News-Record.com

The mom of another Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania asked my advice for traveling to Tanzania. I just have a few pointers, based on my experience.

1. Expect your plans to change. Schedules are flexible; bend with them. If you miss a flight, take a bus. You'll probably get where you're going, eventually.

2. Be patient. Things happen and people do things at their own pace. Relax and enjoy.

3. Don't take anything you aren't prepared to leave behind. When our travel plans changed in Nairobi, Kenny and I had to leave a couple of suitcases behind. We lost more in Mwanza. By the time we came home, we were down to carry-on. Oh, well.

4. Don't assume you can change U.S. money into local currency. We found that some banks in Mwanza would not exchange $100 bills older than 2003. Why? Because North Korea counterfeits U.S. $100 bills, and some apparently have found their way to East Africa.

5. Learn a little Swahili. A good effort will be appreciated. It's especially important to know the proper greetings and responses.

6. Respect local customs. People dress neatly in Tanzania; you should, too. Don't wear shorts, for example. When eating, use your right hand, not your left. (Well, your left is OK if you're using a fork, but definitely not if you're eating finger food.)

7. Try local food and drink. Not that you can find American food and drink, anyway, but don't complain if you can't.

African beer is pretty good, by the way. Try Tusker, Castle or Kilimanjaro (Kili).

8. When buying stuff in the street or even in shops, you're expected to bargain. The give-and-take is good-natured, so have fun with it. If you're taking a cab, you must negotiate the price before you start. If you wait until you arrive, that's one situation that could get testy.

9. Being called mzungu (white person) is not insulting. Take it in good humor.

10. U.S. foreign policy and the Bush administration are not popular in Tanzania, but most people are too polite to say much. They seem to like Americans, anyway.

11. Have a great time!