Category: Africa

Submitted by Ibrahim Wilson on the 2024 Winter LLCU program in Morocco…

Day 14-15: Tangiers and Academic Pursuits

Our journey through Morocco continued, with our days filled with academic endeavors and cultural explorations. Classes in Arabic and Art and Architecture provided us with a deeper understanding of Morocco’s rich history and vibrant heritage. The guided tour in Tangiers and a visit to the Anglican church offered a glimpse into the city’s diverse tapestry.

Day 16-19: Granada’s Historic Charm

As we departed for Granada, our experiences reached new heights with a guided tour of the Alhambra. The fusion of Moorish and Spanish influences in Granada mesmerized us. The free day allowed us to delve into the city’s charm, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Day 20-22: Reflections on Islam and Academic Insights

Our return to Tangiers marked a significant phase of introspection on Islam and Muslims. The classes, lectures, and guided tours enriched our understanding. Journaling about the changes in perspective post-trip highlighted the transformative impact of cultural immersion.

Day 23-25: Final Stretch in Fez

The classes in the morning and free afternoons in Tangiers set the stage for our final exams. Packing for Fez, our early departure provided a picturesque journey via Volubilis and a night in Moulay Idris. The guided tour of Fez’s medina unfolded its history and the resilience of its people.

Day 26-27: Merzouga’s Desert Adventure

Embarking on a new adventure, we traversed to Merzouga, riding camels through the Erg Chebbi dunes. The challenges of development in the south were evident, but the hospitality of nomadic families and the beauty of the oasis towns left a lasting impression.

Day 28-30: Dades Valley, Marrakech, and Academic Culmination

From Dades Valley to Marrakech, our journey through the High Atlas Mountains showcased the diversity of Morocco’s landscapes. The guided tour of Marrakech revealed hidden treasures, concluding our academic exploration. The vibrant markets, historical sites, and the cultural richness of Marrakech served as the perfect finale to our transformative journey.

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Reflecting on this immersive experience, it’s clear that Morocco has left an indelible mark on each of us. The academic pursuits, cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes have woven a tapestry of memories, enriching our understanding of a country that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. As we bid farewell to Morocco, we carry with us not just the knowledge gained in classrooms but the wisdom and warmth imparted by its people and history. The journey may be concluding, but the echoes of Morocco will resonate in our hearts forever.

Assilah’s Breathtaking Sunset

Our journey commences on the serene shores of Assilah, where the sun bids adieu in a spectacular display of colors. The canvas of the sky transforms, as vibrant hues paint a mesmerizing portrait during sunset. Nature’s final flourish for the day is mirrored on the tranquil waters below, providing a serene introduction to the rich experiences that lie ahead.

Alhambra’s Majesty in Granada, Spain

The visual narrative then whisks us away to Granada, Spain, where the historic Alhambra stands as an architectural masterpiece. The intricate details of this Moorish wonder are juxtaposed against lush greenery and majestic landscapes. This snapshot encapsulates not just the grandeur of the Alhambra but also the harmonious blend of history and nature in this captivating city.

Sahara’s Warm Hospitality and Adventurous Beginnings

Sahara Desert Tea Time:

The next chapter immerses us in the heart of Sahara’s cultural richness. The image captures a poignant moment – a tea time in the Sahara. Adorned in traditional jelabba, we share tea and bread with the welcoming nomadic community. This snapshot embodies the spirit of desert living and the deep connections formed through shared moments of hospitality.

Group Photo Before USA Journey:

As we continue flipping through the visual narrative, a lively group photo beckons. Taken just before our adventure to the USA, the picture radiates with excitement and camaraderie. Smiles and poses convey the anticipation and shared thrill of the upcoming journey. This image becomes a symbol of the bonds that fuel our adventures, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

(Submitted February 4, 2024)

Submitted by Karla Dann on the 2024 Winter ENWC program in Tanzania …

Week 1

Tanzania has been an adventure from the very start, upon arrival we found out that our bags had not made it from our layover in Amsterdam. This was a major problem since most of our camping gear we needed for the next eight days was in those bags. Being flexible and staying positive really helped us all get to know each other and bond as a group. We have had the privilege of observing dozens of beautiful birds and many incredible mammals in their natural environments. We visited Arusha National Park, where we saw Jackals, Mongoose, Zebra, Monkeys, Gazelle, Giraffes, and Elephants.  It’s been incredible to have the opportunity to travel to such an amazing location with twenty-one like-minded people. We had the honor of joining our Maasai hosts as they slaughtered, processed, and prepared us a traditional goat dinner. The highlights so far have been the amazing food that has been prepared by our hosts and seeing elephants up close for the first time. 

