Monkeys

No flying this weekend, so we had a nice BBQ last night, and today was an afternoon up at the Old Boma in Mikindani, near an old East African slave market.  The owners have done up the old building, filled it with dark hard wood furniture and carvings, put in a huge pool, and with the vegetation, it is a little slice of paradise.  And there are monkeys!

Just behind the Old Boma is a small park and these old buildings that I thought were arranged strangely, until a local pointed out that it is a famous old slave trading post, and the circle is where the slaves were presented for sale.  One couldn't help but shudder.

But after a little dose of the darker side of humanity, it's back to the curry and fresh brewed coffee and kids playing in the pool, and a good book in the shade.  It's a nice break from the day to day living and working in East Africa, something that just calms everyone and refreshes you for the coming week.  And those on call are still close enough to respond well within the alloted time. 

I'm not looking forward to the week.  I couldn't put myself on the flying schedule at all due to some base crewing and training requirements, and I have many fires to put out.  Only ten days left, then I'm homeward bound.