I am a young Photographer from Cape Cod/Boston, Ma. armed with a Fulbright Scholarship and a Canon 5D Mark II. For 10 months I will living in Arusha, Tanzania working with various research projects and NGO's to make a documentary on human/wildlife conflict.

9/10/09

Departure delay :(

So, I found out from the Tanzanian embassy last week that my Costech (Commission for Science & Technology) application was not reviewed in August, so I will have to delay my departure date. :(

A Costech research permit is required for all foreigners residing in Tanzania for longer than 6 months (or 3?) whatever the maximum time is for visitors on tourist visas. Basically I need a permit to be there for so long, along with a extended visa & residency permit! (oy, bureaucracy) Costech only reviews a certain number of applications that were sent in well before the cut off date (which they don't tell you) each time they have a "seating"...they only have these "seatings" every 2 months! So, the application that I sent in early July just didn't make it to the August seating and I will just have to wait for the next one....in October. (rrrrrrrrrrrrr)

This changes my schedule a bit...okay, a lot. Mayyybe I jumped the gun a little, but in making preparations to leave the country for 10 months I: pretty much moved out of my apartment, gave my 2 weeks notice at my summer job, didn't re-apply for my fall job, started shifting bank accounts and deferring my student loans and now I have to back peddle like crazy!!!

BUT, on the positive side, (and everything happens for a reason) I will have more time to fund raise, I may be a guest speaker at Bridgewater State college and I might try to give a presentation at Nauset High, all which helps me gain more awareness and hopefully support from my Massachusetts community. And I can enjoy the lovely New England autumn and be here for Halloweeeeennn!!!!! (I was so bummed when I realized I would miss my favorite holiday! now I won't! wheeee)

Here's a handsome male cheetah in Botswana!

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