The Escape

Away with the Warriors

2010-09-25T18:40:00.005+08:00

Finally on the way to check out the wonders of the West. What a better place to start than with the Terracotta Warriors in Xian.

Xian is only a one hour's flight from Chengdu making it easily accessible for a short trip. In

Xian you also notice that it is quickly developing into a mega city. The airport is a fair distance

from the city and the scenery changes instantly from country side to skyscrapers.

One day was spent visiting the famous

Terracotta warriors. The site is an immense excavation area where new discoveries of an ancient world are uncovered bringing local and international visitors alike.

Day two was spent with a friend of a colleague who showed me the ancient city walls, the Goose pagodas and local cuisine. This city has a lot to offer and I was lucky to have a local guide.

That evening for a snack we enjoyed a local specialty, roujiamo 肉夹摸. This is finely chopped lamb or meat with spices between a sliced open flatbread. It is often sold by street vendors. Delicious. May very well be the first hamburger!

Karaoke: KTV

2010-09-04T12:22:00.000+08:00

If you have been to Asia then you have held a microphone in your hands, half drunk and attempted to sing John Denver's 'Country Roads' or Backstreet Boys' 'I Want It That Way.' And after one year you will be trying your hand at local hits in Chinese!

No matter how bad you are it turns into fun and you never want to let go of the mic. You see the words on the screen and you turn into an idol for those few minutes. The audience explodes with applause! Glasses raise into the air and another toast is made to friendship!

Here is an evening out with some friends enjoying each other's attempts at becoming a rock star with a little help from liquid courage.

Ya'an Wildlife and Nature Film Festival

2010-08-01T22:20:00.009+08:00

Staying connected is a critical factor in keeping good business relationships. Luckily, our hotel is one of few with great networks both local and foreign.

The West is still expanding and actively seeks investment in new business sectors. One organization specifically searches and maintains friendly relationships with investors from foreign countries. As the hotel is a foreign brand we often receive invitations to events and networking dinners. This time we were invited to attend the opening of the Ya'an Wildlife and Nature Film Festival.

Ya'an is a University 'town' 2 hours from Chengdu. It is green, hilly and small compared with Chengdu. We stayed 2 nights and had the chance to visit some local sites.

Our first evening we arrived and met with the organizers for lunch at the hotel. As soon as all were seated the Chinese liquor was offered. This is 50% alcohol and sometimes more. Here you have no choice, but to drink. If the host invites you, you drink. Done. So, glass after glass, it burns going down. Small glasses, but nonetheless potent. Five drinks later and everyone was having trouble using chopsticks.

After a quick nap we headed for the Panda Breeding Base in Ya'an and saw panda after panda including some youngsters.

That evening we made our way with police escort and 12 mini buses to the festival on the university campus. This is very common for any government function to have a caravan with police escort and stationed police officers at intersection to keep the caravan moving. It is a little over excessive.

We arrived at the festival and drove right up to the rear entrance behind the main stage. The event was outdoors. There they had rolled out a red carpet for all the VIPs. Not sure whether we were included or not. Either way, we walked the red carpet and cheers came from the small crowd that had gathered. Ha! Hollywood. We walked past the stage and were seated at reserved seats in the front row. Looking back we saw a sea of people. And you won't believe it when I say there were 10,000 people there.

The opening ceremony started and dragged on with speeches from government officials, military generals and romantic chinese love son

gs. Fireworks lit the sky and two hours later we were more than ready to leave.

Along with us were guides and translators from the local university. They were always willing to help and make sure we felt comfortable. Shelley and Claire even accepted our offer to join for BBQ later that evening after everyone had gone to bed. We still wanted to see more of the city. They showed us a famous bridge and a good BBQ spot on the riverside.

The next day we went to a local town in the country side. Ancient and beautiful. It is wonderful to see the colour green again. Trees, grass and flowers!

Even some local fresh water eels for lunch, freshly gutted with a utility knife.

Random and...

2010-06-16T00:35:00.000+08:00

Caught a fly with chopsticks today...

Chengdu Lifestyle Magazine

2010-06-06T16:47:00.000+08:00

A Hole in the Ground

2010-02-25T19:01:00.000+08:00

Ever wonder what it would be like inside a large tunnel boring machine? If yes, I can tell you all about it.

Chengdu is busy building its new Metro subway line. This involves tunneling under the city with large machines. The plan is to create two lines; one running North-South and the other East-West. The entire system will take a few years to complete, but I was lucky enough to take a tour and get up close and personal with the mighty machine.

We first explored the site on ground level taking notice of the large amounts of earth laden containers used to move what was recently dug up. Then it was underground with a hard hat and site supervisor. We toured the first length of the tunnel which already had its concrete ring. Then we made our way into the machine from the rear and right up to the very front, just behind the cutting wheel. Too cool!

Chinese Lantern Festival

2010-02-20T18:25:00.000+08:00

After one festival ends another is just around the corner. This one being the Chinese Lantern Festival. It celebrates the first full moon of the lunar year.

There is a large park in Chengdu that is set up with large paper lantern sculptures. These are huge. Some even move. There are fair rides, candy and artisans who turn melted sugar into creative sculptures.

In the middle of the park is a large temple decorated with red lanterns and colourful lights. It was beautiful to see. Even if we couldn't see the moon through clouds.

On the way back we had to wait to find a cab. This is normal and something everyone has to get used to. It took us 30 minutes to get a cab. Sometimes it can take even longer.

Chinese Lunar New Year

2010-02-14T17:46:00.001+08:00

After a great New Year's celebration in the bush it was time to celebrate another one in the East. Chinese New Year is marked by the first new moon of the year. On the Chinese calendar it falls on February 14th this year, marking the beginning of the year of the tiger.

Again, words cannot explain it. The celebrations run 15 days until the Chinese Lantern Festival marking the first full moon of the year. The city sleeps for 15 days. No honking horns. No playing Frogger to cross the street. Only loud and overwhelming fireworks every night with the largest on New Years eve.

These fireworks are not set up by the city or some professional, but rather sold on every street corner in orange tents lined with boxes of fireworks. We are used to individual fireworks that we buy on certain holidays. Now imagine a box, something the size of a microwave. Some even the size night table. You light this thing in the middle of the street and you get a professional looking fireworks show for 2 or 3 minutes. And that is just on one corner of an intersections in a city with many intersections. The sky was a sparkling sea of colour. The buildings echoed.

First Impression

2010-01-08T17:35:00.001+08:00

Well, after some difficult good-byes at Mokuti it was off to Chengdu, China.

Our GM had friends from Munich visiting for NYE and they would be on the same flight back to Munich. That meant some company and some entertainment to shorten the 10 hour flight.

I stayed overnight in Munich to break up the flight and met up with friends to continue the fun into the evening. We were deep into beer and Schweinshaxe. Delicious!

The next day I made it on a flight to Chengdu over Beijing.

Chengdu is in the Southwest of China in Sichuan province. The city has a population of 15 million! The country of Namibia only 2.1 million. What was I getting myself into. There was definitely no scenery here.

And that is the first thing you notice. I was now in a city. Trucks, cars, mopeds and pedestrians whistled in and out of traffic to get where they needed to go. My driver's palm rested continuously on the centre of the steering wheel as his use of the horn was frequent. This was an aggressive place. Get in front or lose it all.

I made myself comfortable in my new quarters and was ready to see what this place had to offer. That meant dreary skies, no sun, fog, spitting people and more honking horns.

SOLD OUT!!

2010-01-01T17:31:00.000+08:00

NYE...in the bush!

The lodge is sold out and there is a party in every bar. People are having a great time and this is life. Even if my camera is no longer in my possession with two years worth of photos.

There's an exciting move happening in January: China. I will be backing up my photos.

Stay tuned...

Eins, zwo, drei...

2009-10-04T17:06:00.004+08:00

Finding our way back to Windhoek was just as adventurous as making it to Wolwedans; more gravel roads and the cherry, another flat tire. Even though it was a long journey the amount of life and excitement we experienced was well worth it.

We then headed Munich to see some family and perhaps a chance at a Maß or two. I just hope the folks can keep up!

After a 10 hour flight from Windhoek to Munich we headed for Oma's tiny little town to rest and relax with some family. I always

love heading back where I spent all of my childhood summers playing on tractors, running through corn fields and wandering in the woods.

It seems that every time I return to this village everything has gotten smaller. I have to duck to get through the doorway and almost bow to get into the kitchen. Even the local bakery is a few steps closer. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful place and I hope to come back as often as possible.

After the visits with all cousins and their kids, uncles and aunts we were on our way to Munich for Oktoberfest, my first one ever. Mom and Dad were up for the challenge and that weekend we toured the tents, pretzel and sausage

stands all the while hunting for a Dirndl. I would love a German passport.

With Mom and Dad flying back home I knew it would be another year before seeing them again. It was great to see them and strengthen our relationship. A lot changes in a year.

The Red Lines Mean Gravel Roads

2009-10-02T06:19:00.002+08:00

After a great 3 nights in Swakopmund it was off to our last destination in the southern part of the country. But not after fixing our flat tire.

We set out early morning for a rather short 380km drive to NamibRand Reserve near Sesriem. At least it seemed that way on the map. Little did we know that shortly after passing through Walvis Bay with its flamingos were we in for sand, salt and gravel roads. That made our 4 hour journey at 60km/h nearly an 8 hour drive. Damn was I pissed. Rocks on the road. Bumps and rivets. Everything to slow me down and without solution. Slow and easy.

The start of the journey had us driving through sand dunes and by now we were more into rocky terrain with mountains. No matter where you are in Namibia, the landscape is to die for.

After watching the minutes go by we finally arrive at Wolwedans Lodge by which time I had enough of this gravel bullshit and just wanted to get to a cold bottle of Tafel beer. Even at the gate to the lodge it was still another 20km on bad dirt road. But for all of this trouble we were in a truly untouched and unspoiled part of the country.

With its tented rooms surrounded by mountains and sand filled valleys this was a place to take it all in. I definitely recommend this place if you can arrange for a flight in.

Now how will I handle the drive back to Windhoek on these dirt roads?

Off to the Coast.

2009-09-26T07:48:00.002+08:00

From Mokuti, we headed towards the coast making a stopover at Erongo Wilderness Lodge. The lodge is just off the beaten track and built in between huge stone croppings. Crazy to think that all the building materials had to be carried up to the site. We even had to be transported to the lodge by a 4x4 just to get over the top.

We spent one night there and were treated to baboons and a beautiful sunset. From our tented rooms (with ensuite) we could sit and enjoy the surrounding serenity. Something that is actually very easy to find in this country.

From Erongo, we made our way to Swakopmund. This was were I had spent my New Year on the beach. We rented a flat and weren't too sure what it would be like. I had some help from our neighbours next to the lodge who helped plan this trip and they recommended a flat over a hotel room. And it ended up being the right choice.

The flat had 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and large balcony overlooking the ocean. It even had a garage for the Toyota to sleep in. No doubt the right choice, and much cheaper. I even paid for it!!!

We explored Swakopmund and I was able to get out and wander on my own. A few bars pulled me in and I met some more great people. It so happened that there would be an Oktoberfest that weekend and we were keen on checking it out. With a full band and 100 people, I think the whole town showed up!

