Finally warm!

So in many ways Dar is just as I expected. A bit touristy. It's hot (31c = 87f) and sticky and only barely removed from nature. I set down some food for not 30 seconds before these little ants came from Nowhere and threatened to carry me off with them. Speaking of food they have peanut butter here! I'm eating it on some biscuits which would be good if they didn't Taste like the preservative. If anyone wants to research how bad ammonium bicarbonate is for me i'll avoid it if possible.

I'm in a nice room (too nice as the singles were all booked so i'm in a suite. Paying more than i would like though a cool shower before bed sounds excellent.

The plane ride was uneventful and actually quelled my fears somewhat. It was about 1/3 European and American tourists and if they can do it, i can do it.

The visa process was similarly uneventful - nothing seemed to happen - ever. We were herded forward, watched my passport and $100 cash disappear, and was then herded forward again to what turned out to be a holding pen. No fewer than 7 people sat on the other side of the glass and though at times they seemed busy it was impssible to see rhyme or reason to the process. About two hours of standing later i hear my name and go forward. Here they take a digital picture and actually print out a visa with my likeness. Pretty cool - though I look somewhat surly.

Dar is quite pretty - lots of big shade trees line the streets and there is very little of the hectic bustle of cairo or tunis. The nearest internet servce is the "Alpha dry cleaning and internet cafe" though they "had no signal today maybe try tomorrow...".

I will try to get some sleep under my mosquito net and fan but the heat is oppressive. Not complaining, mind you. I'm glad to finally be in hot Africa. This has got to be the farthest south i've ever been. OOoh the sun traverses the northern sky now doesn't it? Exciting. I've never seen that!