Sunday, 22 April 2012

Who would think I could cause such chaos in Pemba from rural weekend in Herefordshire...?

My friend Peter is visiting Dominik at Mareja for a week.  Amazingly Dominik is back in Pemba on Friday, poised and ready to collect him a whole day and half early. A happy, satisfying (and rare) bit of organisational efficiency...until I receive a text midday Saturday to say he has gone back to Mareja after reports of shots near the house.  Peter arrives midday Sunday....

In summary what follows left me wanting to lie in a darkened room belly up and never ever venture into the world of communications again:
  • Saturday midday ring Nzuma Lodge (Peter had a mutual friend who knows the owner)- his wife says they are full but may be able to sort something but will let me know first thing Sunday morn. I hear nothing so send a message saying 'not to worry I will sort something else out' - (sent from mobile phone that works, important detail.)
  • Saturday early evening email Jasper - asking what chance is he could drive Peter out to Mareja (conscious that he is not best pleased with Dominik and his ways - so it is a tentative query)
  • Sunday morning 10am UK/11am Moz no word from either of above ...so I contact my good friend Rebecca for help
  • About 11am UK - peace and tranquillity descends - Rebecca offers bed, I imagine Peter happy, welcomed with beach views, sun and beer and feel greatly relieved
  • About lunchtime - still feeling relaxed...I get text 'No Peter'.... then the new picture unfurls
  • Jasper's brother has waited an hour, so has Rebecca, no Peter - I get indigestion and break out in pregnancy enhanced sweat
  • 3 people waiting to collect 1 - Peter leaves with most unexpected option
Peter has in fact been whisked off by Jonnie (whoever he is) to Nzuma and Pemba airport was the scene of wasted time, Peter confusion - a nice twistt, Geert, Jasper's brother, thought he was waiting for a different Peter (our Oxford researcher)

Who would think I could cause such long-range chaos?

Last I heard, 2 days later than planned, Peter was heading with Dominik to Mareja ...Peter was driving while Dominik enjoyed the view - I believe he was testing his 4x4 skills. I wonder if Peter was in the mood for more tests...for sure I am NOT!

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