Well its been a fantastic few weeks so far in beautiful Tanzania. Loving the warmth- about 27 or 28 most days. Enjoying all the little differences: watermelon with seeds, soft drinks served in glass bottles, petrol attendants that fill your tank for you, big white smiles and enthusiastic waves from kids as you drive past, women carrying loads on their heads with little babies swaddled to their backs with bright wraps, colourful fruit and veg markets and more.

Have loved visiting friends here and also the places where we volunteered 4 years ago. Adam has been back to Emusoi school several times to see the work with the Maasai girls and I got to see all the fantastic developments at Plaster House Rehab Centre. Got to see one of my patients who was back for revisional surgery but doing really well.

Went to the Cultural Centre and to Shanga where people with disabilities are taught sign language and a trade and make beautiful jewellery or glass from recycling. Inspiring.

We took the kids on a 1-day safari to Arusha National Park with a visiting Pembroke student which was great. Beautiful scenery and saw some fantastic sights- giraffes crossing a lake, playful colombus monkeys with their fluffy white tails and even an albino baboon.

We visited the Maasai Cultural Centre and gained a lot of insights into the traditions and culture. Next door was Meserani Snake Park where we were thoroughly scared about the number of highly venomous snakes in the area.... especially the black mamba. It is nearly as deadly as the King Brown with a 15min survival time but is highly aggressive and will chase you, moving at 20km an hour! The kids were in their element though being allowed to hold a tortoise and non-venomous snakes. They even let them "kiss" their cheeks with their forked tongues.... uuurrrrr.

Yesterday was fantastic with a visit to the Manoa Farm Animal Rescue Centre near lush, green Moshi. The centre rehabilitates injured animals and reintroduces them back to the wild if possible. We got to help feed the animals too. There were many different animals but one was a fully grown male cheetah there who had just been brought in as had been sick and attacked by baboons. Incredible to see it up close. Also saw a 3 legged serval cat, fed Zac's favourite... a warthog called Willy and had a huge African eagle owl. The kids just couldnt get enough. I think we could have 2 future animal conservationists coming our way!

Farewelled some of the teachers and student from Pembroke now. Was great fun catching up and especially the unforgettable visit to the school in Kiserian.

3 sleeps till christmas and 2 VERY excited little ones!