Every evening was spent on the balcony waiting for the sun to go down and every night the sunset turned out perfect!

Just before we left Swakopmund our little Toyota suffered its first flat tire.

My House, My Home, My Life

2009-09-23T03:16:00.001+08:00

Now it was time to show my parents my life. Where was I spending my last 8 months...without much time off.

Mokuti, just outside Etosha National Park, is 525km north of Windhoek. So the stop at Okonjima broke up the journey. Not to say my 160km/hr+ driving did help speed things up. The roads are straight, smooth and quiet. Not to mention that my first time behind the wheel in 12 months was going to be exciting. Pedal to the metal!

At Mokuti, my parents were treated to a fantastic room and were able to do nothing but relax. The only appointments were for wildlife safaris and of course, the spa. What a way to live. And get this, they saw 87 elephants at one waterhole. Four herds coming together. Quite spectacular.

I introduced my parents to all my new friends and colleagues; Anand, Ina, Chris, Vendi, and the whole bar team, Jackson, Daniel, Patrick, Erenst and Daement. These are the faces I see everyday...every...day.

I did spend some time in the office, but at least dinner was a family event and I think the liked what they saw.

The Fam in Nam

2009-09-21T03:00:00.002+08:00

It didn't take much convincing, but my parents finally made it to another continent. I would get some time off and we would explore Namibia and all its treasures.

Their first night was spent in Windhoek to catch up on some sleep and relax for a bit. We had rented a car and our first task was to pick it up. Just as a general note I told my Dad not to expect to much in terms of customer service and punctuality. Sure enough, I didn't have to repeat myself after we finally had the keys to the rental in my hand.

That evening we had a fantastic dinner with colleagues at The Heinitzburg Hotel.

After a night in Windhoek we were headed to Okonjima Lodge. The lodge used to be a hunting farm now turned into a conservation area for big cats and hyenas. Our two nights there really kicked off the trip.

Our first activity at the lodge was to drive into one of the cheetah habitats and search for the cats. Not too much longer and five cheetahs were circling the truck. The cheetah are obviously used to the people and cars so they are somewhat habituated. Still, to see these creatures so close really makes an impression. Most of these cats are either orphans or don't have much chance to return to the wild. Cheetahs are one of the only cats that learn how to hunt from their mother. Other cats can do it instinctively. So when a cub is orphaned it stands little chance in the wild.

The next day would be leopard spotting. Once again, these cats also stand little chance of surviving in the wild. They are all fitted with radio collars to help with the spotting. Now, make no mistake. The conservancy is on a huge farm. And even if you get close enough by radar it still doesn't mean the leopard is out in the open. The first day we had no luck and didn't find anything. We headed out a second time and after traversing a dry river bed, up and over rocks, we spotted a leopard hovering over its warthog carcass. Again, at close range we see how impressive this animal is.

Without any complaints and leaving bewildered and astounded by the first stop of our trip we would head north to Mokuti lodge to relax for four nights before making our way to the coast.

FORE...and a leopard

2009-08-08T07:51:00.004+08:00

No rain.

On the upside things are looking much better at the lodge. Guests from around the world are coming and checking out the park and enjoying the sights of Namibia. AND ITS TIME FOR ME TO EXPLORE AGAIN...

I had the chance to tag along with a professional photographer into Etosha National Park last week and it was a great to get off the property again. We headed out at 7h00 and spent the entire morning in the park. Its is a surreal place. Something you can't describe. The waterholes are bringing in all the animals. Amazing to see what most of you have only seen on TV.

The best sightings were of a male lion with its wildebeest kill and a leopard just jumping out of its tree. Amazing...Oh, and the large bull elephant knocking a makalani palm tree for its fruit.

Later that week a few of us tried a new take on golf and took a swing out at the airstrip. No doubt I should have kept up my foursome.

Still in the Bush

2009-05-13T08:04:00.002+08:00

So now I really don't have a good excuse. No sharks, no buses and no border crossings.

The lodge is coming to life. Finally all major buildings have been finished and the few remaining projects, IT, pathways and landscaping details are underway. All we need are guests! No doubt we are all waiting for our first full house.

The snake park curator is busy catching snakes, scorpions and freeing snared warthogs. There are bushmen who live around the area and our fences make perfect routes for placing snares on game trails. Definitely a problem and our anti-poaching drives are trying to catch the culprits.

I went on a full moon game drive with another conservation worker. It's quite amazing how much you can see in the bush with a full moon. Even some animals wandering around; kudu, giraffe, oryx, and more. And the birds. There are so many birds here.

It hasn't rained since early March and the bush is slowly thinning and dulling to brown. This is the best time to see the animals as the water holes start drying up and only a few main water holes remain full.

AND...EVERY SUNSET IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! REALLY!

And then the stars...you have to see them for yourself. Learning all new constellations and can't resist looking up every night I walk home. But also down to avoid stepping on anything.

Off to Work

2009-03-15T02:43:00.005+08:00

The hotel is still quiet, but we finally have a full management team together. The next few weeks will involve trainings, and setting policies and procedures. Lots of homework for me to do. Buildings are still going up and its exciting to watch the progress in the Boma outdoor grilling restaurant, pool bar, and spa.

Crazy thing last week. I was walking home early in the morning and stumbled across a group of giraffes. Maybe 6 or 8. They saw me and then galloped away, but being so close was amazing.

Then, later on I caught a scorpion in front of my house. Something like 3 or 4 inches long. But now it has gone missing...and all scorpions are poisonous. Bad news.

In the Bush

2009-02-22T01:57:00.006+08:00

After spending those last weeks travelling around east and southern Africa, it was either time to pack up and head home or find a solution to stay longer. And here is the solution. While in Namibia I picked up a job at a lodge in Etosha National Park.

Shortly after my visit to Johannesburg I flew back to Tanzania to pick up the rest of my belongings. Augustine kept my room and all of my things in order while I was away. I only spent two days in Morogoro before heading back to Dar Es Salaam to catch my flight to Namibia. It was great to meet the new volunteer staff with YCI and to sit with Jessica and Godfrey. I was craving local food so we went out for some mishikaki and chipsi.

So now I am working and living at a lodge in the middle of the bush. It is still under renovation and will be a spectacular 106-room property when finished. We currently only have a few guests in house, but just a few days ago we did have a tour group of 100 guests. The lodge has an airstrip and most groups fly in. This group flew in on two DC-6 aircraft. Unbelievable machines!The experience so far is hard to describe. Its been almost two weeks and everything is amazing. Last week we had lions roaming the property and there is always the possibility of crossing paths with a spitting cobra or black mamba when heading home after work. Not to worry. The closest medical facilities are only one hour away. I really am in the bush.

J-Bay to Jo'burg

2009-02-03T17:30:00.003+08:00

Now you might be wondering why I haven't written any new information about my travels. The answer is quite simple; exciting fun! The past days in Jeffreys Bay have turned from one night to two, and in the end, to five nights. No doubt due to the convincing of Emma at reception.

Each day, more and more interesting people would pass through. People travelling from Norway, Egypt, Mauritius, Sweden, Holland, France, UK, Brazil, Canada and the US. And the staff (like the bar staff, Ronel, Werner, Kim, and Fabian) compliment the vibe and everything about the place; hence the name Island Vibe I guess.

After spending at least two hours surfing everyday, sometimes four, we would head in for lunch and then for a relaxing nap. Love the napping. And then after the napping some more surfing and lounging around. This place is amazing. Then as the sun went down the bar turned into a party. It felt like being in someone's house or being at home with friends, a lot of friends.

Every day came the thought of leaving, but there was no reason to. The only way I was going to leave was if I booked a flight out to Tanzania. So I did. And I booked it all the way back to Namibia.

J-Bay, or at least Island Vibe, is one of the greatest places to relax and meet friends.

I met Adam from Egypt and Alex from Mauritius who were heading up to Port Elizabeth and was able to catch a lift with them. Great guys.

From PE I flew to Johannesburg to meet up with Shannon who I met in Swakopmund. She picked me up from the airport and it took us four hours on a normal 45 minute route. Imagine the hectic traffic during the 2010 Worldcup. I will crash here for two night before flying to Dar Es Salaam and head back to Morogoro to pick up my things. Nothing exciting in Jo'burg.

Supertubes

2009-01-27T18:37:00.006+08:00

With only four backpackers staying at Storms River the night quickly turned into a competition of quarters with the bartender. We made sure he left coming back the next morning with a headache.

The worlds highest commercial bungy is at the Bloukrans Bridge between the Eastern and Western Cape. 216 metres. Unfortunately, not one of the three other backpackers wanted in and I was left without a shuttle to get to the bridge.

From Storms River I headed east to surfing mecca Jeffreys Bay where all the pros come out to ride the tubes and compete for price money. I tried my hand at a few tiny waves and managed to ride a few of them in standing up. But the hits I took were hard. The water is very shallow and any fall puts your body in contact with the sandy bottom.The backpackers I am staying at is right on the beach and the bar is always busy. My head still hurts and now I feel sorry for that bartender.

Into the Wilderness

2009-01-24T16:15:00.004+08:00

I arrived in Wilderness yesterday taking the Bazbus from Cape Town.

The quite little town is nestled between rolling hills and the rolling waves of the ocean. The backpackers is relaxing and inviting. We enjoyed a guitar session around a bonfire last night.

Time to enjoy the sand, sun and maybe check out some surfing and bungee jumping tomorrow.

Shark Bait

2009-01-21T15:26:00.012+08:00

Cape Town is wonderful. The waterfront is built up and new looking with a vast selection of restaurants and bars. Easy to spend money. Trapped again.

Most visitors to Cape Town will notice the shanty townships that line the highway into the city. Nothing nice to look at or even debate with the locals. Simple houses, actually shacks with tin roofs and a single power line to a central transformer in the middle. Looks like the skeleton of a circus big top.

Our dorm at The Backpack has eight beds, one of which hosts a new friend from the UK. Michael is from England and just finished his travels in Australia and will leave on an overlander tour up to Kenya. With the city leaving our pockets feeling lighter than when we first arrived we decided to head out on the open ocean for some diving with the infamous White Shark. You can add "Great" to the title for glitz and glamour.

The day started at 0530 with a pickup and then a 2 hour drive to Gansbaai. Michael had wanted to pick up some motion sickness tablets and gladly took an offer from another diver when she offered a tablet.

At Gansbaai we met the rest of the crazies who paid money to swim with these fish. A short drive from Gansbaai to the harbour we boarded the vessel, packed with 20 people, and set out over the choppy seas. Choppy seas...Oh boy, my night before with the Norwegians wasn't too bright.

Near the infamous Shark Alley and seal colony we set anchor. Up and down. The crew began chumming and luring in the sharks. No guarantee of seeing anything as it was low in the season. With a slick of fish oil trailing the boat and fish heads tied to a buoy how could a shark resist?

Within about 30 minutes we caught a glimpse of the first White Shark. Seconds later the cage was in the water, wet suits were stretched over stomachs and we were in the cage. With 5 at a time in the cage, the crew would lure the shark with the fish heads towards the cage and just as it approached you would take a breath and go under into the 13C water. Up and down. The sharks would swim past the cage and sometimes going for a bite at the bait. I had a great view, face to face, or more like face to jaws, teeth, death of one shark. Adrenaline and excitement left me bewildered. Was it real?

