Let the sailing begin
Trip Start
Oct 22, 2006
1
5
22
Trip End
Ongoing
Mtwara, Tanzania
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Where to begin??? So last night, after checking my email, I returned to my hotel. I was just going to order some food and go to bed but instead had the time of my life!!! I ended up seeing a couple of Tanzanian businessmen who were on my flight and staying at the same hotel as me. We got to chatting and they mentioned that they were going to be going out with their local friends to a club here in Mtwara. Me, never one to miss out on an opportunity to dance, was eager to join them. So, a group of about 8 of us continued on to a nice restaurant and then to a club for a night of beer, dance and good food. It was interesting to be the only one who did not speak swahili amongst the group and I have begun to learn some words. One thing about Tanzania is that the eating rituals ios very different. Before you eat, someone will come by with a bucket and water and you are to wash your hands. You can then enjoy your meal ( eating with only your right hand is preferred) and once finished, there is another hand washing session. The food here is really good, kind of indian-esque with lots of spices. Chips are also a staple at most meals, as are ketchup and chili sauce. I have not had any problems finding vegetarian meals either. So, to continue with my night... The club was not like any other I had experienced. If there wasn't so much swahili being spoken I could have sworn I as in Cuba!!! There was a live band playing rhumba, and lots of ppl dancing. The stage was covered, but the club itself was like a giant open courtyard. There was a nice breeze and even a light rain later in the night that we all just danced through!!! The women dress much more conservatively than I am used to, no one even wears trank tops!!! I danced to tradional Tanzanian music, in the traditional way, where everyone makes a big congo line type of circle and dances around and around. I danced with a couple of men, but it was not a close formal dance like you may suppose. I had one over eager dance partner who kept bugging me to dance more and more, but my friends kindly helped me tell him to leave and not pester me. Poor guy was just a bit drunk and enchanted. No worries. Other than that no problems at all. I loved being the ony foreigner there, and I did not recieve any harsh looks or comments only smiles!!! At around two or three I returned to my hotel and had a good nights sleep with rhumba music still playing in my head!! I awoken in the morning with a very welcomed phone call ( you know who you are =) ) and started my day. My first mission was to find a hotel that was more affordable. AS I walked down the street towards a hotel I have heard about, I found a young french captrin riding his bike along the street!!! The Karaka has arrived!!! It was too easy to find him, as our paths really just crossed coincidentially, ( if you believe in coincidences) So, right now I am on the computer,a nd next I will go an board the boat!!! Everything has worked out beautifully and I am very blessed. The next entry will be from a proper sailor!!! I promise to put pictures next entry too. Untill then...
Comments
Godspeed
I wish you well, and Godspeed. Will follow your progress as much as I can. Lots of luck.
you made it !!!
glad to here you hooked up with karaka so easy! I know africa will never be the same! try not to break too many hearts along the way!!
Jackie