a note from Tom

its been a while since we have had internet but i (ben) just got a USB modem from Songea yesterday that runs off of the cell phone tower here in Hanga. so, we will have the chance to write a little more today. first, some reflections from the last week or so...

May 23^rd

The first full day in Dar Es Salaam saw the arrival of Lindsey, Dawn, Brandon, and Jake at 7:00 in the morning, and came into fruition with the emergence of the Frisbee from Tom’s luggage. As the sun neared its scorching zenith, the gang took a short jaunt to the Kilwa Road Pub, where we enjoyed cold Fantas and the bemused looks we received from the locals. As if the cultural shock of the first few hours were not enough, we later took a journey to the downtown fish market, where the barkers peddled the fruits of the Indian Ocean (including, much to our surprise and astonishment, several sharks) and where the city seemed to be at its most vibrant. We dined that evening with Nicholas, a Ugandan information technologies specialist who shared with us many fascinating stories and facts about Africa.  The day was concluded with good company, Bananagrams, and the promise of great adventures to come.