First Impressions

Hi All

We have very little time left this evening as the cafe closes in 20mins and they are soooooooo slowwwwwwww, so no time to upload pictures. Maybe I can draw one for you.

Of Dar es Salaam....frankly a little disappointing, but we have seen so little of it. We spent most of the day sorting ourselves out and didn't leave the YMCA till 2.00pm. The streets are very noisy and chaotic. The traffic obeys few discernable rules other than if there is a space, occupy it. This appears to result in a near permanent jam. When things do move we are fortunate that most cars try to occupy the right side of the road, ie. the left, if you know what I mean. There are street vendors and taxis everywhere and when the taxi drivers are not in their cars, they are standing on the pavement trying to persuade you that you need one.

The architecture is non-descript, a legacy of colonial rule by first Germany and then England, with much knocked down and replaced with the usual expanses of concrete. Having said that, I don't think we ended up in the centre, but in a fairly cummy downtorn section. Most of the people we have met and spoken to have been really friendly, but around these streets we have had some interesting coversations with locals and there have been several attempts to interfere with ruchsacks. The good training we received by World Challenge prevented anything from actually being taken, but it is really disappointing that as a result we do not feel able to trust anyone outside.

On a positive note, the transport people are absolutely fantastic and they have helped us with most of our onward travel arrangements. Unfortunately we have to have breakfast at 6 in the morning and be on the bus by 6.15. I know thats not long enough to eat the full English you might think the YMCA would provide, but it is perfectly long enough for the thin omelette, bread and 'jam' and warm coffee that we expect to be served. We will then be on the bus for 6 to 8 hours, travelling to our acclimatisation site. We are really looking forward to this journey despite its length as we expect to get our first true picture of Africa.

The cafe is about to close, but just to let you know that the team are all fine. One small bout of sickness.

Andy has been amazing. Since we started on Monday he has left lying around his wallet (twice), his camera, his personal cash, his watch, the team notebook and 2 team handbooks, most of those just today.

Got to go. Will get back on as soon as poss, but it may not be for a few days.