Rest Day, Sweet Rest Day!

First thing First: Thanks for all the posts on my guestbook (www.gogoswami.com). I love receiving them and look forward to checking the site. Also thanks to those who have donated to Charity:Water. There is a link from my website.

Happy Easter y'all! I'm in Iringa Tanzania. We rode seven straight days from Arusha. This is the longest we have gone w/o a day of rest, previous long was six days. The roads thus far in Tanzania have been dirt, and VERY rocky, with the occaisional sand or mud pit. To get an idea of how bad the roads are, riders have been going almost has fast as the support vehicles. Apprx 7 new riders joined us in Arusha. They have had a rough introduction to the TDA. Looking back at it, we had it relatively easy (except of the first day) in Egypt, where we had paved roads AND a tail wind. It rains every day here in Tanzania (i guess that what they meant by rainy season), but we have been relatively lucky as it has generally not rained while we are riding. Actually, rain is welcome as far as the temperature is concerned, but the dirt roads turn into mud pits. The temperature gets into about 110-118 range, but feels much worse than it did in Sudan (Sudan was a dry heat). Tomorrow we will hit paved roads and are told that the pavement will continue through Malawi. I can't wait!

Our experience with Tanzanians has been much more enjoyable than with Ethiopians. Most are generally friendly. Best of all the children here don't through rocks at us. Also, unlike Ethiopia, there is little theft. It also seemed like Ethiopians expected foreigners to give them money, almost like we owed it to them, and they would get upset when we did not give them anything. There does not seem to be this attitude in Tanzania.

The landscape in Tanzania is what I envisioned when I thought of riding across Africa; dirt roads flanked with lush jungle/vegetation on both sides along with the occaisional sighting of a baboon or giraffe.

Happy St. Paddy's

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

I returned yesterday from a safari in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. It was amazing (handful of pics attached; many more taken). Felt like I was in a real life version of the Lion King (movie, not the musical. I hate musicals). I don't think I understood how close together all of these animals live. We saw four of the Big Five (missed the leopard). After seeing them, really makes me want to start hunting!! (jk). I also had no idea how close you get to the animals (Pics were taken with a point&shoot cam).

The Tour d'Afrique resumes tomorrow. I'm not really looking forward to riding, and definitely not looking forward to riding in the rain. It's been raining here 2-3 times aday, each time for approximately 2hrs. Supposedly, after the next three weeks of rain, things will clear up. It is hard to believe but there is only 8wks left in the Tour (also difficult to believe that we've only been riding for 8wks, but somehow feels like we are more than halfway done. During the first 8wks i was sort of wondering if I could make it all the way. Now, while I still want to finish, I realize that I will be quite sad in 8 weeks when this is all over. OK. Enough of that. Must live in the now. Will try and find green food coloring to dye the water.

Erin go braugh

Spring Break, Arusha '08

Spring Break, Arusha '08

Friday was our last riding day prior to the 2-week layoff due to the fact that we will not be going through Kenya. Most riders (myself included) are looking forward to the layoff, which is a bit strange b/c when the layoff was announced about a month ago; most riders (myself included) were devastated. I think our 3 weeks in Ethiopia has worn everyone down. The mountainous terrain, the (lack of) roads, and the menacing children have left the group ragged. My ass and knees can't wait for time out of the saddle. There are also certain personality conflicts that are ripe for eruption, and w/o the layoff would produce some reality TV show style drama. I can't decide if it is a good or bad thing that some of these conflicts will never realize their full drama potential.

Two Dutchies left the tour today (Martin, already did the second-half in '06; Menno plans on doing the second half next year). Their departure made me realize what a strong bond the riders have formed. I was not particularly close with either Martin or Menno, but was still surprisingly sad to see them off. I can only imagine how difficult the farewells at Capetown will be. I know, I know, Capetown is still a ways away, but those of you who know me well know how challenging living in the moment is for me. Anyway, I'm trying to really take advantage of the opportunity so I will be spending my Spring Break in Arusha from where I plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, and perhaps do a safari in the Serengeti.

Big ups to Sara & Dain and Katty. They are sending me a care package in Arusha with some much needed equipment, as well as some much desired Pop-Tarts. Thanks as well to Bonz who is updating my whereabouts when he is not fighting infectious disease.

Finally thanks to all that have donated to Charity:Water. If you have not yet donated, please do (www.gogoswami.com). I'll try to upload some pictures from Arusha after my attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro.