The Third and Final Week With the Parents

Tuesday we were off to Akagera National Park...in the east of the country in the flatter Safari planes...we were collected in a Jeep at 5.30am and drove 2 hours to the park...at the park entrance we collected a guide who gave some background on the park...before we got back in the car and headed off on Safari...I was a little worried that I would not find it very interesting as I had already been before...but on the Sunday night there had been a big fire in park...the winds had been strong and had fuelled the fire as it scorched and burnt its way across the park...the animals were safe and unharmed...while the grasses and trees were either burnt to nothing or scorched and still burning...it was eerie and beautiful...a stunning and somewhat unusual backdrop for giraffe, impala and zebra...there were birds a plenty...including a lilac breasted roller...water buffalo...hippo...and many more animals...dad and Jane enjoyed it, even if the elephants were hiding...the guides were very knowledgeable and helpful...there was a small problem with horseflies...they were everywhere and very vicious...many stings later I think they were satisfied...but they really are horrid creatures!!! 13 hours later we made it back to the hotel...it was dark and we were all tired but very happy! Wednesday we headed off in different directions again...I was heading back to Gisagara...Jane was off to Kibuye while dad was going back to Musanze to climb Bisoke on the Thursday...he was then going to meet Jane in Kibuye for a few days of tranquillity...I was back in Kigali for the weekend...Sonya and Paula were having a party at their new house on the Friday night and I was having dinner with Amy and Nic on the Saturday night...with dad and Jane returning on Monday...they were due to fly out on Tuesday evening...thankfully there were no volcanoes or any other natural disasters to keep them here longer...having said that...I did really have a wonderful time with them! But it was time for them to go...Monday night we went for cocktails at Des Milles Collines...or Hotel Rwanda as it is better known...and then a final meal together at Heaven...Tuesday I went into town with Dad for a little bit of last minute shopping...back at the hotel we looked at all the photos for the holiday...and played a last game of cards before heading off to the airport...we said our goodbyes and they were heading off through the gates and were homeward bound...I got a moto back into town where I met Amy for drink...I was staying at St Paul’s for the night as there was a Global Schools Partnership workshop there on the Wednesday...I was finally home on Thursday...Amy came on Thursday night...and by Friday I was back to reality...I had a quiet weekend on my own...and was back to visiting schools on Monday...it feels like a lifetime since I have been at work...I was in and out of the office...finally managed to sort out the internet on my computer...and managed to put my motorcycle helmet on back to front with a rather But Wednesday saw me leaving Gisagara again...this time I was heading off for Nyamasheke...again for a GSP workshop...but being all the way through the forest we had to allow a day to travel there...the workshop was on the Thursday and then travel back on the Friday...The workshop went well and we were on the road by 8.30am...however the journey was not as smooth as I would have hoped...9 hours later we finally made it back to Kigali and I was in no mood for the planned evening of events...so it was a quiet evening at Vanessa’s house...she was away but I was staying there for the weekend...Saturday we had a planning meeting as the new volunteers had arrived and I was joining a few others in taking one of the sessions...it wasn’t long before it was all finished and I was heading back to the house...in the evening I was meeting with a Melanie and Moses’ and lots of other VSOs and some of Moses’ friends to celebrate his birthday...we had dinner and drinks followed by dancing at Alpha Palace...Sunday was a day of recovery before meeting with Vanessa for a beer off the bus...we had a lazy and quiet evening catching up before we both headed off for an early night...Monday I moved up to the Amani Guest House where the new volunteers were staying...for some reason the VSO staff responsible for putting together the induction timetable thought it would be a good idea to entrust the session on health and safety to Melanie and myself...maybe not their brightest move...The session actually went well considering neither of us really knows how to put together a water filter or light a kerosene lamp...but we managed to fumble through...we spent the evening in the bar getting to know the new comers...I took a group into Kigali to get Modems and have a look around...and did a session with a few other volunteers about the specific work we do...Wednesday evening we headed to the bar again, only this time even though I prepared myself as well as possible...I was still caught short...and a trip to the toilet in that bar is not good for the health of anyone...initially I thought I would be able to manage on my own...I mean how bad could it really be...the answer is...REALLY BAD...I wasn’t able to make it on my own...the room was dark...with no lights...a banging door and more cockroaches than I wanted to bother counting crawling up all the walls...I needed moral support and someone to keep the door open and the boys out...I found my support in Julia...I was squealing like a banshee while Julia, one of the new volunteers held the toile door open with her hand and the main door, so that the boys couldn’t come in, with her foot...only while I was peeing...making sure that I was aiming straight...some other bugger, who had been in their before me had not done the same and had left quite a puddle on the floor...needless to say there was more squealing when I realised that I had not my own...but someone else’s pee in my shoes!!!! My foot had been subjected to a splattering and a splash of some body else’s urine...no amount of saying it...squealing it...or just going on about it really made the feeling any better...or made the pee clean itself off and leave my foot alone...it was there to stay until the shower when I got home!!! Thursday I headed back to Gisagara for a little down time, but I was back in the big city by Saturday afternoon...Saturday evening was the family dinner with all new and old volunteers getting together...there was dinner, drinks and dancing...followed by more drinks and more dancing...Sunday I was up early and heading back to Gisagara at a reasonable hour...why I bothered I will never know...about half way through the journey it started to rain...and it didn’t stop...the bus stopped at the sotra office as usual...and wouldn’t go round to the market where the bus to Gisagara goes from...so I made my way in the rain stopping on the way at Matar for a few bits and pieces...I was a little damp by the time I got there but it was nothing compared to the wet I was going to be when I finally made it round to the bus office...I wanted to get the 2pm bus so started the very wet walk round at 1.30pm...only when I got there...wet as I was...there was no 2pm bus and I was going to have to wait until 3pm...I was cold, wet and very cross indeed...and nearly two hours sat in the cold in wet clothes was not doing my temper any good at all!!!

Week 2 With Dad and Jane...