We would trade places in the cage. Up and down. Taking a break from the cold water and battering waves. We saw three sharks that day with the largest measuring 2.5 metres.

After 3 hours at sea with everyone thrilled at their experience, we raised anchor, the boat went down and my lunch came up.

Out of Namibia

2009-01-18T00:08:00.007+08:00

Finally out of Namibia. Daniel and I planned to head down to Cape Town, South Africa early in the week by bus. At the hostel we met Carly, a Canadian from Vancouver, who was driving down to Cape town as well and offered us a ride. Or at least we suggested the idea of having us for company in her car.

We left on Friday morning making it through more desert with dry and long straight roads. It took us almost 8 hours to reach the border into South Africa.

At the border we stopped to go through customs. We parked our car and then proceeded to the numbered doors. Behind door number one was immigration. Door number two, customs. And finally, door number three, police. Behind the third door, numbered with a big red number 3, the police asked us who the driver was. Unsure if it was a serious question we hesitated as both Daniel and Carly were drivers. I had the luck of leaving my driver's license in Tanzania giving me the privilege of sleeping in the backseat. The police told us that whoever was driving should check the note on the driver side door. What did they leave for us? I tried making a joke out of it by asking if our car was too dirty to cross the border. Carly has a black car and after eight hours it had turned a brownish tan.

We walked back to the car and looked for the note left for us. No piece of paper, but on the hood of the car in big finger cursive the words, "Please wash me!" were traced into the dirt. Through the window of the police station I could see the officers laughing and we laughed back. Imagine crossing into the U.S.A. with a good laugh!

That evening we were told to visit Fiddler's Creek just into South Africa. A tour guide from Windhoek had suggested it to us. Twenty minutes down a dirt road and through farmer's field we found the campsite and Orange River, one of the longest in Africa. These are the kinds of places you wouldn't find unless someone pointed you in the right direction. Fiddler's Creek is mainly an overlander campsite, but the season is slow now and there were only two trucks there. Daniel even bumped into a tour guide he met in Swaziland.

We arrived just before sunset without food or a tent. We asked for any leftover dinner, which they generously offered us. Before dinner we went for a quick dip in the river. Nice and warm.

Without a tent we grabbed our sleeping bags, found a lush soft spot of grass and camped out under the stars. The resident dog curled up next to Daniel.

The next morning we headed down to Cape Town. The landscape changes from dry land to mountainous rock spotted with wineries and citrus trees thanks to the river flowing through the valley.

After 6 speedy hours we made it to Cape Town with Table Mountain setting an impressive background.

With penguins, mountains and great white sharks....when will I leave?

Hurray for Che

2009-01-15T17:57:00.003+08:00

So the German I met in Swakopmund, Daniel, and I are still exploring Windhoek. Or at least trying not to get robbed. Looks like we might leave soon enough.

Since I've been here I have heard of three people being jumped on the street. One story involves a couple at dinner and from their window seat they can see their car being broken into and some items stolen. This is all during daylight hours. When the dusk settles in the city all the streets are empty. No one is walking on the street.

Last night we checked out a local reggae band at a modern venue. Definitely fun. After the band we went next door to a bar called "El Cubano." Cool small place with flags hanging from the walls, salsa music, Cuban cigars and the staff donning shirts of "Che." Very cool hangout. Different age groups and everyone out for a good time.

What I've learned so far is that its easy to spend money in the city. Better here than in London or Paris.

Etosha National Park

2009-01-11T01:12:00.002+08:00

So far the past few days my life has offered some interesting opportunities. You will find out soon enough.

For the time I have been in Etosha National Park. More animals and even more lions. At least 8 or more.

Still enjoying Namibia. Maybe some of you can come and visit!

Short and Sweet.

Leaving Swakop

2009-01-06T22:34:00.003+08:00

Well, I finally made it out of Swakopmund, unfortunately. I arrived in Windhoek this afternoon by minibus and am not impressed at all. No breeze and no ocean. But hey, at least there's a mall.

I met a German at the hostel and I'm sure something interesting will plan itself in the next few days. Not to mention the friends I met in Swakop who live in South Africa. Just can't wait to check out and move on.

Stuck in the Sand

2009-01-05T18:01:00.007+08:00

Well, according to what the "plan", I should have left Swakopmund 5 days ago. I was ready to leave this morning, but I keep meeting interesting people.

On the way back to the hotel I bumped into a bus driver who was interested in my day and made friendly conversation. I few minutes later I found myself invited to come watch the Under 18 Fistball World Championships. Turns out he was the driver of the Swiss team. I had no idea what Fistball was so I was up for the show. Imagine a form of Volleyball.

There were only a few teams in this fairly new sport; Austria, Brazil, Chile, Switzerland, Germany and Namibia.

Germany took the title for the men and Austria for the women.
Maybe I'll move on tomorrow.

Midnight

2009-01-02T18:21:00.004+08:00

Nothing like ringing in the New Year on a beach with hundreds of friends.

We didn't make any reservations for a place to stay on New Years and luck had it that the entire city was booked full. The day we spent sandboarding we asked around and the common answers were to head to Tiger Reef Beach Bar and find a place to sleep on the beach. Maybe even shower in the ocean.

Back in town we still looked around for a room and Lindsey found a nice flat, twice the price. Oh well.

We started off with a few roadie pops and made our way to the beach to take in the last sunset of 2008! This place, Swakopmund, a mouthful to say is really beautiful. Filled with Gemuetlichkeit and all.

We then made it to Tiger Reef and met a few local friends and kept the conversation flowing. It was a pretty easy to talk. About anything really. I don't remember how deep the conversation was, but it was a great night.

The beach was full of people. Tents, bottles and a huge pyramid of wood. After midnight it turned into the tallest flame I had seen. People shot their fireworks and celebrated a new year.

I will stay here just a few more days while Lindsey and Scott head south for more adventure.

Face Full of Sand

2009-01-01T20:26:00.002+08:00

Scott, Lindsey and I spent New Years Eve on the sand dunes just outside Swakopmund, Namibia sandboarding.

The dunes are a few hundred metres tall and you are equipped with a snowboard for sandboarding, boots and a helmet. Most of us had minimal experience, but that didn't matter. We were all getting a face full of sand.

We had to walk up the dune with board in hand and attempt to make it down on the board. The last run even included a jump. Intimidating, but fun!

Skeletons

2008-12-30T17:09:00.006+08:00

During our time in Livingstone we met a Canadian engineer working in Johannesburg. He was on vacation from Jo'burg and was heading to Namibia. He offered a ride and we gladly accepted. No more buses for now.

We left Livingstone with Scott heading to Namibia. We passed up through the Caprivi strip, lush and green. and a couple monkeys. We drove for a few hours up until dusk. Throughout the park they were treating prevent foot and mouth disease. We had to get out of the car as the sprayed around it and had us step onto to a disinfecting mat.

Now we needed to find a place to stay. Looking through the lonely planet we found a safari camp that was just off the main road and outside the park. Scott's little 2-wheel drive Peugot did well through the sandy terrain and we made it to Ngepi Lodge. We reserved a deck tent for N$225. The lodge is on the banks of the Kwando River with resident Hippos.

The next day we were off again just trying to get as far into Namibia as possible. Leaving the camp in the morning proved trickier than expected as the little Peugeot almost drowned itself in a puddle. Just an inch more and the water would have spilt over the floor of the car. With the help of some local kids and a 4x4 with tow rope, we managed to pull out the sinking car.

Soon after we were back on the road heading into Namibia. After 6 hours we were in a small town called Outjo. We check into a lovely Bed & Breakfast, Dan & Mari. The owner a friendly local and the rooms immaculate. We grilled up some wieners for dinner and finished a bottle of gin before gently hitting the mattress.

Next morning we were treated to a tasty breakfast, bacon, eggs and cereal. Its been a while.

Now we were headed to the Skeleton Coast near Torra Bay on the South Atlantic. I can almost see the Canadian shore on the other side. The landscape was slowly changing from green bush to rock sandstone, to simply sand. Two ostriches were kind enough to say hello. The drive took us right to the coast and salt roads and the little Peugeot made it all the way. No 4x4 needed. Amazing to see so much land with nothing on it. Just bare.

In Swakopmund we are staying at a small backpackers in hopes of finding a place for New Years Eve. Everything seems to be fully booked.

A New Swinging Adventure

2008-12-24T22:10:00.005+08:00

Today was one to keep my heart pounding. Lindsey and I were off for some adrenaline and Des went for a walking safari through the park.

We were picked up at the hostel at 0830 and stopped at another hotel to pick up some other adrenaline junkies. That said, two were under 14 years old. Shit. If they can do it so can I.

What the full day entailed is this; rappelling, abseiling, zip-lining and a gorge swing. All of this take place in a gorge 146m wide and 96m metres deep. We arrived on site and checked out the size of the gorge. We were promptly introduced to the Gorge Swing. The other clients we picked up only opted for the Gorge Swing so Linds and I watched as the each took turns jumping of the platform. If they can do it so can I. They're little kids.

First we rappelled down the side of the gorge. Pretty cook, but not too scary. Now at the bottom of the gorge we had the thrill of walking all the way back up. Only about 15 minutes, but I was sweating buckets. At the top again we took the zip line. We geared up and clipped in. After a running start we flew, one by one, across the gorge. Just like Superman.

Gorge Swing 101.
When swinging across the gorge keep your arms tucked in and of course, screaming comes naturally. 53 metres of free fall and then a giant swing into the open gorge. First forwards, just like taking a big step. And then a second time backwards, rolling into the void.

Livingstone and Victoria Falls

2008-12-24T03:36:00.009+08:00

Finally after five nights in Lusaka Des and I met Lindsey at the bus station. Thankfully, Linds was willing to keep on trucking to Livingstone after just traveling for 2 days straight. We picked up our bus tickets for 90000KW and left Lusaka for our 7 hour journey to Livingstone.

Zambia seems so different. A prayer on the bus and even cold beverages. Most roads were good and the ride went well. Even with a minor break down.

In Livingstone we checked into Jollyboys backpackers hostel. It has a private rooms, dorms, bar and swimming pool. Great place with great people.

The next day we went to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to take in the natural wonder Victoria Falls. We walked through the park and down into gorges taking in the sights. There is so much mist and no way of staying dry. Even now it has rained every day, seven days straight. The rainy season is well underway. During the dry season the river dries out and only the main falls are flowing over the edge.

Later in the afternoon we booked a walking trek over the falls to Livingstone Island. The trek entailed wailing over the top of the falls for a few hundred metres, over stones and through fast flowing water. Our group formed a chained as not to get swept over the falls. Unbelievable how close we managed to come to the edge of the falls. We even had the chance to sit on the edge with our legs dangling over. Crazy!

It took close to an hour to reach the island. Just past the island is a small natural pool directly on the edge of the falls. If you know what an infinity pool is, imagine one where the edge drops over one hundred metres. After swimming over the top of the falls we jumped into the pool and held onto the ledge. The water was strong and my feet were being pulled up by the current. Definitely a rush. Just feet from death.

