So we arrived in Moshi last Friday, which was pretty exciting. We took a bus and it was only like an hour from Arusha, which was pretty nice. We got a spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro on the way. We settled into Kilimanjaro Backpackers Hotel, which has ceiling fans that the man room thoroughly enjoyed (Don’t ask why). David also celebrated our arrival by shaving his “facial hair.” Everyone was very excited. The next day (Aura’s 19th birthday!) we took a trip over to Amani Children’s Home, where we were going to be volunteering for the next week. We met Joe… we’re not exactly sure what his job is, but something along the lines of volunteer coordinator/supervisor/communications director.. well anyways he showed us around and introduced us to the staff and the many children. He also informed us that we would be playing a “friendly” football (soccer) game against the Amani children (mzungu vs mwafrica) on monday. For Aura’s birthday celebration, the event planners (Kate and Lihi) planned a dinner to indotalian (an indian and italian restaurant combined!). The food was delicious and Aura looked oh so pretty with her birthday crown and earings. After dinner we surprised her with a chocolate cake, which did not last too long, as andrea, aka the chocolate queen, was strategically sitting next to her.
Sunday was a free day to walk around town and experience firsthand the ferocity of the street sellers. Their relentless effort combined with our desperate need led to a massive economic boost for the moshi community (especially omar and the bag ladies). We also had to accomplish a quick scavenger hunt where we learned all about Moshi. We learned that Mt. Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters tall, being the tallest mountain in Africa, and the only place where there is snow all year long in Africa. We also learned that apparently Moshi is a city not a dinosaur. We were astonished, but we quickly recovered and enjoyed the day.
Monday was the big game, which we lost spectacularly 10-8. Despite the loss, the game was tons of fun and we were all thoroughly exhausted even though the children were unfazed.
Tuesday-Friday were spent at Amani in either the morning or afternoon playing with kids, teaching english, cooking, and helping in the art room with Libby, Joe’s wife. Each day we were there we got to have one meal with them (lunch or dinner) using only our hands, and it wasn’t even easy finger food, it was like rice and beans! It was an experience though…
We got to bond with the children daily, practice our swahili, and experience their limitless energy. Saturday (today!) we were given another free day to get ready for free travel. We were all sad to say goodbye to the kids (we’re pretty sure Kate kept one) but felt our time was greatly appreciated. It was pretty stressful planning for free travel, but everything looks great now. We have chosen to go to Kigamboni first, which is on the coast of Tanzania and a part of Dar Es Salaam. We are taking an 8 hour fun filled, action packed, exotic adventure on a bus at 7 in the morning tomorrow, but we will still be able to experience the beach when we get there. We will be camping on the beach and enjoying the ocean. The girls have decided to finally shave for this big event, hence the purchase of the chainsaw. The leg hair will be greatly missed, but also saved and mailed home. Expect a large package! (Clear some room in your garage).
On friday we are leaving Kigamboni and swimming to zanzibar, we all bought shark repellant with a discount considering the large purchase. We will arrive in Stone Town but we have chosen to stay in the north in Kendwa, which is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar. (it’s also very manly). We hope to all survive and have lots of fun. When free travel is over we will be heading back down to Stone town for SCUBA DIVING!
Moshi was great, we bought most of the town.
Matt and Lihi signing out! Kwaherini!
