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The realization of the dream to set my feet on  the leading world economy-The United States; became possible after  the confirmation  from  the Chairman to the Program Prof. Paul Grosswiler  at  the University of Maine, Orono that I was selected one of nine Tanzanian journalists to participate in USAID Tanzania  Journalism Exchange Project 2009.
I went through several process, such as local police clearance to ensure  that I never been involved in criminal acts, this requirements involves taking finger print and submission of different security information. Upon Police clearance, I had to retake finger prints  at the American Embassy in Dar es Salaam, as if this was not enough I took finger prints at Detroit airport before take another plane to Bangor airport,Maine which is was  my final destination . 

The longer  process, stringent checks  and a number of restrictions on different forms contradicts my expectations that it would be easier to get to the US.  This expectation was based on the fact  that  the US Government sponsors  the program by 100 percent.
Interestingly, the requirements was uniform to any other visitor interested to entering the US. 
One has to take finger prints  at several points starting from local police including  the US entry points.  Upon arrival  at Detroit airports  the visitors including US residents took digital fingers prints, photos as other suitcases were opened  searched.
All give  an impression "America will never be  the same after September 11"  The Nation Media Group Editor Dr. Peter Mwesiga told the class recalling one American Daily an headline on one of American dailies that reported the event. 
Mr. Mike Hasting, The University's Director of Research  and Programs echoed expressed similar concern  that the security of the group is a priority.
" We want to know where you are and ensure you are secure," Hasting told  the Group at a brief meeting  at Maine University.
Hasting was in company of Mike Socolow and Kurt Klappenbach  to receive  the journalists at Bangor airport.
Though security seems to feature prominently in America's business, the place is too great to forget  the alerts and everything.
Is America insecure ?  

Perhaps, this is the question  that  ringer in minds of  people who happen  tpo undergo strigent procedures so as to enter the US.
However, it appears from established security mechanism in  the US  and around its territories around the worls America is the most secure place. I had  the assumption that walking or riding around  the US wasn't easy without  the guard.            
Upon arrival at Bangor airport in Maine after almost 30 hours in flights,  the impression  about the States and particularly Maine changed.
The welcoming people, the mountaneous spectacular covered with greener forestry, the architectural  structures designed nicely , a number of museums, social  and recreational facilities showcase Maine, and probably the US.
Unlike other places where people seems to mind own business,  the people in Maine are kind and supportive. Most people are willingly  and ready to assit whenever one needs assistance. The nicely prepared publications, the maps, the signposts along  arrond the area and traffic provides a clear guide of the area to  the visitors.
The availabiliy of social, academic, and recreational facilities not onlys presents a full range of activities of Mainers but also facilitates good stay at the Place.
Maine : The Paradise of Peace
No body would deny the fact  that peace is something every person cherishes. 
Maine is  the place  that provides alternative option to polluted places in developed world where nature is no longer a matter of necessite.
Driving along the streets of Orono heading to the University of Maine was full of fun and excite ment. The ride to the university provides opportunity  for viewing  the nature with full range of water streams, the natural forestry  as well as the people around the city.
Maine is probably  the most greener and well conserved place I have ever been. It is greener all over. There is no garbage around which gives an impression that hygiene is the priority issue.    
The enviromment at  the University of Maine provides  for conducive learning, you have everything ranging from academic, social, and recreational facilities.
Lifestyle in Maine
The visit to Maine staff family downtown Bangor at Penoboscot Bay provided a first hand experience of how some families live in Maine .
Fortunately, the entire family of Prof. Michael Grillo was around as his two sons has been on Summer holidays. It was interesting to meet an elite American family  and experience how they live.
It was interesting to learn that a husband could prepare meals for visitors while  the wife doing some other things, which is rare in Africa.


" I like cooking but my wife was raised in a family that don't cook, she is uncomfortable  to cook," Prof. Grillo said while busy making pizza  for  the journalists  and his colleagues who visited the family last weekend.
Though he prepared enough Pizza to feed all the guests with the help of his elder son Erick, he never bothered  the wife who was chatting with the journalists  and other guests.
The experience  at Grillo's family served a big lesson  to journalists, whose culture is dorminated by partirachy system, where men do rarely enter the kitchen  to even help their spouses. 
Maine which is inhabited by rural communities is far different from  the rural areas I know back in Africa. It is indeed far ahead of some urban areas in Africa. 
The planning of the city, the clean environment, and the facilities in Maine makes a great distinction of the peripheral areas without electricity,running water, hospitals, banking  and schools. 
To a stranger like me Bangor is never  the rural area in Africa context. 

Besides  the difference in culture,  it was interesting  to learn that senior lecturers from  the Unversity of Maine could easily mix up with ordinary people. 
All Professors  and their families who visited  the Grillo family had meals with the journalists , sat together, chat  and exchanged views on various issues related to their background.
It was a great day indeed !     
   
                 


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