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Sunday, May 8, 2011

Dar es salaam

Yesterday Ray and I met in London and flew down to Tanzania today. As soon as you enter the airport you know that you are in Africa. There is a unique smell, and it is hot and humid. The roads are busy with people and cars, the buildings are erratically built. The cab drivers are eager for your business, and very chatty on the way to the hotel - they want to know why you have come, and what animals you expect to see. They also expect you to bargain - which we do not do well. We paid $40 for a $22 dollar car ride. Oh well.

I was very quiet on the car ride, it hit me hard to see and smell Dar again - the last time we were here Joseph was alive, and safe and he was our guide. Tomorrow morning we go to the south. The first day we will be on our own and we will go to the beaches and snorkeling. It is a place that we never went to with Joseph, and difficult to get to - I doubt that he was ever there.

I don't think I want to be here, but I do know that I have to see all of this. This was the last place that Joseph was safe and happy - and in my day dreams I still picture him here. I think that this trip will put a closure on those dreams.