Ngorongoro a Go Go

Memories .....
Loved your blog on the Ngorongoro. Brought back a lot of memories of our safaris through Kenya and Tanzania a few years ago. The wildlife of Africa certainly spoil you for any zoo in the world. We visited the crater at the end of the dry season and can remember the many "dust devils" we saw, spiralling their way skywards. Some of them, great massive things! We get them in outback Australia too, during our hot, dry summers (but, call them "willy-willies") I can also remember never having felt so filthy dirty and dusty in my entire life. We were smothered in it. However, our group in our safari vehicle, were all in the same boat, so to speak but, what a great time we had! The wildlife experience more than made up for it. And, ultimately, the dirt washed off! But, I have to say, that next shower never felt so good! :) Jan

Magical mystery tour
What a magical journey! I love the bonding of your group amidst the chaos of your truck, and that you have someone willing to bargain for you, something I still dislike despite years in Latin America. How lovely to have a veggie feast/cultural experience with a cooperative of tribal women and Western treats. Driving over miles of spring flowers, only to find a myriad of animals and those bizarre upscale tourists--priceless! I never thought a tour could be this good!

Mzungus
A beautiful pic Andrea that captures those frequent moments in an African trip when the tourists are the centre of attention and attract locals like bees to honey. Interesting observations of Arusha, Mto Wa Mbu and Ngorongoro that provide so many different experiences for everyone. I reckon your explanation of meeting Maasai women vendors was somewhat understated. They rate as the most fervent, aggressive and exhausting touts we have ever encountered.

Frantic mating commenses.
15 tries....I guess some males are slow learners. :) The silence of the caldera sounds perfect. I'm trying to imagine the serenity of it all. I could have been of used to you on this trip as I'm very good when bargaining. In Morocco a gentleman told me I bargain like a Berber and in Australia my friend wanted some jewelry in a store and I bargained so hard for her she walked away. She was embarrassed by my tenacity. That is sad because she would have looked great in those earrings. And.....yes....these stories explain to the world why we travel.

Beautiful
How wonderful, I can just imagine the thrill...I saw a koala and was beside myself, so would barely be able to contain myself with all these wonders!

I can't take this anymore.
You have to stop writing these awesome blogs - I'm serious! But I did love your story about Ally, and I hope that encounter gave him some insight into the human side of tourists.

Caught in the act...
What an incredible shot! 15 tries??? You can give it to the guy that he was definitely persistant! ;-) Fantastic blog and sounds like you had a really great adventure. Ah... One for the bucket list for sure... Absolutely love your writing style, so keep them coming! Can't wait to read about Kilimanjaro...