[MOSHI, Tanzania]

Moshi is a town in the shadows of the mighty Kilimanjaro, on a clear day one can see the snow capped mountain. However I shall remember Moshi for different reasons:

It was here that I got introduced to the African mini bus taxi. A van that is licensed to carry 15 people in other continents, in Africa they are all competing for "Ripley's believe it or not" show. At one point I counted 25 passengers! I guess its a case of "you pay for what you get", 70 cents Euro will get you a 1 hour ride, but your comfort is of no concern!

My very first night in Moshi and I started to get cold and shivers, on a 'hot African night'. Fearing the worst (malaria) I found my way down to a pleasantly modern hospital, complete with sterile needles. Diagnosed as food poisoning; obviously my daring efforts to eat at local restaurants (including fish) on Zanzibar Island paid dividends!

This night turned into the longest nightmare of my life. I was delirious, nauseous, uncontrollable shivers bordering convulsions while sweating under the bed sheets as the fever consumed my body. If felt like it went on forever, I was thankful I was in a hotel room with my own shower and toilet for quick access if needed. By morning the fever broke and I was weak, exhausted but relieved the worse was over. The next days were spent recovering and pondering if I should 'attack' the big Kilimanjaro.

.

>>Top.. ..Home
Give your response in my guestbook.