Thursday, January 16
January is one of the best times to see Mt Killimonjaro but it has to be about 8:30 am or 6:30 pm otherwise it is covered with clouds. So before we had breakfast today we went up to the lookout area on the rooftop to have a look. It was a very clear morning and we were rewarded with a great view.
Both peaks ~ Kibo the highest is dormant while Mawenzi is extinct
We could also see the crazy bus station ~ a very busy place. There are large busses that take people to other cities, small mini buses, dala dalas that take people to local places and the bodabodas ~ motorcycles used to transport people locally ~ lots of shouting and beckoning
We walked around in Moshi town this morning trying to learn our way around. There are many more white people here than we saw in Arusha. Being at the base of Mt Killimonjaro, Moshi attracts climbers from all over the world. Daily we meet groups at our hotel heading to the mountain for the climb. The climbers will be gone five, six, seven, eight days then they will be back here again, mostly limping and struggling to get up the stairs!
We have certainly learned our way to the ATM machine. Not because we are spending so much money but because half the time the machine is broken and the other half ~ there is no money. Since $1 = 1600 tsh , it makes us feel rich. The conversation goes something like this: how much do you have? I have 20,000 how about you? We have 30,000. Oh good, together we have 50,000 but that's only about $30! There are always armed guards outside the banks.
We walked around the streets visiting shops and Dana was looking for some women she met before that sew on the street. The reaction is the same where ever we go ~ "Oh, dada Dana" "sister Dana."
John and I are so impressed with Dana's ability to understand the culture and easily and freely communicate with these people in Swahili. They are all so happy to see her and it means so much to them that she remembers them and would go out of her way to find them. Even the hagglers on the streets she takes just a minute to talk to and the next time we see them (and there will be a next time) they are so happy to see her. She has really left her mark on these people (and they, her) and they love her.
It's really a bonus for us and it makes it much more comfortable having her here with us instead of being by ourselves.
We marvel each day at how these women manage to balance any number of things on their heads. In Moshi we have seen some women with probably a hundred pairs of socks balanced on their heads, and some with jeans stacked upon their head, and shoes . . .
Dana has noticed that more "Muzungu" (white person) places have popped up in the last two years.
Another coffee shop ~ these are becoming popular and since they cater to the "Muzungus" (white people) there are armed security guards walking around hired by the businesses to protect customers. We have never seen any reason for this but guess there must be ~ and no pictures!
This is an upscale gift shop (no hagglers, no bargaining)
Most establishments (even our hotel rooms) have a small rug to wipe the dusty dirt from your feet before entering.
The mosque which we hear VERY loudly each day. Every morning at 5:00 prayers are broadcast over loud speakers. And then they are repeated again around 4:00 (not sure of the actual schedule) and other times.
The big new grocery store ~ most people are not happy with this. Too western ~ and certainly don't want to hurt the people trying to sell their products on the street ~
Another coffee shop ~ there is also free WIFI at these coffee shops so many people come to use the WIFI
Remember we said it is customary to wash your hands before eating ~ we have seen these outside sinks at many restaurants ~ handy ~
We had lunch and then went back to see mama Elitha.
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