Week 2

This has been a week that I will never forget. Tarangire National Park was everything I hoped it would be and more. We saw so many incredible animals that I never imagined I would get the privilege to see in person, in their natural environment. It was fascinating to see how they went about their day and interacted with both the environment and the other animals they share it with. Next, we traveled to the Nou Forrest Reserve in the highlands of Tanzania. The drive to Nou was beautiful, and winding our way into the mountains was a view of Africa that I was not expecting. It is pretty chilly and very wet; it has been raining quite a bit and most of our belongings are soaked. Our hosts were from the Iraqw tribe. They could not have been more kind and inviting. We took a gorgeous, challenging hike with one of the villages former rangers, and got to visit his village. We met with some of the village elders, who answered our questions and showed us many aspects of their daily life. A few of the girls in our group taught some of the Iraqw kids how to do the Cotton Eye Joe dance, which was quite the feat considering none of them spoke English.  It is incredible how a silly dance can bring so much laughter and joy to a group of complete strangers.

Week 3

Coming into this study abroad, I thought the wildlife was going to be the biggest highlight. After spending the last few days with the Hadza tribe, I can confidently say that this has been one of the biggest highlights of the trip thus far. The Hadza people have been so incredibly welcoming and open with us. Unlike some people we have met while in country, they do not seem intimidated by our differences. They acknowledge the differences, make some jokes, and then continue with what they are showing us. As a group, they seem to be incredibly well humored and family-oriented people. They showed us their homes and took us out gathering with their families. The next day we went hunting with them and harvested wild honey; it was amazing to see how quickly and quietly they moved through the bush. Sadly, we were not quick or quiet, therefore our hunting trip was unsuccessful. They also showed us how they make their arrows for hunting and let us shoot their bows; it was a lot of fun. For the first time, we were not the only ones asking questions. They had many very entertaining questions for us. Most of them revolved around dating, marriage, and our lifestyle. This proved to be a very funny and shocking conversation for both sides.  After dinner on our last evening in Yaeda, they sang and danced with us around the fire. I am incredibly thankful to have had the privilege to meet and learn about their way of life.

(Submitted February 3, 2024)

Submitted by Amayah Sullins on the 2024 Winter Arabic program in Morocco…

In week 2, we traveled from Chefchauan to Techwan and then to Tangier, where we stayed with host families for the next two weeks. Despite initially expecting to prefer Tangier for its beach, my experience shifted due to chaotic traffic, swift-paced drivers, and challenges in navigation. The city’s dispersed restaurants and difficult-to-hail taxis, which often overcharged when spoken to in English, added to the hurdles. Unlike Rabat, Tangier’s mountainous terrain made walking more challenging. In contrast, Rabat’s Madina captivated me with its beauty and charming shops. Exploring all these cities provided a unique adventure, immersing me in the everyday life of Moroccan people. Although my time in Tangier didn’t start off enjoyable, excursions and the company of classmates enhanced my overall experience. During the week’s end, we spent the weekend in Granada, Spain, which, despite its rich Islamic history, was disheartening due to the evident transformation by the Spanish. The city displayed pig decorations everywhere, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere. On a free day, I explored a cathedral with Islamic references and a statue of Queen Isabel telling Christopher Columbus he could explore the New World. Witnessing a peaceful protest supporting Palestinians added a unique and moving dimension to my experience. Returning to Tangier on the ferry was a beautiful but motion-sickness-inducing journey. Although Tangier’s beach fell short of expectations, Rabat’s overall experience surpassed them The contrast in driving styles and the convenience of navigating Rabat’s attractions contributed significantly to my preference. As I reflect on the adventure, it’s evident that my preconceived notions were reshaped by the unique qualities and experiences each city offered.

