Although in the past few weeks I have had little time to think about what my time in Tanzania will be like, I have had a few moments to read and research.

I bought the Lonely Planet guide to Tanzania and have read mostly about Dar es Salaam.  I also spent a few minutes one evening researching news in the country and found an independent newspaper that also publishes online. 

My impression from the news sources is that Tanzanians are good-willed, strong-willed, outspoken people.  When reporting bad events (like murder), the event is stated but also a discussion of why the event is bad & how the community can rally to overcome it.  There also seems to be a broader discussion on why this is unacceptable & how it makes them look, as a people and a country, and how this effects their ability to be included in the global conversation on many issues & reduces their appeal to tourists.  Tanzanians are fighting hard for continued peace & justice in their state & region.  This is a type of news writing I have never seen before.  It is refreshing.

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