So with the parents safely tucked away by lake Kivu in the north of the country...Melanie, Vanessa and myself battened down the hatches and prepared to wait out the elections period in the comfort of my home...other than a dinner date with a man from the British High Commission, there was nothing planned for the 3 days...there were a lot of card games played and sleeping done...then on the eve of the elections, we met with the man from the British High Commission, in Butare...we had dinner and a couple of drinks and were then driven home to the big G...they were in the area to supervise the election process and to ensure that it all went smoothly...to be honest...there was no sign of election fever in the village...in other towns there were posters, banners, t-shirts...everything screaming election...but in Gisagara...there really was nothing! Vanessa headed home on the Monday after a weekend of fun...however, while waiting for a bus with her...a wasp flew up my skirt...in my attempts to free the bugger...it got into my top without me knowing...4 VERY painful stings later...and all the locals were in stitches...nobody actually making sure that I was alright...nope...they just laughed...admittedly it was pretty funny...but would have been nice for someone to care!!! But with Vanessa safely on the bus, I was homeward bound...back at the house I ‘tea-tree-ed up’ and started to make a headway...cleaning the new furniture for the new volunteer and cleaning the house ready for the arrival of Dad and Jane on the Wednesday...after much scrubbing, cleaning and moving of furniture...we were finally finished...and not before time...Wednesday afternoon I met Dad and Jane in Butare after their incredibly relaxing weekend in Gisenyi...they were refreshed and ready to take on the daunting task of spending a night at my house...pit latrines are never a huge amount of fun...dad had to make a trip to the chemist as he had been on a moto adventure and had burnt his leg...but other than that they were in fine form...we got a taxi back to the house before it got dark...cooked dinner and played yet more cards while drinking beer and gin...the evening passed quickly and uneventfully...and we were up and washed the next morning ready for our trip to the forest...My dad and I were going tracking for Chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest...we got the bus to Butare and from there we got the bus into the forest...the bus was a little late and was already pretty full when we got on...they had clearly sold more tickets than they had room for...add into the mix the vast amount of goods that were being transported and it was for a very squashed ride...the boy sat behind me was looking very ill for a lot of the journey...finally he could hold it in no longer and asked the lady next to the window if she could swap places...it is common practise for this to happen and for passengers to vomit out of the window of the moving bus...only the lady refused to move...I was more than a little concerned as I was right in the line of fire...but thankfully the man on the other side of the bus gave up his seat and the boy made it to the window just in time...eventually after several long hours winding through the forest we were there...we got off the bus at the Gisakora Guest House where we were going to the staying for the night...everything was organised for the next morning and we headed off to get things ready for the early start...because Jane was not going to the coming with us and we were leaving at 4.30am dad and I shared a room...our bags were packed and we were ready to leave as soon as our alarms sounded...4.30am came and we were in the car ready to go...it was still dark and very cold...Jane was going to join us after the walk with all our bags...and we were going to drive back to Butare for the night...we went to the park entrance where we were met by the guide...we paid and signed the paperwork...and headed off into the forest...like a fool I thought it was a good idea to wait until later to have some breakfast....big mistake...about 2 hours into the walk I was getting blisters...we stopped to put on a plaster...had some water and a piece of bread...after about 3-4 hours of walking we finally found the Chimps...they were high up in the trees...dad and me were as unbalanced as each other and every time we looked through the binoculars we stumbled over...eventually the guides and trackers suggested that we sat down...I think they were a little fed up of having to catch us as we fell! We spent about an hour watching the chimps before heading back...back through the undergrowth in search of the main path out of the forest...we stopped on the way back for lunch...and finally made it back to the car where Jane was waiting...20km through the forest...every minute was worth it!! We were driven back to Butare...we stayed at the Ineza Guest House...they brought warm water for our showers and then we headed into town for dinner...Saturday was my very last day in my 20’s...we headed back to Kigali quite early...we were staying at Chez Lando again...the suitcase was collected from Vanessa’s house and we all showered and got ready for a nice meal out...I had arranged for a meal at the Ethiopian restaurant in town...the three of us were joined by Melissa and Steven, Libby and Karangwa, Melanie and Moses, Vanessa, Dorothy and here sister-in-law...it was a very lovely evening...I was spoilt by all...I beautiful skirt and bag from Melanie and Melissa...Fabric from Libby and a bag made from Primus beer material from Vanessa...those who have been out of their 20’s for a substantial number of years headed back for an early night...while those of us still young enough to dance headed out...we just went to a small bar/restaurant/club place where we met with some of Moses’ friends...we danced a little...chatted a little and called it a night well before sunrise! Sunday morning came...I was 30...didn’t really feel any different to be honest...we had a nice breakfast at the hotel before heading back to the room to start with the main event of the day...present opening...always a gruelling task for all involved...I am not very good at receiving or in fact opening presents and it is more often than not a pretty painful fiasco...dad and Jane were prepared for this and after 30 years...it was no different to any other...I opened some of the presents and then headed off for a manicure and pedicure at Novotel with Jane...we got a taxi there while dad headed to the ORTPN in town as he wanted to book a trip to climb Bisoke a volcano in the north of the country...after just enough pampering Jane and I headed back to Chez Lando and waited for dad to return...more presents...shower and change...cards and gin...and a very nice meal at ‘Heaven’ a restaurant in town...Monday was a shopping day...first we headed to Kimironko market to get material for Rosa and then off to the craft market in town...we met with Anna and Aime for lunch in town...Anna was flying off back to Canada (America) the following evening...we said our goodbyes and went back to the hotel...

The arrival of the parents...

