Dar to Arusha to Nairobi to Nanyuki

Whoa!! Two days, over 1000 kilometers in rickety buses taxis and minivans, loved every minute of it -- almost, and now it's all worth it. We've got two 60-pound packs all packed and ready to go on our backs, the weather's looking really good, and Daniela's friend from the Baraka school is scheduled to come pick us up at 8am tomorrow morning to drive us the final 30 kms to the Mt Kenya park gate/trailhead. It's been an arduous approach to say the least.

At first I felt a bit reluctant about leaving Tanzania after only a week. The people and the land were so sweet to me, but of course I realize this same longing to stay will probably arise many times again. The longing to stay is like the lingering taste of a supremely satiating meal, such fullness yet wanting to return for more.

This morning we drove through the Masai land north of Arusha with Kilimanjaro hovering above for a solid two hours. we passed masai boys herding goats through the stark plains of dry grasses and trees. I felt a bit odd and voyeuristic as usual, rolling at high speeds through this unique landscape, though at times -- and especially once we passed into Kenya -- it looked much like southern Utah. Instead of Mormons, there were tall Masai warriors with spears and women with shaved heads and dramatic bead earrings hanging from super stretched earlobes. So intriguing the idea of drinking cows blood/milk smoothies and living in round thatched huts, after we get done climbing on Mt Kenya I might head out for a quick homestay in Masai village around here.

Tomorrow Daniela and I take off for a week on MT Kenya, which should be the highlight of my life. Amazing granite, glaciers, friendly local guides and most likely very few other Mizwengos (Swahili for gringos). Will take lots of pictures to make up for my lack of photos thus far.

Before I go, I have to give today's example of just how poignantly things seem to be working out on this trip. So we arrive in Nairobi today on our minivan shuttle from Arusha, after the five hour drive through Masai land. My ass is quite soar from the bumpy roads and my stomach is making many noises and other happenings due to both hunger and the food we ate for breakfast. Point is I was happy to arrive but a bit on edge because one, Nairobi is known as Nai-rob-me and two, we had to quickly catch the next shuttle up to Nanyuki. The Arusha shuttle driver couldn't drop us at the correct locale so we had to take a a short but pricey taxi over to the right spot. We get there and Daniela jumps out to begin haggling for the shuttle price. She completes this mission and I head off to go find a bathroom. When I come back she is talking with the shuttle bus passenger collector, who's second job happens to be none other than a climbing guide on Mt Kenya. Sure enough, he speaks good English and we get to talking while waiting for the rest of the passengers to show up. he offers to walk me over to the bookshop where I can buy the best Mt Kenya map and climbing route guidebook. I had heard this was possible but assumed since we wouldn't be staying in Nairobi for more than 20 minutes we would have to get by without map or book. Next thing I know, I'm jotting along next to this supremely jovial Kenyan climber dude through the intensely busy streets of Nairobi, and he's giving me all the beta we need. After the book store, we bought a few samosas and made it back to the shuttle just in the nick of time, before the passengers began to revolt against the driver and get mad at Daniela for having to wait for me.

What more can I say, time is not cheap, and the owner of this internet cafe wants to close up, but I'm feeling so so lucky to be out here on this amazing mind bending journey, I wanted to share a bit before we head out and say thanks!!