first days in Bagamoyo

Just in case you were wondering: Mount Kilimanjaro does still have snow

I left home on Wednesday around 2 pm. It took a couple of days ( traveling east I didn't count the hours), 4 flights and a 2 1/2 hr taxi ride to get to Bagamoyo. Everything went smoothly- that means no missed flights and all luggage appeared at the carousel in Dar Es Salaam. To top it all up I met someone at the airport who was traveling to Bagamoyo on business and offered a ride in his taxi.

I arrived a Francesco's hostel early afternoon, Friday. They expected me- Terri had called- and gave me a room upstairs where I like it because the fresh breeze from the ocean comes into the space and I get a balcony. Rooms here have a comfortable double bed with a mosquito net and a fan, and a private bathroom with shower.

Since I was here last year the management has changed. Now breakfast is included in the price (20 000 TSh). And this morning I found out that it's a good breakfast with coffee from a bodum, nice bread, choice of eggs, good jams and even cheese (you rarely see cheese here). We're talking about an earthen oven for pizza coming to Francescos soon!

Yesterday I spent a little time getting the basics together: got a phone, a local SIM, and ordered some shirts from the tailor at Bagapoint. And its so nice to sit and read and have some time to land.

My next post will give you updates on the Shamba....see you then

First post : still at home

...in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, enjoying tea and late afternoon sun in front of moziro's coffeeshop.

I begin this blog on this Tuesday- a week before  I fly to Tanzania to continue the work with Baobab home in Bagamoyo and to start a new project in the Kondoa region.

This trip will be my fourth time in Tanzania (stories and pictures from previous visits are here) and I look forward to reconnecting with everyone there.

Once again the purpose of the trip is to help the projects along, and help takes different forms:

• Local organizations have asked me to consult and oversee the construction of buildings. 
• This gives opportunities to train people there in Permaculture and Natural Building .
• We also host Volunteer camps, which brings people from other places to help out on the projects and raise funds. 
• If enough money is raised we can hire more local people to finish the project and move occupants in.

This blog will share what's happening and keep you connected if you choose. I invite you to be part of the action in whatever way you can:

• Subscribe to this blog by email (below) or become a follower
• Spread the word...on facebook or at your coffeeshop or school or workplace
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• Become a volunteer
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I look forward to sharing the journey