April 15, 2013

Google Logo Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm

#DispatchesDNLee: Departing for Tanzania today

By DNLee

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Mambo!

I'm departing today for Tanzania. I'm actually looking forward to returning to the field. (I love field work and the chance to get dirty, travel and experience the world from different perspectives.) I'm telling you, being a field ecologist is the best!

I managed to get most of everything I said I needed and wanted to get (the 5 things I must have when I return to Tanzania). And I even remembered to take care of some logistical prep work, too. I made sure to book my originating flight in a large jet so that I can carry all of my equipment and gear with me.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

I called ahead to get pre-approved for bags byt that is never a guarantee. Arrive a few hours early and patience plus having good folks behind the counter is always a plus. Delta Airlines did alright by me again.

I'll be posting updates via Twitter (@DNLee5) and using the hashtag #DispatchesDNLee while I am traveling. Or if you are on Facebook, you can get updates via my Fan Page. And yes, I'm sending postcards again this year, you can sign up for one here; and if you're interested in helping to offset the cost of post cards, you could make a nominal donation at this PayPal link. Thank you!

Can't wait to hear from you. Leave a comment or ask a question. I might answer it as a blog post!

In the meantime I'm praying for Safari njema (wow, I can't believe how much Swahili I'm recalling.)

Badaaye

Dada DNLee

DNLee is a biologist and she studies animal behavior, mammalogy, and ecology . She uses social media, informal experiential science experiences, and draws from hip hop culture to share science with general audiences, particularly under-served groups.

More by DNLee

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe