Arusha to Moshi

Today we required transportation from Arusha to Moshi to participate in a Marathon/ 10km run at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, benefiting the people of Moshi. Through familiarizing ourselves with the streets of Arusha we came upon a "bus station." This is not your typical bus station. As we are "Mzungus" (White-tourists), for obvious reasons we were swarmed by the locals trying to recruit us to take their bus. After quickly exploring the "bus station" we left the area a little overwhelmed and uncertain about this new mode of transportation. Through exploring other possibilities and speaking with Mamma Mhando we felt comfortable and reassured that this was to be expected but all the same, is a safe route to take. Not to mention, 2500 shillings per person (=$1.60) for a two hour ride to Moshi. Not bad.

After packing up our gear we began our trek down to the station. On the way we stopped at a "local" restaurant/bar/club/patio/park, etc to grab a bite to eat. As 6 white Mzungus we turn a lot of heads as we made our way to our table. After much confusion and a "slight" language barrier we managed to order and began plotting our plan as to how we would conquer the bus station and remain as camouflaged and unnoticed as possible- a daunting task.

We came to an agreement that only 2 of us Mzungus would enter the feeding frenzy as the others anxiously waited from afar. Once we received the signal to go ahead from Andy and Hilarie we knew it was game on. Single filed, we briskly walked to meet our counterparts and climbed aboard a bus.

Slightly skeptical, but happy to be aboard a half-empty bus we settled in and spread out throughout the bus. Oooops. Little did we know that they would wave people in off the street and fill up the bus beyond capacity. By beyond capacity we mean, 40-45 people in a 28 seater bus. Cozy much? Plus all of our bags on our laps. Harpreet got sat on. 2hours later, we arrived at the Moshi bus station, happy to find our hotel around the corner. After settling in, and updating our wonderful blog, we're excited to be here and looking forward to the weekend events!

Caleigh, Christina and Hilarie