Leaving Kigali

I left Kigali on the 2nd of September and finally arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, late on Saturday night. It was a long, arduous, entertaining, bonding, frustrating and in turns comfortable and uncomfortable bus ride. All went smoothly up until Moshi where we endured a four and a half hour delay due to a customs swoop. Everything was taken off and put back on the bus- twice. A large amount of 'luggages' were left behind to be claimed, taxed and then transported onward at a later date. I did my best to use the experience as an opportunity to cultivate patience and enjoyed engaging with fellow passangers. I was repeatedly asked, "Georgina, how are you...how you like Tanzania?" It was an unfortunate introduction to a beautiful country and its friendly people. Touchingly, several of my fellow passangers apologised and wished me better times ahead in their country. There was next to no internet access on route and it was actually wonderful to have a break from 'checking my email'.

Now I'm in Zanzibar for the lasts days of my trip: soaking up its ancient history, the sea breeze and happy to be alone.

My last week of teaching was a burn-the-candle-at-both-ends emotional roller coaster of experiences: focussed teaching, hugs, kisses and occasionally tearful goodbyes, leaving drinks and a party, gift giving and concerted efforts to manage the knot of sadness in my stomach that kept taking me by surprise. Needless to say, there was not a moment to spare for blogging.

Now I have precious little time remaining so have decided to hold up and write a reflective closing blog when I get back to London. Time and space is needed for my whole being to savour these last few moments in Africa.

Thanks for following my journey so far and please check my blog again in a week or so to read a rendition of my final reflections.