Beautiful risings Leah,

Absolutely, I first started with YouTube videos, as well as contacting a Tanzanian acquaintance I had met in Harlem 3 years ago.

Then I got confused because I found out that Kenyan Kiswahili is a bit different from how they speak in Tanzania.

One of my favorite expressions I learned was Nina furahi kukifahamu & to tell people about my culture because when I would say I was visiting from NYC, they automatically assumed I was "from America." So I had to learn to explain: Ninatoka NYC lakini, familia yang wanatoka Puerto Rico.

Then when I returned from those 3 weeks in wondrous Tanzania, I wanted to still support a local teacher. I found someone to give me Skype sessions. I no longer take lessons, but I am same grateful for the experience to speak a little bit with locals. It is something very important when traveling to another country - out of respect, I make sure I learn at least how to say hello, thank you, how are you?