Stranded in Dar =)

“Bloglemas”

Sorry about the site going down. The night before our flights we were working on an update and we got blocked for some reason. If this is posted all is repaired and hopefully there will be no more hiccups.

Stranded in Dar =)

Hamjambo? Hatujambo! Our 18 hours of flying were not half as rough as we expected. Ethiopian Airlines were fantastic to fly with – the trip was comfortable and they fed us well =)
We arrived finally in Dar Es Salaam and promptly received our first humbling lesson in backpacking – where did we ever get the idea that things would go according to plan?!?
Said plan was to book a ticket upon arrival for Harare – everything we had read/heard said it was easier and cheaper to book a flight once we got here. NOT TRUE! Suddenly it looked as though we’d need to fly to Nairobi or Johannesburg to get to Harare and for no less that $600 USD each. OUCH! Needless to say, a new plan was in order.
This new plan is still a work in progress.
We got ourselves a cell phone and got a taxi to a hostel – the hostel is good and we found some great food nearby – the Indian food in Dar is out of this world!
Just as we were about to tuck in for the night a few fireworks went off. Which were followed by more fireworks… and more… and more and more and more until we were unsure if we were in celebration or war-zone – Happy New Year Islam!!! We were thinking that Africa was just REALLY excited about our arrival but as it turns out the Muslim population of Dar was celebrating new years. What a cool thing to witness on our first night! The fireworks were all through the city and lasted all night with music and song of all kinds. It was a fun first night.
This morning we’ve been touring around Dar on foot in search of an internet café and minutes for our phone. We had another lovely lunch and found worlds slowest computer connection – which we are grateful for as apparently nothing is open on a Sunday in Dar.
So here we are, waiting for our e-mail to load and hoping we can get a flight out to either Harare or Lusaka as soon as tomorrow.
Moms, Dad, friends – we’re doing great and while we’re not where we had hoped, we’re together and happy and safe. Life is a journey and we’re DEFINITELY on it! Love to all!
Stay tuned for our next update, Kesho!

-- Jimi and Jenny