After swimming back to the island we enjoyed some cold beers and began our chain walk back to base. If you can see my shoes imagine walking barefoot over rock. They still sting!

Nothing to See Here

2008-12-19T21:57:00.003+08:00

A short entry. There is nothing to see in Lusaka. We are waiting for Lindsey to meet us here on Sunday so we can go to Victoria Falls.

Everyone here speaks good English making it easy to get around. There are two shopping malls and otherwise nothing interesting except getting used to the inflated currency.

Which Way to the Border?

2008-12-18T21:22:00.000+08:00

I met up with Desmond in Morogoro and we, along with Lindsey, decided to head down to Victoria Falls and then into Malawi for the holidays.

We left at 0900 and caught the bus heading to Mbeya. Mind you the bus was to leave at 0800 and the ride was long and fairly unpleasant. It took us 9 hours to cover the distance, but the landscape was spectacular. The road took us up through mountains and green forests, some coniferous. Something similar to what you could find in Canada. But it rained in the bus again. Looks like we are heading into the rainy season.

Once in Mbeya we played everything by ear as we had no Lonely Planet to inform us of the best places to stay and on how to get to Lusaka, Zambia. My Tanzanian Visa was due to expire the next day meaning I had to leave the country. We checked out the bus station for information and discovered that the trek to Lusaka was no easy feat. Only one company goes to Lusaka and it leaves at 1600 from Mbeya for 60000Tsh. The bus has to spend 24 hours at the border of Zambia, an hour away from Mbeya, before it can get clearance to enter the country. That means sleeping on the bus. At 1600 the next day it leaves the border and arrives early the next morning in Lusaka. If my math is right, that would be a 40+ hour trip. We said we would be back in the morning after we talked it over. After some local Mishikaki, grilled skewered meat, we found a hotel and spent the night.

After a hot shower, WOOHOO!, we headed back to the bus station to figure out a way to get to Lusaka. The bus employees we spoke with in the morning still didn't have anything better to offer so we inquired about walking across the border. We talked about hiring a car or finding an alternate way to get to the border. Our taxi driver from the hotel offered us a ride for 100,000Tsh! Am I white or what? Desmond went out and asked around. With brilliance, and I guess common sense as locals would never take a 60000Tsh bus, he found a local minibus that would take us to the border for 4000Tsh. It would take two hours to reach the border instead of one, but we were saving considerably. We left the bus station with smiles having won the battle.

In the minibus, now at 1000 in the morning, we told the locals our story of being offered a 100000Tsh ride to the border and we joined in a round of laughs.

Two hours later at the border we had little trouble crossing, got our $50 visas and crossed into Zambia. Right away we found a bus going to Zambia for 150000 Zambian Kwacha. The current exchange is around US$1 to KW5000. We offered 40000Tsh (a little high as we had no other currency) and got two seats on the bus. Although we arrived in Zambia at around 1200 the bus was scheduled to leave at 1600. We grabbed some food and walked around the small border town proud of ourselves for having saved time and money!

At 1600 the bus was still there and we were sitting in our seats waiting to leave. 1630. 1700. 1730. I should be getting used to this...1800. 1830. 1900. 1930. Finally at 2000 we were off! However, we noticed more safety regulations and anti-corruption posters in Zambia than in Tanzania. The bus conductor even gave a short welcoming over the PA on the bus and had someone say a short prayer. I was hoping the roads were better in Zambia, but the need for a prayer may signal otherwise.

And we were off. And the roads were great. And the bus wasn't going to fast. Des and I shared a row of three seats with another Tanzanian. It was cramped and uncomfortable. However, a free seat opened up and Des decided to move.

We arrived in Lusaka at 1030 alive, hungry and in one piece. No where to stay. It was off to a bookstore for a Lonely Planet guide.

Overlooking Morogoro

2008-12-15T21:17:00.001+08:00

Back in Morogoro and I have moved in with Augustin, our former safari guide. He has given me a room in his house overlooking Morogoro. It has a great view and the constant breeze is welcomed. Definitely thankful to have a place to stay.

Over the holidays, I will meet up with Desmond, YCI staff from Zanzibar, and we will head down to Zambia and Malawi. Lindsey has work to finish, but she will meet us in Lusaka before we make our way to Victoria Falls.

But for right now being back in Morogoro is great. I little down time before some more dreaded bus trips.

I Wish I Could Fly

2008-12-14T23:37:00.006+08:00

Crossing back into Tanzania, we walked across border from Rwanda and took a taxi to the next village where we decided to stay overnight. Definitely interesting. We stayed in a small guest house for 3500Tsh. We ate rice and beans.

We purchased our bus tickets to Mwanza that evening. The bus was leaving at 600 so we made it a plan to head to bed early. Not that going to bed early was hard now. It was almost like a routine. 2100 was feeling like midnight.

That morning we waited in the cold for the bus to arrive. The "sales agent" who sold us the tickets was there too. When the bus came, it was full. No seats. Boy were we happy and did that guy ever get an earful.

It would be a long journey and every bus ride is a gamble with death. This trip was the deadliest of all. I thought I was going to die. No word of a lie. Bumps, rain pouring in the window, swerving. It was all in front of my eyes. My entire life in this bus drivers hands. I wish I could fly.

But we made it. Finally to Mwanza. This city is right on Lake Victoria. A beautiful place. Not much to do, but beautiful.

Carla would be flying out in two days back to Canada. I would be heading back to Morogoro...by bus...and staying with our safari guide. He is letting me stay with him until I figure out what to do next.

Flash of Reality

2008-12-13T18:00:00.004+08:00

We arrived midday in Kigali after an hour long bus trip over the border and through lush green hills of tea on winding roads. Everywhere so far has been nice and cold, especially the evenings. A good change from sweating everyday.

Our first stop in Kigali was the Hotel des Mille Collines. I'll let you do the research, but it was made famous during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 housing thousands of refugees.

We explored more of Kigali and found a great mall. Overall a wonderful first impression. Even the motorcycle taxis carry helmets for the passengers. A rare sight in Tanzania.

The next day we met another fellow Canadian who joined us on the way to the Kigali Memorial. The memorial looks new and the road leading up to it as well. Inside is the history and details of the horrific event that took place in 1994 along Outside, mass graves surround the building. The hardest part of it was to walk through a separate wing of the memorial dedicate to children who lost their lives. It described their favourite foods, their personality and then...how they died - by machete. It was very hard to walk through and see all the tiny faces, the last pictures that relatives had of these kids.

Tenting at Lake Bunyoni

2008-12-13T17:35:00.004+08:00

Once we made it to Kabale, Uganda, we took a short cab ride out to Lake Bunyoni. As always, cab drivers are most willing to take you anywhere. We hired a cab that would take us up to the lake.

As we made our way over the hills, the car gave out. It stopped. We looked at each other. The driver tells us no worries. He tries to drive up the hill again. Nope. So we hop out and we start to push. Nope. This was starting to get hilarious. He popped the hood, started unscrewing the spark plugs and takes a good look at them. He then turns to us and says, "Its the spark plugs." He then pulls off the hose feeding the engine with gasoline and gives each spark plug a good bath in the stuff. He screws them back in, connects the petrol line and then tries the engine. It starts, but only crawls up the hill. We walk behind for a bit. Then the car picks up speed and takes off up the hill out of sight. We look at each other, again.

Now we are stuck walking up a hill, laughing out of complete surprise. We hale down the next car that turns out to be a 4WD. In it, 3 men on their way to the lake as well. We hop in and we tell them our story. Once up the hill we see our cab. We ask to stop and proceed to unload the cab with our things and take the 4WD to the lake. But the cab driver still wants his full share of the fare. No way. He gets a good piece of it though.

Back in the 4WD we find out that the front passenger is from Cameroon and is having a conference at a resort on the Lake. The passenger sitting next to us is the resort manager. We think we've struck gold. We even get to use our French. They take us to the resort and invite us to stay. We ask the price and find out its the same for everyone with no discount or any chance of bargaining. However, the location is beautiful and the room is a tent on stilts overlooking the lake. It comes with two beds and a telephone. To keep the cost down we decide to keep one of us on the floor.

Just as we checked in our cab driver friend shows up and says, "You forgot this." He's holding Lindsey's sleeping bag. Now he wants all of his fare. After some discussion we end up giving it to him. Such dedication.

The lake is beautiful and well worth the visit. There are so many birds. I spent one morning sitting on the porch overlooking the lake and watching hundreds of birds.

We met some friends from South Africa on holiday and sat by the fire to chat. Carla and Lindsey headed out for some canoeing the next day after we all got caught in a down pour. Soaked to the bones.

Our next stop was to be Kigali, Rwanda two days later.

Highway to Hell

2008-12-13T16:09:00.005+08:00

Now that I've moved out of my home stay and projects have finished, Carla, Lindsey and I decided to take a little road trip that would take us through East Africa and around Lake Victoria.

We all met up in Dar at the YWCA before starting our trip. While we were checking in we met an amazing couple from Australia and New Zealand. They had been traveling the world by motorcycle for 2 years. The had so many stories to tell. One story involved the removal of an appendix. Either way the amazing stories eclipsed any scary tales. The couple had one country that kept finding its way into our conversation; Iran. They couldn't say enough about it. All of it positive and exciting to hear. Friendly people filled their stories. How people would welcome you and want to sit with you for hours and discuss your travels, your politics and views on life. They would then discuss and share their tales as well. Now it has been ingrained in my mind as a future destination.

We left for Kampala, Uganda early the next morning with Kampala Coach. The scheduled travel time...27 hours! Can you believe it? I would be in a speeding tin box for over a day. This is what its all about. The bus stopped at a service station for food and we were able to relieve ourselves there or on the side of the road, which is the norm. Men to one side and women to the other.

We crossed through the Kenyan border with ease, although with a little confusion. Let me lay out the game plan: The bus pulls up to the border. The conductor of the bus (he checks tickets and assists the driver) tells everyone to get off the bus and go to customs. He says, "10 minutes!" So we hop off the bus and go to the customs counter. We are directed to fill out a form, but it says "Tanzania." Aren't we in Kenya? This is only the departure form for Tanzania. We fill it out, get a stamp and walk across the border through two gates. Finally on the Kenyan side we pay for our Visas, $20 transit, and make our way back on the bus. And if you want to change your money, there are always a handful of locals at your disposal. Fairly simple after you know what to expect.

We continued on our leg through Kenya and into Nairobi. From what I was told, Nairobi looked like a lively metropolis. Bright lights and tall buildings. Too bad I was asleep. We unloaded and picked up some passengers before making our way into Uganda.

We crossed the Ugandan border at sunrise. By 1100 we were in Kampala. Tired, hungry and glad to still be alive.

We stayed at a backpackers hostel in Kampala. Nice place, but expensive food compared to local meals. I explored the city that evening and even managed to fend off a pickpocket after leaving the ATM. We had planned to go on a 2-day white water rafting trip the next day, but half of the group we were going with cancelled. So instead, 1 day.

We rafted with Adrift, based out of Jinja. They picked us up early the next day and we headed to some hotels to pick up other rafters.