August Week One

Yet again I have not kept up with my blogging duties...sorry, sorry...I have been pretty busy over the past few weeks...I have a had some very important visitors accompanied by some very worthwhile experiences...I have also reached the grand old age of 30...a mile stone in the eyes of some...Rwanda is an interesting place to turn 30...as if trying to explain that you are 29, single and childless wasn’t hard enough...add a change of decade to the mixture and suddenly everything is a whole lot worse...I am not making it known in my office as it would just not be pleasent...I don’t even score brownie points for having a career...being away from home or being able to ride a motorbike...the last one I think should earn many extra points...imagine trying to manage that with a buggy...I guess it could be bungied to the back but only if the wheels were all terrain...anyway...it has not been nearly as difficult as first anticipated as I have successfully managed to avoid the subject completely...So the parents arrived on 3rd August...I was travelling to Kigali to meet them on the Monday...while on the bus, minding my own business I was given a copy of ‘AWAKE’ which is part of the Jehovah’s witness WATCHTOWER series...I tried to politely refuse but to no avail...I accepted my fate and had a nosey through it...God aside (and I failed miserably at the quiz) it actually made for some quite interesting reading...how to make Kayaks out of seal skin and the such like..enough entertainment for a bus ride to Kigali...the radio was blaring out...some sort of American evangelical sermon...and it wa this that got me thinking...all the signs were pointing towards there being a God...he was definitely covering all bases and trying to make a point...so, if he did really exist, maybe I should make one last visit to the ORTPN to see if there were any tickets to visit the Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park...and there were...I managed to book 3 tickets for the Friday...now we just had to sort out the finances...I had thankfully brought my green card and credit card and after some confusion I I had the money and the tickets...However I then realised that I hadn’t thought to bring walking boots, warm clothes or my camera...so Tuesday was a trip back to Gisagara...possibly the fastest turn around EVER...I got the 1pm bus from Butare to Gisagara...walked (very quickly) to my house...got together my things...and somehow (I think it may have been God) managed to get the 2pm but back to Butare...and was back in Kigali in time to shower and meet the parents at the airport. It seemed to take forever for them to come through...but they made it eventually...3 suitcases...2 matching rucksacks...a panama and a straw hat...came ambling through...a little travel worn but otherwise ok...we went back to the hotel (hot water and wireless internet) dropped off the bags and then headed for the bar...3 portions of goat on a stick and chips were ordered...(with a side order of shock as when I had left the UK I had been a none potato eating vegetarian...quite a change!) and a few Rwandan beers...we chatted a little before all heading off for a reasonably early night...after all the travel and excitement...Wednesday morning we headed for the market...thankfully a bus came pretty quickly...but it was a small mini bus...well...they were going to have to experience it at some point...the market was busy and smelly as always...there are some things (although not many) in Rwanda which can be guaranteed...one of which is a smelly and somewhat noisy market...we had a quick wander around before heading into the town centre on the bus...we stopped for lunch in bourbon...before having a look around Nakumat...all very exciting...Dad and Jane were still feeling a little tired after all their travelling so afternoon naps were in order...the evening was spent playing cards...having dinner and of course a few beverages...which started with Waragi (Ugandan Gin) in the bedroom playing cards...The cases were packed for the next day’s trip to Musanze...the volcano region where the Gorillas live...we got a taxi from the hotel over to the bus stop...and from there we spent 3 hours winding through the mountain...Jane managed to get a proper seat...Dad was on a proper seat...but over the wheel arch...while I was sat happily in a bucket seat...the journey felt longer than it was but we arrived in Musanze well before dark...we were collected from the bus office by the manager of the guest house...the guest house was small and pretty but very basic...we took a stroll into the town for a quick pop and a snack as we had missed lunch, before heading back to the guest house for cards and yet more Rwandan beer! Bed was a little earier than usual as we had to be up early in the morning to be at the meeting point for Gorilla trekking...we had hired a 4x4 to take us there...at first I was a little confused as it all seemed to be on the main road...I didn’t understand why we had to have such a rough and ready car...only after having or talk with the guide we got back in the car and headed into the mountains to meet the Hirwa group of Gorillas...then it became more than apparent that a large and hefty vehicle was needed to get down the dirt paths!!! We stopped as close as we could to the forest and mountains...and there we were met by the porters...they carried our bags and were there to help when the paths were difficult and steep...the walk we were supposed to be doing was supposedly short and the gorillas had been only 10 minutes from the car parking point the day before...but today they had decided to play a good old game of hide and seek...they were well into the forest which was a difficult terrain to negotiate...but everybody made it and we got to see what we had come for...GORILLAS!! They were incredible...they are so big and powerful...yet they have a playful and caring side too...they just played and got on with it...didn’t really pay all that much attention to the crowd of people watching them...we spent an hour watching them interacting and playing together...following them as they made their way through the forest...before we headed back to the waiting cars...back at the ORTPN meeting centre we each received a certificate before going back to the guest house...dad and jane thought that it would be nice to spend the rest of the afternoon visiting some of the nearby lakes....so we kept the car and continued ont he adventure in Musanze...the driver took us to a couple of lake view points and they really were pretty...but we were only able to get out at one of them...he also drove us to the Ugandan boarder before heading back to the guest house...for the evening...The next day we were all packed and ready to go...Dad and Jane were going to head on to Gisenyi for a few days as it was election time and it was better to be out of the way...but somewhere nice and pretty by the lake...I headed back to Gisagara where I would be joined by Melanie and Vanessa for the weekend...

All quiet on the western front...or is it???

