Travel Journal

These are daily notes from my time in East Africa, where I’m living and working for the next few months. This space is where I document small moments, unexpected lessons, and meaningful images from my life along the way. Nothing here is meant to be overly polished—just honest reflections of the experience as it unfolds. Some days are quietly ordinary, others more reflective, but all of them belong here for my friends and family to experience alongside me.

Latest Entry

DAY 213

Yesterday was a very very long day. Bajaj The bus arrived in Dar es Salaam around 6:30am (almost an hour earlier than scheduled which was unbelievable!). I turned into a bit of an American tourist with all the people trying to get me to take their taxi. Normally I have enough energy to joke around with them, but after barely any sleep I was just waving drivers away and even having to push them off from trying to grab my luggage and lead me to their vehicle. I was told to use an app called Bolt to order rides and...

DAY 212

Yesterday was a nice way to wrap up my time in Arusha (and East Africa, I guess). The morning started a little late—I hadn’t set an alarm and wanted to bank a little extra sleep for the upcoming travels. However, my body must hate me and fought against me, wanting...

09 Aug 2026

DAY 211

Yesterday was my last full day in Arusha. It was nothing special and I’m really glad for that. I don’t enjoy big or drawn out goodbyes, and today I’m spending some time with the few friends who I grew close with and my family. Rehearsal? One thing I’m really bummed...

08 Aug 2026

DAY 210

It’s crazy how close I am to being home. I’m so so so excited to sleep in my own bed. Today is my last full day in Arusha and it certainly has a bittersweet feeling. Per usual I went on the bus route yesterday morning. I think I’m building up...

07 Aug 2026

DAY 209

Just a regular old Wednesday yesterday. I have to say that my favorite part of every day has been the morning and afternoon bus routes with the kiddos. One, it wakes me up really quick, and two, it has taught me a lot. I can really make the kids happy...

06 Aug 2026

DAY 208

Yesterday was too long for my liking. Chilly Morning Abi has kind of moved out of Lucas’ home. She has her own place nearby but she still eats meals and spends most of her time with the family, I think she just goes to sleep there. But this means I...

05 Aug 2026

DAY 207

Yesterday morning I slept in and missed the morning bus route. I guess I must have slept through my alarm and apparently I also slept through some knocking on my door. It was good that I got the extra sleep though because yesterday I was starting to feel a little...

04 Aug 2026