Fri 8th
Well, I took my time over breakfast and checked out at about 10a.m.. I ambled down to the waterfront; chatted with Paul for a while. Made my way slowly to the ferry and went through the required electric security check. It’s a formality as I’m sure the screen that checks bag contents isn’t working..!! I was one of the first on and easily found a comfortable seat. I spent a bit of time on the bow being buffeted by the wind. An hour and a half and we reached Dar. Security again. I walked to the Airtel office and bought some airtime.  Then to A T room for a tea and a chat with Happy. Then to Riki Hill and was given room 508 which I liked…a nice little balcony and looking across at 24/7. Then my usual routine of Congolese bar and 24/7. Chevda for dinner maybe..can’t remember..

Sat 9th. Couldn’t believe it…walking into the city, I saw two restaurants with mandi on the menu. I had never noticed this dish before, but because I had it with Tor in Jena, it actually registered with me. Went back in the evening to sample the dish at 12,000tsh. Nice enough but not as good as Mr Spicy in Jena. The rice didn’t taste so much of a biryani as just plain rice. Otherwise, A T room , Congolese bar where I met up with friend Alkanjelo who I got to know when staying at Emil’s in Dar in 2019. He saw me walking in the city, called me, and we shared stories for an hour or two. It was a time to reflect on our mutual friend Emil who died a year ago on Sept 13th. At 24/7 I was watching England vs Ukraine football. The screen to my right was showing DRC vs Sudan. Gradually I was surrounded by DRC people waiting for their match to start. They were realy fun but when they reached about 20 in number and I was surrounded, I moved to a perfectly comfortable seat just a couple of metres away…

I really took it easy on the 10th. Breakfast. A walk to the A T room for tea. I found a tailor who patched up a couple of my shirts. Bought chevda. Bought my bus ticket to Tanga for the following day at 05:30. Clerk said 30,000tsh but on the system it came up as 25,000, so the latter is what I paid  !! Had a small snack as my food intake for the rest of the day. Visited my favourite bars and had an early night. I enjoy city life….the energy with all the different activities going on. Dar is particularly good on a Sunday when it’s much quieter and easier to walk around