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UPDATED BLOG (Written Tue 9 Jan, updated Wed 10 Jan)
It's three days since I left Mwanza, Buswelu and the Orphanage. I flew to Arusha on Saturday, having said all my goodbyes. If truth be told, I wasn't that emotional about saying goodbye to Tom, because I will see him again, or the kids, who i probably won't. The leaving party was a bit strange, but then that is because of the regimented way the kids have to watch the news first and get to dance in an ordered fashion before giving rehearsed speeches, one standard at a time. A mysterious package from Dereham, addressed to me, containing 50 or so small calendars and simple messages on the back, arrived in time to give one to each kid. Bought them all pizza, cake and sodas as is the usual tradition for outgoing volunteers. We then filmed, or try to film, more stuff for the DVD. I gave out several self-addressed envelopes and probably received half of them back that evening, or the next morning, with letters inside. I actually said a final farewell on the way to the Airport, where I was also accompanied by Bernard (see previous blog).
A straightforward flight followed to Kilimanjaro International, before being shuttled for free to Arusha. I caught my first glimpse of the mountain, but it was quite cloudy and my view was obscured. I got a better view from Arusha National Park, where I went on Monday, although you could only just see the top. It was an informal, possibly illegal trip, arranged by a 'flycatcher' at the Clocktower Roundabout. But still, for 150 dollars I got my own 4x4 with a driver and got to see Mount Meru, Tanzania's second highest mountain, in all its glory. I also saw Giraffes, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Baboons, Buffalos, Zebras, Bushbacks, Warthogs and Pink Flamingos. No Lions - it's not the Serengeti! I later stayed at the cheap Flamingo Hotel, having spent a couple of night in the plush Outpost Lodge and eaten at the Ethopian Herbs & Spices Restaurant (as visited by ex-Pres Bill Clinton). A good trip in the sunshine, before the heavens opened on the way home.
On Monday, Martin (my informal Arusha guide) took me to a Maasai Cattle and Food Market, 12km north-west of the town. During the very enjoyable day, I picked up a shuka (claret & blue tartan cloth), a pair of rubber-tyre sandals and a fimbo (stick). I later killed my first lion and became an honorary member of the Maasai ! (sic) I was then taken in the rains to a Martin's home village, and visited another orphanage - this one for babies. He promised to ring me the next day - but never did. Typical unreliable African males.
STOP PRESS: Took a shuttle bus from Arusha to Moshi and met a beautiful Italian girl. We spent most of the rest of the day together but unfortunately she had to leave for Dar Es Salaam first thing on Wednesday morning.
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