At the Adrift camp we met our team of rafters and our guides. Our guide, Josh was Canadian and works here for 6 months to raft. Our raft included three Italian brothers on holiday. Great guys.

The trip lasted all day, lunch to break up the day, and included some wicked rafting at the source of the Nile. Class 3, 4 and 5 rapids enough to scare the shit out of you. Even a 15 foot waterfall. Backwards! An awesome time.

We spent a total of 5 days in Kampala exploring the city and visiting the Kasubi Tombs of the Buganda People, recognized as a World Heritage Site.

From Kampala we would head to Lake Bunyoni near the Rwandan border for a few nights before making our way to Kigali, Rwanda.

Up and Up

2008-11-28T16:53:00.006+08:00

I finally had the chance to climb to the top of the Uluguru Mountains. Every day I've been looking up wondering what the view is like from there.

Close to the beginning of the project, we all attempted to hike up to an abandoned weekend retreat in the Uluguru Mountains known as Morningside. Morningside lies halfway from the top at 1000m metres. We made it close, but ran out of water forcing us to turn around. We were all tired and headed back down to town.

This time, I was joined by Katherine, who was a volunteer with YCI in Zanzibar, her boyfriend Joel, Habibu, Sebi and Frankie. Habibu and Frankie both help out at the Kilakala Youth Centre. Both have been to the top before and could guide us safely.

We met up just outside town at 0700 with plenty of water, fruits and bread to keep us going throughout the day. I wasn't going to risk my chance getting to the top. The day was overcast and not as hot as usual.

The beginning of the hike takes you through farmland and small villages. Most of the farmland, which once was dense forest, are crops of maize, cassava and beans. Following the path up through the villages you notice how red the soil is. Over time, the soil has eroded exposing tree roots and making some parts of the trail tricky to navigate. That said, we were continually passed by local villagers wearing flip-flops carrying water or other heavy goods on their heads.

Further up, the crops change to bananas, peas, beans, cabbage and onions. The mountainside has been clear cut of trees and cut into a large set of stairs allowing for cultivation. More than two-thirds of the mountain's forest have been replaced with farmland.

We reached Morningside after 4 hours. The last part of the trail up to Morningside had many beautiful flowers and with it butterflies. The view back through the mountains overlooking Morogoro is amazing. We had lunch here and bought some carrots and a "permit" to climb the mountain.

Katherine, Joel and Sebi headed back down while the rest of us would trek on to the top of Bondwe Peak. After leaving Morningside, we took a steep path through more farmland using all four limbs before reaching an abandoned guard post an hour later. We signed our names on the wall inside along with those of previous visitors. Just past the guard post is where the real forest begins. Along both slopes, eucalyptus trees are planted to mark the edge of the forest reserve. However, the demand for farmland, fuel wood and building materials means that the boundaries are often ignored.

Once in the forest, I imagined I was in the Jungle Book. Huge trees, thick bush and ferns everywhere. Butterflies fluttering past me, monkeys chatting and birds calling with songs made it surreal. The hike was not easy by any means, but walking through this enchanted wilderness was breathtaking.

And even in such a beautiful place, with limited means of access, signs of humans are easily found. Garbage, especially plastic bottles, are left on the ground and not packed out. Garbage in town is handled in much the same way. Just toss it. Even though I made it a point to pick up what I could, Habibu didn't think twice about chucking his plastic waste into the forest. I tried to question him and encourage him to pack it out, but when it happened again I gave up.

Nearing the top and three hours later, the path widens and opens up to a beautiful vista at the peak, Bondwe peak. On top, you can see everything. Even though it was overcast, we could still see far enough to enjoy our accomplishment. We watched clouds pass us as they pushed their way over the mountain.

Bondwe peak is home to a communication tower feeding signals for television, radio and telephone. Two staff were present and showed us around the inside of the control room. Apparently they stay for one week and are then relieved by two new staff who also have to trek up the mountain.

We took a rest and I changed by shirt. It was soaked. It could have been pulled straight out of the wash. I wrung out my shirt and I swear, no joke, no exaggeration, I was able to wring out enough sweat to fill a pint glass half full.

For a snack, banana spread on bread and then a nap.

After a half hour on top we headed back down. First out of the forest and then back down through farmland and into town. My legs were tired and I have never been so excited for rice and beans.

Chamwino Gets a New Coat

2008-11-26T21:33:00.004+08:00

This morning Carla, Lindsey, Lonny and I headed to Chamwino to continue our programming we started back in October. Lonny ran his computer classes with the help of Kilakala local Barisa which had his sign up sheet filled within minutes, while Carla and I held an English class in the beautiful new school, fresh paint and all.

This is going to be a great asset to the next phase of volunteers, the community and the local youth.

Debrief in Dar

2008-11-26T20:54:00.004+08:00

Phase 14 has come to an end. Time to go. At least for most of us.

We spent our debrief in Dar Es Salaam to discuss successes, failures and future goals. Jessica and Lindsey ended our two month phase with great activities. Not to mention we spent those hours debriefing in a real Subway restaurant.

We stayed at the local Y.W.C.A. arriving on Sunday afternoon. After arriving we strolled the streets, sipped coffee and browsed a local bookstore. That evening we went out to the Slipway where you can eat almost any type of food. Everything from pizza to sushi to curry. It felt like a lively city with people, restaurants, bars, a mall and entertainment.

The next morning we saw off Julia who was taking a bus to Moshi. She is planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and will, no doubt, have great stories to tell. It was sad to see her go not knowing when I'll see her again.

So the entire day was spent with the foursome left and we wandered around Dar, checked out a local art museum, the National Museum and played checkers with local fisherman. The National Museum displayed the history of the now Republic of Tanzania. It contained local artifacts, natural sciences and the history of rulers and slavery through the times.

After the museum we walked down to the Ocean in search of food. We were looking for rice and beans, but instead found a small stand selling mishkaki, basically grilled skewered meat. Its delicious. We only had a few skewered, but the "chef" was a wonderfully intelligent man. He spoke fluent English and French. We've never met a local like this before. He sat with us and his conversations were entertaining.

After mishkaki, we followed the beach down to where fisherman were cleaning their boats and enjoying each others company. We were still looking for rice and beans and this is where we found it. A group of women were selling the dish to the local fisherman. We couldn't resist. We asked, we were served, we eat on the floor, we swallowed whole mouthfuls and we paid 800TSH for a bowl of the gold. We definitely got a few laughs, but damn worth it. Having been in Morogoro and speaking Swahili was a plus. Afterwards Lonny and I played checkers with the local fisherman who used water bottle caps as checker pieces. I played first. Dark blue versus light blue. I lost. Lonny played. He lost. We left.That evening, back at the YWCA we had to take the rest of the Zanzibar team and our Katie to the airport. We all piled into a rented daladala and headed out. We saw Katie off, smiling and waving, laughing when she walked through the metal detector and it went off and feeling a little sad. Another one gone. Now, only the three amigos are left standing together heading back to Morogoro, Lonny, Carla and me.

Tick Tock

2008-11-20T15:35:00.006+08:00

These past few days have been busy with composing final reports and making sure to get enough time in with everyone we met before heading back home. The past 8 weeks have been the fastest of my life. In the time those weeks have flashed by I made new friends, traveled to beautiful places and learned more about myself and the world around me.

Last minute projects are finally coming together and I hope to have them finished before I leave. Last week Lonny and I finished writing CVs in our boys club and rumour has it that one member already has a job offer. Carla and I run an English class out of the youth centre and this phase saw 4 new women join. They have shown up regularly over the past month showing their commitment to learn. That in turn motivates us to provide the most practical and beneficial lessons with the intention of bringing them back class after class. Consistent attendance can measure success.

Lonny and I live with a generous and loving host family. We wanted to thank them and show them that their hospitality was greatly appreciated. We picked up some school books for Ash and Robert and made a photo collage for the family that is now hanging in the living room. No doubt I will miss them.

Not only am I leaving my friends in Tanzania, but also my colleagues with whom I've made life-long friendships with. They have given me support, provided moments of uncontrollable laughter and challenged me to be who I am. They will be the only ones who can truly appreciate these stories and tie them to a moment in their life.

I do miss home and all the amenities that come with it. Using a bucket to shower is fine, its the Wiener Schnitzel and potato salad I miss the most.

The Island of Zanzibar

2008-11-12T17:33:00.008+08:00

We finally decided to make a getaway to Zanzibar for the weekend.

We left early Friday morning at 0600 to catch the first bus out of Morogoro headed to Dar Es Salaam. At the bus station we managed to find a bus half full and only had to wait 15 or 20 minutes before leaving just after 0700.

In Dar we took a 20 minute cab ride to the harbour. There were so many cab drivers looking for customers. The starting price was 20,000Tsh! We were told no more than 10,000Tsh so we laughed and waited for a driver to come down to the fair price. We loaded the cab, with harassment and left the bus station. We arrived at the harbour at 0930.

At the harbour we had to buy our tickets for the ferry. There are many boats and everyone wants to sell to you. We went inside one ticket office and handed over our passports for the sales rep to copy our names. Before leaving, Jess and Linds told us that fares would be around 35-40,000Tsh. The price we given was 60,000Tsh. So we grabbed our passports and walked out of the office. Apparently, we needed residence permits to buy the tickets at the lower price. A few minutes later the same sales rep approaches us and tells us that his manager has found us a solution. We meet with his manager who apparently was able to "find" seats for us for 40,000Tsh and even "upgraded" us to first class for "free."

The ferry was double hulled like a "cat" and took about 2 hours to cross to Zanzibar. The ferry itself was in good shape and we had no problems crossing. We even meet 4 Norwegian girls spending 5 weeks working at the hospital in Zanzibar.

Once we reached the island we were required to show our passports again and fill in immigration paperwork. Although Zanzibar and Tanzania now make up the United Republic of Tanzania, Zanzibar still acts as though it were separate. My passport now has one more stamp.

The buildings in Stonetown are old and they make up a labyrinth throughout the town. Getting to our Inn with the help of the Zanzi volunteers proved helpful. We definitely would have lost our way. After settling into our rooms we headed out to see the nightlife in Stonetown.

We made our way through the town and in and out of markets. It is a totally different feel than Morogoro, tourists everywhere. Be prepared to be offered all sorts of T-shirts and CDs. In a small street we found stands laden with fish and meat. All was ready to be grilled in front of you. There was even a man grilling pizzas. It was delicious.

We spent Saturday in Page, and hour by daladala, at a quiet beach enjoying the rolling surf and mesmerizing colours of the Indian Ocean. The water salty and warm.

That evening we were invited to a feast at the volunteers host family house. There were 14 of us in total and the food was amazing. There was Pilau (rice and potatoes with spices), sugar cane noodles, fresh vegetables, fresh bread and other amazing foods that I don't know the name to.

Sunday was one of the greatest days. We booked a trip with Safari Blue, a trip over the Indian Ocean. We took a taxi down to Fumba where the trip left from. We boarded into wooden sailboats known as Dhows. These were rigged with an outboard motor that would get us to the sandbar for the first leg of the trip. On the way to the sandbar we saw 5 dolphins.

After making it to the sandbar, we grabbed some fresh pineapple and our snorkeling gear before heading out to snorkel. Back on the boat, we travelled around an island to a wonderful reef with many fish. We geared up and jumped into the water snorkeling with all sorts of fish. It was a great experience.

