Bangata

Yesterday I left Moshi Town, took a packed bus ride to a bus stop near Arusha, then hiked up the foothills of Mt Meru for about two hours to finally arrive at my old homestay house in a small village called Bangata. (I stayed there for 3 weeks during September of 2003) The hike up was beautiful and the people all very friendly and helpful. I admit, I did get a bit lost at the end, so two school girls showed me the way. It was great to see the family again! Chatting with each of them, laughing with the kids, cooking with my sister.. I also brought a photo album of pictures I had taken when I stayed with them, which I gave as a gift. It sure did bring a lot of smiles. Well, I'm in Arusha now, a large city with so many people hurrying from place to place.. such a contrast from Bangata. I plan to return to Bangata again sometime next month. It was well worth the two hour hike to get there. The three pictures below are a glimpse of my homestay.