Adventuring

 Mt Kilimanjaro

Mt Kilimanjaro 

 Delicious Indian food

Mt Meru

In Arusha

After finally leaving campus, we spent two nights on a hotel in Dodoma where we had time to celebrate, not only finishing our project but also, the fact that our graduation is near. We were invited to a graduation party in the hotel garden where we listened to great African music and talked to interesting and friendly people. Later, the party was interrupted by heavy showers, lightning and thunder and we said goodbye to our new found friends, went to bed, but lied awake most of the night, listening to the rain on the tin roof, loud for sure, but so cosy! On Sunday, we left the hotel early in the morning to catch the bus to Arusha. The drive took about 13 hours and was, surprisingly, not as difficult as I had expected. The first nine hours were great, just looking out the window and talking to friendly people on the bus. The last four hours, on the other hand, took forever. Although, the closer we got to Arusha, the nicer the view got, mountains, valleys, rivers and fields, and I remembered all the times when I have said to myself that one day, I want to go to Africa to see the beautiful landscape. Now I have.

Today was spent exploring Arusha, and it definitely feels more like a city compared to Dodoma, well, it actually is. Taking the Lonely planet guide's advice for food, we had an amazing Indian lunch and strolled around the markets and the gardens, while also, gazing up at Mt Meru, giving the town quite a majestic look. It is nice to finally be a tourist, taking real showers, eating different kinds of food, and seeing new things every day. Our safari starts tomorrow and our guide will pick us up early in the morning. Excited!