Safari story part 3

Once in Mtwara we were again faced with immigration duties. Despite the fact that I had been for a full 2 week before leaving Mtwara everyday at the Immigration office so got to know everyone's face they still wanted to see my passport. I “kindly” refused to show it. We stayed with Annukka's parents in Southern Cross Hotel in Shangani. There was only one other family staying at the resort so again we had the feeling of privacy which companied us for most of the safari.

We had our own little chalet with two bedrooms each with an ensuite, living room between the bedrooms and a small balcony. The room had a great sea view and the sound of the waves at night crashing on the rocks was fantastic. We quickly made the room feel more like Christmas I stuck some balloons on the wall and decorated the fake plastic plant that was in the chalet. Anni had asked for a tree to be delivered to the room so we now had two Christmas trees.

Our time in Mtwara was relaxing which was the whole point for Annukka's parents to come here. We did do some trips to the market in town and had a meal and a small walk around Mikindani on Christmas eve. We tried to organise a Joulu Sauna (Christmas Sauna) at the housing project but due to a lack of wood and other people showing a total lack of respect for the place we passed on the idea. The meal in Mikindani was very nice, according to Reino people need to eat especially well at Christmas time. We ordered a four course meal and afterwards we where very full. Our punctual taxi man – Hasani arrived as usual on time and made our way back to Mtwara. We celebrated of course Finnish style which meant that for me I got to open the presents a day earlier. On Christmas day we were invited to our host family for a meal and they had cooked some much good food it was great to be able to show the parents in-law some local traditional food. They had made lots and lots of pilua, cooked bananas, rice, potatoes, meat with different sauces and a lot more. Again we where very full and let shortly after giving presents to our host family.

On St.Stephens Day/Tapanin päivä we made another trip to market as Annukka's mum wanted to get some last minute shopping done before they left the following day. Come the 27^th the parents where all ready for fly off once again to DAR. They would leave the next day back to Finland. We said our goodbyes at Mtwara airport and they proceeded to the check in desk.

It was strange to be back in Mtwara after so long away, the place felt a little bit different. I guess after seeing so many different places during the three weeks. It can easily be forgotten what “home” is like. Anyway we quickly slipped back into the routine of Ugali and beans for lunch again.

Over the next couple of days we relaxed also as we where a bit tired for all the travelling around. I was also spending a lot of time burning the pictures to CD so as to have a back up. We met up with Sanna and Tiina again before the left for their safari. For New Years we relaxed around the house. Most of our friends where in other parts of Tanzania so we spent time trying to beat each other in Bao – the traditional Tanzania board game. Come midnight we heard the fireworks going off and as we had already been awake since the early hours that day we fell asleep shortly afterwards. Karibu 2007!

Safari story part 2

The nightly rain showers made driving around difficult and at times I thought the jeep would topple over or get stuck. But of course a safari here wouldn't be one without getting stuck in the mud and our driver obliged although I am sure it wasn't on purpose. As we where going nowhere and with no rocks or sticks in sight, myself and Annukka's dad got out and helped push the car away from the mud, it worked and we set off on our sightseeing again. Thankfully though the jeep didn't topple at any stage.

We left behind the serengeti having seen a lot of different and new animals. We moved onto the Ngrongoro crater stopping beforehand in a Maasai village. While there they sang for us a welcoming song, took us into their homes to see the insides, told us about their culture (the women make the houses while the men direct the cattle), we saw a school where the children are learning swahili and english but are not taught maasai language. After taking some pictures of the local people and the women buying so locally made items we made our way to the crater campsite (Simba A).

We set up the tents just in time before the rain. It was noticeably colder here than anywhere else I have been in Tanzania... almost like Ireland... cold and raining! We set out early the following morning for our descent into the crater. The drive down we could just make out the pinkish colour of flamingoes but there didn't appear from far off to be much of anything down there. However I was proved wrong and we can again a host of animals and the final animal to complete the “Big 5” the Rhino. We also saw a herd of lions really close with cubs which was class. The weather wasn't great, mainly overcast but the scenery was fantastically green however all the rain makes driving difficult so again the roads where not in great condition driving around the crater. After some hours here it was time to finish the safari and get back to Arusha. The drive back up the crater was a bit more daunting than coming down it, in the distance we could see other cars driving up on gravel roads with a 100 metre drop to their right, hoping it wasn't going to be our road it was... however all is well and we made it to the top in one peace. We had our final lunch inside the tent which was kind of nice for the cook to organise it like that and then made our way to Arusha, stopping off briefly in shops to buy some last minute souvenirs at ridiculous prices.