Later we headed into a mangrove lagoon to relax and swim for a bit.

After the lagoon we went to a larger island where we were treated to traditional music and dance along with some amazing seafood; local fish, lobster, rice, coconut tomato sauce and a sample of local fruit.

We spent the rest of the afternoon eating, exploring and swimming in the ocean.

When we were ready to leave we boarded our dhow, raised the sail, and skimmed our way back to mainland in the wind.

The day ended at a fantastic Italian restaurant with pasta and pizza.

Sumaye Secondary School Performance

2008-11-06T17:21:00.006+08:00

Today we gave a presentation at Sumaye Secondary School with the help of the drama group and Marko.

The drama group preformed short comedies with HIV/AIDS messages that were well received by the youth.

Other activities included "Crossing the Bridge", "True and False", "Women and HIV", "HIV Spread and Condom Use" and a question and answer period.

The presentation lasted 2 hours and provided excellent information for the 250 youth.

A Sign?

2008-11-06T17:00:00.002+08:00

The last two days have been ones of shock.

Yesterday I was doing some work on a laptop in my room. We have a power bar in the room that allows for all plug configurations because the laptop has a North American plug. Plugs here are the same as the UK. I unpacked the laptop and the power adaptor for the laptop. While the adaptor wasn't connected to the laptop I plugged it into the live power bar. Then I grabbed the other end that plugs into the laptop.

ZZZZZZZZZZAP!!! "WOAH!"

My right arm flew into the air and I couldn't control it. My entire right side from my shoulders to my hips tingled with a surge of electricity. Definitely a new experience.

I finished my work on the laptop and closed the computer.

ZZZZZZZZZZAP!!! "Wwwhat the hell!"

Again. This time with less surprise, but with just as much tingling.

Later that day I came home during the hottest part of the day to take nap. It gets warm under a tin roof so I decided to turn on the fan. The fan has a European plug. It is also plugged into the power bar. This time no shock.

A few minutes later I can smell smoke and look at the clock. It's around lunch time and I figured it was Mama cooking lunch. This time it wasn't food smoking. I turned to look at the fan. The fan had overheated and burst into flames. I grabbed the fan, pulled out the plug and run it outside. Walking back to the room I can see a haze of smoke.

What a day. Bad luck or was my life in jeopardy?

I Have a Name

2008-11-04T15:25:00.008+08:00

Walking into town on most if not every day will spark conversation.

The children in the Kilakala, or at least near the house where I live, will greet me by name and ask where I am going. Some will greet me with "Shikamoo", a greeting out of respect, and I will answer "Marahaba", meaning "I thank you for your respect." However, as soon as I walk out any further things change.

People are always outside on their porches or in front of their houses making mats, selling vegetables or charcoal. The older children attending classes at school, but the younger kids are staring at me walking past them. And the greetings I or any other volunteer get isn't "Shikamoo", but "Mzungu!", "White Person!". I don't believe it be hurtful or disrespectful, but just a word that has been used to describe foreigners. So I take it in stride with a smile. And another smile and another because this doesn't just happen once or twice, but everyday. So you can imagine me walking down the same street passing those same four, five and six-year-olds children and getting bombarded with "Mzungu!" Things changed today. The first "Mzungu!" I hear walking into town came from the same kids I saw yesterday. So I walk over to their porch where the kids are sitting along with a few Mamas and maybe a Bibi (grandmother), and I greet the elders, "Shikamoo."

Then I look into the little children's eyes and ask, "Jina lako nani?", "What is your name?"

"Nema," said the little girl.

"Mimi, naitwa Quinten. Sawa?" "Me, my name is Quinten. OK?"

No Response. So I repeat my name hoping they get the point and then ask how things are, "Mambo vipi?" To which all the kids respond, "Poa!", "Cool". Two down, and many more to go.

I leave that house and turn down the road towards the market.

"Mzungu!" Damn it!

The main road into town is paved and busy with cars, trucks, bicycles and motorcycles of which half probably don't have a driver's license and those that do have one need more practice behind the wheel. Instead I take the back road into town.

This quieter road passes by an old cemetery marked with wooden crosses, each boxed in with a rectangular cement border. Next to the cemetery is the local soccer field. The posts are coconut tree trunks and the crossbars made of bamboo, nailed to each wooden post.

Leaving the soccer field behind, I cross a cement bridge over a small river and into the Kilakala market. There are shops selling bananas, coconuts, potatoes and other vegetables. Shops with fried whole fish, shops with hanging chunks of meat in the doorway and even a small music shop with CDs. There are bars to sit and have a cold beer or soda.

Even here the soft drink giants have a market. Coco-Cola and Pepsi ads are everywhere. Where ever a free space is available I only see Tanzanian Telecom ads. These are also the only ads on TV and I have quickly memorized their tag lines.

"Zain. A Wonderful World."
"Vodacom. Pajoma Daima."
"Tigo. Express Yourself!"

Still walking along the dirt road, I pass through the market and behind the local prison. Prisoners in orange jumpsuits are busy sweeping the earth and gathering garbage under the "watchful eye" of the guards busy playing a game of guards. A fence with holes separates inmates from the "Mzungu."

Still further I pass by a school for the hearing impaired. I usually see them playing soccer in the adjacent field in the afternoon and was invited to join in a game yesterday.

Past the school for the hearing impaired is a primary government school. During the morning many people sell candies, nuts and home-made freezies along this road. It shouldn't be surprising that school children in their blue and white school uniforms form swarms around the vendors like bees around a hive.

Hoping that all the kids are distracted, I take my chance walking through the swarm to get to town. Everything goes smoothly.

"Good morning."

"Good morning," I reply.

No matter what time of day, its always "Good morning." Must come from greeting the teacher at school. What follows is the only other English they know, "How are you?" Now imagine hundreds of school children repeatedly asking how I'm doing. By the time the last kid asks me I'm not doing so well anymore. The same happens back in Kilakala. Children using the only English they know.

After the sea of blue and white I walk past not one, but two coffin makers. Eerie to say the least. Although better here than right next to the cemetery.

Before town is the Tanzanian Ministry of Finance and the courthouse.

I make it into town in under 30 minutes and the mountains are always a beautiful backdrop.

Let's hope that the walk back home is just as exciting! Even though the anti-malarial "Apo-Mefloquine" is providing enough excitement in my dreams already.

A look into Life at "Home"

2008-11-03T21:41:00.006+08:00

Yanga Vs Morogoro Police

2008-11-03T21:37:00.003+08:00

This Saturday we watched a local soccer game at Jamhuri Stadium. The match featured one of the top teams in Tanzania, Yanga, from Dar Es Salaam.

Entrance was 3,000Tsh and it was busy. Their were vendors selling sugar cane, ice cream and of course, cold water.

Some calls were questionable, but with so many police around with batons, no one put up too much of a fight. The match ended 0-0.

Ushujaa kwa Uhai

2008-11-01T20:30:00.003+08:00

This week we held our first "Ushujaa kwa Uhai" in Chamwino. Our audience was estimated at 500. Definitley a huge turnout.We set up a tent and hired a local DJ and invited local youth to show off their talent. Local artists were showcased to kick off afternoon. Some performances included the local youth singing, dancing and rapping.The local Morogoro school's Girls' Club was invited to preform a traditional dance with drummers.

The Spin Off

2008-11-01T20:25:00.001+08:00

Baba and I having a soccer ball spin off.

New Program in Chamwino

2008-10-29T14:56:00.005+08:00

Youth Challenge International partners with local organizations with similar missions and values. In Morogoro we work together with Faraja Trust Fund. Faraja is resposible for building the community centres and schools where our programs take place.

This month we started a new program in Chamwino. Chamwino is in the outskirts of town and sometimes referred to as the "slums". The school is still under construction, but there are four walls and a roof, and the locals are excited to start participating. They are so excited that we started programming sooner than expected. Our first classes started 3 weeks ago and we have been returning every week. We are now up to 2 days per week. The classes include basic computer skills, english lessons, HIV/AIDS information, condom demonstrations, gender issues and much more. So far the turnout has been overwhelming and the ratio of female to male participants better than expected.

The school is slowly nearing completion. Knowing that we have this much interest even without a finished school is very exciting.

We will be hosting the first "Ushujaa kwa Uhai" (Courage for Life) talent night in Chamwino this Friday, October 31st with or without pumpkins.

Chapati, Mandazi and Rice!

2008-10-26T17:11:00.004+08:00

Baba and Mama invited the girls over for dinner today. It was going to be a feast. Lonny and I said we would help out with the groceries and the cooking.

Lonny and Baba spent that morning in town at the market. They picked up flour, oil, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, peas, beans, rice, pineapple, coconut, meat, spinach, and bananas.

I spent the morning in the kitchen making mandazi. Mandazi is a fried pastry similar to donuts. Mama uses coconut as her special ingredient. So, first things first...crack open the coconut. A few hard whacks with a metal rod and it cracks. I get to try the coconut milk. I scrap out the coconut meat with a crazy contraption that has a serrated blade at one end. Definitely hard, manual labour. So three coconuts later and we start making the dough; flour, yeast and rinsed coconut. The water we rinsed the coconut with was also added. We then made small balls with the dough and fried them in hot oil.

Lonny and Baba made Cinnamon Buns. Yup!

We spent most of the day cooking for dinner making sure the ladies had the best of the best. First course was rice, beans, beef stew and peas with a tomato, cucumber and onion salad. Second was Mandazi, Cinnamon Buns and Chapati served with hot Chai. Third was sweet pineapple.

Even though the power has been out for about 3 days we had an awesome candlelit dinner!

Also, the rain has arrived. Mud and the hazardous walk without falling is a daily routine now. At least it has cooled down with the clouds hiding the sun.

A Smile Speaks Louder than Words

2008-10-25T16:55:00.003+08:00

Some of our work involves Home Based Care (HBC) for people living with HIV. We visit with local families and provide them with some basic essentials.

Today, HBC hosted a play day for all the families to enjoy. There were over 100 people, including young and old. Julia and Lonny prepared most of the activities that day which included colouring books, ring toss, bowling and the infamous rain game. They also enjoyed some rice, beans and bananas. Philip and Florian, two German volunteers with Faraja even had the kids making their own crowns. At the end of the day HBC handed out soap, cooking oil, rice and flour along with 2,000Tsh for each family.

The entire day was very heartwarming even though at times it was hard to hold back tears. Watching these children having fun and smiling is what this is all about.

Mikumi National Park

2008-10-21T14:47:00.006+08:00

An African Safari was on my "to-do list." We booked a day safari with Augustine, a friend of Lindsey and Jessica's. He just started his own Safari company and is an avid hunter. He is also married to a Canadian, meaning his English is fluent.

We met up with Augustine at 0500 in order to make it to the park at sunrise. Much the same as a National Park in Canada, wildlife hang around at the road side. Only here the animals are baboons, giraffes and zebras.

Some of the wildlife we saw include buffalo, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and lions. The lions were the highlight of the trip as we found a lion and lioness mating. Truly unbelievable to see these creatures in the wild.

