Day 7

Habari za jioni! This place grows on you quickly. I like hearing the Muslim call to prayer 5 times a day. I like how everyone greets you in Swahili or at least with a smile or a nod. I like learning the languge (human bones are mafupa ya wato). I like the department of antiquities, and how excited the people there are about our project. Perhaps most of all, I like the food. Today's lunch proved to be the ultimate in Tanzanian buffets: unmarked pots on a palm-shaded patio. There is something so liberating about having no idea what the food you're eating is. It's a full-on commitment to trying new things.

Today we visited antiquities again and turned over our precious fossil teeth. It's sad to see them go, but they truly belong in Tanzania. We may even get to see them returned to the government in a formal ceremony! Afterwards, we booked 2 land rovers for 50 days and had lunch at the Kijiji cha Makumbusho (the village museum). After lunch, we walked through a series of recreations of the traditional huts of various Tanzanian tribes, including the Wahehe and Masai (the groups in our study area). We also got to see some African dancing and drumming, which was fantastic. The museum strongly reminded me of the Ukrainian Village in both its mandate and presentation. Even the sod roofs were the same. I couldn't help thinking that my mom and dad would have really enjoyed seeing it. Never fear, I'm bringing back pictures!

Tomorrow we tackle the museum, and hopefully discover some treasures within. We have been gone for exactly a week (seems like more, doesn't it?). I miss home, but this place is pretty cool.