ZANZIBAR

A little Tenacious D to get things started off right...

If you can't tell from the rest of the blog, I'm going to Zanzibar! On January 19th, I'll be flying out of JFK, making a pit stop in Dubai (!) and landing in Dar es Salaam to continue my journey via ferry to the island of Zanzibar! It's surreal that in less than a month, I'll be surrounded by the Indian Ocean, sandy beaches, and warm weather. A little different from a Burlington winter, and I'm definitely going to miss snow and skiing, but I'm still expecting it to be a welcome change. The people of Zanzibar are from many different African descents, but the majority of people (97%) are islam. My wardrobe while I'm over there will consist of long flowy skirts, loose fitting "conservative" shirts (no tank tops!), and head scarves for special occasions. I'm preparing myself for a whole lotta culture shock, but I guess that's what I signed up for!

Stone town is my home base for my four months in Africa. It is one of the oldest trading ports in the world and said to be the only functioning ancient historical town in Africa. I'm so excited to get out there and explore!

That being said, right now it hasn't really struck me that soon I will be far away from the comforts of my friends and family, and the conveniences of home. I'm definitely sad to be leaving the great life I have here, but I know a great adventure awaits me and I have to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities I have been and will be given! I'm so lucky to be able to have the opportunity to study abroad, and I definitely plan on making the most of it! Soon, its time to pack and say my goodbyes, but for now I still have a few weeks to enjoy America and to indulge in the extreme overexcessiveness of this country before I no longer can.

:)