Africa- Greetings from Kilimanjaro

OK- well, only have a few minutes today.  We have to internet quickly and then it's off to the shops for a birthday present for Maria from the bus.  Yesterday we spent about 11 hours on the road driving from Dar to Marangu.  Think north and west.  The countryside was incredible.  We climbed up into the mountains for a completely different view of the country.  On our right were miles and miles of high, green, lush mountains- much like the pictures you see in Hawaii actually.  On our left lay a green vast plain with banana trees, acacias, baobabs and even termite hills.  Along the way there were many people roadside who stopped what they were doing to wave and smile.  It was an incredible day.  I see why Alan Paton (in Cry the Beloved Country) said something about the land being beautiful beyond the singing of it. 

The views were breathtaking

We came to Marangu in search of Kili.  We arose this morning before dawn for a hike to a vantage point to see the legendary mountain.  We were rewarded for our early morning with a crystal clear view- hardly a cloud in site.  Most people never actually see the top of the mountain, so we considered ourselves very fortunate.  We became a spectacle as well for the school kids on their way to class.  I walked down the hill with about 25 kids in tow who were very shy, but eager to try their English.

Kili in all her glory!

After that we went for a village walk to see how the local folks live.  Our guide even took us to his house.  We also visited a local school where the kids sang for us.  It was very fun.  We finished that off with a trip to a waterfall where legend has it a woman, inconveniently pregnant went to jump to avoid the possible punishment.  When she found she couldn't do it, she started to return to the village when she saw a leopard, was scared, and fell to her death.  Interesting lesson in that one I suppose!  We also got to sample the local treat- banana beer.  I have to say, I don't really see it catching on much anywhere else- kind of yucky and pulpy.  But, when in Rome...

Our guide's mother.  And her machete.

Now, we are in Arusha after a 3 hour drive.  Tonight we stay in the snake park- can't say I like the sound of that. But tomorrow, it's a camel ride to visit the Masai (jumpy jumpy people)  It should be very exciting, and the following day we move to jeeps to go into the Ngorogoro crater.  Not sure when I will get internet again- so take care, and I will email soon.

Linda