5/16/11 Vacation Day

One day at the end of my study abroad trip to Britain – after 5 months of cold and intermittent rain – we took advantage of the first sign of spring (in late May) and ventured outdoors. We spent the day hiking and picnicking and worrying of nothing. We referred to it as our Vacation Day.

That day was today for Tanzania. Four of us went snorkeling this morning. Have I mentioned that the Indian Ocean is beautiful? It is Beautiful. But let’s back up. We spoke with the man who was to take us out last night with Dr. Lewis’ assistance to bargain down the price. We reiterated the bargained price this morning. (Apparently you can bargain prices of anything.)

So as we walked down the beach to get our gear, the rain began to fall. Snorkeling in the rain? “It is only passing through,” our guide tells us. Hakuna matata. The clouds do not indicate that the rain is passing. Oh well. Hakuna matata.

We size our flippers and pick our masks (“Do you clean the mouth pieces?” “Of course. We care.” A flash of that Zanzibari smile) and climb aboard the boat. As we begin, the engine stalls. “He only needs to change the thing.” (He adds gas?) Hakuna matata. We finally go, all a bit worried about coming back in one piece. Sharks? “No sharks, our sharks are friendly.” (So are there no sharks or we just shouldn’t worry about them?) We were told Saturday that in Zanzibar they aren’t afraid of sharks because in Zanzibar they don’t worry about sharks eating people, people eat sharks. “This is how it is.” (Insert Zanzibari smile again)

None of us have snorkeled before. When our guide lays anchor, we all look at each other. “Who’s going in first?” It took about five minutes for Jessica to jump in. It took about ten minutes to figure out how to snorkel without swallowing five gallons of sea water. (And to remember to breathe out of your mouth and not hyperventilate.) The coral was gorgeous. Michellee barely looked under. “I’m afraid to see something I don’t want to see.” But the thing is, the water is so clear that you could probably see it anyway.

We moved on to the next coral reef. Here we all slid in the water quicker. I wasted no time; it came easier. This reef was like swimming in the aquarium. Rays, anemone, sea urchins, clown fish, striped fish, the colorful one with the faux eye, many many more. They seemed so close, but in reality were just out of reach. I floated at the surface in awe of the life below.

The rest of the day was lunch, writing, reading, walking, dinner. And salsa lessons over drinks. I did spend time writing my first reflection paper for the course (this is a college course, right?). I wrote my brief paper in a hammock on the beaches of Kendwa. Nice.

Next, Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam, Arusha . . . The next week will be packed. They will greet us again in Dar tomorrow; they will be surprised at our reformed attitudes – “Be comfortable.” “Don’t be afraid.” “We want you to be welcome in Tanzania.” – most of us are now. I am, certainly.