Amazing Tanzania
Trip Start
Oct 20, 2008
1
7
29
Trip End
Feb 02, 2009
Karatu,
Tanzania
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sorry we have been out of touch. It has been a busy and amazing week for both Ernie and I. Understandably, there is no internet service while on safari (though I have a feeling our guide has an inside line to the animals as we have consistently seen amazing things). Besides ALL the amazing animals we have seen there has been a few poignant experiences for us (more on that later). We have been to several parks and conservations; Tarangire, Ngorogoro, and Serengeti. We have camped as well as stayed in lodges. We have the most amazing guide, Silver, and our cook, Prospa. They are so knowledgeable. Both keep us safe and well fed. We have been able to see all Big 5 animals, some really up close, and we saw tons more. Its is truly a different experience to see animals on THEIR land. They own it and you are humbled by it all. I cannot list all the animals we have seen so far, but suffice to say it was a lot.(ex: lions mating, hippos fighting, leopards climbing
a tree, lion trees, etc)
Enriching our experience has been our tribal walks. We spent 6 hours walking with a Masai guide, Mcee. Its difficult to paint a picture with my words life for the Masai. It is a nomadic tribe that subsist on shepherding cattle, donkeys, and goats. Mcee took us on an abbreviated walk (yes, walking for 6 hours was 'abbreviated) much like the daily life of the Masai. At the end of our walk we were welcomed into his home and village, boma. It was just Ernie and I so it was a bit more intimate and informal. The women and men reluctantly, at first, gathered for a traditional dance and song, but as time progressed they lost their shyness and it became a more personal and fun activity. We witnessed the teenage courting/flirting of a very handsome Masai boy from an equally pretty Masai girl. To witness it made us laugh and feel more at ease. The women, called mamas, invited me to join the dance. They lent me their traditional ringed necklace and I proceeded to
make a complete fool of myself, of course, as I tried to imitate the dance and movements. But in the end, I got the hang of it (there are photos and video). Ern was also invited to join the men and he did a great job of mimicking their impressive jumps. We left that experience joyful, more knowledgeable,and humbled.
Our second tribal walk was with the Iraqw (pronounced iraq-koo)tribe. Our guide this time was Paolo. He took us on a shorter but inclined stroll through his tribal land. Iraqw are brick-builders and farmers. We learned how bricks are made here and what absolute back breaking work it is. NO MECHANICAL TOOLS at all. It was amazing how they do it. At the end of the walk we ate in his home and listened to him play his traditional zitar and marimba. His wife, neighbor and daughter joined in to sing as well.
Seeing the animals are great. It was very exciting to go on safari. The roads on the way to safari and while on safari is so rough as 90% of it is unpaved, and long stretches of road are cratered and extremely bumpy. (esp. from Ngorogoro to Serengeti; this road is aptly named, Road to Hell).
We are soon to be on our way to Zanzibar for a little quiet time. We are tired and worn out, but this Safari has been an amazing experience.
Of note: The U.S. election has been a hot topic here, esp in regards to Obama. EVERYONE here is for Obama. We have seen street signs, listened to pro-Obama radio and Obama reggae music. We heard that in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, people ran out on the streets and started celebrating; they did not go to work to continue the celebration. Other travelers we have met are also very keenly interested in our election. A Belgium couple told us that the whole world is naturally interested in this election as they are all excited at the prospect of Obama winning. Suffice to say, we are very excited and feel a bit safer now traveling after his victory. We are literally seeing the world's attention on our country. The whole world is hopeful.
We might we out of touch again for a while, but will write as soon as we can.
All our love,
Aidess and Ernie
Comments
All I can say is, Wow!
WOOOOWWWW! Can't wait to read the next episode of this adventure. Mims, you painted such a vivid and beautiful picture; I'm so glad you can write =) Miss you!