Submitted by Carolyn Anderson on the 2024 Winter ENWC program in Tanzania…

The Ngorongoro Crater

Today we visited the Ngorngoro Crater Natinoal Park. Driving around the crater was an amazing experience! Even though I knew there would be a great abundance of wildlife, my expectations were well surpassed. We started off by seeing plenty of olive baboons before we even got to the gate. As we made our way down into the crater, we saw plenty of bird species, including a few new ones for me! We saw a cape crow, and that was really cool because I love crows. The views on our way down the slope were incredible. Luckily it was not very foggy, and you could see pretty far! At one lookout point where we were able to stop and get out, we saw a single rhino very far in the distance through our binoculars. This was really exciting, as they are hard to see and critically endangered. I was grateful to see that rhino, no matter how far away and hard to see, because I did not feel confident we would get to see another. But we were wrong! Once in the crater, we saw three more a bit closer up! They were still pretty far away, but I was able to make out a lot more detail this time and just watch them for a little while. Although the myriad zebras, wildebeest, and buffalos were cool to see, I think my favorites from today were the hippos and the honey badger. Seeing both were a real treat, as it is rare to see hippos out of the water (and we saw two on land!) and honey badgers are incredibly rare to see. I was hoping we might see one, but I knew the chances were pretty slim. Yet another surprise from the crater today!

Wildlife Sightings in the Serengeti

Today was a very special day, full of amazing wildlife sightings. We began our day in the Ndutu area of the Serengeti ecosystem, and later travelled to the Seronera region. We headed out early, around 7am, with the hopes of seeing as much as possible. We started off strong with a lioness and three young cubs! The way the cubs were running around and playing with each other was so sweet. They were wrestling and chasing each other, and even trying to play with their mom at some points! I also saw two new bird species: the wood and marsh sandpipers. Later, we had our second hartebeest sighting. That was cool because we got to see more than one this time, a bit closer, and it had been a while since we saw the first one. We saw some more lions throughout the morning, but the best moment of the day by far was right before lunch, when we saw three cheetah brothers relaxing under the shade of an acacia tree. It was so exciting to see not just one, but three cheetahs, when I was not sure what the chances we would see any were. Unfortunately, we did not get to see them run, but when we got back from lunch they were eating a fresh kill of a small wildebeest. It was amazing to see the three of them eat their fresh kill, with blood covering their faces and dripping down their necks. Although we did  not get to see any adorable young cheetah cubs today, the three young males we saw were still quite the find. (Submitted February 2, 2024)

Submitted by Lascelle Gordon on the 2024 Winter ENWC program in Tanzania…

Heartwarming Welcome in Tanzania

The week commenced on a resilient note when we discovered that our bags had not arrived with us. Despite the initial hiccup, our enthusiasm for being in Tanzania overshadowed any potential inconvenience. Prepared for the worst-case scenario and ready to confront the challenge, our spirits remained high. Fortunately, our bags were delivered the following morning, alleviating any concerns.

The positive momentum continued with a delightful breakfast featuring cinnamon twists, toast with tangerine jelly, bacon, and fresh fruit. Energized and ready for exploration, we embarked on a walk to an orphanage. This excursion not only provided an opportunity to engage with the orphanage community but also offered a glimpse into the daily lives of nearby villages.

The return journey was particularly memorable and heartwarming. As we traversed through the villages, nearly every child we encountered greeted us with cheerful “hi” or “hey,” accompanied by friendly waves. This simple yet genuine display of friendliness from the local children left a lasting impression, underscoring the warmth and hospitality of the Tanzanian communities. The walk back became more than a physical journey; it became a cultural exchange, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the local way of life. This early encounter set a positive tone for the week, emphasizing the cultural richness and the welcoming spirit of the Tanzanian people.

