Hey.

We (me, Tom, Jenny) arrived in Mwanza this morning.  Had to get up at 5am and get the taxi to Dar airport early. We were the lucky ones. The three girls had to catch a take a bus to Tabora, which takes around 14 hours. Not pleasant.  DIdn't fly past Kilimanjiro like I thought, as we went a different route via another airport.  Others have flown into Kili airport, then onto Mwanza. So I still haven't seen the mountain, except on beer, food cartons, billboards and just about everything else branded.  It's obviously the most prominent feature that signifies Tanzania, although I would say the Daladalas symbolise the busy towns. 

Last night in Dar was very special. We were taken to a traditional African Dance - i.e. drums, glockenspiels and a trumpeter.  And lots of energetic, flamboyant dancing.  We were invited up at one stage and indeed i needed no second invitation. The others were soon up with me, and there is video footage (again - wait until February!)  Apparently I was quite good.  I was also, strangely, invited to sit on some exclusive leather-style seats at which the owner of the place was present and a guy called Kaka Afrika!  In true Phil style I was doing my own thing, one minute being totally part of the group, interacting with everyone, the next chatting to complete strangers.  It is so easy to get into conversations because we all stand out a mile.  It is fascinating to experience being stared at so much. 95% want to find out more about you, the other 5% want to mug you.  Tom's had it twice now, luckily i've managed to avoid getting into scrapes so far. 

I have really enjoyed the experiences, although it has been a difficult and at times tense first week.  BUt now school is out, well, until Monday.  Have just met Georgina (Mexico), Emily (Canada) and Lees (Australian - 19 today!)  They have taken us on our first trip into town to give us the lowdown.  We are going out to celebrate tonight.

Earlier we strolled into Hisani - the orphanage - for the first time.  And what an experience that was - being greeted by hundreds (well, tens) of kids all wanting to shake your hand and introduce themselves.

More about this later, but for now time is running out on this computer (which is in the fastest internet cafe in town)

So better go, kwa heri...

Baddai (later!)

Philx