Back in India

The last two countries I covered during the African trip were Tanzania and South Africa.I was unlucky to miss out on seeing Mount Kilimanjaro on the way to Dares, since there were far too many clouds. Dares is a decent place and seems to have many casinos.Or was it the only place I went! These places are ideal opportunities to meet up with expats from different countries.Btw many of these people are under the impression that in India, from the time one is born each one knows who they are going to marry. In other words the families set it up when one is young! I found it hilarious...

Johannesburg is supposed to be the most dangerous city in the world. Two things were very noticeable, the absence of public transport and presence of very few people walking on the streets. In any case, Joburg is a dangerous city and I would advise anyone travelling not to take too many liberties. Port Elizabeth is a coastal town in the south of the country. It is pretty small and more friendlier when compared to Joburg.That was the same day SA had lost to Nepal in a under 19 cricket match at the WC. I took the opportunity to pull the leg of some fellow travellers who were the coaches of a school team travelling with me!Hansie is still revered...something which touched me as well!

On Friday, I went to the Sun city and the Pilanesburg reserve. The same place where Ash or Sush were crowned something. I dont know which one!Anyways it was a good experince.A learning on the day was the concept of still water and sparkling water when you refer to mineral water.My tour party was truly global with people from the US, Latin and far east.

Tomorrow is Pfizer up against us...Another big day...

Its Adis...

12th Feb was an interesting day. I started off from Kampala in the morning and came into Nairobi for lunch and some business.By evening I was off to Addis for dinner. Later I realised the significance of the day in having covered three different countries on the same day.

Adis is the best I have seen so far. There is a lot of Middle east and Biblical influence.The country is rich in heritage, though I havent had the opportunity to do any sight seeing. The city is comparatively safe and one could walk around even at 10 pm in most parts of the city. Ethiopia is supposed to have amongst the most beautiful women in this part of the world. And sure it is...On Friday night I went to an ethnic Ethiopian restaurant, a little bit away from the city. It was the most amazing dinner I have had in months. The traditional dance and music coupled with beautiful people around, made it a nice occasion. On the food side, they served me with something very similar to the Indian Dosa.

Yesterday Tunisia beat Morocco 2-1 in the African nations cup. The absence of any sub-saharan country in the finals made the event a little less emotional for the people here.I am off to Dar-es and South Africa next week...Hope to have another interesting week ahead.

From Nairobi

I am lucky that I got into the Kenyan Airways flight from Mumbai on 8th early morning...I would have to say Air India should be a favourite airline when compared to the KQ! And when I arrived at Nairobi, I got to hear that my luggage is still stuck up at Mumbai...Well it didnt really put me down since I had expected the worst! I finally got my baggage on Monday morning.The KQ staff at Nairobi have certainly good customer relationship sense. I have been told not to venture into the streets here after 7 pm...You are supposedly either mugged or shot dead if you dont part with your money...Not a bad deal considering stake - YOUR LIFE...Well in the night yesterday, I was wondering what to do at my hotel when I hit off at a Mallu Engineer...And it goes without saying what two Mallus do when they meet:-) (Yeah I think I am beginning to feel more like a Tam as days go by!)