Close Encounters: A Day with Elephants in Tarangire National Park

Today marked our farewell to Randilin as we journeyed to our next camp in Tarangire National Park, conveniently located nearby. The highlight of the day centered around our encounter with elephants, our designated focal species. Once again, luck favored me, placing me in the open truck for an up-close experience due to the excellent visibility it provided. However, this proximity bordered on the intensity as a bull elephant approached our vehicle, prompting uncertainty on the faces of Dr. Bowman and Humphre, one of our guides. The deliberation on whether to pull away or hold our ground was palpable. Fortunately, the magnificent creature was merely seeking softer grass to graze on, affording us an unparalleled view of him in all his glory. The extended observation lasted around 45 minutes, allowing us to appreciate every detail, from sight and smell to the audible digestion sounds as he consumed the damp grasses. This encounter with elephants undoubtedly ranks among my most cherished experiences so far.

Safari Surprises: Lazy Lions and Balcony Buffalos

This week was truly incredible, highlighted by our visit to Ngorongoro Crater. However, we discovered it’s not just a crater; it’s a caldera formed when a volcano erupted and collapsed in on itself. The most thrilling part of the trip was the close encounter with a pride of lions. We approached a lioness resting on an incline surrounded by rocks. As she rose and moved to the shade, another lioness casually sat behind the wheel of our truck. Suddenly, everyone turned their heads, and I, seated, assumed they spotted another distant lion. To my surprise, it walked right up beside me, settling behind the wheel of the truck in front. 

Upon reaching our next lodge, I was greeted by an unexpected sight on my balcony – a massive buffalo relaxing against the rails. Shortly after, two more buffalo joined, creating a surreal experience with three cape buffalo leisurely hanging out just outside my room. This unexpected wildlife encounter was undeniably the highlight of my day, perhaps my favorite part of the entire week.

Our Final Hoorah

Our last week here was truly bittersweet, and we kicked it off with an incredible spectacle – the wildebeest migration, a mesmerizing sight of approximately 1.8 million of these majestic creatures. Following this, we witnessed three cheetahs enjoying a feast, displaying their teamwork in taking down a young wildebeest. Each one took turns keeping a lookout for potential predators lingering nearby.

We took our last off-road game drive the next morning and were lucky enough to see these two big-bellied lions who seemed to have a great night. Later on, we then saw a huge pod of hippos which I am not really a fan of, however, this experience made me realize that I had never heard one before and boy were they noisy. So, I found that super cool, I even saw some bulls get aggressive towards each other. We came back for lunch then headed out again for our last and final game drive. It was a beautiful sunset, the animals were starting to act differently, the sounds were new, the weather was nice and the people in my car were amazing. It was a great final hoorah, and I can’t say that I have had a bad day thus far. (Submitted February 1, 2024)

Submitted by Airym Velazquez on the 2024 Winter CRJU program in South Africa…

Growing up, I always knew I was a part of the lower middle class of Puerto Rico. I was neither rich nor poor; I was normal. Unlike my father, my father had grown up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He grew up in extreme poverty and was a part of the lower class of Puerto Rico. His parents earned a few dollars a week, and at only ten years old, he dropped out of school to work to make money for his family and community. When I decided to begin my study abroad, I knew that here, in South Africa, there would be areas with poor neighborhoods. The neighborhood of Soweto reminded me of my dad’s community and of los ” barrios,” which are poor neighborhoods in PR. 

After seeing Soweto, we also visited a traditional South African restaurant. When we arrived, I did not know what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised, the food was delicious; it tasted similar to my traditional food, and it pleased me to see how my peers enjoyed it as much as I did. Moreover, it was a pleasure to meet Nicolas’ son James. He was the first person from my same age category that I interacted with in conversation that was born and raised in South Africa. Getting to know him and all his ideals was a pleasure. We may have had playful arguments on the bus. However, it was all for fun, and no real feelings were hurt. I hope he joins us again so we can continue learning about each other as a group. So far, I am happy in South Africa. The people have been fantastic, and the culture has been intriguing. South Africa is one of the best countries I have visited. 

