The Zebras go Home

July 1st.

As I survey the ever growing pile of supposed necessities on the bed, I ask the question, How do you fit an elephant into a suitcase?  I honestly don't know but the word prioritize comes to mind. 20kgs luggage each for five - a half months is a bit of a challenge. Priorities - mosquito repellent, mosquito nets, hat, books and oops I can't forget the chocolate.  Seriously though as I ponder this, I'm acutely aware that for many people worldwide if presented with this challenge it would be hakuna matata (no worries) as all their possessions would easily fit with  room to spare. So with this in mind, I say a grateful thank you for what I do have and begin the task of what fits where. 

Sunday July 2nd.

After a very late night  or should I say early morning finishing up the loose ends at home, here we are  all ready to travel to Brisbane and I even managed to squeeze most things in. The bags are a little overweight but we'll worry about that when we get to the airport. 

   Monday July 3rd.

Reality has really set in. We are standing in the check in queue at the airport with bags bulging, watching people with open cases removing all manner of things as one lady on the counter was being very officious and weighing everything. A few prayers went up and when our turn came, we got a very nice young fellow who even managed to get the dumpy level through free of charge as part of our luggage.

Tuesday 4th July.

After a long wait at Bangkok airport last night and two long flights after that we finally arrived safely in Dar Es Salaam only to sit in a traffic jam for most of the afternoon. Addis Ababa airport was an experience we won't forget in a hurry.  Apart from the lack of wall to wall people, we could both see many familiar sights of Bangladesh.

Wednesday 5th July

Today was a busy day and we are very grateful for the help we received from the the local people. After a visit to a roll forming factory  to discuss building materials, the Manager took us to Mbezi Beach for lunch at a very unusual cafe.
                                                   

                                     

   Mbezi Beach   ( Indian Ocean)

                                         

We are not sure if the seats were made from old ship planking but it was most unusual.

Just a few Snaps of Dar Es Salaam

                                                             Looking from the hotel window.  

                                       

                                                      Any one for a new pair of shoes?

Monday 10th.

The last few days have been a bit of a whirl wind. After another busy day in Dar, we left early Friday morning for Mwanza. I didn't realize I looked so suspicious but at most airports we had to open a bag to have it checked.

I realized my childhood desire to see Mt Kilimanjaro on the flight. It was from a distance but none the less I've seen it.  Mwanza is right on the edge of Lake Victoria so we flew over as we landed. Another day of visiting factories, being guided by a very helpful young fellow  and then onto Bukoba  on Saturday morning.

                                          

                                            Lake Victoria

                                         

    

Being guided by a very helpful young man.

Mwanza is called the city of rocks and you can easily see why.

                                               Houses are built right beside and even below                

                                                these rocks.

Getting through the airport was such an experience, we are still laughing about it. We were there early for the flight and so a security guard would not let us go through and told us to sit. Next thing an official comes rushing out and tells us to go through as they are boarding. The staff were so confused that we ended up getting three bags (overweight) through instead of only two with no excess to pay. People were grabbing our bags and running with them while were struggling to put our shoes, watches , belts etc on. Once on the plane, (an hour before the due departure time), we were informed that they were waiting for a person who was being interrogated and would take off as soon as he was brought to the plane. Well he never arrived so the plane took off and we arrived in Bukoba earlier than the scheduled departure time.

Today we have just been settling in to the surrounds. The highlight was the school choir, conducted by one of the students and unaccompanied. The harmony was magnificent and they sing with such emotion.