Even as a National Park, poaching within the park is still an easy income for locals. Poaching was evident during our safari. We saw one elephant with a torn trunk, mostly likely from a snare as well as a buffalo with a snare around its neck.

After our safari we stopped in the town of Mikumi to grab a quick bite to eat and to check out a snake farm. Not much to say about feeling safe surrounded by poisonous snakes in make shift cages. Those include the black and green mamba as well as Egyptian cobra. The snake farm also had five resident crocodiles. One of which was small enough to hold.

This entire day was phenomenal. Up close and personal with Africa.

Life in Morogoro

2008-10-17T14:30:00.001+08:00

So what is it that I do here? Let me tell you.

Most of my time is spent at the local youth centre in an area of Morogoro called Kilakala. The youth centre has a few tiny rooms and a covered concrete slab in the back. Youth come here during the day to hang out. Later in the day we run our programs ranging from English, Youth Leadership, Debates, HIV/AIDS, etc.

This past Friday, we hosted a talent night known as "Ushujaa kwa Uhai." We try to encourage youth to preform songs, dances and rap. Between the acts we incorporate messages revolving HIV/AIDS myths or gender issues.Outside of programming, life is very different. Meals, for example, are served much later than back home. Lunch, chakula cha mchana, is served around 1400 and dinner, chakula cha jioni, around 2100. However, time is also up for debate. There is no structure to punctuality in Tanzania. A program that is scheduled to start at noon may not start until half past. Time is very fluid. That said, the day starts at "Hour 1", or 0700. The Swahili clock start at sunrise, runs 12 hours and then ends at sunset. So 1200 noon in Swahili is actually "Hour 6". It can get very confusing quickly.

So after dinner, people mingle for a bit and then go to bed. Music might still be playing or the TV still running, but just something you have to get used to. Its always noisy. Then in the morning around 0600 the music starts up again and good luck trying to sleep.

Maasai Market

2008-10-15T15:19:00.004+08:00

Lindsey and Jessica had tipped us off that there was a Maasai Market taking place just outside Morogoro. The market was on Saturday near Dumila, about an hour ride by Daladala.

That morning Julia, Carla, Katie and I arrived at the Daladala station at 0830. We were nearly the first ones to board. Like I mentioned earlier, the bus won't leave until its full. We waited and waited. One guy was collecting fares and told us it was 3,500Tsh each. So we paid. Later we found out that it was actually only 3,000Tsh. Carla gave him a hard time and made sure he knew that we knew we paid too much. The four of us sat at the back and waited.

1000. Still waiting. People coming up to the windows selling ties, handkerchiefs, water, oranges and what not. We all just wanted to go.

1100. Bus is half full. We start talking about getting off the bus and trying to go again in two weeks. We agree that at 1300 we would walk off the bus.

1230. Bus is full and we think we're OK to go. One passenger keeps walking to the back and squeezes himself between the four of us to find a seat. Let's go already!

1245 and we're off! Any longer and we would have hopped off.

So we sat squeezed in the back seat, tired and hot. Carla made friends with a gentleman in front of her who knew some English. They chatted about politics, religion, I think almost everything. He helped us find our stop and the Maasai Market.

After thanking the man for his help, we saw what we came for. There was a market set up across from the bus stop where Maasai were trading cattle and selling material and jewelry. The Maasai still wear their traditional garments and stretched earlobes, but we found many with ball caps and cell phones. A sign of changing times. We walked around the market and as the only white people there, we were greeted and offered items to purchase without hesitation.

Near the back of the market we found butchered meat, hanging from trees. From what we saw mostly cow, goat and pig. Further up from the meat were tiny huts that covered log burning fires. The meat was skewered and then placed vertically in the ground next to the fire allowing it to cook.

We found a vacant hut with a table and chairs and as it was getting hot in the afternoon, we sat down with some cold drinks, salted skewered meat and bananas. It was all delicious. We didn't move until it was time to find a ride home.

We made our way to the road to catch another Daladala back to town. As soon as we asked, "Which one goes to Morogoro?", Julia's arm was grabbed by four men pulling her in four opposite directions, each to their bus. Talk about supply and demand. The four of us had to hurry and find the cheapest ride back. We ended up paying 10,000Tsh for the four of us and squeezing into the last space on one of the buses. Funny to say the least.

On the ride back we had a flat tire. Yeehaa! So we all got off the bus and waited for the spare to be installed. Along the road, a few Maasai children were watching. Katie and I made our way closer to the children and they slowly backed away. I pulled out my camera and they seemed startled. I managed to take a quick picture and was able to show it to them. They loved seeing themselves. I asked for another picture and Katie was able to get a shot with the kids.
We made it back home, excited from what we had just experienced.

Uluguru Mountains

2008-10-11T16:54:00.004+08:00

We made friends with a few locals, Baisa and Andrew, who offered to show us up the mountain. We thought they knew the way up, but apparently they had to stop and ask for directions. This hike would take us halfway up the mountain to an old hotel known as Morning Side.

There are little villages and small crops planted on the hillside. There are banana trees, cabbage patches, and a variety of vegetables. There are also one-of-a-kind species that live in this habitat that are found no where else in the world. I haven't yet learned what they are.Nearing the top we were almost out of water. As soon as we saw Morning Side, we decided that it was too hot to go any further and we made a small picnic lunch of peanut butter sandwiches. Yum!
The Ulugurus rise to 2,630 metres at its highest point. That will be my next challenge.

Here We Come & They Know It

2008-10-10T15:33:00.002+08:00

Like I said earlier, its hot. I had to change shirts after leaving the airport in Dar Es Salaam.

First let me introduce to you my fellow companions, Lonny, Julia, Carla and Katie. I'll have to give a quick bio later.

Lindsey and Jessica arranged for a Taxi to take us from the Airport to the Bus Terminal. All seven of us hopped into an old minivan with the driver sitting at the wheel on the right side. In Tanzania, you drive on the left. No seat belts, no traffic lights and certainly no stopping for pedestrians. The short ride to the bus terminal took us through the industrial part of Dar. Just dirty.

At the bus terminal we were told not to get out of the taxi until Jessica had purchased bus tickets for us. Just sitting in the taxi brought dozens of local men to the windows asking to porter our bags or sell us water, snacks, anything. As soon as Jessica came back we were able to park the taxi close enough to the bus to avoid any further hustling. Still, hands grabbed at bags and at the opportunity to make an extra buck. We managed to throw our own bags under the bus and then boarded.

Buses, like the one we were on and Daladalas, small buses, wait until they sell every seat until they leave. In the case of Daladalas, every last breathable space. So we sat, waiting and sweating, before leaving for Morogoro.

The 3-hour bus ride found most of us passed out from the long journey.

In Morogoro, we checked into a small guest house. These first few days were spent at Lindsey and Jessica's to learn more about our programs and about life in Tanzania. They showed us around town and a small place known as Coffee Corner. On a busy corner in town, a young man sets up a few benches and make shift table and two charcoal stoves to boil water. He offers ginger tea and coffee. In the evenings we mingled with locals attempted to understand their arguments about the local soccer teams, Yanga and Simba.

At the end of the week we moved in with our host families. The houses are located in Kilakala, an area of Morogoro. Only the main roads are paved and the rest are filled with holes and washed out from the rainy season. Lonny and I live at the bottom of the hill with Baba John, Mama Ashiraf, Robert (14) and Ashiraf (7). The house has a cement floor and a tin roof, no ceiling. There is living room with T.V., our bedroom, Mama and Baba's bedroom, Robert and Ashiraf's room which doubles as a kitchen, a room with squat toilet and then the bucket shower room. The roof itself has three family under it. And without a ceiling you can technically climb over the walls a peek at the neighbour's dinner table.

Julia, Carla and Katie live a few minutes up the hill. They share one room and also one bed. No one opted for the floor in fear of cockroaches. The live with three Mamas. Their squatter is outside as is the shower stall. Outside their house is a small courtyard with a pool table. It is always busy at their place.

We had the weekend to settle into our new homes before our programs began on Monday.

That's Interesting!

2008-10-05T21:55:00.002+08:00

It's been close to one week in Morogoro so let me fill you in.

The entire trek was 3 days. We left Toronto International at 2300 off to Amsterdam. In total there were 14 of us heading in the same direction. Our first flight went smoothly arriving 6 hours later in Amsterdam's Shipol Airport. We decided to take advantage of our 8 hour layover and explore Amsterdam. We said our goodbyes to those heading to Ghana.

From the Airport we took a short 10-minute train ride into the city. As soon as we arrived we noticed how many bicycles and bicycle locks there were. They were everywhere. We strolled around and found Amsterdam to be a beautiful old city criss-crossed with canals. Definitely worth a revisit in the future.

After killing enough time, we boarded our 8-hour flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Everyone was tired and was hoping to catch some sleep. I did manage to sleep, but not nearly enough. So far all my meals consisted of in-flight food. I welcomed it only because I had no idea when my next real feast would be.

Another smooth flight and landing, now we were in Nairobi. But there has to be a hick-up somewhere. Any time now. And it happened in Nairobi. Carla left her passport in the seat pocket
in front of her. She noticed right after we left the gate. Our connecting flight left in less than 1 hour and was already boarding. Carla talked to Airline staff and security to get the damn thing back as fast as possible. Some of us boarded while others stalled the flight for as long as possible. Nearly 20 minutes later, Carla comes running back, passport in hand with us all laughing and anxious to board. We passed through security and left the gate to head onto the tarmac. We even managed to board a flight to Entebbe before we noticed we were on the wrong plane.

The 1-hour flight from Nairobi to Dar Es Salaam took us right over Africa's highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro.

After arriving in Tanzania, and managing only to succeed in getting a visitors Visa and not a Working Visa, we were greeted by Jessica and Lindsey, our project leaders who have been in Morogoro for over 1 year.

We were all very tired and in need of a long lala fofofo, a deep sleep. YCI had arranged for us to stay in a guest house for a few days to help acclimatize. Definitely a great idea.

But it is HOT!

moroGOro

2008-09-27T11:27:00.003+08:00

I just finished a week long training session in Toronto preparing to go to Tanzania. I've been living with Tyler and Andrea who also just moved here. Glad to have a place to stay with great friends.

These are the other teammates going to Tanzania; Lonny, Julia, Carla and Katie. High energy and excited like I am.

500 Miles? Try 5000 Kilometres!

2008-09-11T10:39:00.004+08:00

So my bags are packed and I'm not ready to go. It's hard to describe such a wonderful city with all it has to offer. I will miss it. Maybe I'll be back sooner than I think. The sights, the sounds, the people, all helped make this summer one of my best.

Either way, I was off to start my week long drive back to Windsor. This trek would take couple side routes to visit some friends along the way.

My first stop would be in Burnaby just outside Vancouver to visit Kalie, who I met out in St. Andrews, New Brunswick a few years earlier. She recently started school out there and we timed it perfectly to meet up. She just moved into a new townhouse and with the help from a few of her friends had great house warming party. Great fun.

From Burnaby, the Sea to Sky highway leading from Vancouver to Whistler, found me stunned. The views are unbelievable! And everything is under construction with the 2010 Winter Olympic Games just around the corner. In Whistler I was able to visit Jessica, also a good friend from the East Coast.

