Thursday, June 01, 2006

borrowed bike, failed fudge and no malaria

i borrowed Adriano's (askari =guard) bike and rode to a going-away dinner for Tony, Eric & Matt ( a gaggle of studly dudes from the land of the "winning side of capitalism") I ate mishikakti ( meat on a stick), chipsi mayai ( an omlette with french fries in it) drank ndovu ( elephant) lager, then rode back home- stopping at rose garden bar, which has cement sculptures of animals among a beautiful green jungle with patio chairs. some friends in a cab followed me using their headlight to lite the way at about 2am. I felt safe, with my escort but also very free as i watched my tall shadow pedal, up and down. riding a bicycle gives me wings.

i tried to make fudge, bubling cocoa and sugar. It still tasted sweet but had a more toffee consistancy then the melt in my mouth; perfect, which i had grow a custom to while living with Erin in Kenya. i miss her insight, music and company but i know she is with me where ever i go. it seems strange to me that both roomates i have had while living in East africa nearly 8 months have gotten malaria, Erin and Johanna. In memory of months past i had my first malaria test because my new roomie was getting fevers and chills and is now taking pills to kill the 2 types of parasites inside her blood. my test came out negative, I am healthy and strong, ready to stay in Africa for another found. The doctor used the torch (flashlight) from his cell phone to look inside my ears and mouth, then i got my finger pricked. all in a very nice, clean hospital down the road from my house called TMJ, with total cost of 5000tsh = approx 5$. Last nite, I ate sushi at a fancy mzungu place called the slipway, with my Kiwi pilot pals (PICTURED) who informed me that the tourist season starts today, june 1. happy day!

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