So in recent weeks I have been a little quiet on the blog...the honest truth...well...there are really no excuses...I have been super busy though. I have been trying to put up the photos of the holiday extravaganza with the mother...but there has been something wrong...I will keep on trying though! So...where did we leave it? I had just finished the holiday with the mother and had her for an extra week...well...work really has started taking off and I have been super busy...oh...but before all of that...I have been out on the bike...jetting around the district all on my own...it is bloody amazing...after my first few trips out I decided to venture out into the unknown...I filled up the bike and headed off for an afternoon...I was gone just over an hour...and I have no idea where I was...but it was fun...there were a couple of hairy moments...one involving a log bridge and a cliff edge...I may have been going a little too fast...I didn’t realise it was a long bridge on a sharp bend at the edge of a cliff...but it was all ok...then there was a super big hill...I yet again missed 1st gear and found myself in neutral...only this time I was able to stay upright...thankfully there was an amazing view...so I just pretended I was an enthusiastic mzungu tourist appreciating the countryside...the locals did not need to know I had stalled!! I got off the bike and admired the view...but then had to figure out just how I was going to get myself out of this one as the hill was super steep and I had not yet perfected hill starts (and I still haven’t!) there was only one thing for it...I was going to have to start sideways on up the hill and then turn...I managed to get out of it and carried on on my adventure...which led me down a very narrow path...I got the fear and had to get off...push the bike to turn it around and then headed back...since then I have much more confidence, and I like to think I have a little more skill too!!! But the skill is certainly questionable...as the post office fence can verify...a few weeks ago I took a trip to Butare to buy supplies for a workshop I was running...I was feeling particularly smug as I had made it all the way there with no catastrophes...no stalling on the bridge or half way up a hill...I was doing so well...until I found myself a little confused between break and accelerate...foot (and a little hand) break V’s accelerate...who wins...you would think that it would be the breaks...but apparently not...and to my surprise...(and the surprise of the security guard and the post office fence) it is actually accelerate...so there I was...wheel first into the fence...thankfully it was made out of chicken wire so nobody (or anything) was hurt! I went about my shopping...still laughing to myself every so often...before heading back to the bike...only when I got there, there were 2 guards with the bike...one sat on the bike holding a very big gun...I thought I was in trouble...until the guard (without the gun who had been there earlier) started speaking very quickly in Kinyarwanda...pointing at me...the bike...and the fence...while laughing a lot...I am glad I amused them so much. A couple of weeks ago I had Vanessa staying at the house...she was super brave and was my first passenger...I did nearly lose her a couple of times...but the more time we were on the bike the more confident I felt and the smoother the riding was...and it was off the beaten track as I had to deliver the materials for the workshops I was running at Save Teacher Training Centre. As for work...there were 2 Global Schools Partnership workshops in Butare...which I may have already mentioned...they went very well...then another in Kigali...which also went very well...I have also been planning workshops for Save TTC...it is a secondary school which specialises in education courses...in Rwanda, to be a primary school teacher you only have to have a school leavers certificate...so there are a few TTC’s across the country which train students in teaching and methodology...I planned to work with Senior 5 and Senior 6...the last 2 years of school...with 2 days of training and making resources for each year...But before any of that could happen...there were a couple of sad farewells to be had...and of course...a little crossness...So...first thing on the Saturday morning Karen was leaving Rwanda for good and heading for a final few days in Tanzania...but before I could go to her leaving dinner...I had to head up to Save TTC where the Minister for Education was holding a meeting with all teachers from the district...I was going to head in on the bus...leaving my bags for the weekend at the bus office and then get a moto the rest of the way...seems like a nice simple plan...only when I got to the bus office...I was told that there were no buses running...when I asked why they just said that they were only for teachers...taking them up the Save TTC for the meeting...I tried to explain that I should have been there too...I am a teacher...but they were having none of it...Finally they got me on a bus at 9.20...I was on there for a couple of minutes...bags all stowed away...when the teacher sat next to me wanted to get off...I got off to ket her pass...and waited for her to come back from the office...when she got back on...she wouldn’t move up to let me back on...and they started to drive off...with all my clothes...and my laptop...I called for them to stops and they just managed to get them off the bus...before it pulled off...the teachers (unfortunately) found this very amusing...I went back into the office to see what time bus I would be able to get...It was now just gone 9.20...and I was given a ticket for 10.30...I had called my boss a couple of times...but I called him again to explain that I had a ticket for 10.30...I walked home...in a very bad mood...I had been back about 5 minutes when my phone went...it was Alexis...’Where are you?’ I explained that I had over an hour to wait so I had gone home...he had obviously been speaking with the bus company as I was on the next bus and it was waiting for me...I havenever been so cross with SOTRA...they really were about as unhelpful and as rude as possible...anyway...I dropped off my bags and got a moto to the school...only to discover that I was very late and there was no more room inside...I would have to sit outside in the bright sunshine...with no shade...listening to a speech in a language I didn’t understand...from the other side of a brick wall...GREAT...now I knew why I had gone to all this effort!!! After about 45 minutes...Alexis came out of the hall...and I was taken in...I had to sit in the front row...ON MY OWN...but one of the teachers did come and sit with me to translate...the Minister was actually very engaging and although I didn’t understand what he was saying I was captivated...there was a little bit of singing and then it was all over...when everyone was leaving the head teacher came over and said I was needed...turns out the minister wanted to talk with me and John (the guy from World Teach)...so there we had it...I had gone from not being able to get a bus...to being asked to talk with the Minister for Education...not bad for a days work...I was a little later than I had hoped I would be leaving the school...and I needed to be in Kigali...The Mayor for the district gave me a lift back to Butare and asked if I had bought my ticket...if I hadn’t...would I like to join him, some other staff and the Minister for Education for lunch? Oh the sadness...I had to say no...if I went for lunch I would be too late for a bus and miss Karen’s leaving meal...and there was no way I could do that...so I was on the bus to Kigali...The meal was lovely...and a little sad...we went for a couple of drinks after...but not too late to bed as it was Ruairi’s leaving meal on Saturday...I met up with Melanie at a cafe near Kimironko market...did a little bit of shopping and then back to Vanessa’s...glad rags on...it was time to head off...It was a lovely evening...a few drinks after...but I was not finished...Nic and I were the only ones left standing...so we decided to go dancing...and what a good decision that was...possibly the best 3000RWF I have even spent...LIVE CHEESY RWANDAN POP MUSIC!!!! Followed my an awesome DJ and a Rwandan style dance off...finally...we decided that if we didn’t leave at 3.30am...we were never going to...so home it was...and I needed all the sleep I could get as I had a very busy week coming up...Training at Save TTC and the in Nyanza...Amy came to help with the methodology and resource building for 2 days at Save TTC (Monday and Tuesday), while Antonia came for the first day to run a session on disability and inclusion...the sessions went very well...the students were amazing...inspirational...their English was incredible...there were a couple of interesting moments...but all in all it went very well...Amy came on the back of the bike...she nearly lost a leg to a wall...and then we nearly got stuck between two logs on a log bridge...but other than that...it was ok...much to the amusement of the Save bike boys...I stalled turning onto the main road...on the second day there was a little problem with the big hill back from Butare...I stalled and then couldn’t restart...we decided it would be better is Amy walked up the hill...but it was starting to get dark...I have never understood twilight...and why people think it is hard to drive in...now I do...and then add in to the mix a nice cloud of dust hovering above the road...I drove super slowly and made it home just before it got dark...Mr Ruairi had almost given up hope of us returning!!!...Wednesday and Thursday I headed for Nyanza to help Melanie and Melissa with their training...visiting the school on the Wednesday and teaching, observing and analysing model lessons on the Thursday...after three rounds...2 social studies lessons and 1 English lesson...I was pooped...Thursday evening we headed home for a couple of beers on the veranda at Melanie’s house...we had sent the guard out to get the...and I was sat next to my bag and purse...I had been to the bank earlier in the week and got some money out to pay for resources for next week’s workshop and pay Melanie back the money I had borrowed from her the previous week...thankfully I had already given her the money...because while I was in the house...using a sit down toilet (which I like to make the most) a man came into the garden from the back of the house...and took my purse...SADNESS! It had 60,000RWF (about £60) my VSO ID card and one of my bank cards from the UK...only I didn’t know which one...so they both had to be cancelled...rubbish!!!! The following week I returned to work with Senior 5...Antonia joined us again for the first day...and Melanie helped for the two days...again on the bike...on the second day we were a little late so we had to travel at the speed of light...but we were there in time...and again with no falls...scrapes...or collisions!!!...What a couple of weeks...awesome workshops...great networking...fantastic partying...and some very sad farewells...

Lions...Hippos...Busses...Jesus Keyrings and Volcanos...Holiday with the mother...the conclusion...

Ngorongoro Crator

Lake Manyara

Friday 23rd April 2010
SO this must be the complete opposite feeling to that of someone having a baby...who is a week over their due date...A week later and the mother is still here...larger than life...hanging out in Rwanda...this morning we all caught motos up to the VSO office...myself and Dorothy had a meeting for GSP...in the mean time...we pointed the mother in the direction of the bus stop and suggested she venture out in town...about half way through the meeting...the woman from British High Commission called again just to see how the mother was bearing up...as did the manager from Ethiopian Airlines...who was trying to get her on a flight as soon as possible...I went out for a ‘we have made it through the workshop’ lunch...while the mother went back to Ethiopian Airlines with a block of chocolate...as it happens...I think the lady from BHC had been down to the office...as the mother had an hour to get over town...pack her bags and get on the next plane to the UK...I met her at the VSO office and then got a moto to AEE where I helped her pack...and then went with her to the airport...she was rushed through and we hardly had a chance to say goodbye...but I guess that was for the best as she is over emotional at the best of times!!! I headed back to AEE...where I enjoyed the sound of...my own company...

