Going, Going, Gone...

So, the last huge step besides getting my visa and immunizations (it is mandatory to get a yellow fever vaccine in order to entire into Tanzania) was to purchase my airfare. Finally, 2 weeks ago I purchased it from vayama.com. I couldn't believe how much cheaper the airfares were on this website compared to some of the other sites Carlton and I were researching. I was thinking the flights would be booked or uber expensive, but I was pleasantly surprised, especially considering I had to wait 2 weeks before I was to leave to make the purchase.
I'm flying tonight, July 24th, 2008 at 11:35pm. I arrive in London at 11:25am on Friday (London time) and have an 8 hour layover. I'm hoping to escape the airport for a couple of hours to go checkout Westminster Abbey and maybe even Big Ben. (I know I'm a typical tourist. I can't help it; it'll be my first time in Europe!)
After, checking London out briefly, I'll be getting on another plane at 8pm and arriving in Nairobi, Kenya, the next morning (Saturday). Then I have to get on one more plane to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania where I will picked up with the rest of the volunteers arriving on Saturday. Yes, that's right, I'll be traveling for 2 days. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.
As many of you know, I'll be staying in Tanzania for 6 weeks working with local NGO's, particularly a CBO that works towards youth empowerment called the Chivane Cultural Group. Their mission is to perpetuate African traditional music, by dancing and composing. They address the issues currently relevant and sensitive to the community by using theater arts to educate and sensitize. By volunteering with this CBO I'll be immersed in the culture of Bagamoyo, Tanzania and learning and enjoying it as best I can.
I will have access to the internet at a local internet cafe. I will be checking my email as often as I can.
My contact information in-country is as follows.
Mailing address:
Attn: Michael "Cabbie" Caban
Cross-Cultural Solutions, Bagamoyo Office
c/o Zik Kundy
P.O. Box 312
Bagamoyo, Tanzania

The volunteer phone line is (011) 255-753-429-068. Just remember that Bagamoyo is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. The best time to call the home-base is between 6:30am and 1:30pm E.S.T. In case of an emergency, you can call Cross-Cultural Solutions NY office at 800-380-4777; or 24-hour CCS Emergency Hotline: 888-772-9336; or the Home-Base Office: (011)255-232-440-185.

I'm excited and nervous to go to Tanzania. I will miss you all dearly.
I'll be leaving Tanzania on Saturday, September 6th and will be back in NYC/JFK on Sunday, September 7th. I can't wait to come back and share my experiences with you over coffee or wine!
Nakupenda Sana!!!