Dar

Hello all,

Last night before bed we sat by the pool. We could hear the coolest frogs! They were called Bubbling Kassinas. They reply to each others' sounds, as a result it sounds like a pot of bubbling liquid. Google it - it was really cool!

We slept in air conditioned comfort, but unfortunately Rob woke with some kind of achy cold. Hopefully he feels better soon. 

On the  broad again at 7 and we headed towards Dar Es Salaam. Our first 50km of our drive was through Mikumi National Park. Here were saw many elephants, giraffes, impala and a wildebeest eating near the road - very cool! 

A food related highlight of today's drive was stopping at a place that had ice creams like Magnums. We were both very excited to have one!

About 1pm we arrived in Dar. It's full name, Dar Es Salaam, means 'Haven of Peace'. We are now in a part of Tanzania where 90% of people are Muslims. This means two things which both suck for girls:

1) Disgusting squat toilets (thought I was done with those for a while after China - grr!) 

2) Covering shoulders and knees. I know it's their religion and we have to be respectful of local customs, but it really irks me that men can wear whatever they like while we have to swelter in pants and a long top. I'm grateful that at the beaches in Zanzibar this won't apply.

We arrived in Dar and had a short wander while Elton organised our ferry tickets for tomorrow. It was stinking hot and very dirty. I felt like I was back in some sort of Arabian version of Vietnam. Wires hanging everywhere, dilapidated buildings. We went and got some money at an ATM but nothing much else was happening because it was Sunday. 

Then we drove on to our campsite which was right near the beach. It was SO nice to be able to go for a swim in open water. There was lots of seaweed about though that I'm pretty sure I'll be finding in my hair for days!

We enjoyed a couple of cheap cocktails at the bar and then had dinner. Rob and I headed to bed very early because Rob still wasn't well. 

Love to all

Claire

Xoxox