So, day three of Tanzania, and I think I'm pretty much in my element. With constant temperatures of around 30c, a sub tropical (humid) climate, and 3 mins walk from a stunning beach - I don't know who wouldn't be happy! The plane flight was pretty straightforward, but the culture got noticeably more rural the further away from England I headed. There were moments in Cairo when I was the only white person (a stark contrast to the mainly white population in my little bubble of the UK), and the airport in (Dar Es Salaam) Tanzania is little more than a stone building with a couple of desks. I found the administration for my visa so amusing in comparison to the UK - here it was pretty much a first come, first serve basis, and of course also depending on who had their money at hand! I was even more amused when they issued me the wrong visa (they had a couple of people to process, so I'm guessing they muddled up the forms/passports) so I'm now-according to my visa- a 37 year old male, called Christian Benedicte. haha nice one!
After a long flight, happy to have finally arrived!
Big hugs from Anja, enough to make up for our 3 years apart!
The Lotterings are an amazing family. They have such a relaxed way of life, and are peaceful people to be around. They have been so welcoming and loving. 15 yr old Anja is happy to finally have a 'big sister' - being wedged in the middle of two brothers, I don't blame her! Half my time so far has been spent with the family. Mona Liza (my aunt) has taken me around some of the town areas/dirt roads, and shown me their only shopping centre, I also went to see the kids school this morning and I joined in with assembly. The other half of my time has been spent mostly chillaxing; swimming, reading books, going to the beach, taking the kayak out, and snoozing! I also took a look at my yachtmaster and maths stuff today, I'll need to pick it up again at some point...
The Lotterings are an amazing family. They have such a relaxed way of life, and are peaceful people to be around. They have been so welcoming and loving. 15 yr old Anja is happy to finally have a 'big sister' - being wedged in the middle of two brothers, I don't blame her! Half my time so far has been spent with the family. Mona Liza (my aunt) has taken me around some of the town areas/dirt roads, and shown me their only shopping centre, I also went to see the kids school this morning and I joined in with assembly. The other half of my time has been spent mostly chillaxing; swimming, reading books, going to the beach, taking the kayak out, and snoozing! I also took a look at my yachtmaster and maths stuff today, I'll need to pick it up again at some point...
We're off to the Yacht club this evening, and will be taking the (catamaran) yacht out for the weekend. Should be fun. I like the idea of sailing in a bikini, and swimming off the boat, more my kind of idea of leisure =P
A very warm welcome from Delarey, the dog
Adjusting to the culture is overwhelming at times, I'm not used to having people in my face, and being served left, right and centre (they have a gardener, cook, maid/housekeeper, driver, and gate opener/guard) I don't exactly have to lift a finger! Its a peace loving culture, and far more safe than in South Africa. I didn't realise that I'd be allowed to do things like go for walks on my own and go to the beach on my own...
Kibo Avenue: The Lottering's street, with the beach at the end!
At the moment I'm just focusing on settling in. Due to the fact that we're 3 hours ahead of you guys, I'm a little bit on the jetlagged side of things. Last night I couldn't get to sleep until 1pm, but still woke up at 7am this morning.. anyway, once all the adjustments have been made, I'll look at getting my scuba diving qualification, getting some sailing/kayaking in, work out which orphanages I'll be at, and of course head down to the riding club or Mufundi lodge/trekking centre.
Family time: we helped Joah dress up for a competition at school
Anyway, enough nattering, I must head off to my busy schedule of reading a book outside...For those of you in England, I'll think of you all putting your heating up, as we get the temperature DOWN to 25c (the magic of air conditioners) so that we can sleep tonight!
Kerrin x
Anyway, enough nattering, I must head off to my busy schedule of reading a book outside...For those of you in England, I'll think of you all putting your heating up, as we get the temperature DOWN to 25c (the magic of air conditioners) so that we can sleep tonight!
Kerrin x
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