Dahl's Solo

I just about managed to finish the book, an autobiography from Roald Dahl's wartime days. I didnt exactly enjoy the part about his war exploits but as an ardent fan, I prodded on. I more enjoyed the first part about his days in East Africa especially Dar es Salaam.

It was good to read another person's account of a place you have lived in - though Dar in 1938 was different from the one we saw in 1982-84. The tryst with snakes and lions made interesting reading. I dont remember seeing any snakes when I was there but Tanzania had that abundance of flora and fauna that the dark continent is famous for. My favorites were the green lizard and the grey lizard with the yellow head, the common lizards in Dar unlike the pale brown and the brown ones in India.

My cousin sister, who had lived most of her life in Africa, kept a collection of butterflies for her school project and they were so beautiful and varied. She also gave me interesting insights into the life and activities of ants living in her garden.

Ash's health is still cause for concern as he throws up food occasionally. He has a follow-up appointment tomorrow with the paed and the gastroenterologist.

Down memory lane

Lost my credit card. Can't remember where I lost/misplaced it. I last used it 2 weeks back at a kidstore before I went to Kerala. I am so forgetful these days, I think I need to get my thyroid tested. A friend told me that hypothyroidism can lead to poor memory. At this rate I am heading for Alzheimer's.
Chennai saw a sudden downpour at noon - should have expected it as it was so humid in the morning.
Almost through with my work for the day. Had edited an article on Gondwanaland (a supercontinent made up of Africa, Australia, India and Antartica some 200 million years ago, before the continental drift) expedition made by 10 Indian scientists/geologists on 3 Mahindra Scorpios. They drove from The Himalayas (shimla) to Delhi and then flew to Iran. The real expedition begins from Iran. Driving through 17 countries - including Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique - they reach the tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.
The writer's description of Ngorongoro and Serengeti wildlife santuaries made me nostalgic - of the days when we were in Tanzania, 20 years ago. Unfortunately, unlike most Indian expatriates we had not visited these places. We did go to one Mikumi National Park there. The Oyster Bay beach in Dar-es-salaam was also frequented. Maybe I should make a trip again when the kids are older.
p.s. I shall give the link once the article is uploaded, give me 2 weeks time.