An interesting day meeting new and different people. I went to reception to get more internet time and couldn't help but see/hear the girl (around 35ish) at the desk. A loud, intense, Australian who, once her mouth opened, didn't quite know how to stop talking. After some enquiry regarding me moving rooms to now become a member of the tour group and sharing a room with another single female, it became an undeniable truth that this over the top girl was my new roomie! The receptionist groaned on my behalf whilst I quietly sucked in my breath! This will be interesting. So I approached her at breakfast and let her know that I was coming to share her room. Mmmm the reaction was an over-reaction in fact. She couldn't let me in, she can't give me a key. Come back at 11am. Fine by me!
So at 11 I showed up at her door and she did let me in. From that minute on she never shut up, swapping and switching from personal topic to banal type ramblings it seemed. I couldn't understand her half the time as she spoke very fast. She wanted to go downtown and then she didn't, then did, didn't, did ....... For a girl who apparently knew everything, she was hesitant to go downtown on her own. So I offered to take her! Bill always says I know how to talk! Babe, I don't even warrant a distinguished mention in the world talking stakes! How was I going to cope with her, tenting with her etc for the next 16 days? Well, suck it up Sandy, no-one is going to spoil this holiday.
So after traipsing around town trying to buy a mobile phone for her we finally got back to the hotel, showered and went downstairs for our meeting.
Victor Angolo is our tour leader, who has been with Intrepid Tours in Africa, for 6 years. A really nice guy and a bit of a character. Then there is Chris and wife Lynn who are both 77 (found this out quietly later). Nice people from Sydney. Then friends Claire an Lyn both from Sydney and in late 20's I should think. Scott and Deidre, no guessing where they are from! My best friend at school was Deidre and I doubt the name exists outside NZ. They are early 30's from Tauranga. And of course my roomie, 35 year old Trudy from WA. So instead of a possible 22 travellers, we are only 8. Finally some respite from the continuous chatter of Trudy. She had others now to whom she could impart information. I also found later, once back in our room, that earphones to my iPad worked a treat for peace and quiet.
So tomorrow morning, 7:30am we are off on our tour, the highlight to be the silver backed gorillas in Rwanda.