Blogs from Arusha, North, Tanzania, Africa - page 62

sakina, sakina, saKKKIIINA! this isn't the howl of a fabled african monkey, nor the sullen call of a majestic african bird...but rather the piercing rattle of the dala-dala man, slipping the rest of the way out of the sliding minivan door and onto the gravel side of the road, as the dala-dala lurches to a 4 stop. the old and tattered mini-vans that were originally manufactured to seat 8, maybe 10...are being used to full capacity here in arusha, no inch or cubic air of space gone unnoticed. zillions of dirty white vans zig and zag around the streets, shuttling the arusha public from the city center to the towns, neighborhoods, villages, and bomas, scattered around the northern Tanzanian countryside. among the volunteers, we have a running count and 26 passengers is currently leading the tally. ... read more

In 1992 when we decided to move to Tanzania we did it in a matter of 8 months. Not, that we would have done it differently at the time, but it was a learning experience. What TO DO … and what NOT TO DO. For example, DO plan better and with more notice. DON'T pack everything in moth balls!!! DO plan on being without your stuff for a few months while it clears customs and DON'T pack macaroni and cheese in the same box as soap!! But through all of the shortcomings, we managed wonderfully and were blessed above measure and it made the greatest impact on our lives. If it hadn't, I doubt we would be starting this all over again! This time, however, with experience and knowledge in tow, we are being more methodical. ... read more

Tomorrow we start safari. We spent four days in Bagamoyo (with trips to Dar Es Salaam) and from there over to Zanzibar where we stayed two nights. Both Bagamoyo and Zan were beautiful, albeit hot, but not TOO hot. I haven't had much of a chance for internet access. In Bagamoyo the internet was slow and I had no way to upload photos. In Zanzibar we simply didn't have time to get to the internet cafe. I've seen some amazing things. Both places have beautiful structures and people. I'll give a huge recap when I return of all the things we have done/seen. This very well may be the last opportunity I have to update (or email) until we get back to Amsterdam. Sorry I've not been able to update more and these updates haven't really ... read more

Had two great flights on Precision Air....first from Zanzibar to Dar and then on to Kilimanjaro Airport up north. Funny thing was my flight to Dar was a bit late due to weather so upon arrival, there were Precision Air employees holding signs with my name who then rushed me through the airport and out onto the tarmac to get onto the connecting flight to Kilimanjaro Airport. It was the first time in a while I have seen someone in an airport with my name on a card. Upon arriving at the Kilimanjaro Airport, I took a cab to Arusha (which is about a 40 minute drive). I got a room at the Flamingo Hotel (lonely planet recommended) for $10 per night (my own bathroom and shower with hot water). I immediately set off to town ... read more

On friday when we had finished teaching we all got changed and headed into Arusha. We had arrabnged to meet al the others at Masai Camp. Its like an actual campsite but also has a bar and resteraunt so we were going for a meal and some drinks. I had a pulled pork sandwich and chips, the first meat in like a week! After a few drinks and some (badly played) games of pool we decided to go to Colobus, the night club, for a bit of a boogie. We got a lift from a guy called Willam along the road, it only takes a few minutes but if you go out after dark it ios pretty likely that you will get mugged. I had an amazing time dancing and drinking and so on, the club ... read more