The last time I posted on the blog, we had just arrived in Stone Town Zanzibar. I had sent Don off to get postcards for those few of you who we thought to write to (or who asked for a post card - Trudy). don got lost twice and still did not get the postcards. I managed to find some postcards in the shop 10 metres from where the internet cafe was and then had to wait ages for Don to find me. He said the only thing he managed to bring back was stress - and it was not caused by me this time!!.
Stone Town was exactly like the pictures on the net and in books show. Heaps of little narrow streets that a motor bike could get thru if everyone stands bums to the wall - and we had to!!!
Got a new set of bed bug bites from the bed in Stone Town so was pretty pleased to move on. We are now in Nungwi beach at the top of Zanzibar and again the beaches are exactly as postcards, books and websites depict. Golden sands clear seas and very hot. IT is the best beaches we have ever seen. We have been here for 2 nights with another one to go. Having heaps of fun not doing anything. Walking along the beach, swimming, eating mangoes that are the best we have ever had etc. Don is a real water baby although he got sunburnt quite bad yesterday so the backs of his legs feel like someone is ironing them. He is now in long pants - it is still about 30 degrees. We are the only ones still here as the rest of our group wanted to go back to stone town to shop.
We leave here tomorrow and back to Dar Salaam for a night then onto Arusha I think. We are having a wonderful time and neither of us are sick yet.
Although not into the shopping thing and we were very good to not buy a Malawi chair in Malawi - we bought a coffee table instead!! Don't know how to get it home or it we can get it home, or where we would bout it at home considering we already have too many coffee tables.
Don and I are finding out as much info as we can about what is happening in Nairobi. We have been aware of the situation for a week now and are hoping that it might calm down although we honestly believe it will not. WE are supposedly in NAirobi this time next week. Kumuka are aware that our Embassy aoong with the other embassies relevant to the tour have said not to got into Kenya. Still to early to say what we will do and we are guided a lot by what Kumuka will be directing us to do. WE are all in the same boat wrt it being our final destination and we have booked and paid for flights out of Nairobi. Please we remind you that we do feel very safe at the moment - There is a very big interest in the Kenya events from the locals here in Tanzania, but with so much propoganda and corruption here, it is very difficult to take information as the truth.
Thanks Karen for your comments - probably won't be any photos as they are on SD cards and I did not bring the cable to transfer them onto CD. Also, have not come across a machine that can do this like they have got back home.
3 comments:
Hello - Just a super quick email before bed time. Great to hear from you. We knew that Kumuka would know what they are doing - and didn't want to ask you about it. On the blog you mentioned (I think) about the reliability of propaganda-free sources. News here from the BBC etc is that Kenya is a no-go. Good idea to send info on to your folks. I rang and spoke to your Dad today and he seemed pleased to hear your common sense approach.
Kingsley reckons he would be a better contact - he works in with MAF all the time in Auckland. He will get someone from DHL to collect it if required. Get them to call Kingsley on 0800 802 700. Probably better than using Jennine - she's pretty little and they live out of Auckland quite a ways. Kingsley can do this, remotely. You two are total dickheads - what the hell do you need a table for?
Must dash - will email or blog you again soon. Enjoy the sun and the relaxing. Sounds like the trip's going very well.
It's been quiet in Christchurch. Haven't been getting pissed quite as much. I wonder why.
Love,
M and K
Howdy to you both. Glad to see your adventure is turning out to be one.
Following is the latest from Foreign Affairs regarding Kenya. Not the best of news, but something you should know anyway.
Xmas was good. Weather has been fantastic. Back to work today. All other things normal as can be expected.
Good Luck, and Happy New Year.
Wayne
Kenya
Reviewed: 4 January 2008, 11:05 NZDT
Still current at: 07 January 2008
There is extreme risk to your security in the border areas with Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia and we advise against all travel there. Cross-border violence, kidnapping and armed banditry make the border areas extremely unsafe. Kenya’s border with Somalia was closed on 3 January 2007 due to increased instability in Somalia.
There is high risk to your security throughout Kenya and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel.
There is widespread violence following the Presidential elections in late 2007 resulting in a high number of injuries and deaths. Transport and communications have been affected and this may continue. We advise New Zealanders to stay indoors in a secure location and avoid any unnecessary local travel until the situation becomes clearer. New Zealanders travelling in or to Kenya are advised to contact their airline or travel agent for the latest information on any disruptions to transport as some roads are either blocked or closed.
An opposition rally that was planned for 3 January in Nairobi has now been postponed until Tuesday 8 January 2008. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they can turn violent with little warning, to monitor the local media for security information and to follow the advice of the local authorities.
Violent crime including car-jacking, home invasion and armed robbery is increasing. These attacks can occur anywhere at anytime and can be fatal. New Zealanders are advised to be extremely security conscious and avoid traveling at night.
There is a continuing threat of terrorist activity in Kenya. Previous terrorist attacks in Kenya have been against visibly Western targets. Particular care should be taken in public and commercial areas known to be frequented by foreigners including airports, hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, tourist areas, embassies, shopping areas, outdoor recreation events and expatriate housing areas.
New Zealanders traveling to or resident in Kenya should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
Having not had a clear idea of your itinerary I had not thought to worry about your safety until now! Sounds like your trip may end up costing even more, if you decide that you are better to avoid Nairobi. Friends of friends have just returned from a niece's wedding in Kenya - slightly better timing.
I had given up on hoping for photos on your blog - in part my fault for being too busy with the timetable to teach you the obvious next steps - I was meaning when you get home. Though often postcards capture the magic as well or better - it is the shots with one or more of you IN them that are worth a million dollars when you get them right.
Cheers,
Karen
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