I can’t believe it's already my last day in Arusha. The time has gone by so fast. Europe, and especially South America, seem years ago.

My time here has been enlightening. Not only did my safari experience ground me, I’ve also learned much about East African culture, and even more about myself. That’s one of the best consequences of traveling; inevitably, you change and grow.

Arusha has reinforced that I need to continue to work on my patience. Things are slow here, and sometimes you just have to relax and go with the flow. Because you know what? Things will work out, they always do. In the big picture, most of the things that don’t go our way aren’t that big of a deal.

I’ve also become more aware living in Arusha. There are so many people around the world without basic utilities, with no access to education, and Arusha has brought that directly to the fore. It’s not people’s fault they aren’t educated or aware—how could they know any different? If I traded places with them, I would be the exact same. Arusha has taught me to remember that.

Finally, Arusha has encouraged me to enjoy. Locals here are incredibly friendly. You never know who you might meet, what you might learn. And at the end of the day, are we not supposed to enjoy life? There are many grand things we can set out to do, but we are alive, and the gift of life deserves to be enjoyed.

I am proud of what has been accomplished here. I will return one day, and I can’t wait to see how everything has progressed. Thank you Arusha. Thank you for everything you have given me. I will see you again. I’ll want to check on the jacaranda tree! Until next time…catch ya on the flip side.