We spent the night in the Impala hotel which was a surprise courtesy of our safari host, an early Christmas present. We immediately took a hot shower which felt great after sleeping rough for so many nights. A bit to eat late and early to bed as we had a flight to Mtwara the following morning. Our safari driving greeted us in the morning and lead us to the Kilimanjaro airport we made our way to the check in desk only to be told they could not find mine or annukka's name but they could find her parents. We where then told we would have to wait until checking in finishes and see if there were any seats for us then. When check in had finished we were informed that only 1 seat was free but they are going to ask the pilot whether I can go in the jump seat in the cockpit at there are no other seats. I was a bit excited at the idea of sitting in the jump sit so temporarily lost my frustrating, it quickly came back again as there was no jump-sit on the plane. They issued Annukka the one remaining ticket and she went to join her parents in the departure lounge. They then had to decide what they were going to do with me. I told them that I needed to be on this flight going to Mtwara. They came up with some suggestions one which was to fly me with AirTanzania to DAR. However, again I told them I am going to Mtwara so is there going to be an airplane waiting for me in Dar to fly me to Mtwara? Of course it would be much easier for the Kilimanjaro airport staff to get me out of Arusha and let the people in Dar think what to do with me. After some time and asking more questions they said that they are asking someone from the plane to come off to let me on. At first people where reluctant to come off but in the end someone did. I was quickly issued a handwriting boarding card, lacking all the necessary security details and made my way to the plane where we eventually took off – 50 minutes later than scheduled.

6-31.12.2006

We left Mtwara for a Christmas break on the 6^th December. Upon arriving in DAR we went later that evening to celebrate the Finnish Independence day party at the consulate. It was strange to be surrounded with Finns once again, it was almost like being back in Finland. After been able to freely speak Finnish in Mtwara knowing that nobody will understand I had to watch what I was saying this time around. The party went well some people dance, others ate the finger food and others stood around chatting with old friends.

While in DAR we had nothing else special to do, we where waiting for Annukka's parents to come and join us the following week. They would stay for over 2 weeks with us so we had a small plan of some travelling with them. When they arrived we left the following day from DAR to Zanzibar and spent three nights in a new resort just north of stone town called Hakuna Matata owned by a German couple. The food was great, apparently the best on the island. We got lucky with our time there no rain, sun shining and the only ones at the resort meant great service. The reason why we where the only ones was because the resort hadn't officially opened yet for the high season but for some reason they accepted us to come during this time. While on the island we took the spice tour which was so interesting, our guide describing all the spices indigenous and imported to the island. After three hours of walking, listening and tasting we left the spice farm behind and started our stone town tour. Our guide taking us to most of the museums in the town, however the slave chamber for me was the most impressionable as being in the chamber gave a real sense of what it must have been like years ago.

After this long and tiring day the final day in Zanzibar was spent relaxing around the resort which was one of the main reasons for Annukka's parents to come in the first place, away from the cold and miserable Finland to the hot and sunny Tanzania.

The next day we left for Arusha where we would then begin our 5 days/4 nights safari. We began with Lake Manyara which was great for allowing us to get so close to the animals especially elephants. We spent several hours driving around and saw so many animals it was great. We where until to go to the Hippo pool and hot springs due to the rains but it didn't deter us we would any way seen plenty of hippos later in the safari. After we finished in Mayara the following day involved a drive to Serengeti via Ngorongoro. The drive up to the crater top gave a great panoramic view of the mountains and fields all of which was so green due to the recent rain showers. We arrived in Serengeti and was amazed at the vast plains. I know its a saying that is well worn but it was something I didn't expect. We had a few driving hours remaining for the day and we made the most of it seeing a leopard eating an antelope in a tree, a cheetah resting on a rock both of which where the highlights for that day, sandwiched in between we saw more hippos, monkeys, Impalas, Wildebeests, Buffaloes, Gazelles plus a lot more.

