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.
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!
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.
Sex show Very awkward viewing, but fun! I was trying to find the photo of the old girl on her back with her legs up in the air, must have deleted. Oh, and why didn't you tell me you were an expert at bartering!?! Will have to take you along next time. lol I cringe at it...on of my least favourite things about travel.
I saw lots with interesting, trendy renditions to their plaid dress....but they still carry out their traditional ways nonetheless. We decided to leave them be.
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.
I agree Dave, I went to Arusha with a full heart and was oddly disappointed...I'm not sure the year you were there, but things have gone south. Thankful the surrounding villages are intact and worthy of meeting locals. That is the true backbone of travel, except for those Maasi salesgirls, holy moly they are brutal and relentless!
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!
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
Excellent! Thanks for the compliments, glad I could take you down memory lane. Ngorongoro was absolutely amazing. I was so blown away - not just by dust devils. lol
Follow that Road Game Safaris Andrea...how lucky are you? There's something about the Serengeti that captures the soul...great name...great wildlife...great vistas. And how lucky were you to have Maasai guards?
Great song! Now I can't get it out of my head. Even my crappy camera was able to capture the beauty of this boy 2 feet from the jeep! Was so lucky to come that close to him. He is gorge isn't he?
This Canadian girl's passion for travel comes from my adventurous parents. My brother and I spent most of our youth traveling all over North America in the family’s camper van, airplane, and boat - going as far west as the Hawaiian islands, as far north as Tuktoyaktuk, and as far south as Mexico doing lots of adventurous stuff...canoeing, surfing, fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, exploring, jellyfish poking...it was the best childhood ever!
That same adventurous spirit fueled my travel passion for over 30 years. I’ve been all over the shop. Now that I'm newly retired, I split my lif... full info
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Ren & Andrew
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.