Back from the Rainforest!

We just got back from the Rainforest Reserve in the Usambara Mountains. It was so amazing. There were trees, animals, rivers, waterfalls, everything. We went hiking and did out classes in the middle of the Rainforest, it was great. I went on this really long hike up a mountain, and like I said in a previous blog Tanzanians don't mess around with switchback they are straight up, haha. At the very top it was so beautiful. It had just stopped raining, and the top of this mountain was above the clouds, it was great. Our schedule in the Rainforest was basically breakfast, classes in the rainforest for 3 hours, free time which was spent mostly in the rainforest for me, bootcamp (exercise with our academic director) and dinner. It was so relaxed, but at the same time I learned so much! The last day we all departed in different directions, its the prep week for our research. Basically this week everyone flies, drives or buses all over Tanzania to where they want to do their research. I went to Dar es Salaam, it's basically the New York of TZ. I'm hoping to work with this organization called TCRS ( Tanzania Christian Relief Services). I'll be here until Friday, and then I have to make my way back to Arusha (10 hours bus ride!!!!). The city is great, very differnent from the rest of the country. I just had my first meal here, and man o man was it good. It was a buffet with chicken, rice, chipate, soup, chocolate cake, fruit, pizza everything. It took quite a while to find a hotel, but I ended up finding one that is pretty cheap. I miss you all of you A LOT. I can't believe that it has almost been 2 months already. I'll keep you updated!