I traveled from the North Western border to the South in Uganda. (Arua to Kampala / Entebbe).
And traveled from the East coast to the Western boarder in Tanzania. (Dar Es Salaam to Mbeya)
The time approaching Christmas found me eager to get away for a break! I had had a very busy few months and I was worn out! The students at the nursing school had kept (and still are keeping) me on my toes! I arranged the last set of exams for the year and then escaped! My ultimate destination was Mbeya, South Western Tanzania - to visit my elder sister, Jo!
First I headed to Kampala where I met up with Martin and Vic. I was invited to their family gathering and celebration of their wedding. Vic and I were called on to wear the traditional dress - a Basuti. They come as a free size - in all sorts of colours with waist bands that, to the western eye may not always match and yet look good when worn together! I had to have my outfit 'rearranged' through the day as I was not very good at keeping it all "together" - it is somewhat cumbersome!
After some relaxing and refreshing days with friends I then continued with my travels - courtesy of Air Uganda - Entebbe to Dar Es Salaam. The next morning I embarked on the epic journey from the east coast to the western boarder of Tanzania. I went on a comfortable 'Sumry High Class' Bus that transported me to Mbeya in a record time of 12 hours! I had been told it would be a 16 hr Journey - we had 3 short stops and were supplied with drinks and snack on the journey - lets just say i was impressed with the good service.
In Mbeya, I got see my sister's new home and work place. We had a pleasant few days relaxing, chatting and preparing for Christmas. Mbeya is in the hills and it was pleasantly cool and rained a bit. Trousers, jumper and socks weather. 
Boxing Day found us traveling back across the width of Tanzania, headed for the big, hot and humid city of Dar Es Salaam! There we enjoyed the hospitality of our friends Ursula and Janis. Trips included to a new air conditioned shopping mall, the beach and a street filled with paintings of all sorts of styles, sizes and themes! We sweated non stop and slept with the fan on - when there was electricity!
Jo and I had planed, that while we were so close to Zanzibar (see map above), we would make the effort to visit the historic and pictures island! Ursula and Janis made a last minute decision to join us, so we all traveled across to see in the new year there! The place is beautiful, lives up to its description in the guide books and was even hotter than Dar Es Salaam! We have friends on the island, Hans and Doris, so we were kindly put up in their spare rooms!
And soon my adventure came to and end and I had to travel back to the working world again!
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