Happy belated Memorial Day! I hope you all had a chance to lie back for a while and enjoy the simple things. Here in Tanzania my group has been as busy as ever. We've recently returned from debatably the most famous conservation area in the world. The NCA (Ngorogoro Conservation Area) includes Ngorogoro Crater, The Serengeti plains which contains Oldapai (Olduvai) Gorge, and the Northern Highland Forest Reserve.

An over view of Ngorogoro Crater

Riding in the serengeti plains

Olduvai Gorge

Down into Oldupai

The NCA was established 1959 in order to preserve the indigenous people living there, conserve the natural resources there, and to promote tourism. With 8,292 Square Kilometers, 2 million migratory species, and the archeological site in Oldupai Gorge are I’m sure it’s able to. Ngorogoro crater was formed when the Nubian(African) plate and the somalian plate drew apart (continental drift) allowing an upheaval of molten rock forming volcanos, leaving the area with a layer of molten rock under Ngorogoro but close to the surface. After some time due to multiple disturbances in the rock stucture the underground lava lake drained. The weight of solid rock and fresh eruptions  forced the rock structure to colapse leaving a massive caldera known as ngorogoro crater. 

Our safari into the NCA first took us through rigid and rough terrain to the Serengeti plains where we took in the scenic Oldupai Gorge.  Afterwards, we traveled down into the historical quarry, received a short  presentation on the momentous discoveries there by the Leakeys’ then left for the plains

Can't get enough of oldupai

Visiting Olduvai Gorge itself was an awe inducing experience it took quite some time to pull myself away from the tranquil majestic view we had next to the Oldupai Gorge Museum. I’ve included pictures of the museum, the actual Gorge, and our trip descending the mountainous range around Ngorogoro Crater. Our safari also took us through the serengeti plains, but unfortunately my camera ran out of batteries upon touching down in the crater. I plan to update the blog with more pictures from our safari in the Serengeti plains a bit later this week, so look forward to some great shots of the many species of animal there.

During the weekend we also visited the Garden of Snakes featuring reptiles and a few other animals indigenous to Africa.  Here are also some photos from that.

Ngorogoro  pic #2

Riding down into Serengeti plains

Man's "firsts steps" preserved

My new environment

Habari za jioni! (Good Evening). To help paint the picture of my surrounding area I wanted to get a few pictures outside of the TCDC campus.

So as I’ve posted previously, the campus is surrounded by both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru so I’ve tried to capture the summits to the best of my ability. Also to help get a feel of the area I’ve included a clearing in the lush vegetation which surrounds the campus and the area.

 In an attempt to depict the area I’ve also included the two institutions that surround MS-TCDC. On one side of the campus we have a baby orphanage, a sad reminder of the harsh reality many children face. While on the opposite side… the national artificial cow insemination center. 

Now I can’t imagine a cow insemination center not being awkward in any place; even a lightly populated area, but the way those cows moo haunt me. In my nightmares (seriously) I hear them in and out of my consciousness (again. Seriously.) Due to the location of the center students can hear them nearly anywhere on campus at anytime. The moos are the sort that forces you to cringe; a cringe that lets you know your life will never be the same.

Beyond this dark corner of the area I hope you enjoy the photos of TCDC’s surroundings!

P.S. I’ve Included some pics of the local monkeys.

The introduction

First and foremost let me bid you all good evening. I initially wanted to start this blog late last week but with jet lag, and all that comes with settling into my new environment this is the time that was able to allot. So Greetings!

My group of eleven students from MSU, U of M, University of Kansas, Columbia, U of New Orleans, and EMU touched down last Sunday at about 7 pm EAT (East African Time), which is seven hours ahead those of you back home in Michigan. Due to a new restriction on student visas we were held there three hours during which we had to pay and extra $200 for a visitors pass, on top of the $100 visa, allowing us to work and study. We arrived on MS-TCDC campus around eleven to get settled in the dorms for the night and to prepare for orientation in the morning.

There are two classes my group has been split into, Intermediate and Advanced share one, which most of the group is in. Then the beginner class where me and my long-time friend Chris Askew-Merwin are taught.

After the first day consisting of multiple tea breaks, where we indulged in Masala, Hibiscus, and other variations of black tea, the group moved into our host families’ homes which all, excluding one, live on campus. Chris and I moved into the closest home to our classes where we met the illustrious Yusta Mganga, our host mother, and her son Julius a well-rounded and well-mannered 15-yr old who happens to tower over me and Chris...Whenever we converse at the dinner table I quickly forget the age of this kid because of his composure and articulation.

Chris and I made ourselves at home with ease surrounded by our new family.

                Our surroundings included new animals. While exploring our gated community we saw storks, monkeys and heard Cows (More on this later). Our community is surrounded by lush greenery blocking a view of Mount. Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru (pictures later)  which appear to be quite near but my sense of direction is baffled due to the immense size of the ranges. Also surrounding  MS-TCDC is the Usa river and Dar es Salaam.

The week has consisted of sleeping (lots of this thanks to jet lag) classes, studying, conversing, and the well placed and occasional drink.

Forgive me such a dry and bland post but so much has happened in this first week and I feel responsible for updating all who read this blog. I promise much more comedic and interesting posts in the future.

-Jnewman-