A short update of the last 2 weeks as not a great deal has happened. There’s been a lot of rain, but fortunately it’s always been during the night. But the thunder and lightning has been incredible……And of course things dry out quickly during the day.

I manage to amuse myself though…as always. On the 1st , 7th , and 10th I went across the border to Holili for kiti moto; first with Kristin then Cicku then Mercy. Mercy and I also visited the White House which Dad used to like staying at for a few days break once or twice a year. Nice to meet people who remembered him so fondly.

Funny anecdote. A custom here is to bang your glass or bottle to indicate you require another drink. Dad used to sit by a concrete block with tiles on it, and forgetting there’s a big difference between concrete and a plastic table, he would bang and smash/crack the glass/bottle, and then complain and make out not his fault ……!!!

Anyway , on the 6th I cycled all the way to Challa to visit the grave. Nice to be there alone with the old man; spent nearly an hour and a half with him. Hour n quarter cycle to Challa; first time ever that the wind was pushing from behind so I didn’t get too tired as the road is slightly uphill. Hour and a few minutes to get all the way back…good going.

One of the most interesting cycles I’ve done was on the 4th. Went to El Doro…much easier now I know exactly where it is ! But went on from there through quite a bit of mud to Forodhani or Kibogoto because I’d heard you can cross into Tanzania at that point. I managed to find the crossing point; my bike was put in/on a canoe or ngalawa and I was paddled for about 8 minutes through big reeds to the other side. A five minute walk took me to a small village with a Bar. After just over half an hour and a couple of Serengeti beers we went back. At a cost of 2 pounds the experience was amazing. What I didn’t realise was how Illegal it was to make that crossing. If the TZ authorities had caught me I would’ve been in big trouble even tho’ I had my passport on me…. no stamps. Not that I saw any, but apparently lots of crocs and hippo in those shallow waters….maybe just as well !! Anyhow, great fun and very exciting. Topped it off by stopping at the las Vegas bar in El Doro and had a bottle of mnazi-Palm wine. Had prepared for that and took my mboko…my special mnazi coconut cup with me !!! The locals were impressed !!!

Apart from that….doing bits and pieces around Taveta. Eating cheaply…sometimes 40p or 50p for dinner, or maximum 80p.

I think another kiti moto across the border is called for today…