For this week’s readings, we had the opportunity to read Orphanhood and Childcare Patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Analysis of National Surveys from 40 Countries by Roeland Monasch and J. Boerma. This article focused on the number of children who are in the fostercare system in parts of Africa. According to this article, “Overall, the population-based surveys, which cover 97% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa, indicate that on or about the year 2000, 9% of children under 15 years have lost at least one parent, including 1% who have lost both parents (weighted average for all countries). During this week, we began our daily visits to New Beginnings. This center focuses on rehabilitating children, primarily babies, so they can be adopted and have better lives after being abandoned by their parents. Meeting these babies has been an incredible experience filled with highs and lows. The babies have genuinely been the highlights of my days, and I’m glad I have been able to work with them. So far, my favorite baby has been Zipho; she is a 10-month-old baby who was a result of a failed abortion. Because of this, she was born as a premi, and her life has had health challenges because of it. She is a sweet baby, and I’m glad I have met her. However, this brought me back to a discussion I had with the Professor. Harris. We spoke of pregnancy in South Africa and how it was a significant issue for the country’s population and women’s well-being. Harris mentioned how women here in South Africa receive money from the state for the children that they give birth to. Because of this, many women have babies and end up neglecting them. 

Moreover, although I agree that having children like this is wrong, I think it is important to remember the levels of extreme poverty in this country. If birthing babies is going to feed your family, then I can’t blame the mothers and families who chose to do so. Because it is their choice, however, we have cases like this. While at New Beginning, I saw Tony while you all were visiting, and she mentioned how she couldn’t believe a mother could abandon her child like that with no remorse. As much as I agree with Tony’s statement, I want to believe that most of those moms likely did not want to abandon their babies, but because of the emotional and economic situation that these women go through that might have been the best way they could give their children a better life. 

Moreover, the article spoke of how women were the ones who stepped up and took care of the babies and fostered them while they had no home. New Beginnings is an example of this; everyone there is a woman. Seeing and relating to these amazing women who care for such sweet, innocent lives is lively. Monach’s article concluded that “Overall, 9% of children under 15 years have lost at least one parent in sub-Saharan Africa. On average, one in six households with children is caring for orphans. Orphans more frequently live in households that are female-headed, larger, and have a less favorable dependency ratio”. It is unfortunate how many children are homeless or struggling to find a house in South Africa and other parts of the continent. I hope this issue improves, and hopefully, fewer children will have to live through this someday. 

The second article I would like to focus on is, Experiencing De Facto Racial Residential. Segregation in Urban South Africa: An African Refugees Auto ethnography by Amanuel Isak. Isak describes his life as a black person living in South Africa. He mentions how “My experience with racial residential segregation did not occur as a result of state-sanctioned segregation or Collective White mobilization (Boustan, 2013) as such forms of segregation have been outlawed in South Africa. It appears to be due to individual White actions, Black self-segregation, and socioeconomic factors (Izak, 2020). This reading reminded me of Soweto, where people live in extreme poverty like my father once did. While we walked through the community, it reminded me of my father’s community. The shared homes, the illegal electricity, and the lack of water were exactly what my dad dealt with in his everyday early life. However, although all these things were said, I could not help to sense the feeling of community. These people have been ignored and abused by the government. However, they stay where they are and help each other whenever possible. This is similar to my dad’s dad’s situation; although he lived like the poorest of the poor, the community he had within him and his neighborhood kept him going. I believe one of the main reasons these people have stayed where they are is their strong sense of community. Aside from this situation being the only one they knew of, these people understand the meaning of community. I’m happy I got to meet the people of this community and the fact that I could relate to them through my dad. 

Through this experience, I have learned the significance of wealth, not material wealth but wealth in family and community. Learning about the people from Soweto and how they embraced their situation made me reflect on my life. I’m genuinely grateful for my life and the person I am today. Although I began this journal talking about how I grew up as a middle class, I acknowledge that I’m rich because of the love I receive from others and my community back home. I am lucky to be in the position that I am in, and I hope that someday, I can help this community and the babies that have been left for adoption in South Africa. (Submitted on January 30, 2024)

Submitted by Anthony Buhr during the 2024 Winter ENWC program in Tanzania…

Week 1:

Expect the unexpected. That’s the daily motto you live by when you study abroad in Tanzania, Africa. This means things aren’t allows going to go the way you want or expect. You may come into this study abroad thinking that this trip is just about the wildlife, but that’s not true. Or at least not completely true. Yes, the wildlife is a big component of what makes this trip standout among the others. But it’s also the people, the culture…

