Which way's the Beach??

There are few things us Brits can rely on each summer so I feel proud that my friends and family have one constant in their lives....... Me leaving!! Yep folks that's right, I'm blogging again which can only mean one thing. I'm off!!. I'm guessing the blog address and the map may have slightly scuppered my big announcement but for those geographically-challenged among you, I'm Africa bound. First stop TANZANIA!!

I obviously learnt nothing from my attempt at 'youth development' work in Malaysia as I'm jumping on the charity bandwagon once more. Apparently there's a village in the arse end of nowhere that needs a nightclub... sorry I mean primary school, so I'll be dusting off my Workman's clothes and picking up a shovel once more.

I would love to pretend that my motives are totally altruistic but the real reason I'm leaving is that my flatmate Antonio has finally found a young lady who's willing to live with him, thus rendering me homeless. Faced with my options (namely a bedsit in Cricklewood ) I decided that the poorest country in Africa would be marginally more safe and hygienic than the Kilburn High Road.

Having failed in my attempt to complete my Indian challenges last year I have decided to keep this trip challenge-free (Challenge China it seems is to remain the pinnacle of my success!). Which is not to say I won't steal, wear, ingest, or mount anything with the right amount of goading - all suggestions welcomed!!

Alas this blog will end up being retrospective as my new home in Yamba has no electricity ergo Internet cafes are a bit thin on the ground. In fact most things are noticeably missing in the village including huts with roofs, toilets with doors and running water!! I hereby wave goodbye to privacy and dignity in one fell swoop.

For those of you who are familiar with my blogging drivel I welcome you to keep checking for updates at the end of the month.

For those of you who have logged on in the hope of finding an informative guide to Africa or knowledgeable advice on volunteering overseas, I thank you for you time and bid you farewell.

(I'm slightly worried about the dress code in the village but I'm assured it keeps you nice and cool on the building site!!!)

Ciao for now

Vic xxxxx