CENTINELA AVENUE — It was noise that was both startling and strange enough to draw three children out of a house in curiosity.
Whispering in their native Swahili tongue, the kids found the source of the ruckus. They pointed excitedly, amazed at what was unfolding before their eyes — a garbage truck going about its normal Monday afternoon pick-up routine.
Such has been the experience for a group of Tanzanian children during their first two days in the Los Angeles area, with every moment being an exciting new experience. They are the first in their village to ever visit the United States.
Nine orphaned children between the ages of 10 and 16 are in the midst of an acrobatic tour of Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco, where they plan to perform and learn new skills at each stop.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 7, 2006. Read the original PDF.