On our first day in the country, we toured the Olasiti Village. We visited the local orphanage and had lunch with the local women’s advocacy groups. Then I noticed something. I noticed that every single time we would walk by someone we would always get a massive hello. That greeting usually comes in three different forms. The first form is the one that I as an American have become very comfortable with and that is our usual English greeting: “Hello” or “Hi”. The second kind of greeting is “Jambo,” which is a common Swahili greeting meaning welcome or hello. The third kind happened to be very common on our tour in the village and that was an excited wave from the local children. When we walked by one house, we could hear the sound of stomping and running. Suddenly, three little kids, all younger than five burst out of the front door to wave at us. This type of greeting would barely ever happen back home.

Here in Tanzania, everyone I have come across has been so polite and open. Just last night, I had a whole in-depth conversation with the tour guides about our favorite colors and favorite animals. Neema and Humphrey (our tour guides) replied with their favorite colors being Peach and Green and their favorite animals being cheetahs and Leopards. As Americans, I feel that we close ourselves off from another. We practice civil discourse. We don’t bother trying to get to know one another. If someone has a different viewpoint from us, we refuse to hear them out and instantly try to tear them down. You can see that with our politicians and even among our friends. In just about every village we have visited, everyone works together as one. They don’t compare one another’s differences, they just acknowledge that they are a part of the same group working towards the same goal. This is evident in the children of Tanzania as well. For the most part, children become independent at around twelve years old and sometimes younger. We recently passed through an Iraqw Village where I saw a toddler cutting down brush with a machete. All these features help to show you just how Tanzania can help you expect the unexpected.

Week 2:

Safari Game drives are unpredictable. There are unlimited possibilities for what you will see. You could see an extremely rare bird two days in a row. And sometimes never even see one of the most common mammals in the park. More likely than not, most of the animals you’re looking for are out there just not in places where you would expect. Things like dense trees or shrubs can hide the most interesting things.

We were going on a game drive trying to identify the local mammals and birds of the area. We pulled up to a group of several impalas in a tall grassy area. They were a mix of males and females. I watched them slowly eat grass as if they didn’t have any care in the world. I looked over to the right of the impala group and saw a creature poke its head out of the grass. The grass was so tall that in that moment only its face and head were visible. This creature seemed to be about the size of a red fox with the face shape of a coyote and the fur color of a German shepherd. It didn’t seem big enough to take down any of the impala. I gasped with excitement as soon as I saw it. I pointed it out to everyone in our safari truck, and our guide told us that it was a Black-Backed Jackal. Seconds later, I noticed the jackal emerge from the grass. Its body language was something I would never have expected to see in a canine species. Its body language looked like it was stalking almost like a cat. It kept its body close to the ground as it inched close to one of the impalas.

Two more jackals emerged from the tall grass but tried to conceal themselves in their surroundings watching the first jackal. The first jackal approached the impala from the side. The impala paid it no attention as it continued to graze. The jackal got slightly closer and this time the impala took notice. The impala stopped chewing and shook its horns toward the jackal. By shaking its horns, it was trying to say, “Get away” or “Leave me alone”. As soon as it shook its horns, the jackal jumped backward. The first jackal immediately lost interest and started to roughhouse with the other jackals. They rolled, tumbled, and chased one another through the tall grasses. Eventually, one picked up a piece of wood and decided to play a game of keep-away. Our interaction with the jackals ended as the jackal with the wood ran off with its siblings chasing after it. After this, I learned from my professor that these were juvenile male jackals because of their size and playful behavior. In fact, when male jackals reach a certain age their mothers will actually kick them out of the den. This helps them to be more independent. The jackal’s behavior around the impala was actually it practicing how to stalk and hunt for prey.

Week 3:

As my time in the country of Tanzania is coming to an end, I have been reflecting on what my favorite memory from the trip has been. If you were to ask anyone else on this trip what their favorite memory was, they would probably say seeing elephants or lions in the wild for the first time. While seeing those animals in the wild was spectacular, it wasn’t my favorite moment of the trip. That award would have to go to the hike we took to see a waterfall in the Nou Forest.

