Amazingly I made all of the airline connections even though the time was short in both Detroit and Amsterdam. I met Barb and Gail, my colleagues, while boarding the flight in Amsterdam.  We arrived uneventfully in Dar Es Salaam.  It took a bit of time going through customs and getting visas.  Then came the luggage, as usual for this leg of the trip one bag still remained in Amsterdam.  (3rd time for this)
   We checked in at the Kilimanjaro Kimpinski Hotel for the week.  This gave us time to adjust to the time zone and attend the workshops with the quality officers.
    The ASM mentors were meeting for their debriefing during this week.  This gave us an opportunity to meet and chat with them a bit.  It would be nice if we could have joint meetings sometime. It would be good to be able to build on each other's work.
    There are flights to Mbeya but not on the day we needed so Patrick, my CLSI boss, rented a car for what turned out to be a thirteen hour drive.  Dickson, who works with CLSI, accompanied me.  He paid the bill for the guest house and tried to get internet for me. On the drive we saw a car on fire by the road-side with billowing smoke.  As usual I am totally in awe of the African Sky and loved the ride through Mikumi.  I even took a few photo and remembered past trips. Although I am missing my family already, it is good to be returning to Mbeya.
    It was good to hug Jenny, the housekeeper and Marshet, the DOD lab director, again.  I was immediately feeling at home in the guest house.
    Of course with Mr TImba gone, the lab was different. I am now working with Caroline, the new Quality manager and her assistants Nicko and Abednego.   Mwasulama and Joesphine and many others welcomed me back and got me settled in the office again.  Oh my,  what a lot of work to do!

Packed and Ready to go

  It looks like I may be staying at the Guest House - per Marshet.   That will be nice to have some  things not changing.  I have pretty much packed my suitcases.   I have a three month supply of meds and malarone- to prevent malaria.  There are a few things to add at the last minute - my sleep apnea machine and hearing aid case.  Aging always has new surprises to say the least.  I get to bring so many interesting things with me to Africa.
     My dental work is fairly up to date. I have had one crown re-glued and another replaced.  I'll have a new night guard tomorrow.    Our taxes are even done.  I think I am ready.   Tanzania - here I come !