the great leslie

After a 60 hour journey, I made it to Kigomo in western Africa. It was such a loooong trip the last leg of which was on a somewhat rickety plane, but my brother was there to meet me at the airport. I have never been more glad to see anyone in my entire life. Any discomfort from the trip was instantly forgotten when I was able to hug him. I didn't even care that my bag had been taken out in Ticomo and hadn't made it to Kigomo. Better it than me. And hopefully it will come today.

This morning we went to the Dr. Livingstone Memorial. He lived in a town very close to where we are and Henry Morton Stanley met him yunder a mango tree after a three year journey though the Congo and said the famous words: "Dr. Livington, I presume?" There was a group of students there who had to wait for the mizomo (white folks) to get their tour before they got their lesson. I told Drew I felt badly about this, but he said "it's just the way it is." I bet we paid more, too: 4000 shillings. It was a humble place, but my name is in the guest book.

Soon, we will go the beach to swim in Tanzania's deepest lake, the world's second deepest. I can't even begin to spell it but will try: Lake Takanaka. I don't have my guide book, lest I would look it up. Drew says it's very lovely and there is much shade (important, since my sunscreen and hat are in my missing bag).

People here are thus far very welcoming and I've seen far more white faces than I expected. We just met 10 folks from Spain at lunch. The natives are suspicious and curious (especially the little ones) of whites. They ask for money and I feel badly that we don't give. Alas, this is a problemn in New York as well.

 Only a few minutes left. I will try to keep updating. Much love!