After a couple of days in Dar we thought it a good idea to meet Jovita of Sasa. So, 11.5 hour bus journey later I reached Tengeru. Having got up early to catch the 06:00 I was fairly tired…..but a couple of beers before walking down to the house, revived me. James is Emil’s younger brother, so I had a room in their guest house and was fed and watered.
Saturday, went to Sasa office in Arusha and saw first hand some of the work they do. Walked around town later in the afternoon before getting dalla dalla back to Tengeru.
Sunday morning walked over to Poppy’s house which I discovered was 5 min walk away. I stayed with her some 35 yrs ago on my big travels. Unfortunately when she died 6 months ago she was a sad, lonely person. The coffee estate had been sold off in plots and she didn’t see much of the money….her husband/partner appears to have stolen everything.
Helped to revise a Sasa pamphlet that afternoon then caught daladalla to Moshi. Had the most amazing tandoori chicken n naan at Kaka’s …but I knew that anyway and the main reason for stopping off in Moshi.
Monday morning bus to Tanga to break up the journey to Dar. I love Tanga anyway, as it is where I grew up. Monday afternoon was a mix of Mkonge htl…the smartest hotel in town and where Mum & Dad had their wedding reception. Tues was mainly spent at the Swimming club and Mkonge htl. Of course both night’s meals consisted of a fabulous curry at the Seaview hotel.
I stayed at my usual place…Splendid View hotel. The Splendid sign at the front has now fallen down and my £5 a night room still doesn’t include toilet paper !! At least I know what to expect ! I was lucky with my bus trips because there had been some torrential rain and roads around Korogwe were flooded making them impassable for a number of hours. People’s house were flooded as well, as the Pangani river burst it’s banks.
Yesterday another early bus but only 6 hrs to Dar. Very pleased with myself for getting from Ubungo bus terminal to Segerea in under an hour. Kind of getting to know my way around a little.
