Sun 21st. Usual breakfast of cereals, toast and tea. Went to the bus stand. Was shown a bus that didn’t have many passengers inside and I questioned the departure time. I didn’t believe it and hopped off. A big bus looked as though it was on its way out of the Stand and I asked if it was going to Arusha. Yes it was. Okay get on. I was bundled on and we were off. 5,000Tsh and an hour and a half later we were in Arusha. That was definitely a record time and a good decision on my part.
I bumped into Steve again. Fortuitous because he drove me to Arusha Backpackers which I wanted to try out. No rooms at the cheapest rate so I went across the road to my usual place…Meru House Inn. I quickly checked in then Steve drove me to Williams Inn where Terry was staying. We introduced each other and had a good chat on the reception sofas.
We went to a bar nearby (Sally’s I think)..He explained all the activities of the prostitutes..how they got customers, where their rooms were. He made me feel so naive; I don’t see/notice any of this on my travels…anyway it was a real eye opener. I went to my room before going to Cold Pub. I think that’s all that happened.. I watched the Zambia vs Tanzania AFCON match at Meru House; ate a bag of cashews and went to bed.
Mon 22nd. I moved out of Meru House and checked into Williams Inn. Went to Buddies for breakfast. Then a walkabout, ending up at Fifi’s. Got back to Williams at midday and met up with Terry. We went out for a drink at Mrinas…a bit earlier than I would normally, but special occasions warrant a change in routine. After that I headed towards Cold Pub but went for an early kiti moto dinner at Black and White and had hoped to meet up with Edgar. He couldn’t make it for family reasons so I went back towards the hotel and linked up with Terry. Another nice evening before I headed back to my room.
Tues 23rd. I knew I didn’t need to go far..as in to Moshi..so I had an easy morning. I decided to break the journey to Tanga with a one night stop in Moshi. I met Terry for breakfast at 08:00..nothing special..3 pieces of bread, an omelette, a banana and tea. I left the hotel about 9:15 and at 9:30 I hopped on a passing coaster en route to Moshi. A bit of a mistake as it wasn’t full and took a while to get going. My good seat made the 2 and 3 quarter hour journey bearable. 2 hours is what I estimate for that journey.
The Stage isn’t far from one of my coffee haunts..Fresh. Then onto Kindoroko to check in. I chose the same room..204. I bought phone bundles then went to Aroma Coffee house for a masala chai and Wi-Fi. I researched the cost of a bus ticket to Tanga; drew some money from the bank; bought the bus ticket on Raqeeb for 24,000Tsh; went to the Police Mess where I met up with Catherine; and finally to Kaka’s. Had a beer on the top balcony and interesting chat with Kalvin before going downstairs for my delicious kiti moto. The only disappointment is that the naan bread seems thinner these days…probably a cost saving exercise as the price of the tandoori hasn’t gone up. I paid 17,000 altogether..5000 for 2 beers and 12,000 for the chicken. So the chicken dish is £3.75 ..certainly can’t complain.
I wasn’t going to be late to the hotel as I was travelling the next day, but there was time for one nightcap at the Bar just around the corner.