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Grumpy old gits on tour - Tanzania, September 2012.
Day 1. Arrive Tanzania.
Song of the day - Africa by Toto.
Unlike a conventional boys on tour, we had to have the ladies accompany us - a sad but necessary evil - we wouldn't have been allowed to travel otherwise! And they're handy for ..... I'll think of something when it happens.
We convened at Rose Cottage on Saturday afternoon, and after a great meal of leftovers from the fridge, cooked by Tracey with Virginia helping (useful thing number one, and we hadn't even left Blighty yet.)
Off to Heathrow at 4.15, too early, of course for a 7.25 flight, but to make the best of it we managed a couple of beers at airport. Flight, premium economy, 9 hours, didn't manage too much sleep in what was probably BA's oldest aircraft - rattled like a drain. Arrived Dar es Saalam 7 am ish and taxi to Hotel.
As you'd expect, the Sea Cliff hotel is - by the sea, with a slight drop to the Indian ocean, hardly cliff but with very comfy rooms, sky sports channels on TV and cold Kilimanjaro's. Sad old gits require comfy rooms, with big beds, only 10 steps from bed to toilet, and a well stocked drinks cabinet.
Spent considerable time resting by the pool, re-energising before prawn curry lunch in hotel restaurant and further resting. Mid afternoon decided to travel to Coco beach for a walk along beach and a 'sundowner'. The ladies spoke with receptionist, who advised against this particular plan as potentially dangerous for unsuspecting Brits, and instead to try Slipway beach. (second useful thing).
Slipway beach really cool - good mix of expats and locals, some neat crafts shacks and a bar from which to watch sunset - with cold beers.
By 7.30 it was getting dark and a typical East African meal was required. Tracey had book on Tanzania (useful thing number 3- no more useful things to be mentioned or it'll appear that all the useful things are because of the be-loved ones!) so off we popped to a really fine Japanese restaurant just across from the sundowners bar. Truly excellent meal, with local Tuna sashimi etc etc, very reasonably priced - then taxi back and to bed by 10.30. Old gits need their sleep.
Day 2; Monday
Song of the day - Rock Lobster by B52's.
After hearty breakfast - taking 90 minutes - full array of the usual goodies, most of which Andy sampled, retreated to poolside again for further R&R in the sun. Big mistake!
Fact 1. Sun hot in Africa.
Fact 2. Shouldn't lie too long in sun.
Fact 3. Old gits not too smart.
Glowing red by evening. Fortunately Tracey had met work colleague, Ulla for afternoon work discussion so hadn't suffered as much - no doubt also making it more peaceful for the rest of us! Went to another traditional Tanzanian restaurant for dinner - Italian this time. Again fabulous seafood - after starters of Melenzane. Back at 10.30 and old gits retire.
Fact 4. Ndouvu beer as good as Kilimanjaro- bet you didn't know that.
- comments
Mum Good Evening Grumpy Old Gits!!!! Blog very interesting,hotel looks amazing.Hope by the end of your holiday you will be talking fondly of your wives!!! Should you get kidnapped by Somalian Pirates don't worry we will take care of your finances!!! Look forward to reading the next blog enjoy and take care! Lots of Love from a really old git your Mother xxxxx