September 10, 2013
Nairobi, Kenya to Pemba, Mozambique ( 730 NM)
Took a while at the Nairobi airport as we ordered airplane washed and oxygen added. As crew members, no custom process as we are all pre approved.
Flying to Mozambique is smooth. Passing over Tanzania air and saw Kilimanjaro mountain (highest in Africa) right by. It is 19,341 feet in height, , as we were at 25,000 elevation, got a perfect view. Magical!
Arriving at Pemba airport right on time at 3:00 pm. The transfer helicopter came to us around 3:45 but took more then an hour to get VFR (Visual Fly Rule) approval because airport computer was down. This is a tiny airport with two commercial flights in per week but the bureaucracy is not tiny. Fortunately, the pilot from Azura Resort is nice and a 25 minutes short ride, we are at "Quilalea" island around 6 pm. Two hours later then expected but that is fine. We are in no hurry and unexpected is just part of this kind of trip. Just need to handle it.
The private island resort has 9 sea front villas at the West Indian Ocean. Never been inhabited before. It is a perfect spot for a good rest. We will spend 3 nights here.
The rock formation creates many small coves with gentle ocean waves comes and goes. Sitting at front porch, listening to the ocean, as I updating my blog, trying to capture this moment and take it in completely.
September 11, a dive is a must. Snorkeling off the villa beach is daily exercise.
September 12, A visit to the nearby island. Natives are poor and are struggling daily with fresh water. Fishing and the coconut plantation are main economical activities. Only one car in this island that took Jeffrey for a tour. Unfortunately, flat tire. It took 3 hours to find another tire in the island. Jeffrey just got back to Quilalea by boat before dark. Guests pay 10 dollars a day for the Rainbow fund to the village. Glad to do.
Tomorrow, day 24, we will fly to Livingston, Zambia.
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enjoying your blog posts!
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