Pembaldon

Monday evening was the first day of Pembaldon – Pemba’s answer to Wimbledon! The first night there was only 3 preliminary matches, but last night there was another 4 and it continues every day until Sunday when the finals are scheduled. There are actually 37 people playing in the tournament which is on its second year now. The participation has more than doubled since last year. And who knows, maybe I’ll be in next year if I’m still here ;)Frank signed me up this year as well, despite the fact that I haven’t held a racket since I was 10 years old… But fortunately the numbers ended up uneven so I was released. Also; I will not be here until the end and it would be a shame if I made it to the final and couldn’t be here to win – yeah right!! I’m a bit bummed I will miss out on the festive weekend though!

Anyway - two more days and then we’re off to Ibo. Pieter and I will take a chapa (local bus) leaving Pemba at 05.00 Friday morning. That means we have to be at the bus stop at 04.00 :/ But that’ll be ok – hopefully easier to sleep a bit on the way, even if the chapa probably will be crowded. I haven’t decided yet if I will pack in advance or just stay up that night and do all the packing the last hours before leaving. Maybe in the company of a glass of wine (and maybe even C, she is a true night owl).