-- Log 5 C --

All smiles at a job well done – thanks guys!

Having had all that fun (Dustin you would have loved it) we set off on our way again, happy that we would reach the plateau in the day light and should be out of there in double quick time. Now, we are learning what it means when people say ‘ you are in Africa’.

We reached the plateau no problem – then to get out became a mission! We drove for hours and hours, nobody speaks English and our interpretations were definitely not right because we were not making any positive progress. We even managed to completely confuse the GPS as we had trouble with crossing the rice paddies!

The evening settled in and it was soon dark, and we found ourselves crossing rivers, and once again climbing the escarpment on a very doggie road!

That is it! We will go back to the last village and stay the night! Agreement all round!
Back at the village we caused quite a stir. We asked to stay the night and to speak to the headman. We sure disturbed their night for them – the entire village – even those who were already asleep turned up to watch the goings on! We were introduced to a school teacher who spoke English, and he called the District Commissioner.

There was an issue of security as we had chosen to park alongside their main road!
The issue was soon put to rest when the Gent whose house we parked outside said that we were his guests and we were his responsibility and if we wanted to stay for a month we were welcome and he would ensure our safety!

Having entertained the whole village with tea drinking, putting on lights, putting up our tent etc we finally got to bed. We felt very safe and were quite comfortable – except for the experience of eating inside a ‘goldfish bowl’. The folk do not miss a thing!

 

Asking directions from Hutch and Francis.

Our host (centre) Asantesana!

Having got direction we set off for the main road – which we found a good 3 hours later! Those plains are like a maize!

What was most interesting about the plains was that on the one side of the road there would be rice paddies, and on the other brush – just like highveld thorn trees!
The two contrast were amazing!

All in all this was our best experience, having met wonderful people, allowing them to introduce their children to the ‘mzungu’! It sure was great! Our thanks to all who assisted us, welcomed us and went out of their way to help us. God Bless you all!

Once on the tar we raced off to Moshi. Arrived at Moshi to find the mountain in clouds, or so they say, not sure if there is a mountain!

Decide to go through to Arusha as we are due to meet up with Henri and Jenny. Decide to stay at Masai Camp, no sign of the Bothas. We have some serious car washing to do, so decide to take it easy, anyway tomorrow is Sunday and we are going to have to wait for Monday to exchange some money.

What a life!