Today we moved along about 1 1/2 hrs to Moshi. The Kilimanjaro airport, where we arrived is halfway between Arusha and Moshi. David knew a safari company that was running an empty shuttle to Moshi to pickup some people so we were able to hop on that. We had too much luggage for a cab and this was much cheaper. The only draw back was that it was leaving Arusha at 7:30 am so we were up early and on our way.
There is only one major highway in all of Africa which runs north to south on the Eastern side of the continent. This is the highway we took from the airport to Arusha and then from there to Moshi and the big mountain, Kilimanjaro.
Saying goodbye to Mt Meru ~
and hello Killi ~
The major highway ~
Drying maze for banana beer ~
It was evident right away that Moshi was not as busy as Arusha. While still a city, it seemed much more manageable although there was still a lot of hustle and bustle on the streets.
Since we arrived so early we weren't sure we could get into the hotel but one room was ready so they let us put everything in that room and hang out. As soon as we drove into The Bristol Cottages we knew it would be a good experience.
The courtyard was beautiful, cool and quiet. Our rooms were great with a lovely balcony.
We were amazed when they took us to our rooms that the women grabbed our bags, put one on their heads and carried another in their hand.
The office and courtyard ~
The open air lounge where we hung out ~
The open air restaurant where we ate breakfast each morning and sometimes dinner ~
Our room on top and the lounge under ~
We got settled and then walked around a little and had lunch at The Coffee Shop. Dana knows the "safe" places to eat. This was great. John is certainly not wanting for good food to eat or good beer to drink!
still busy streets ~ the pedestrian definitely does NOT have the right of way in Tanzania and since we are not used to looking to our right for oncoming traffic ~ there is double trouble.
There are no sidewalks and the walking areas are very uneven so we are constantly looking down to see where we need to go.
Later we took a cab to Upendo Orphanage where it all started for Dana. It was very surreal to be there. We have seen pictures for so long but now we were actually there in person, seeing things for ourselves.
The kindergarten building ~
As the cab approached a woman was walking by and she looked into the cab and saw Dana. She almost jumped out of her skin! Dana, Dana. She ran around and grabbed her out of the cab to give her a hug. It was mama Roberte. She was actually on her way to town but she wouldn't leave until she met us and walked Dana over to the house. Her son Robert, along with Eric and Kisha all lived in the same building. Eric has since moved.
We came around the corner and mama Elitha saw Dana. She came running and they embraced. Mama couldn't believe we were all there.
She welcomed us into her home which Dana explained was a huge gesture for her because she is very shy about having people in her home. As humble as it is, it couldn't have been filled with more love for Dana and even us.
John and I were both emotional ourselves with this heartfelt reunion.
The room where mama Elitha and Kisha live ~
Of course we HAD to eat something ~ so it is customary to wash your hands before you eat. Dana was allowed to do the honors ~
Mama served us fresh pineapple and fresh peanuts she had just roasted in a pan over the charcoal hibachi burner in the yard.
For some reason which we haven't been able to understand yet, mama Elitha seems to have lost her job at Upendo. Even though she was only making $30 a month, it is a huge loss for her and she was over come with gratitude for all of us who have helped to send Kisha to school. She is soooo appreciative of everything and literally would give us anything she has if we would only let her.
She took us around the corner to Upendo to visit the children. When we entered all of the children came running, grabbing at our clothes, and looking up at us with pleading eyes ~ "pick me up", "pick me up" their eyes all said. So we tried to take turns and pick each one up. (We warned John to check their pants before picking them up!) It was actually fun and they were all beautiful. Children are only allowed to be at Upendo until age five so these were all small children and even tiny babies. The children were so happy to see mama Elitha and clung to her.
Michael is still there even though he is now 14yrs old. There really isn't any other facility for him. He knew Dana right away and started smiling and laughing.
Since it was our first time to Upendo we were not able to take any pictures of the kids ~ that will hopefully come later.
Upendo orphanage ~ they are constructing a whole new top level ~
Each day Kisha would walk Dana to the gate when it was time for her to leave so now that she is at school, mama has picked up where Kisha left off. She insisted on walking us to the gate (which is a long way) carrying our backpack! At the gate we said our farewell for the evening.
We have to leave there by 5:00 so that we have time to walk home before dark.
These school girls were passing by, saw the photo shoot and wanted their picture taken also. They were going our way so they walked along with us.
It is about a two mile walk back to town ~ not bad later in the day when it cools.
It was a beautiful Tanzanian night with a beautiful full moon!
No comments:
Post a Comment