Thursday 22nd April 2010
And there is no sign of the mother’s departure yet...much of the morning was spent on the phone...not that I got any answer...Ethiopian Airlines were rejecting my calls...so I called the British High Commission...the lady said she was not able to do anything...yet with 2 hours...I had received a very nice phone call from the horrid manager at Ethiopian Airlines...explaining that he was doing all he possibly could to get the mother on a flight...and just minutes after that...a phone call from the British High Commission ‘just seeing how things were going’. The mother was a little frantic as she had missed another week of work...while I was frantic at having another week ‘in the company of...’ (kidding) there was still no news on flights...but at least they had a rocket up their bottoms and might start actually doing something!!! The workshop went as well as can be expected...there was a free and frank exchange of views, over a set of laminated donkeys...not real ones of course...paper ones...and I was in and out and quite distracted...but we made it through in one piece...

Wednesday 21st April 2010
Yep...you guessed it...the mother is STILL here...she headed back over to the VSO office while we had the workshop...when it was all done and everyone had gone home...we all headed over to the office to finish the final preparations for the next day...we ended up taking the laminator back to AEE and finishing the work there...thank goodness we did...it was gone midnight when we finally finished...

Tuesday 20th April 2010
When is this going to end...will the mother ever be gone!!! Today was an office day...discussing how we felt the workshop had gone and planning for the next two days of workshops...the mother was in and out...she went off to the new intake groups in-country training with Portia...she seemed to have a good day...our day was long...but most of the work was done...

Monday 19th April 2010
The workshops started a little later than originally planned...Emmanuel and Espe came over in VSO vehicles...which then took the mother back to the VSO off where she would spend the day working with Portia in the VSO office...she would be organising the books in the volunteer resource room library...in the afternoon...after agreeing that we would give Ethiopian Airlines time and space to come through with news on a flight...they headed over to the office...of course, it did not go well...and the manager got very angry...the man is an idiot...but they should have been left alone...Portia managed to get the mother to go on a moto...but it was a super long way...maybe 20 minutes..which is more than I would have done for my first trip!!! The workshop went quite well...although there were a few little hitches along the way...but aren’t there always...by the end of the day I was super tired and headed off for an early night...

Sunday 18th April 2010
After breakfast, myself and Dorothy headed over to the VSO office where we were going to be meeting with Emmanuel, Esperance and Bridget (from British Council) to plan the workshops for the week...Esperance was ill and didn’t come...but the meeting went surprisingly well...the mother on the other hand...had found some evangelical church group to take her along to a self-help group...for the afternoon...she seemed to have a good time and was much happier by the evening...I finished my meeting and went back to AEE to join her...an early night was had before the first workshop tomorrow morning...

Saturday 17th April 2010
I was up early in the morning and went back to Ethiopian Airlines to try and sort out a ticket for the mother...I cancelled the meeting with Emmanuel and Dorothy (again) and decided to have a little quite reflection time on my own...I headed for Bourbon...armed with my laptop...and did a little bit of catching up with people in the real world...not this crazy parallel universe where I was stuck with the mother for eternity!!!! Anyway...she made her way up after doing all the washing which I had managed to create...we had a little lunch and then moved over to AEE, where the workshops were going to be held the following week...the rooms are clean and the beds a little more comfortable...and the mother seemed happier...

Friday 16th April 2010
Up bright and early...all packed up and ready to hit the road...we headed up the road...bags trailing behind...uphill the the sunshine with 2, 20kg suitcases and a backpack...not the best idea I have ever had...the mother was struggling somewhat...but thankfully we were met half way up the hill by John who took the mothers bag the rest of the way up to the UTC shopping centre...I ordered the mother’s final cup of Rwandan coffee in Bourbon, while she went to make sure that the flight was still leaving... where we bumped into Shala and Dorothy...who joined us for a snack and drink...the flight was still going ahead...so, leaving our things at Nakumat, we headed for one final trip to the craft market...the mother managed to buy yet more bits and pieces...we had agreed with VSO that the mother would carry a motorcycle helmet and guitar...we booked a taxi to take us to the airport for 1pm...where we were going to meet Ruth with the things from VSO...only on our arrival at the airport...they had decided that the flight had been cancelled after all...now what...another day in the company of the mother...I was supposed to be in a meeting with Dorothy and Emmanuel for Global Schools Partnerships...but I cancelled in order to try and sort out the situation with the mother...her bags were left at the VSO office...and we headed into town to try and get another flight...needless to say we failed...she was wait listed for the next available flight...she had an overnight bag of things with her...and we headed back to St. Paul’s after a nice meal at a little Indian restaurant in the centre of town...

Thursday 15th April 2010

Most of the packing was done yesterday...but there are always little bits and pieces to pack on the day...I also had to pack as I was going to be spending a week in Kigali running Global Schools Partnerships workshops...it had rained all night...and carried on for much of the morning...we waited it out and it did eventually stop...but not before the roads had turned to sticky red mud...we decided that it would be easier to get a taxi than trying to carry all our bags up to the Sotra office...the taxi took a little longer than anticipated to arrive...but carried all our bags up the steps...we just about made it over the bridge into Butare...the road was so flooded that people were walking in water up to their knees...I am sure at one point the car was actually floating! We headed for the Sotra office only to find that yet again...there were no tickets...back in the car, we went to Volcano...this time I was just ignored...until the taxi driver came in and then they couldn’t be helpful enough...but again had no tickets...we went back to Sotra...where they had tickets for the next, but one bus...we popped in the Faucon for a drink and snack...when the lady from the Sotra office came in to say that they had managed to find three tickets for us (and extra one for the baggage) on the next bus...back in Kigali we checked back in to St. Paul’s...and called my Grandparents...but on the phone...my granddad mentioned something about a volcano which had erupted...nothing to worry about...we walked up to heaven...where we bumped into John from Save, who had a computer with him...we asked if we could check the internet...the news was not good...but I was still optimistic...no point in worrying about such things...we would just have to go to the Ethiopian Airlines office in the morning to check about the flight...no point in worrying about it now...lets just have a nice last supper and enjoy our last evening together...but it all seriousness...the mother HAS to go tomorrow!!!!

Wednesday 14th April 2010
This morning I think we both managed to get out of bed on the wrong side...we needed to get out of the house...but there were no buses out of the village...the whole place was closed down...we went back home and packed and tomorrow was going to be the big trip back to Kigali...

