I'll start it out right by talking about the weather

  Well it seems that my journey is going to begin with a lot of cold weather. Possibly a good omen for the weather in Dar? I leave on Tuesday (the 4th) for Boston where, as internet forecasts have so kindly informed me, it is around 30 degrees (brrr!). I intend to look fashionable wearing every article of clothing I own! Then it is off to London where it is also around 30 degrees but hopefully without snow. I will however only be spending an afternoon there so I am sure it will be a nice break from the dry and stuffy airplane rides even if I am freezing my buns off.  Maybe the universe is letting me suck up my last bit of "cold" before I melt in the 90+ weather of Dar? If only that is how it worked... It seems the only option is to remain optimistic regarding the weather, and my first attempt at integrating with the culture will most definitely be buying local clothing. I hope Humboldt weather hasn't spoiled me too much...
   For anyone reading I just want to let you know my internet (and phone) access for the first two weeks in Dar is going to be spotty, if it exists at all. So undoubtedly my next couple of posts will be full of my exciting experiences at Dar's airport and meeting all of my CIEE buddies but a little later than I expected! My goal during my semester abroad will be to keep this blog updated not only to serve as a diary for my adventures but as the easiest form of communication between me and my friends and family while I am running around the wilderness of Tanzania (not really mom...don't worry).  Thanks for your interest in my activities, and next time you hear from me I will be happy (and probably sweaty ) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania!