Dance Off with the Maasai

Our group has packed an unbelievable amount of experiences into the first week in Africa-land.  After leaving Dar Es Salaam, we stopped by Maasai country for a traditional warrior dancing ceremony and some tasty food in the village of Changa Likwa.  Last years group did a few installations in the area and we planned to evaluate their systems.  Thus far, my favorite Tanzanian experience has been our stay in this traditional Maasai village. The Maasai way of life is both impressive and enticing.They adhere to a strict honor code that complies with other high discipline cultures throughout the world.  The village elders are revered and the village is maintained by the Morani warriors.These warriors are responsible for protecting the village, herding the cattle, and disciplining the children.  Also, the Morani facilitate the traditional "jump dancing" ceremonies that have made these people famous throughout the world.  These ceremonies are really just one big dance off where males try to impress the young females, pretty typical stuff.  In short, the male warriors form a circle and they all begin to create a rhythmical beat through monotone chanting.  Then the warriors take turns entering the circle to demonstrate their jumping skills individually or in competing pairs.  Once the ceremonies began, I immediately succumbed to my desire to partake in the most intense dance off I have ever experienced.  I was a little shy at first, but by the end of the night I was in full Morani attire and was continually pushed into the middle of the circle.  The experience was eerily similar to dance offs in the Wake Forest locker room.  I must thank my sister, Chelsey, for recommending that I bring colored pencils for the children.  Before we left, the children all gave me completed drawings and thank you cards for our work.  I have included a picture of them handing me the drawings.  

The following day I said bye to my new Maasai friends and we set off for Iringa to complete several installations and evaluations.  On the way, we were provided with a free half-day safari courtesy of the Tanzanian government.  Although we saw lions, hippos, crocs, and elephants, I was disappointed in the zoo-like nature of the viewing.  The security of our land rover resulted in a false sense of domestication and a loss of excitement.  Nonetheless, it was amazing to see those animals in their natural habitat.  I have included some pictures of the safari and a picture of me doing a gainer into a fresh water mountain lake that we stopped to cool off in.  I am still curious about what kind of creatures I may have been swimming with.  The last stop before our current residence in Iringa was a large school and dispensary 30 minutes outside of Iringa, where we set a new Solar Hope record of 3 installations in one day.  It was amazing to see how happy the children were to have light.  We installed to systems on an elementary school and one installation on a high school.  The hard work was immediately rewarded as Children rushed the light to begin studying for an upcoming exam as soon as we finished.  I have included a few pictures of the days work.  Thanks again for all the support and to those who helped me make this trip possible.  

First Update from Tanzania

I have now been in Tanzania, or more specifically Dar Es Salaam, for three days and I already have more stories then I could possibly fit in one blog post.  The trip here was very long to say the least (30 hours) and the airplane hopping was an adventure in itself.  Our flights took us from Portland to Chicago to DC to Ethiopia, and finally Dar Es Salaam.  The flights taught me a lot about international travel, most importantly, US airlines suck.  All the united flights were cramped and crappy, yet the Ethiopian airline flights included individual LCD screens with a large movie selection, authentic meals, and free drinks (including beer and wine).  To add to the Ethiopian airlines lure, our plane was struck by lightning upon takeoff and we continued on for the next 12 hours unfazed.  Despite the high quality international flight, I was more than relieved to land in my new short term home, Tanzania. 

                I was greeted at the airport by Lura (Solar Hope’s program director) and our ever faithful Tanzanian guide, Peter.  We arrived in the afternoon and after we dropped our bags off at the hotel we were taken to a coco beach restaurant for our first authentic Tanzanian experience.  I ordered a delicious fish dinner that included fried rice, steamed vegetables, and fresh tuna.  Dr. Petrovich, Solar Hope’s founder, met us at the beach to welcome us to the country.  The atmosphere was jovial as everyone was relieved and excited to finally have arrived in Tanzania.  Soon after dinner Roxanne (Roxy, a US and Tanzanian citizen that will be accompanying us for parts of our trip), took a group of us out for some group bonding at a hooka bar.  Overall, I had a great time my first day and I was immediately reassured of my decision to volunteer with Solar Hope. 

                Despite my pleasant experiences on the first day, I do not want to glamorize third world living.  The roads here are terrible and the drivers are worse.  Traffic laws are non-existent and drivers scurry around the city franticly without concern for others on the road.  Homeless Beggars line the streets, some handicap and some merely children.  The poor stalk any Mazungu (white people) they see hoping for charity and you cannot blame them.  The living conditions here are terrible and many Tanzanians are in survival mode, relying on an average of US $600 a year to support their families.  Due to a lack of police officers, petty criminals are subject to the punishment provided by their fellow citizens. For example, peter told us to yell “Maweezy” (thief) if we are pick-pocketed and everyone will stop to look around for the criminal.  However, one must be careful not to wrongly accuse.  The punishment for petty theft is death and when a Maweezy is caught an old tire is placed around them and lit on fire.

                To say that yesterday (the 19^th of August 19, 2011) was more rewarding than most would be an understatement.  I was scheduled to perform a site evaluation and maintenance check at an installation that was completed last year.  Upon arrival, our team (3 engineers, 3 technicians, and myself) learned that the roof the solar panel was originally attached to had completely blow off last February.  The villagers had salvaged the materials from last year’s installation and already picked out a new building for their system.  Thus, what was supposed to be a routine system check turned into an 8 hour complete system installation.  I was team leader this trip and immediately divided the team into 2 groups.  One group was designated the solar racking and charge controller and the other group was assigned the electrical wiring and lighting.  They were many unforeseen difficulties that were overcome through engineering improvisation and as the sun set on the African horizon Paul and Cayleigh tied the last lighting wires together.  We all held our breath as the battery was plugged into the charge controller and we cheered in relief as the building lit up.  That moment was more than worth any sacrifices that I made to come to Tanzania.  The villagers rushed to the building and were cheering us on as we worked and congratulated us when the lights came on.  It was amazing to see how happy a simple lighting system made the townspeople.  Outside of sports I had never experience the emotional high that you get from that level of accomplishment.  The best way that I can describe it is the feeling you get when you hit a home run or when you score a bunch of points in a basketball game. 

                My three days in Tanzania have already taught me many lessons.  Most importantly, be grateful for what you have and keep things in perspective.  Despite all the hardships they face, the majority of the people here seem just as happy as Americans.  Living here has made me realize just how good I have it and how lucky I am to have friends and family to support me.  I will report back again soon and I can only hope that the next few days will go as well as the last few. 

Seaside Next Weekend, Tanzania Next Monday

Hello Kiddos,

I have one week of work left and then I am off to begin my journey to the heart of lion land, i.e. Tanzania.  I refuse to use the phase 'time flies' as it is quite played out, but I must admit that I am amazed the trip is only one week away.  After 6 vaccinations, a few crucial eBay purchases, and a couple trips to Goodwill I believe that I have done all I can to prepare for my departure.  Despite my preparation efforts Dr. Petrovic has made it clear that improvisation will be critical to the success of our installations.  Due to the lack of communication there will be many unplanned obstacles throughout the expedition and we must adapt to the circumstances.  I am looking forward to the challenge and the great stories that will come out of our hardships.

This summer has already been very eventful and that trend will continue over the next week.  This past weekend my team and I finished 2nd in the Portland Street Jam, next week I give my final research symposium, and next weekend I play in the countries largest amateur beach volleyball tournament with my brother and then I fly out on Sunday night for Africa.  I am thankful that I get to spend some time with my brother before I leave and I hope he has some good advice for me.  Goodbye for now and I am excited to say that my next update will be from Africa.  Thanks again for all the support and any last minute donations will be much appreciated, the more money we get the more people we can help when we get there.

-Asante Sana