Tanzania Bound!

I usually like to start trips with a little soul searching. I like to sit alone in my room and imagine what it's going to be like to travel to my next destination. I get real honest with myself and let all of my preconceived notions and expectations spill out on the page.

But things are different this time. Not only is it my first time in Tanzania, it's also my first time in Africa. And what Chimamanda Adichie so deftly explains in this TED talk, is that Africa is plagued by a "single story." The Africa Americans know is of Lion King sunsets, tribal markings and tongued languages, and children who we are told would be thankful for our leftovers.

And while I don't know much about this place that I am traveling to, I know there is more than that. I am excited for some of the world's tallest mountains, the Indian Ocean, uniformed primary school students, and meeting new people -real people- with jobs and modern music and literature and thoughts about the absurdity that Mt. Kilimanjaro will only accept US dollars despite Tanzania having its own currency.

OK, I'll admit it. I'm also pretty pumped about going on safari too.