My suitcases are unpacked, gifts handed out, inbox emptied and voicemail checked. I’m back at work and making big plans for 2010.

I thought I’d share some highlights from my trip home to Tanzania - and don’t worry – there’s some techie tidbits in there.

Aside from the six days of travel (3 there and 3 back), the trip was idyllic. I woke up early every day, possibly from jetlag, the African sun peeking in my window, the birds in the natural stone birdbath outside, people singing as they passed our gate, the call to prayer echoing across the city…I’m not sure who or what was the culprit, but the early wake-up calls gave me the opportunity to watch the dhows heading out across Lake Victoria in search of the daily catch. Each morning started with a cup of Tanzanian coffee, a mango fresh from the market, Hemingway’s Green Hills of Africa, and a spot on the patio, enjoying the cool breeze and the view of the lake.

Perhaps one of the best nights of the trip was dinner with some of our close Tanzanian friends. There is always something comforting about spending time with people who have played an important role in your life.  It was a chance to reminisce and share new details about our lives. Since the last time we had all shared a meal together, there had been marriages, graduations and new jobs. One of the family members who is close to me in age had recently become an engineer with one of the main cell phone providers in Tanzania. He and I quickly started our own side conversation about communication and technology.

Alex was curious about cell phone providers and plans in the U.S. He was honestly shocked to hear about contracts, monthly plans and international charges. Phones in Tanzania are unlocked and use prepaid cards. Because it is cheaper to call/text someone on the same network, it’s common for people to have one phone with SIM cards for multiple networks which they switch out depending on who they need to contact. My parents’ contact list includes names, followed by that person’s network. The other big difference is international calling charges and roaming. Because Tanzanians (and really many Africans) travel between countries, and the providers operate across much of the continent, there is no extra charge to call/text a number in a different country. While it costs me an extra 25 cents to text my parents, there’s no extra charge for them to text me. However, they are charged different rates for phone calls based on where they are calling from. It has more to do with demand and less to do with geographic location. For example, if they are in downtown Dar es Salaam (the capital) where there is a high demand for network use, they will be charged more than if they are in a small community with a smaller number of customers. 

I actually think it would make a fascinating study or even a book – how pricing affects the adoption and use of communication technology…I would read it.

But even half a world away, Iowa was never far from my thoughts. Out of the blue, there would be a reminder like this John Deere tractor I saw after crossing into Kenya.

And while I always miss my home in Africa (especially the warm weather!), it’s good to back at home in Iowa.

Happy New Year!

Posted under My Adventures, Travel, Web/Tech