To me, this hike had all the things that would make a story great. It had comedy, hardships, miscommunications, and breathtaking views. Before leaving camp, I was told by other students going on the hike that it would be a three-mile round trip. I along with everyone else found out that was a miscommunication… It was actually nine miles in total. Hiking through the forest was not easy. We went up in elevation and then down in elevation, crossed streams and muddy trails. All while trying to make sure we don’t trip on any roots, fall down any hills, or step on any ant trails (they bite here). Through these obstacles, we had a musical accompaniment in the form of about four girls belting out the soundtracks to several different Disney Channel movies. But, when we finally arrived at the waterfall it was all worth it. The view was amazing, you could see the spray coming off the waterfall from a mile away. The rock formations coming off the waterfall just added to the experience. All this is why the hike to the waterfall has been my favorite memory from the trip.

Week 4:

Today is my final day in the beautiful country of Tanzania. I figured for my last post it would be important to reflect on what I have learned from my first time being out of the country and taking part in the study abroad program. Before going on this trip, I figured that regarding the wildlife of Tanzania we would focus mainly on mammals. That was only partially true, but I should have known better since I needed a 600-page bird field guide for the trip. I feel that because of this trip, I am more aware of the birds around me. Every time a bird flies over, I must take notice of it. I guess I am finally understanding the hype around birding.

Another concept that I have learned from this trip is how important people are in conservation. Through the program, we learned how the tribes of Tanzania each conserve the natural resources of the land in different ways.  For example, the Massai Tribe relies only on agriculture and grazing their cattle. In doing this, they do not need to hunt any of the local wildlife for sustenance. The Hadza Tribe is the opposite. Rather than completely relying on agriculture for a living they hunt and live off the land. While they do hunt the local wildlife, they only hunt what they need and not just killing everything they see.

One last thing I learned from this trip has been how different Tanzania is from America. I feel that as Americans we take a lot of things for granted. The citizens of Tanzania do not have a specialized agriculture system like we do, so they work as their own butchers. In fact, they are shocked that we do not kill our own chickens for food back home. The children are also very different between the two countries. Countless times on this trip, I have seen young children doing manual labor. For example, on our first day in the country, we toured a village and our guide was about five years old. In America, you would never see a young child like that be able to be away from their parents or even have a job at that age. Overall, I feel that this trip has opened my eyes and allowed me to see my country and even the state of Delaware in a new light.

Submitted by Thomas Elia on the 2024 Winter LLCU program in Morocco…

In the third week a majority of our time was spent in Granada. From Thursday to Sunday of the third week we were visiting and exploring the Andalusian city. I‘m very glad that we were able to make this trip because although it is not in North Africa, Granada contains one of the best examples of well preserved Islamic art in architecture in the world, the Alhambra. The Alhambra is a palace and fortress of which building first began in the year 1238 by the first Nasrid emir. Construction campaigns continued by successive muslim emperors for the next 3 centuries. After the Christian Reconquista, more renaissance style palaces were added as well. The rooms and courtyards of the Alhambra exemplify the epitome of islamic craftsmanship in the form of intricately carved stucco, colorful mosaic tiling called zelije, as well as colored and carved wood ceilings, and numerous types of imagery found in islamic texts. Touring the inside of the compound is a moving experience as you are surrounded by beautiful works of craftsmanship and color while being able to look out of the many windows to view the entirety of the city of Granada from atop of the mountain on which the Alhambra is located. The courtyards within the palaces are mesmerizing with their unique symmetry and powerful symbolism, some resembling the trees in a forest or the rivers and flora found in ideal vision of paradise. The juxtaposition of different architectural styles between the palaces built over the centuries is also amazing as it’s so clear how the styles change. Visiting Spain was an amazing and unique experience that I am so glad that I got to have. I hope that future versions of this Morocco study abroad will continue to incorporate this excursion, as I feel it helps to see such an amazing example of exactly what is being learned about in our lessons! (Submitted on January 23, 2024)

Submitted by Meg Deming on the 2024 Winter SOCI program in South Africa…

The only word I can use to describe our visit to Kruger Park is surreal. Luckily for us, we had two incredibly knowledgeable guides who took us on our game drives during the four days we were in Kruger. Almost immediately upon arrival we were taken on one such drive were we saw groups of elephants and an amazing view of the surrounding mountain ranges. The diverse collection of trees in the area was also a sight to behold, with each species seeming to have their own unique story and purpose. 