After Whistler, I made a stop in Jasper to visit the friends I made last year, Jarid, Sam and Ali. It definitely wasn't the same, but it was great to see them. From Jasper, a quick drive to stay with Ricky in Edmonton, who is an old school buddy from Windsor. Guys got a pad, a BBQ, a guitar and cigars. Who needs more?

With no more friends along the way, I tried to get home as soon as possible, back to my bed. With a total of 5000km, I had made it.

Where It All Starts

2008-08-27T10:21:00.001+08:00

As the end of the summer nears, I tried to make sure to take in as much of what Victoria had to offer. Funny to think back at first arriving four months ago and how that time has gone by so fast. In just a few days I will be driving back to Windsor, without a co-pilot.

What a better place to start a journey from than Victoria, the beginning of the trans-Canada highway and starting point of Terry Fox's inspiring trek.

"SAFE!" in Seattle

2008-08-05T14:07:00.000+08:00

Finally a weekend off! We need to get out of Victoria and see a new city. Seattle was the answer.

The quickest way to Seattle is by boat on the Victoria Clipper. A fast cat that leaves from downtown Victoria and takes you right into the heart of Seattle past the Space needle and on to Pier 69.

We left Victoria in the early evening, crossed the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the United States and arrived in Seattle, Washington. The crossing took two and a half hours and definitely made us fight to keep our lunches down.

Once we made it to Seattle, we checked in to the Olympic Hotel. And right away we wasted no time...off to a bar. Great night life with a whole lot of life; Irish pubs, bars with pinball tables and nothing but wild, wild...

So, the next day rolls around and we're sitting with our head in our hands wondering what sort of stories we created about Canadians and Windsorites. Nonetheless, our second day in Seattle was well spent. We walked through Pike Place Market and Pioneer Market and up towards the Seattle Mariner's SafeCo Field. Mike's used his street sense and talked us into seats at the baseball game.

Seattle was super fun, but our time was up. Back to Victoria.

Mountains, Music and Memories

2008-08-01T11:33:00.000+08:00

This is Mike's blog unravelling the splendor of the 2008 Pemberton Music Festival.

I left in the morning to catch the ferry to Vancouver with Heater and Dave. They were both on to their next journey after having spent 2 months with us in the McKenzie Ranch. Dave was heading home and then to a secluded town in northern Ontario as a teacher and Heather was heading to Kelowna to teach as well.
We spent the day together in Vancouver and then parted ways. I was off to stay at a buddy's place in Vancouver, just a walk away. Chris is a friend from home who we have grown up with. Kind of like a big brother. Chris, along with some other hometown friends and I, were going to spend the weekend at a cabin in the woods and celebrate the beginning of a Canadian tradition, The Pemberton Festival.

This would be the first Pemberton. Something that would hopefully grow to become the next Lollapalooza and we could all tell our kids that we were part of the first Mountain party.

We camped out at a cabin in the woods and made our way down to the festival grounds to partake in the mayhem. The lineup included Coldplay, Jay-Z, Death Cab for Cutie, Sam Roberts, My Morning Jacket, N.E.R.D. and Tom Petty. Amazing! It was great to see Chris, Nick, Lyons, Stone, Bobby, Drew and Fish. We had a blast!Can't wait to go next year!

F-Rated

2008-07-04T14:28:00.000+08:00

Dave...

Canadian Dream

2008-07-03T13:24:00.000+08:00

Canada Day 2008!

Being in the capital city of British Columbia while celebrating B.C.'s 150th Birthday and Canada's 141st was phenomenal. We spent the morning sleeping in, preparing ourselves for the late night festivities.

Technically, we rang in Canada Day with pancakes and maple syrup just after midnight the night before. Then after a good 12-hour hibernation we got up to start celebrating. We had excellent steaks for dinner on the BBQ and enjoyed cold brews on the deck. We had an awesome evening enjoying the company of friends; Dan, Andrea, Dave, Heather, Josiane, Julie and Devon. After dinner we made it downtown to watch a concert and fireworks. The streets were packed with people in patriotic flair, a sea of red and white under the waving of Canadian flags. The sidewalks hosted drummers, guitarists and a xylophone quartet. Sailboats, yachts and dingies bobbed in rhythm, afloat in the inner harbour. We grabbed a grassy void on the parliament grounds to watch the lights flash in the sky as they lit the faces of the people around us who joined in chorus to the national anthem.

McKenzie Ranch

2008-07-01T06:09:00.000+08:00

Time for some info on our house and house mates.

The house has an upper and lower floor and we live in the lower half. Both have separate entrances, but are connected with a staircase in the middle of the house. The driveway is more like a paved parking lot able to accommodate at least 8 cars. Parking is never a worry for our guests and great for setting up a kiddie pool on warm days.

The lower half entrance is off to the side. You walk into the living room with a sectional couch and kitchen with an island. Immediately to the right are two bedrooms. Walking through the living room and kitchen, you pass through a door into the rec room with a pool table and bar. Definitely a bonus. The staircase to the upper half starts in the rec room and makes its way up to the main hallway above us.

The upper half has three bedrooms, two baths, fireplace, living room, X Box room and kitchen. Right off the main hallway, are one the greatest additions to any house, a patio! Lunch in the sun and BBQs whenever Blue Goose is around. Intro to the men upstairs.

Chris, a.k.a. Erdy; a man with many dreams who thinks any idea worth pondering is an idea worth pursuing.
Mike, a.k.a. Brown; the business student and Starbucks supervisor.
Gordon, a.k.a. Gordy; Canadian 7's Rugby all-star and vintage boat restorer.
Robert, a.k.a. Traz; master chef and super chill.
Mackenzie, a.k.a. Mac; cowboy, whistle blower, robot and tetris/crossword genius.

The boys are from Vancouver and decided to stay in Victoria to finish up some summer classes for school. All very super chill. We get along great and can host some awesome BBQs and house parties. They will soon be finishing their classes and heading back to Van, with the exception of Brown. He has the responsibility of making those Skinny Machiatto Latte Triple yadas.

To say the least, the guys are great and we're glad to have found a place like this.

Coush!

2008-06-29T14:31:00.000+08:00

Cous...

Hanging Ten

2008-06-26T17:43:00.000+08:00

We just returned from a short camping trip to Tofino. We managed to pick up a tent site at Bella Pacifica Campground located right on the Pacific Ocean.

Unfortunately, we experienced some car trouble from our beautiful Kia Sedona. Not just once, but twice. The first time was just outside of Tofino where we stopped to get some Tourist Information. Luckily, everyone working there was nice and offered to call for a tow truck and give us a lift into town. We ended up towing the van to the local garage. Funny enough, after letting the car sit for a while once it was at the garage it decided to start again. Great news. So we took the Kia down to the campground and set up our tents and starting making dinner. We called it an early night and hit the sack ready for more adventure the next day.

After a warm oatmeal breakfast, we decided to try our hand, or should I say feet, at surfing. You can't go to Tofino and pass up on the opportunity to Hang Ten. So we set out to look for a Surf Shop where we could rent a wetsuit, board and perhaps lessons. We ended up finding all of that. We took a 2 hour surf lesson and then continued playing in the Ocean until we had to give up our boards.

And that was when the Kia decided to show us a little more trouble. We had it towed to the same garage and would have to wait until morning for the verdict.

In the end, everything went well and we had a great time. Surfing in Tofino is a great adventure.

In the Beginning

2008-04-27T20:56:00.000+08:00

Friday morning marked the start of our journey from Windsor, Ontario to Victoria, British Columbia. Both Mike and I have decided to spend the summer working on Vancouver Island now that we finished our University education. Mike with a degree in Psychology and I in Business.

We left that day just before noon heading for the Canadian Border at Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario over the Ambassador Bridge. No problems with customs. Not even with the case of home-made wine from the Cousineau Winery, generously donated to make the transition away from home that much easier.

After crossing into the U.S.A. we jumped on the I-94 towards Chicago, Illinois passing through Michigan and Indiana. Just outside Chicago we made a change to our travel plans. We were to take the I-94 right through the U.S. Instead, we decided to head a little further south and take the I-80 to a little place called Salt Lake City, Utah. We voted unanimously to go for it.

Once on the I-80, we passed through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Utah. And all in one day, 24 hours. We hit every kind of weather possible. Sunny skies and temperatures of 30C, rain storms in Iowa after crossing the Mississippi River and a -5C snow storm in Wyoming that lead to white outs and us not driving faster the 60km/hr. We pushed passed 6 states, 2 time zones and now we were getting tired. After the snowstorm we took a nap at a rest station early Saturday morning.

We arrived in Salt Lake City before noon Saturday and checked-in to a hotel. Driving into Utah is beautiful. You get your frst glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. The city itself is unbeleivably clean. One of the nicest cities we've been to. But we wouldn't make it out of our rooms right away. It was time to catch up on our sleep.

Later that night we took a walk into downtown Salt Lake City. It has beautifully landscaped streets and a certain big city feel with small city friendliness. Once host to the 2002 Winter Olympics it was now hosting the Utah Jazz in their quest for the NBA championship title. We tried to scalp for tickets, but it wasn't in the cards.

Today we left for Portland, Oregon. What an absolutely phenomenal drive! After driving through Idaho for a few hours we found ourselves along the Columbia River in the Columbia Gorge. On one side you drive along a rising wall of earth. On the other side you see the Columbia River moving past another massive wall. The road follows the river for the most part until it takes you into flora that we have never seen. Every shade of green and trees that look like they belong in the Jurassic Period, almost waiting to see a reptilian giant emerge between the branches.

Along the highway we found a waterfall that had turned into a tourist stop. A great place to stretch our legs and enjoy the views.

And a few hours later we were in Portland. We checked in to our hotel, dropped our luggage in the room and headed down to the hotel bar for a quick drink before heading out to see the night life Portland had to offer; Mike with a Black Russian and myself with a Gin Martini with three olives.

We headed to a place called Candlelight, a bar that playes host to blues, soul and R&B. It was great. The Andy Stokes Band put on a great show and kept us in the mood for cold brews.

Long story short, Portland was fun and hopefully we'll be back soon.

The next day we made it to Victoria while missing one ferry in Port Angeles and having to drive through Seattle and up through Vancouver to catch the ferry from Tsawwassen. Luckily, we made it on the 9 o'clock ferry and didn't have to wait until 11pm. We were so lucky as we were the last car on the ferry. Talk about timing!

So finally, in Victoria we met our housemates and moved in to what we now call home.

The Countdown

2008-04-23T05:04:00.000+08:00

This morning featured a delightful 3 hour exam. Nothing like getting up at 0630, watching the sun rise and sitting down while you're still half asleep to write what will take you into the future. Two more and then I'll never see another blank space to write in my student number again!

Friday morning will be the start of another summer adventure. This time out to Victoria, BC. Approximatley 4000km from home, the 4 day drive will keep us on our toes and ready for action. You meet a lot of great people on the road and its too bad we have to gun it to the Pacific.

So back to the books, but first, a taste of sushi and warm Sake!

My Very First Blogging Adventure

2008-03-29T14:01:00.000+08:00

I figured it was time I started keeping track of all my travels and adventures. This is the first entry in what I like to call "The Life of Q".