Asante Sana

Ahhh my friends from the four corners I am alive and well... Thank you for the concern! The reason for my absence - and I have missed reporting back so much - is that I have been caught up in raptures for my love affair with Tanzania. This place is mind-blowing.

To sum up the last week, I spent 5 days on Safari, one day bussing it to the depths of the countryside to meet my teacher's parents, and one day saying goodbye and exchanging heartfelt gifts before I head to Zanzibar tomorrow. I know, tough life right?

First stop on Safari was an authentic Maasai village. Well, authentic until the jewellery came out - then it was on for young and old to get the great white hopes to buy an anklet, a bracelet, a headdress... anything at all at a suitably inflated Mzungu price. It is a bit sad that this previously nomadic tribe is not primarily rooted, but they are happy people and live very well. The jewellery is thankfully stunning though and I happily bought something - albeit at a heavily negotiated and more reasonable price!

Day two was meant to be the Serengeti but unfortunately our car experienced massive difficulties and we broke down 5 times before crossing the plains and heading straight to camp. Breakdown number one was 2 long hours due to a broken fan belt. Naturally we used this time to whip out our Kikoys (sarongs), jump on top of the car, and do a remarkable Priscilla Queen of the Desert tribute photoshoot, much to the glee of passing cars.

Day two also gave us much time to study a special species not only unique to the Serengeti - the Retired American Tourist. There is no other creature quite like it. Oh you can't miss them. They all got the same memo that zip-off pants and khaki are the uniform of Safari (cos the animals won't see you coming in that huge jeep! Or hear those cameras clicking. Or hear you screaming at them on approach. Nope, the khaki outfit and camouflaged camera lenses as long as a fifth limb will help you sneak up on them really well!) One woman commented to her companions (we were 4 cars away but heard it clearly of course) "why won't the lazy hippos get up to say hello". One man leered as we passed "i'm just waaaaatching alllllll the perdy girls go by". Or my favourite at a roadside hole in the wall "do you have recycling or is it just the trash?". Clearly hadn't noticed the piles of burning rubbish everywhere you go! Now I must say that one of my dearest friends in the world is American and she flies the flag with pride. There are so many good ones... but this day we seemed to get every brash, insensitive, unsubtle one within a 100 mile radius. Very amusing!!

I so wish I could take a photo and report on everything I see. The man sitting on the side of the road with a rainbow coloured umbrella. Catching a Dala Dala (mini van - the only mode of transport in Moshi) with 25 people and a chicken crammed on it. Kilimanjaro on a clear day. A bawling child who miraculously recovers when you give them a hug and a kiss. The fossilised frog we found in our house laying perfectly on it's back like it was sunbaking..... oh so many things my eyes have seen and so many to report. The list in my bum bag is growing daily and I plan to do it justice when i find a moment in Zanzibar.

I have not yet even touched on the most beautiful place on Earth - the N'Gorongoro Crater. Absolutely, honestly and life-changingly breathtaking! We just stood, stunned, taking it in as we commenced our decent into the basin. Only 26 Rhino are still there and are virtually impossible to spot (nb: Elle Macpherson's recent admission she uses Rhino horn to stay youthful. Charming!) Or day 4 in a real life Jurasic Park - Lake Manyara. I will do these suitable justice in the coming days.

I will also tell you about once again being taken into the homes and hearts of rural Tanzanians during my big adventure to Same. And the last day of class today... I'll save that one till the froggie in my throat goes away. I have promised my Mama Africa, who has looked after me so well, that she will one day meet my Mama Mzungu - so mum you better buy that plane ticket... it's a cook-off! Dad, they have only taken me so deep into their hearts because you were born in Zimbabwe. They honestly think I am half African (and so do I!).

This is only the start of my relationship with Teacher Neema and the Khuba classes. I think I have found a project truly worth my heart. Stay tuned for more...

I miss my Harvey Bear more with every day but am buoyed by the knowledge he is being spoiled during his country retreat! I hope he's feeling better after his vaccination

xxx