Tuesday 13th April 2010
We were up early...ready for another trip to Butare...this time the mother was headed for the museum...pretty easy to find...just down the main road...thankfully she managed it...I headed for the bank and then the post office to send all my post cards...and then settled myself in Matar awaiting the arrival of the mother...and then it happened...a very red sweaty mother was just about able to walk through the door and up the steps of Matar...I had not realised just how hot it was...she wasn’t too burnt...just enough to be amusing! We headed for the bus back to the Big G...and spent the rest of the day watching movies...one of the best ways to spend holidays!

Monday 12th April 2010
After a couple of cold showers we headed into Butare...we wandered around the market...it is like a warren...not very clean...pretty claustrophobic...but it does the job....not my favourite place to be...so we didn’t stay too long...we went to Matar for a drink before getting the bus back to the Big G...we cooked in the evening...tomato sauce with spicy sausage...I think it is the most adventurous I have been with my cooking since I arrived here...the mother needed a wee...and it was still raining...she decided that she could hold it no longer and headed out for the loo...but coming back...she walked straight up the steps and then along...only she chose the wrong step...and happened to the edging along the step where the water falls from the roof...needless to say...she was soaking...squealing and laughing...a pretty damp and soggy mother fell asleep pretty early while I stayed up and watched a movie...

Sunday 11th April 2010
After a nice sleep in Sunday was definitely a day of rest...and relaxation...and very nice it was too...I spent much of the day putting my new music onto my computer...the mother listened and chatted...Ruairi came home in the evening after being in Bujumbura...he was only home for a few hours before heading off to Kigali for the new volunteers early the next morning...but it was nice that they had a chance to meet...put names . to the faces..

Saturday 10th April 2010
With our bags packed for what was hopefully going to be the last time...we called a taxi to take our bags up the hill to the UTC shopping centre...we were meeting Melanie in Butare for lunch as she also had visitors, in form of a mother and a aunt...after drink in Bourbon we headed for the bus...as usual...nothing was simple...we got to the Sotra office...and they had no tickets for the 11am bus...so I headed up to the Volcano office...in the meantime...the man from Sotra spotted me...and asked the mother where I was going...and came to get me back...they somehow managed to fit us and our suitcases onto the bus...I had the wheel-arch seat, while the mother was on bag watch in the back seat...not that anyone could have stolen them...they would hardly make for a quick inconspicuous get away...but she seemed happy enough, chatting with a family from Rwanda...natter natter natter...I managed to make polite conversation for all of about 20 mins before the headphones were in and the homeward bound music was playing...and thank goodness I did...across the aisle and a seat in front were two ladies...one with two children...one young boy and a baby...anyway...as it happens...the boy coughed...and coughed...and coughed...and then vomited on the leg of the other lady and on the floor...this was followed by much retching...more coughing...spitting...it really was super pleasant!!! I now realise what it is I like so much about public transport...anyway...we finally made it to Butare...our bags were unloaded from the bus...and we went in search of Melanie and her sidekicks...it dint take much to find them...firstly, Butare is not the biggest of towns...secondly, it had been shut down for the afternoon (and this would be happening every day for the rest of the week). But we found them in the Hotel Ibis...the mother and I made our introductions, ordered some lunch and then we left the visitors to chat while Melanie and I went to check my post box and have a good catch up...before we knew it, it was time for Melanie and her guests to head for the bus back to Nyanza, while the mother and I got a taxi with all our luggage back to the Big G...we opened the front door...and there in the middle of the living room...was a big...red...shiny...MOTORBIKE!!!! I was very excited about this...but still had to give the grand tour of the house...not there was that much to see...we made the beds and started the unpacking...and the mother met Alexandre...who gave her quite a welcome...at one point we didn’t know if he was laughing or crying!...we made dinner...rice and soy sauce...who says I don’t know how to treat a guest...the mother fell asleep fully dressed...after what has been a very long journey...

Friday 9th April 2010
The mother was feeling a lot better today...we went to Kimironko market...where material, baskets and allsorts were bought...later in the afternoon we headed to the memorial centre...we got a taxi because the mother didn’t want to get a moto...but to be honest...neither did I!!!! The centre itself was maybe even more difficult going a second time...but it was late in the day and we were rushed through the end of it and didn’t have time to see the gardens...we called the taxi driver and he came to collect us and take us back to St Pauls...we had a quick rest before heading to ‘Heaven’ for dinner...the chocolate brownie is definitely a must when there...yum yum yum!!!

Thursday 8th April 2010
The mother was recovering from all the excitement of Tanzania...after a relaxing morning we headed into town to the craft market...the mother was feeling pretty tired and worn out and wanted to go back to the room...so we did...

Wednesday 7th April 2010
Yet another early start...we had booked a taxi to collect the 4 of us and take us back to the bus station at 5.30am to get the bus to the boarder...we arrived at the bus station...paid for the taxi and then realised that we didn’t know which one was our bus...we asked around and it was clear that the buses that were waiting were not going to Rusumu...then as if out of nowhere...a guy came over...led the 4 of us through the bus station...and round the back of the buildings...and there was our bus...once there we realised that we had lost Yuki...Maike went to find her and I made sure all the bags were on the bus...now...I was not sure that it was a good time to arrive in Rwanda...but I was outvoted and I found myself crossing the boarder...Back in Rwanda there were some problems with Yuki and Mike as they didn’t have the right visas...but in the end they were allowed to pass...back in Rwanda we booked onto the next bus leaving...there was about an hour to wait...we found a small bar where we got fanta and ate the packed breakfast from the hotel in Kahama...some sort of sweetened spaghetti...very strange but almost nice!!! Eventually the bus was ready to leave and after some discussion about paying for luggage we were off...we arrived in Kigali and it was like a ghost town...we walked down to St Pauls and managed to check in. All the shops and most restaurants were closed...the only place we could find which was open was Nakumat...we bought some supplies and headed back to St Pauls for dinner...