Our first drive was only a preview of what we were about to see in the coming days. On day two we saw elephants, water buffalo, and a duo of lions blocking one of the many dirt roads. These animals make up three of the park’s Big Five, and I look forward to seeing the remaining two, leopard and rhino, during future visit. Still, seeing any of the Big Five was an absolutely incredible experience and being so close to such big animals almost felt too good to be true.

Later that same afternoon, we were able to ride some ATVs down a section of the dirt paths. While on one of the larger roads, we drove through a group of about twenty giraffe, some zebra, and countless impala. Seeing so many beautiful animals up close was indescribable. Despite the loud roar of a dozen ATVs, the animals continued to graze as we drove past them as if we were not even there. I can confidently say that I have never felt so immersed in nature and would highly recommend the experience to anyone who gets the opportunity. 

On our third day, our guide Sidney followed lion tracks for very many miles hoping to see some in the dirt path. Being in the front row of that particular excursion, I got the privilege of asking him many questions. I learned that lions typically stay in their den during the day, but emerge into the dirt paths later in the afternoon before going on the hunt. Our search for the lions during the first half of our drive was unsuccessful, but during the second half a radio message came in saying that the pride of thirteen lions had emerged and was traveling one of the dirt paths. We were able to quickly locate the lions, and just in time. We watched on as three adult lions and ten cubs walked down the dirt path and headed into the bush for their late afternoon meal. 

As interesting as it is to read and write about the South African bush, it is nothing compared to experiencing it for yourself. It is difficult to convey the sense of freedom and connection with nature that one feels while they are in Kruger National Park. There were many instances during our game drives that the group was too stunned to speak. I fully intend on making my way back to Kruger in my lifetime to relive the experience I had during this portion of our study abroad trip. (Submitted on January 23, 2024)

A Week In Cape Town

Although the entirety of my trip to South Africa was amazing, our final week in Cape Town truly blew me away with its scenery and atmosphere. As soon as we arrived we could see an absolutely stunning view of Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s most famous landmarks. It was so refreshing to see the ocean from where we were staying, and nightly walks to watch the sunset became our norm.

There are so many different sights to see in and around Cape Town, but my favorites would have to be the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and the Clifton Beaches. The penguins we saw were absolutely adorable and there were so many in such a small area! Unfortunately, we couldn’t have a beach day with the penguins, but Clifton Beach more than made up for it. Behind us, there was a view of Lions Head, a neighbor to Table Mountain, and in front of us was an ocean filled with boats and large rocks that you could swim out to. There were also paddleboards to rent, and while chatting on a paddleboard my friend and I had a school of dolphins swim under us. That felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it really sums up the incredible experiences that are to be had in Cape Town. 

On one of our free mornings, a friend and I decided we wanted to hike Lions Head because how hard can it be? It’s much smaller than Table Mountain. The answer is very hard. About 45 minutes in it started to feel like less of a hike and more like scaling a mountain. The view at the end made all of that hard work worth it though, and next time I’m in Cape Town I’m willing to try and climb Table Mountain, but I may need to get some practice in first. 

The best activity I did while there had to have been paragliding over Cape Town. The views are incredible on the ground, but they’re even better from up above. I was able to see everything South of Table Mountain. Off in the distance, you could see Robben Island, an island once used as a prison. Nelson Mandela was held there as a political prisoner for much of his life. Below me, I could see the waterfront and the port as well as buildings that spanned for miles. Behind me, I could see an incredible view of Table Mountain just behind the hill we had used for takeoff. 

Cape Town is an absolutely gorgeous beachside city with sightseeing and adventure that appeals to all. I have traveled to some pretty incredible places, but Cape Town definitely takes the cake. It is so hard to articulate just how beautiful of a city it is, so I would highly recommend that people go and see it for themselves. It truly was the trip of a lifetime. (Submitted on February 5, 2024)