So, contrary to the title theme of this blog post, I am actually having a fabulous time here in Arusha, though it started out kind of shaky. The first couple of days I was pretty sick and getting worse until I realized it was an allergic reaction to Malarone, the anti-malaria pill I was taking. The walk-in clinic here is free, but not very good at diagnosing, so just sent me home with anti-fever pills and antihistamine. But my fabulous roommate reminded me of the possible side effects of Malarone, and when I researched it, I realized I had all the signs of an allergic reaction: fatigue, dizzyness, lightheadedness, trouble breathing, lack of appetite (ie couldn't do anything but lay in bed). So once I stopped taking them and got some extra sleep, I started feeling better.
Arusha is great, once you get used to the clay dust, incredible amounts of pollution, and constant (and I mean constantallthetimeneverforgetit) theft or purse snatching. So me, my allergies, and buttoned up pockets are having a fabulous time! No it really is great, everyone local is really friendly for the most part, the interns are all fantastic, and most things are SO cheap. And I must say, the nightlife is AMAZING. I have never partied so hard in my life!! And the places to go out can get just absolutely gorgeous. One example is Via Via, where I will have to take pictures sometime. It is the Mzungu (foreigner/westerner) Thursday night hangout that makes you feel like you are in island paradise, with palm trees, fire pits, thatched roof bars and a dancefloor outside.
Although partying is not all I plan on doing on weekends. A group of us interns have several weekend outings planned, including Nairobi, Kigali, Serengeti safari, Ngorongoro crater/Terengere safari, and maybe even Zanzibar (depending on how much money I have left). But the first couple of weeks we decided to relax and get settled in.
Work is finally starting up. Though I started last Wednesday, the UN of course did not give me a working computer and log in to use until today. Things work quite slowly here, though it was expected, being the UN and all. But I am doing some real legal work! My first assignment is to draft the decision on a motion that was just made in the case I am assigned to. How cool is that?? Ok, so I may really sound like a 1L right now, but working on something that actually gets used in a case is just awesome to me. Of course the Judges will tweak, revamp, and even maybe rewrite it, but it is still a product of my work partially. :)
Alright, I should probably get back to work. Hopefully will post pictures soon (once I figure out how I can do that efficiently). The lack of internet and constant theft really hinders the ability to take and post pictures, but I will try my best.
Tutaonana!
You're awesome!
ReplyDelete