Back to Africa

I have been saying all along that it just takes a phone call or email to change our lives.  One day Roger was getting ready to start a job in the Philippines, the next day plans changed and he was preparing to go to Africa.  After connecting on LinkedIn, the president of Layne's Mineral Division called Roger to discuss job opportunities and Roger didn't hesitate to return to Layne and take a six week contract in Tanzania.  Roger and his family have a long history with Layne which is one of the largest drilling companies in the world.

Before leaving Calgary, Roger flew out to Vancouver for three days to see Brad, Anette and the Boat Show.  While our lives tend to be in a constant state of flux, one thing remains: Brad and Roger's love for anything that floats. 

Brad and Anette at Granville Island

Roger has been in Tanzania for about 10 days and sent me some photos to post on the blog.  I don't have a lot of details but he has assured me the food is much better than in Ethiopia, and he is working with some really good people. Security-wise there haven't been any issues and the biggest danger (as in most countries) is traffic accidents.

Layne's office is located in Morogoro and have a dozen drills working throughout the country

Good coffee has followed Roger from Colombia...to Ethiopia...and now to Tanzania. 

Coffee Lodge

Coffee grinders in the background

These are used to test coffee at the plantation lodge

Before Roger's luggage had a chance to catch up to him, he was off on a road trip to a drill operating south of Morogoro.

Ranch hotel

Wood fueled water heater

Horse stable room

Roger saw elephants, monkeys and Cape buffalo, but the giraffes were the ones he was able to get closest to

Giraffes are one of my favorite animals to see in the wild.  They are nicknamed "the models of the plains" because of their graceful walk.

Roger at the drill site --- bet he's happy to see all the safety equipment!

Layne's drill

Roger returned to Morogoro for a couple of days and fortunately most of his luggage was there.  With the weather in the low 30s, I can imagine he's sampled some of the local Tanzanian beers.

This week he is traveling to the north, and said that if the weather is clear, he should be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro.  Safe travels, Roger!

“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller