Final Days at Agape Lodge

Due to our very long safari day, everyone kept fairly quiet on Thursday. I spent quite a bit of time going through my photos. Moses finally returned from Dar Es Salaam, so we could catch up before I left to go home. On Friday, Elizabeth came to get me to take me to Mandela Primary School. Once there, I was given 100 drawings from the students to go through. It took some time, but I was able to plan a few scenes for the school library. Whether or not they do it, is up to them. Elizabeth walked me back to the Lodge with 3 senior students (and Daniel, another teacher, walked part way.)

Neema showed me how to make banana soup - but I will need to find large, very green bananas to make it in Canada. Nuru and Neema then worked on preparing our last dinner together. It was a nice send-off with everyone from the lodge sitting down together to eat. Moses gave a small speech and presented me with an African shirt for my husband (who must now come to Tanzania to thank him in person.) I was able to say good-bye to Elizabeth and Daniel (again), as well as Delphine - after their Rotary meeting. Many pictures were taken today. Below: Elizabeth (and Daniel); Moses(looking like a zombie), Delphine, and Daniel.

Tomorrow I fly to Nairobi, Kenya (through Kilimanjaro first). I have about 8 hours to wait before I fly to Paris, France. Then it is home to Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Wish me luck - particularly with my luggage.  Thank you everyone for following me on this journey. I can't believe it is over! I will share the many untold stories when I return home, for anyone wanting to learn more of my escapades. I hope to return to Tanzania sometime in the future to re-visit my friends who have become like family. 

 Quick update: I have flown from Mwanza to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania to Nairobi, Kenya. I decided to splurge since I have to wait over 8 hours for my connecting flight to Paris, France - and I paid $40 US to go in a lounge. Here I am looking out onto the airport Tarmac watching the jets come in. I have a comfortable chair, nice little table, wifi, outlet to recharge my devices, dinner, unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), access to a shower, bathroom, etc. What a treat! I am currently enjoying a Kenyan beer - Tusker (very good). This is the way to do it! I also appreciated the fact that on the two short flights to get here, I was given a drink and cashews each time. We don't get that service anymore in Canada unless we're on a really long flight. (I have to admit, Kenya is still on my bucket list of places to visit. Being at the airport doesn't count.)