestly I've never been more pumped for anything in my life. As for my parents, I'm not sure if I can say the same. I am an only child and at times I know I put them through a lot, but never anything like this. (when I first told them I was studying in Africa, they said absolutely not) But they have been really supportive and by now this decision doesn't really come as much of a surprise. I am wicked excited to get there, but there's a lot to do between now and then. I am already missing my Fairfield friends, although it was the hardest semester for me it was also one of the most fun. It's crazy to think that I won't see them for at least five months, the longest time we will have really been apart since I met them. It is still unreal to me that they're not going to be around, and if I write later crying about missing them its because they're awesome and the best people you could ever meet.
Anyways, a question you may have and which I've been starting to ask a lot lately too is 'Why Africa'? I am expecting this to be a pretty big challenge; culturally, mentally, even physically. However, I wanted to go because I figured that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I think its important to challenge our conceptions of the world, and in my life right now I figure this is the best way to do it. I also am excited about the service component of the trip, I really hope that I will have opportunities to help out. I know a few of the girls there now helped teach English every night and I am hoping to do the same!
I leave Jan. 3rd (6 days!!) and the flight is lonngg. I'm flying from Boston around 11am to NY to meet Gabe, then we fly to Zurich, then Nairobi, then finally we get to Dar by 9pm on the 4th. The next day I think we are going to be site-seeing around the city, and then the day after that I believe we are going to Zanzibar for our week orientation. I am wicked excited, and I will try and post again before I leave!!
Much love,
Bridge