We spent a total of 2 nights in Serengeti sleeping at a public camp site. It was a surreal feeling that the animals could simply just come up to our tent if they feel like it, although this happening is extremely rare. During the rest of our time here we saw the same leopard in the same tree relaxing and then jumping up onto another tree which was lucky. Lots of elephants, more hippos, lots of Impalas and Topis, (which are similar to antelopes only different colour skin), giraffes, a turtle and we saw lions. It was great to see them which capped a great trip to the Serengeti. They where sitting on rocks just relaxing in the evening sun. The lioness sitting up like a statue with the sun reflecting off her was amazing.

4-6.12.2006

On Monday 4^th we made a trip to Newala to check that the farce that happened with the goal posts in the Maasasi won't happen in there. The road there was very bump most practically the majority of the journey. We stopped for a small time in Tandahimba to give church newsletters about FC Vito's journey in the Helsinki Cup to the regional officer. We continued to Newala and made our way to the main officer which is dealer with the distribution of the goals. After some time there it was evident that they are doing some good work as a lot of the posts had been given to the schools already.

We left then happily for a bit of sightseeing. We visited the Boma which currently is a police office to see if we could take a better look at the ruvuma river and into Mozambique. We expected a stern no but where pleasantly surprised when we were called in the bosses office to sign the guest book and said we were very welcome to take pictures of anything and introduced us to another officer who gave us a tour around and explained about when the buildings were built. We have a good look at the river which could be seen clearly from the upstairs balcony. The officer explained some of the problems they had controlling the border previously but now that Mozambique's and Tanzanians don't require a visa any more they can pass freely from country to country. Even though there are border control stations they are quiet easy to pass around.

From here we visited the Makonde Plateau where a local gave us a small walkign tour further on down into the plateau. It was such a beautiful site to look into, a plentiful of trees to see and the Maasasi moutains in the background made the site special. Not only this but the history around the plateau makes a place definitely to visit. It would be nice to visit it again and spend more time walking around deeper into the plateau.

We preceded this by visiting some schools which had received some of the goalposts. We made our way back to Mtwara stopping in Tandahimba due to a car problem which needed to be fixed. We arrived in time to see a local football game between Newala vs Tandahimba. We watch until the end of the first half as by then the car was fixed and we were ready to go back to Mtwara. The game was interesting as Newala for most of the first half were playing with ten men in the opposition half. It didn't seem to help them for the good as by half time they where losing 4 – 1.

On Wedneday we left for DAR and celebrate the Finnish Independence day party which we had been invited to. The setting was really nice along the bay with a view across the peninsula into the centre of Dar. The party was a semi formal event with the ambassadors giving a small speech mid- way through the night. Throughout the night small finger food and drinks where served. Most of the food was served on ruisleipää which was so nice to taste after a long time. It was also nice to meet up with people whom we met last time in Dar for the Nordic sports tournament.

We are staying with friends in Dar until Annukka's parents arrive next week for Christmas, Kenneth and Anuliisa who have been working and living in Dar for many years. It is also good to see another place and travel a little around Tanzania and get out of Mtwara for a short time.

2-3.12.2006 - Trip to Lindi

On Saturday 2^nd December, Annukka and myself set off for a weekend trip to Lindi. Chigo had invited us up to see where he leaves so we could get a better understanding of why he gets so home sick during the week. We took the local bus up which we thought would leave around 9, despite the bus running when we arrived it didn't leave until near 10 and using petrol the whole time it was standing waiting.

The road to Nnasi Mmoja was fine but after that with a lot of repairs taking place the road was very bumpy until Lindi, despite seeing good tarmacked road in patches. We arrived in Lindi with Chigo waiting to greet us at the bus station and hís close friend Hans with whose family we would stay with during on time in Lindi. Hans and his wife work as missionary workers in Lindi, the whole family speech a lot of different languages and their hospitality was very welcoming as well as their food.

