We're here!!

And I don't even know where to begin!  Such a whirlwind 8 days since we left JFK for our epic journey.  Thinking about the U.S. already feels like another lifetime as it is SUCH a different world there from the one we're living in.  We finally got phones yesterday and Internet today, which means that we were pretty much totally disconnected from everyone and everything for days which was an extremely disconcerting experience.  Here's a couple of highlights so far.

Most surprising thing so far:  when your steering wheel is on the right of the car, the turn signal indicator is also on the right (vs the left) and they are "backwards" from the U.S. (right is down, left is up).  So, I've been doing a lot of hitting the windshield wipers and making the wrong signal.  Traffic is absolutely crazy here.  I thought living in metro NYC would prepare me, and I'm sure it has given me some advantage, but there is really nothing like it with cars making up their own rules, pikipikis (motorcycles), bjajis (little 3 wheeled taxis), pedestrians and bicycles everywhere (in addition to the whole driving-on-the-left adjustment).  The road to our house is dirt (which becomes red mud in rain) and has a ton of really jarring potholes.  There are goats and cows grazing near the road also!   The first 30 seconds on the paved road involves all the mud flying off the wheels.  I have been driving for 3 days and although it's getting easier, I still get drenched in sweat.

Power outages so far:  6, although only one lasted more than 3 hours.

Weather:  much better than I feared, although it is the equivalent of their February.  There is a really strong wind off the ocean and we've had a couple torrential downpours (despite it being the dry season).

Community:  amazing.  So welcoming and wonderful.  The school is also going to be a fabulous experience for the kids and Tim.  The campus is beautiful with tons of palm trees and a view of the ocean, and has a brand-new playground.

Food:  since Dar is a major city, pretty much anything is available at a price (box of Cheerios for over $10, anyone?)  Anything processed or Western is hugely expensive as is meat and cheese.  Fruits and vegetables are available at small roadside stands called "dukas," and they are inexpensive and delicious.  There is a "Game" store which is an African version of Walmart (and which is actually owned by Walmart).  Our biggest challenge so far has been snack foods.  Everything we're used to in the States (granola bars, string cheese, juice boxes, pretzels) is prohibitively expensive.  I'll have to figure out what to pack for lunches before next week (especially since "African-style" peanut butter has not been well-received by the Steen children).

Swahili:  I've learned a few phrases but have no idea what anyone is saying most of the time.  I can basically say "hello" and "thank you" with confidence!  As I mentioned on Facebook, the kids learned Swahili for "butt" and "fart" almost immediately.  Ah, priorities!

Overall, we are adjusting extremely well.  Life is challenging but a real adventure.  The kids are happy and although they were waxing nostalgic about Five Guys this morning, really seem to have taken to Africa.

Photos to follow!