Day in Arusha

We are taking it easy in Arusha today rather than leaving for Bukoba right away. Thanks go to Linda for that suggestion. We are tired enough as it is today after our long journey getting here. 

We had a very nice breakfast at the hotel this morning, where some of the conversation centered on differing trends in church participation between the US and Tanzania. Then we headed out to explore Arusha a little bit. We found a place to exchange our US dollars to shillings, with the help of some self-appointed guides (for a small tip). We also shopped for souvenirs at a Maasai market and then had lunch at the New Safari Hotel across the street, a hotel owned by the ELCT. 

We all are slowly picking up some Swahili words, but we gratefully rely on LuAnn's help with communicating. At least we can tell our hosts "Asante" (thank you), and we repeatedly hear a warm and gracious "karibu" (welcome) from the people here. 

Dinner will be at the hotel tonight, and then we will prepare for the flights in the morning. By tomorrow afternoon we will be in Bukoba.