The FCC World Challenge Tanzania was an uplifting, confronting experience that we all enjoyed. From the airport to R & R we experienced highs and lows, but I can’t wait to travel again. It started with the goodbyes to our parents and families at the airport, which involved some tears. It was hard to let go of our loved ones because we wouldn’t be seeing or hearing from them for roughly four weeks. The plane ride to Dubai was delayed and long and I was relieved when we landed as many of us hadn’t been out of Australia before. The next leg of the journey was Dubai to Dar Es Saalam airport in Tanzania, which had to be one of the most astonishing experiences of the trip as the cloud coverage was so low. It was like the aero- plane was swooping through mashed- potato-like mist. The land was unlike anything we had ever seen with orange sands and mud huts scattered across the leafy green jungle. When we alighted from the aircraft, we were hit instantly by humidity, 30-degree heat and the harsh sun of Tanzania. We stayed in Dar Es Saalam for two days, which was spent changing money at the bank, organising transport and accommodation, finalising our budget and food shopping at the market. This was an experience in itself. During our time in Tanzania we were required to eat cooked meals for breakfast and dinner, so porridge and stew were our staple diets. Before we knew it, we were on the bus heading to crocodile camp. While on this bus trip we created a tradition to fit as many people as possible in a photo crowded around a poor sleep- ing victim. It alleviated the boredom of a long bus trip. During the acclimatisation stage we needed to cross a crocodile and hippo infested river. Thank goodness we were in a canoe with an expert oarsman!! After surviving the river crossing our reward was a 13km hike. During our three-day acclimatisation we visited a waterfall and received a cooking lesson from a local woman who managed the campsite, which involved chopping a chicken’s head off – thanks Matilda! The next stage of our trip was the community phase located in Msosa Village. The kids at Msosa Village were so affectionate and trusting that it created a warm and welcoming feeling for the six days that we were there. With the money our group had fundraised, we were able to purchase paint, brushes and rollers to decorate the school, and also chairs, desks and doors so that the kindergarten could be utilised. Our main trek to Livingston Mountains was a very challenging stage because porters were required to carry our packs for two of the four days. We covered roughly 13-15kms a day. It was the most fitness-orientated part of the trip as we needed to start at 4.30am to complete the day’s trek by lunchtime. Finally we reached our Rest and Relaxation stage, which included a safari at Ruaha National Park. We saw loads of animals including lions feeding, elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hyenas and kudu/gazelles. The next part of our R & R we travelled to the Swahili coast staying in a resort with actual flushing toilets and running water. This was more of a tourist destination with water parks and marine trips. It gave everyone a chance to reflect on our journey and what we had achieved. Everyone agreed that this experience brought us closer as a team. In just one month everyone has grown and deep and genuine friendships have developed. We would recommend World Challenge as a very rewarding experience. Erin – Year 12
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