Moshi (not like in Mario Kart)

Went to Moshi yesterday evening- a town closer to Mt. Kili- thought I might catch a better view of her before I leave on Monday. Can't say I had any luck in that respect, but it was a fun adventure. I took the 2,000 shilling- less than $2, 1.5 hour bus over. I sat by a guy from Barcelona carrying 2, 15-pound flower pots. He was quite an interesting guy and he told me about his travels in Europe, South Am, the US, and Africa-and asked for my number-haha.
Moshi is a fun place to walk around- I barely saw any wazungu (white people- NGO's or tourists or ppl like me) - and so I had a fun time meeting lots of people. It's fun to start talking to somebody and then they say "oo- unajua kiswahili vizuri"- your swahili is pretty good - which is relative - meaning it's better than most wazungu they meet.
So last night I stayed with my friend Amelia from Namibia- a country close to South Africa and we ate at a great place outside on the sidewalk. We had wonderful shish-ka-bobs, zanzibar pizzas, and passion juice- all for less than $2. Then we went for ice cream and that was a beautiful thing. I crashed at her place then last night and we ended up just sitting and talking for like 3.5 hours and drinking coffee. She and her family were missionaries here when she was growing up and she has amazing stories of the Lord's provision and how God blesses when we give him 100% control of our lives. She told me of how God provided her fam with food, places to stay, and outlets for ministry when they didn't have a plan - it was truly living by faith- way further out of their comfort zones than what most people consider going I think.
This morning I took a walk at 6 to try to see Kili with still no avail. Then Amelia went to work and I explored the town. Met some great Tanzanians - walked around the colorful sokoni- market with people selling everything from Obama t-shirts, tomatoes, khanga material and pineapples to coconuts, used (but washed) underwear, used shoes, and Maasai jewelry. I bought a cheap 2,000 shilling carry-on bag so I can try to bring back some Stoney Tangawizi for the fam. It's like ginger ale but way better and it's only manufactured in Africa.
There were all of these stands where Maasai were selling things in jars and I figured out it's natural medicine- it's all different types of bark and herbs that you boil or eat that supposedly treat many different ailments. Would be interested to learn more. Then I met Eddi- he showed me around and I met his Maasai friends and went to his curio shop and bought some last minute gifts. Alright get this- I saw cheap DVD's for sale- and I bought 1 DVD - for less than $5 that contains (brace yourself) (supposedly and who knows the quality)- all 6 seasons of LOST- mind you there have only been 5 seasons so far. So either it's a typ-o or I've got next season! all on one DVD! Either we're being ripped off in the states or the quality is going to be ridiculously low and every other episode will be missing. I've seen 1 DVD with all of the James Bond movies on it, all the seasons of 24, etc. We will see how that one goes, hey?
Then on the shuttle back to Arusha I met a sweet woman named Rose- and we passed her home and she pointed it out to me. When I got back to Arusha I went to the Maasai market- a place with all sorts of shops with jewelry and carvings, etc - pretty touristy- but it's fun when you barter. One of the guys asked if I would trade my water bottle or my backpack- (I traded my watch the other week- got like $13 discount!)- and I said I needed both of them. But I had an extra pair of Nike shorts I was going to leave here anyway in my bag and when I offered those, he got excited- so I got 2 pairs of earrings out of that- ha. Then I ate dinner with Scott, Annelle, and Ron the missionaries I'm staying with - we found a restaraunt with cheesecake! cheese. cake. Best thing I've ever tasted- 1st time I've heard it even mentioned since I've been here.
So it was an awesome 2 days. I wish I could describe it better- I just really love walking around... see all the shops- "dukas" are small and like store fronts, so everyone is outside - and it was busy bc it's saturday, so lots of friends to be made, people to talk to, things to see and learn.
So as you know- or don't - I leave on Monday! As in kesho kutwa- the day after tom! And I'm already missing this place. Tom is my last sunday at our Vineyard church which has been amazing. Then Monday I am making cake -keki- and cookies -biskuti- and we are having a little sherehe- party- with all of my friends who work here and the missionaries so that will be fun! But it will be difficult to say goodbye to everyone.
Well -to all of you who read this- I expect my cell phone to be ringing off the hook when I get back TUESDAY AFTERNOON- bc I want to hear from all of you! ... well I might not after 24 hours of straight traveling- but yeah- I look forward to seeing all of you soon. Maybe I'll have a good story or 2 for ya :)

Mungu akubariki! God bless! Nitaangalia nyini sasa hivi! I'll see you all soon!