We went to Chigo's place first of all to have some Pilau which his wife, Agnus made especially for us. It was really nice to see Chigo's young children running around the place but when they noticed us they became very quiet. After the delicious food we went for a small 30 minute African time walk around Lindi town. Where chigo lives is on a big hill which gives a great panoramic view of Lindi town and the bay. We made our way around starting with a lovely walk along the beach which for me is nicer than Mtwara as it allows people to walk along the beach with no rough or sharp stones sticking in peoples feet. We stopped to have a soda along the beach and ran into two Mzungus there. We continued shortly afterwards into town going pass the old German Boma which is in ruins, some of the building is falling down but still had something which made it a nice sight to see. The round building outside the Boma is maybe a watch town used years ago or perhaps a prison. We then made our way to the market where it is quite similar to Mtwara although a little smaller.

Lindi is a very old town and with the old buildings some of which in ruins and the beach it reminded me a lot of Mikindani but as it was pointed out to me Lindi's sea is cleaner as the people in Mikindani use the sea as their bathroom.

After this we made our way back up to the house which gave us some great views of Lindi Bay again with the sun setting. We ate some food with the family which was so nice, meatloaf and pasta, it is good to have a variety in food now and again away from Ugali.

The next day we went along with the family and Chigo's family altogether to church. Where Chigo and Agnus are very much involved in the service. Agnus was signing and Chigo giving the preaching part. The service was a nice mixture of people and a lot of signing which was nice to hear and see. After the service we all went to a local restaurant in town and had some food.

Some of the Wazungus from Mtwara where coming to Lindi for a day trip so we met up with them and we all went for a swim at a beach just outside of town, where it is much quieter and peaceful. We swam for a while and slowly made our way back to Mtwara in the evening time. It was a beautiful drive home as the roof of the landrover was down and the moon was full and shining very strongly.

Its strange that Lindi doesn't attract the attention as Mtwara does with a great beach to walk along, a small friendly and inviting town, maybe when the road from DAR is finished then tourism might grow.

1.12.2006 - Pikkujoulu

On Friday, December 1st, we had a Pikkujoulu (little christmas) party in Shangani housing project. We invited our friends along to join in the fun. The party was organised by the 3,5 Finns that are now with SDA, I include myself as the half Finn. The day was spent getting ingredients for the evening. We had divided the tasks up between ourselves to make the job easier. After a trip to the local market to buy the food and other items we where ready to begin.

In the afternoon the girls along with Mama Champion prepared the Pilau for the main dish of the day along with salad, popcorn and annukka's chocolate cake which she had prepared in the morning. Some of the guests took along a dish also for the dessert which we also enjoyed. As arranged before hand all of us had to take along one gift wrapped present not worth more than 1000TSh.

While the girls where making Pilau I was preparing the music for the evening, getting the seating arrangements ready and of course making sure the Sauna last hot. The party was due to start at 5 but of course it never does here, but surprisingly Kanda and Gervas (a.k.a Michael – as he drives so fast) where the first ones to arrive and helped with the arrangements.

After some time the rest of the guests arrived in total we had 15 which included two new students from Holland who had just arrived in Mtwara. With the music playing and the sodas cooling in the fridge everyone found a seat to relax and chat. After some time the girls where the first ones to brave the Sauna and away they went while the men sat taking about men things! The girls returned after some time cooling down on the benches whilst drinking. Time passed and it was ready for the men to enter the sauna and give it some seroius löylyy!Being the honorary Finn for the evening I took it upon myself to show them what Finnish people are like in saunas in finland when they know a foreigner is present... not a pretty site, as we had two sauna virgins with us. When we couldn't take the heat anymore a dip in the pool was needed although it hardly helped as it was quite warm. Anyway it gave us an excuse to make funny splashes in the pool another trip to the sauna followed by a dip in the pool marked the end of the sauna for everyone. All refreshed and ready for food.

The pilau was delicious as was the chocolate cake. We had so much food made that not all was eaten in the end. It was then time for Santa to come and give all the presents with the guests had taken with them. Somehow it was decided between the 3 Finns that I would be the Santa for the night, and that was that. Although Santa looked more like Osama Bin Laden with a Turpin on my head, red fabric for my coat and using Annukka's hair extensions as my bear, you couldn't tell what I was trying to be! Fortunately the ho ho hoes gave it away ; )

When everybodies name was called they came to put there hand in santa's sack and take a present for themselves, fortunately nobody got their own present. When all the presents where given out Santa left us to return back to Finland. All the presents where then opened once we all gathered back together again and everyone, I think, was pleasantly please with their gifts.

After some more dessert snacks and sodas it was time to bring the party to an end.