A truly, cultural sensory overload

The first time stepping foot into Africa, was the beautiful country of Tanzania. I have no idea why I chose Tanzania but I thank my lucky stars that I did. It is a country that offers so much, whether it is a safari, camping in the wilderness with lions and hyena's keeping you awake until the early hours of the morning, or the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro that takes your fancy and let's not forget a quick flight to Zanzibar to experience some of best beaches in the world, where the ocean water is almost warmer than the pool. It truly is an incredible country. Yet what really holds a special place in my heart, is the people. Never will you find such generous, loving people than you will in Tanzania. I was volunteering just outside of Arusha, in a town called Usa River, where poverty is rife but the kindness and love is ever-present. Once I traveled approximately an hour and twenty minutes on the dala from Arusha, I would then walk about twenty minutes through this town, Usa River. I think the saying, 'the less you have, the happier you are,' holds to be very true particularly with my experience here in Usa River. This community has very little, living in huts that trap the heat, with dirt floors, never did I feel so much warmth, walking through the village to my school where I was greeted by all the locals passing by with "Mambo or Hapari", children I had never met before would run up and take my hand and walk with me through the streets, like I was their best friend.
The school I volunteered at had 56 children, ranging from three to seven year olds. Again, the love and gratitude they show to you is overwhelming, as soon as you walk into to school you are greeted with a huge bear hug from at least 7 different children. I must say personal space was not known here, but nor would I want it to be because these beautiful children have so much love to give.
You may be teaching and helping these children learn the basics of English, but without a doubt you will come away from this experience learning a lot more than what you've taught. Just the simplicity of immersing yourself into this lifestyle, you will observe and learn so much about this culture, it's pole pole lifestyle and generosity and tolerance it embodies.
Asante sane, Tanzania! I'm so very grateful for the time I have spent here.