Well I though it would be a 12 hour bus journey, but it turned out to be 16 hours meaning that I arrived well after dark, which I really try to avoid, particularly big cities. It seems a feature of Tanzania that the bus stations are outside of the cemntre, thus I had to get a taxi, which filled me with trepidation as I had heard all sorts of tails of unlicenced taxis. In the end all was fine and I managed to find accommodation where I had expected, thank goodness for the low season. I was again well looked after by my tavelling companion who lent me his phone and ensured I got the right taxi.
Dar is hot and humid at this time of year, the slightest effort, leaves you running, if only, for the shower and the fan. It was very quiet during my stay due to the easter holidays and National day. It is a vibrant mix of cultures and good fun to be in; I managed another night out, hooking up with a couple of other traveller to visit possible the best view across the harbour; very sophiticated and I hadn't even washed my feet, let alone change into the LBD which of course I always carry! luckily it was too dark to notoice.
But the call to Zanzibar is strong, and have treated me self to first class airconditioned seat.
Barbs's Big Bike RIde
This year I have decided to stay and enjoy an English Spring. It has been a long time coming but at last it is here and I am off to explore my own back yard. Well actually travelling up the UK mainland as far north as possible before 21st June and see how close I can get to the Midnight Sun.
After my travels along the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain last September on my trusty old iron donkey, I have bought a lighter bike in the hope that I can get up a few more hills and by going from Lands End to John o Groats (LEJOG) I can avoid the killing headwinds of the Spanish meseta.
So here she is, we had a jolly naming ceremony on Saturday and hopefully the good friends, food and weather I enjoyed will carry me through to the farthest northern climes. Thank you all for a great send off, admirably topped off with one too many pints The Village Bike listening to Mojo Triangle.
And she is called Eleanor, isn't she beautiful, I hope I still have such tender feelings after 6 hours in the saddle, but probably only in the nether regions I fear.
The map link on the right will show a rough itinerary and route and I will try try to update with my actual route, if I can work out how and where I am as I go along, you know there will be little correlation but I will get there or somewhere in the end!
If you want an email update, submit your address in the box also on right and hopefully it will find its way through the ether to you.
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