New Adventures in Tanzania

I didn't expect to find myself back in Tanzania so soon, but life handed me another unexpected opportunity for fun and adventure, and I just couldn't say no.

This time, I arrived here by combination of airplane and bus. And, this time, I left my wheels at home and, instead, brought my friend Pierre. We are here to hike, to sleep in the dirt and, eventually, to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

We have a day here in Arusha before we begin the climb. Being in this part of Africa, it is impossible for me not to think of the past. So many memories. Mostly good. Others, not so much.

Tanzania was the part of the Tour d'Afrique that marked the start of a long period of illness for me. And it was in Arusha that I spent the better part of two days bed ridden, feverish, and questioning whether my body would let me make it to the end.

At the same time, being here gives me a deep longing to be back on the bike with my riding companions; spending our days outdoors and exploring something new each day. Sunshine, smiles and rainbows; my memory insists that it was all beautiful. Even the mud, the diesel exhaust, and the smell of burning litter make me nostalgic.

Of course, I can't go back. But, I can make new adventures. Discovering a different part of Tanzania is a part of this. Just one more sleep until we start Kili!
Sent from a BlackBerry that I'd better not lose