From October to December in Tanzania, it rained almost everyday. In Dubai, wipers were almost thought of as an accessory, a decoration, something that a car ought to have, but its function long forgotten. As soon as it rained though, the guide turned on the wiper. Had it not been for this trip to the reserves, its existence would have wiped off my mind,
In most parts of the world near the Equatorial line, roads are usually wet, even more so in Tanzania. In the suburbs, the roads were unpaved. The ride was muddy and bumpy. Our vehicle got stuck all the time that I learnt how to release it using seat belts, shovels, sticks and strength. Since fuel was scarce, air conditioned was not turned on. Windows were wound down at all times, rain or shine.
On sunny days, it was great, as the winds were cooling and refreshing. On dusty roads, it was a bane, dust coated every inch of our permeating pores. On rainy days, raindrops flew in, mud splashed in. Sometimes, in the mud, you can even see snakes slithering eerily across. Who knows what other creatures lurks in these thick, murky foundations!
After 3 days, I've had enough. Bites were beginning to take a toll on me. I didn't want larvae to grow on my skin, or suffer from high fever, with yellow skin for ten years without any cure. I didn't want to hear lizards clicking their tongues and frogs croaking beside my bed. Or imagining some wild animals roaming around our little hut, hunting some poor, helpless animal. Or hear that victim screaming for help.
On the last day of the trip, I jumped out of bed at 4am, relieved to get back to the cool Dubai with clean, hot water and zero mosquitoes.
Yes! I finally made it back from Africa, alive! Yes! I did it!
Contemplating Strategies
Muddy Roads with Unpredictable Depths
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