The US Embassy

So it is not the best picture of the embassy but it does say on that building there "Embassy of the United Stated of America"

Today we went to the US Embassy. It was an interesting experience and insight into what/who embassies do/are. So first off we had to take our passports. Ken our directory had to send in our names 3 days earlier to have background checks done on us so we could get visitor passes when we got there. We had to check all phones and cameras, so no pictures of the inside. Once inside the grounds we where ushered into post 1, which was the main central hub of activity. Once inside there it was like we tell-a-ported to the US! There were water fountains! There were no ants/bugs, garbage, dirt, etc. anywhere! There was a giant American flag! There where photos of US national parks, cities, etc. We were ushered into a conference room with nice chairs, not the typical plastic ones that are used in Tanzania. We were then, for the 5th time, given safety advise and the knowledge of what the Embassy can do for us if we get thrown in jail! After that briefing they then talked about what the embassy does, how to get involved, etc. It was disappointing to hear that most people move around every 1 or 3 years to a different location. Which does has it perks in that you get to see the world. Most of them don't make friends or really live the lifestyle of the country they are working with, most don't even attempt to learn the language because they just move to a different location in year and everyone they work with speaks English! Not what I thought really happened. I can see not living like the locals because we can afford not too, but not even learning the language or venturing into the city to learn what the average person deals with on a daily basses is wrong. How can we really help a country if we cannot even empathize with them.  I don't know...just some interesting thoughts I have been having. We did get to meet the head of USAid for Tanzania and got her contact so we have an in to help the organizations, schools, etc. we are interning with to get funding/grants!