The internet dont work so good here...

So, i was writing a nice entry about how Tanzania is different than expected and much more "African" than other countries i have visited and the power went out. But that is normal, this is Africa after all.

Moshi, Tanzania is a very local place. No large hotels or bunches of white people getting driven around in safari vehicles. The streets are filled with people on bikes and in cars that spew black exhaust. It is quite different than the slightly westernized versions of Africa i have seen in the past.

I arrived last night and was the ONLY one at my hotel. Yep, weird, i know...but the real story (conveyed this morning from someone with a better grasp of the English language) is that the hotel just opened after renovations. So it is not a true ghost town, although tourism certainly is down given the worldwide economy.

Visited the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project this morning which is run by an American woman who has been here for 5 years. Donated my unnecessary duplicates of hiking clothing, etc. Good thing i went to visit her, she showed me where to get a phone, change money and get the bus to Arusha (the larger Tanzanian town in this part of the country, known as the 'gateway to the Serengeti'). I had no idea what i was doing or where i was going (that won't ever stop me, but good to be aware occasionally).

The trip to Arusha was very local, a $2 bus called "a coaster" jam packed with Tanzanians (and me, the only "Westerner"). People squish into the seats, stand in between the seats and have to get on a off (in between the main stops) while the vehicle rolls on at 5 mph. Was a nice way to see the countryside, better than getting whisked away in a luxury vehicle that ignores the outside world (the real Africa).

Finally, the Arusha trip allowed me to meet a Tanzanian guy that runs a non-profit working on sustainable development and conservation, particularly within the tourism industry and local communities. He wants people to come and just do projects for him. Maybe in the fall. Sounds like a good idea.

I don't have any pictures to post. It is overcast anyway (apparently that is normal for winter), but no rain and also can't see Kili even though it is so close.

Before the internet turns off again, i will sign off. Later