Entries by allan

Tire(d) of Bad Luck.

Lately I’ve been cursed with bad luck. Though it’d be unfair to dwell on the negative when Africa, its people, landscapes and intoxicating environment has blessed me with unforgettable friendships and experiences. Those who know me will attest to my glass half-full attitude — regardless of the situation. In Dar es Salaam I’ve been fortunate […]

President of the World In Tanzania

Here in Tanzania, I ran into something completely unexpected: a welcome party for President George W. Bush. Elsewhere he may be one of the most unpopular political leaders in the world, but in Tanzania, George Bush has been welcomed as “the president of the world.” I’ve spent most of the past two years riding around […]

The Tropical Side of Zanzibar

Who isn’t lured by the notion of palm-lined sandy white beaches, turqoise blue waters, coral reefs teeming with fish and postcard perfect sunsets and sunrises? Throw in traditional fisherman mending nets, tending to exotic dhow sailboats and beachside restaurants with thatched canopies and bikini clad beauties sipping colorful drinks adorned with bamboo umbrellas. True, this […]

The Beaches and Blues of Zanzibar

With my exploration of the dirty, sometimes smelly and always interesting alleys and corridors of Zanzibar’s Stone Town behind me I set out to the northern tip of the island in search of turquoise colored water suitable to swim and snorkel. Just outside the market area near the Dalla Dalla “bus” stop I found Hijja, […]

Zanzibar and Historic Stone Town

Zanzibar. Just the name conjures up images of east meeting west, spice, adventurer explorers and tropical paradise. Just a scant few miles off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar is actually part of a small archipelago that includes Pemba and several smaller islands stretching out to the Indian Ocean. Sitting somewhat in the middle […]

The African Continent Successfully Crossed.

After fussing about and trying to find starter pack SIM cards for our telephones, Ronnie and I headed toward Dar es Salaam. It’d be another long day but we’d be treated to a great road to ride passing through two or three national parks until resting our bodies at the busiest city in Tanzania – […]

How Wet And Late Can It Get?

I sit in the MR Hotel in downtown Iringa in the Republic of Tanzania. After thirteen hours of riding, the last two and a half in the dark and rain, I’m tired, worn and spent. We over shot the turn off to the center of town twice, finally climbing the hill to this cold nondescript […]

What Now?

Even worse, I was delivered another blow yesterday when Peter called and informed me that my tire didn’t make it on to the truck yesterday. …If the tire isn’t here by 2 or 3pm then we’d risk riding in darkness if we set out much later.

Washed Up and Out In Nkhata Bay.

Sunrise over Lake Malawi. Today not only would take us to Nkhata Bay, a tiny hamlet on the northern lake shore, but it would also take us on a seemingly endless (Egyptian) goose chase to find somewhere I could send funds to Ray Wilson in Zambia to cover the cost and transport of my replacement […]