The Ball that breaks the ice

I never thought I would say this but football is a great game. It has introduced us and Taran in particular to so many people on our trip. No language needed - just a ball. There is no conversation but smiles all round. Taran has played with a talented 4 year old in a very poor fishing village in the Serengeti to a very cheerful toothless 82 man in the Usambaras (who could quote Shakespeare), Kelty’s old work colleague’s son and nephew in Leshoto,  the security man at the Selou air strip and all the safari guides.  Every time we have a break on a bus or car journey, Taran gets his goalie gloves on and within seconds there is someone offering to play.  It breaks barriers so instantly and which team you support has started so many conversations with much laughter about Chelsea losing last weekend 6-0.  When we went to stay in Rangwi Convent the nun who greeted us had an Arsenal hat on.  

 

Without the football on board, we went fishing today in the Rufigi River – vast, fast flowing, murky and full of groaning hippos.   It was SO hot, maybe 38 and this was early evening.  We were melting but that didn’t stop me learning how to cast successfully but not catch anything.  It didn’t really matter.  I 

Oh and one last note for today.  We saw a lion!  Very close up......scary but amazing. Luckily he wasn't looking for a meal.