Tuesday 6th April 2010
Our tickets had be bought before our incredible safari...and the bus was at 5.30 in the A M...yet again we were up, packed and ready...the porters came to collect our bags and we made our way to the bus station...being stupidly early, it was still dark...there was some confusion over the bus which we were getting, but we managed to find it in the end...as our bags were being loaded into the hold, the driver suggested we buy some large plastic bags to protect our luggage...we couldn’t understand why...so refused and got onto the most uncomfortable bus ever...in each row there were 2 seats, the aisle and then 3 seats...thankfully we had a 2 seats...but there was no room for our hand luggage, legs or anything really...there were people standing in the aisle and we were off...Mohamed Express had departed...the bus was so old I think it might have actually been owned by Mohamed himself...with seats covered in what felt like carpet...and windows which barely opened...after a short while we were off the main road...and cruising down very dusty, dirt track...7 hours later...we were still cruising down the dirt track...and finally 13 hours later...we arrived at the bus station in Kahama...the mother was in charge of finding somewhere to stay, while I went to find tickets to Kigali for the following day...The bus companies were far from honest and tried to sell me a ticket to Bujumbura in Burundi rather than actually getting us to Kigali...but eventually we found the tickets we needed, although they only went as far as the board...the mother had found us somewhere to stay and had also befriended a Korean Man called Mike and a Japanese girl called Yuki...so they joined us...we got a taxi to the hotel and after arguing with the taxi driver we were booked in...and it was actually very nice...we went for a walk around the town, but it was dark and not a lot seemed to be happening so we headed back to the hotel for dinner...

Monday 6th April 2010
I don’t think I have ever got up this early on Easter Monday...but the excitement was too much and we were both soon up, showered and raring to go...thankfully, even though the mother was on the go slow...it was still dark when we had breakfast...and it was not long before we were on the road again...but this time heading for Ngorongoro Crater...the sun was starting to come up as we were making our way...stopping at the Lake Manyara lookout point...which in the misty haze of a bright morning...was in fact stunning...but we were back in the car before long and heading for the Ngorongoro lookout point...the view which we were met with could never be described...and although the pictures make it look beautiful...they are nothing compared to the real thing and do it no justice whatsoever...it really is incredible! We stayed for a while as the sun was coming up...but we had a safari to be getting on with...and it was back in the car and off to the entrance of the crater...the road to the entrance was steep and narrow...there were trucks coming through as it is also one of the main roads to the Serengeti and it is the route supplies are taken on...after an ear popping climb we were at the entrance...the driver went off to pay for the car and our entrance fees...while we made a quick loo stop and bought some postcards...and the mother chatted to the boy in the shop...who was apparently was Masai Mara...who knows...maybe he was...but he then went on to ask for money...there are places where I would expect that to happen...but not at the shop and information centre at entrance...but maybe that is just me! Anyway...I finally managed to drag the mother away and get her back in the car...and we were off...it took a while before we were in the crater...more climbing up steep slopes and then driving around the rim to the entrance...maybe I forgot to mention that Ngorongoro Crater is a volcano which has collapsed and is now dormant...making a crater in the middle of it which is inhabited by thousands of wild animals...and makes for an extremely rewarding safari!!! The Masai have grazing rights in the conservation area...but they can often be seen trying to sell Masai jewellery and other bits and pieces...on our way around the rim...the mother asked to stop to take photos...(even though we had discussed the fact that they would try and charge us for the photo...) she went ahead and was then very surprised when they asked her for money for the photo...the driver managed to negotiate them down to a more reasonable price...and we were off again...As we got to the crater floor we saw wildebeest...I had never seen them before and I always thought that it was just another name for Buffalo...but no...they are different...with long faces...they are not the prettiest of creatures...a little further on and in the distance...there was a sandy coloured blob...then it moved and started to pace up and down...yes it was in fact a LION...apart from being thrilled that I was actually seeing a real live LION...I was also a little disappointed that it was so very far away and I couldn’t see it properly! But wild animals are wild...and if I wanted to see it close up I should maybe go to a zoo...but I couldn’t help that little feeling of disappointment...but we had animals to see...so...chin up and lets get on...next it was Thompson’s Gazelle followed by more Wildebeest...before the first Zebra of the day...they seemed to be quite a young group and were playing around...the baby zebra were more brown in their colouring and the fur was fluffy and slightly tufted, rather than smooth and sleek...then it was down to the small lake in the crater...where there were Flamingo...they were quite a distance away...but could be seen clearly...they were there with Zebra, Wildebeest and maybe even a Buffalo or two were down there...then in the distance...like a misshapen...rather bedraggled bear...was in fact a real life Hyena...although I love the experience of safari...I am surprised by the ugliness of many of the animals available for viewing...they really are not very pretty...and Hyena is also added to the list...although they are not as skinny or tired looking as I thought they would be!...passed the more Antelope and a Jackal...and we were faced with a rather large puddle in the road...maybe a little more like a river...but there was only one way through...we had been standing up as we were driving along...but the mother (very sensibly) decided to sit down at this point...I on the other hand thought I would be super brave and stand up...it all started very well...but then about half way through there was a huge hole in the road which we had not seen as it was filled with water...and all of a sudden I was hanging onto the roof for dear life...swinging from side to side...with my camera swinging around my neck...I lost my grip and tumbled into the car...the big lens of my camera bashed against the door of the car and I landed sideways on, in a fit a laughter, in the chair...thankfully four wheel drive was invented for such events and we made it to the other side of the bad patch of road...the lens of the camera was a little dented and chipped, but thankfully I had a filter on so it was that which was damaged rather than the actual lens...phewph!!!!! But on the other side of the bad road...there was...LIONS!!!! and this time they were super close to the road...they were there, just snoozing in the long grass...then they got up and started walking around the cars...now...had I not really liked my hands...or life all that much...I would have been able to put my hand out of the car a stroked them they were so close...but I was sensible and kept all my limbs inside the car...we set off again and came upon some more Zebra...but this time it was Zebra hugging...standing next to each other with their heads on each other’s shoulders...it was time to stop for lunch by the Hippo pool...the Hippos could only just be seen in the water as the weather was so very nice...thank goodness we had seen then in their full glory the day before...lunch had to be eaten in the car as there were Eagles flying around on the hunt for food...and these particular ones were not afraid of humans...I spent much of lunch pestering about how much I wanted to see a Rhino-saurus...but was told that it would not be possible as although the weather was nice, it was windy and Rhinos don’t like wind...so I was resigned to heading back to Arusha...Via a few elephants...but on the way...they driver suddenly started to pick up speed...and was speeding down the track...then there it was...in the distance...a Rhino-saurus...horns and everything...my day was made...and I was more than happy to make the long journey back to Arusha...we made the journey back...stopping to see some Elephants on the way...and then it was up up up and out of the crater...then around the rim...and down down down to the road home! And before we knew it...and after a little snoozing we were back at the hotel...our bags were taken to our room and we prepared for another early start and long journey the next day...breakfast was brought to our room so we didn’t have to take the time going down to the dining hall and it was arranged that the night porters would some and collect our bags and walk with us to the bus station...

Sunday 5th April 2010
Safari time was upon us...and a little too soon for my liking...since being in the heart of Africa...I have certainly developed the ability to sleep...although I don’t always need it...sleep is the new black. The mother was a little bleary eyed too...but did manage to befriend an evangelical Christian at breakfast...boy oh boy...that was a lucky treat...I jokingly suggested I gave her one of the Jesus keyrings I had bought in Dar Es Salaam...the mother of course thought that this was a great idea...you see...she just doesn’t understand the brilliance of Jesus (or anything to do with any religion) paraphernalia...but I was not ready to give up the keyring...and instead sipped on my watermelon juice...which is not actually that nice...but it did mean that I was able to keep the keyring! Anyway...our bags were packed and stored away...and we were ready to start the day...first things first...and possibly the most painful part of the entire holiday...handing over all the money...as it all had to be paid in cash...and in US Dollars...but once it was done...we were off...myself...the mother...and the guide/driver...all in a 4x4 with a popup roof...and we were off...just one stop to collect the animal books and binoculars...I do so very much like the fact that they have thought of absolutely everything! We had been going for about half an hour when we stopped at a craft shop...possibly the most expensive craft shop I have ever been in...but nice to look around...I will never lose my passion for shopping...but everything was very over priced...even by my standards! Anyway...we were off again before long...it was about a 2 hour drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara...we had been going for about an hour and a half when we suddenly, super close to the road...was a small herd of elephants...just roaming around...hanging out...the mother was beside herself with excitement and her camera was out fast than I could even blink...if I am honest...I also thought it was pretty amazing...but I just have a little more self control that the mother!!! After much photo taking...driving backwards and forwards to get the best shot...we were off again...and this time we managed to make it all the way to the entrance...there was a little exhibition to walk around on a boardwalk...through the trees and plants...very well presented...the toilets were very nice indeed...not having a ‘proper’ toilet myself...I tend to rate places on their toilets...Lake Manyara it has to be said rates very highly indeed...we stopped for lunch before heading into the park itself...I was having a super slow day...and had only managed to eat my chicken when the mother and the driver had both finished...there was no time to wait though and I took mine back to the car...the roof was popped...and we were off...The road was scattered with baboons...big red bottoms out at the ready...a little further down the road and we cam upon the first giraffes of the day...now...did you know that ‘giraffe’ is Arabic for ‘fast walker’...while ‘Twiga’ is Swahili for giraffe...boy it is a complicated world we live in...so there they were in all their glory...the fast walkers...also I have since found out that they get darker with age...so the older they are the darker their markings...making the ones we saw nearly as old as the mother...KIDDING!!!! The roads were not in very good condition as we were there during the rainy season...and at some points the road were impassable and we had to find another route...but it was only after we were stuck in the mud and the driver had to get out to do something to the 2 wheel/4 wheel drive thing that we realised this...anyway...the new road took us straight past possibly the ugliest creatures in the world...Pumba I am so very sorry...but you really are not a looker...Warthogs...man oh man they are urrrgly!!!! Not even the ladies have any redeeming features...having said that...the same can be said for Banbury girls on a night out!!! Anyway...I had previously thought that they were shy timid animals...but they appeared perfectly happy to roll in the mud and play fight for our amusement...then it was off to the Hippos...and because the weather had not been great they were out of the water...wallowing in the mud by the pool...there was a fence around...I am guessing for our safety...as I for one would have been tempted to go just a little bit closer...but those quick thinking Tanzanians saw me (and my rather soggy feet) coming...maybe it was a good thing I couldn’t get any closer...partly due to the danger of the animals...and partly as my feel were already slightly swampy...and it really would not have been nice...but at least you can clean feet!!! We left the hippos to carry on the fun...we saw impala (which I think might nearly be my faves!) monkey, vulture, more baboons, mongoose...and elephant – which were super close...so close in fact I had to put the little lens on my camera...the mother has some awesome video too...we carried on a little further and found a lookout point over the lake...where we had a break from all the bumping around in car...there were lots of birds around...and a beautiful view over the lake...we carried on a little further and saw some zebra...and more giraffe...which it was noticed by the mother have a rather strange walk...also known as an ambling walk...as the legs on either side of the body move together...rather than opposites...but eventually it was time to head back to the guest house where we were staying for the night...we stopped on the way at a some stalls at the side of the road...there was a drunken brawl and we decided that we would leave...but we found another larger craft market...but the prices were a joke...celebrity skin = MONEY!!!! We ended up leaving without actually buying anything...although there were some canvases which I would have liked...but we went back to the guesthouse...which was simple but nice...dinner was prepared...fish and potatoes amongst other things...half way through the meal...I found myself with a grasshopper on my back..not particularly pleasant...but I was able to keep my cool...just...and then it was back to the room...where yet again...I managed to secure myself the dwarfs bed in the corner...but thank goodness there was a mosquito net!!! It was early to bed as it was going to be early to rise in the morning...breakfast was to be in the dark so that we would be able to see the sunrise!

Saturday 4th April 2010
We woke early, showered and managed to make it to the bus on time...our tickets were checked, our luggage put onto the bus and we settled ourselves in our seats...it was not long before we had stopped at the bus station across town, where we were going to pick up some more passengers...there was a little confusion as there were more people with the same ticket as ours...and it was not long before it was realised that we were in fact on the wrong bus, but we were in the right place to get on the right but! Our luggage was transferred and we settled onto the new bus...it was not long before we were off...there was a stop at some service station, where the toilets were actually very nice for this part of the world...there was a bottle of pop, a bottle of water and a packet of biscuits for each passenger...but it was well over 12 hours on the bus when we finally arrived in Arusha. From what I could see...Arusha was not somewhere I was going to like very much...we walked a little way down what i thought might be the main road in serch of somewhere to stay...we found The Golden Rose but it looked very nice and expensive..so we consulted the map and went in search off all the rooms which are cheap but nice (ish)...we found it and I went off to see what the rooms were like...but they were all either full or not very nice...one place I had asked if the room was en suite...of course it is but the toilet is just out here...and boy what a toilet it was...it was a western style toilet, sunk into the ground to become a pit latrine...I left pretty sharpish...the mother was left standing on the corner with most of the bags while i had been off...we thought it might be a good idea to head off and find somewhere to stay before it got dark...the mother was not liking it very much and we decided to try The Golden Rose anyway...we managed to get a nationals rate and our bags were carried for us to our room...the water was hot and the room was very clean. The hotel also had a travel booking agency for booking safari...I still think we should have shopped around a little bit, but we had a goo deal...we would be driven from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park the following morning, we would stay at a small lodge in Karatu on Sunday night and then visit Ngorongoro crator early on Monday morning before being driven back to Arusha in the evening...our bags were stored at the hotel as we only had one more sleep before safari time!!!