It has been nearly 4 weeks here in Tanzania, and time for my allotted days off…
So, I was off to Lake Manyara with 3 other volunteers last week. It is only about an hour from here once you hit the main road, so it was an easy day safari. We headed out at 7am to catch the morning wildlife, and the animals were so obliging! We saw giraffes (one of my favorite), water buffalo, impalas, hippopotamus (love that word), elephants (another favorite), wild hogs, baboons (gotta love them!), flamingos, zebras, wildebeest, and even a cheetah!
We had pulled over to watch an elephant at a watering hole just a few yards away, as it hosed itself down with its amazingly dexterious long nose. Our guide pointed to a group of low trees on the other side of the road, saying there was a cheetah under them. We couldn’t see a thing, so turned our attention back to the elephant. After her bath, she ambled over to us, looked as if she would walk right over us, then detoured to go in front of the LandRover. She then headed straight to the group of trees with the alleged cheetah, and flushed the cheetah out! Before I could blink three times, and definitely before I could grab my camera, it was gone. SO fun to see all these amazing creatures in their true environment.
The following day, I got to meet up with 2 missionaries from my faith in Karatu, our closest town. It was the best 24 hours I have had here, seeing familiar faces and sharing wonderful conversations. It has been an adventure being here alone, and has made me appreciate even more the moments I have with family and friends.
This weekend, some locals took a couple of us across to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, illegally of course, to a beautiful but secret waterfall. For part of it, we followed a trail made by the elephants, but the last quarter mile was true trail blazing. Guess the elephants aren’t into waterfalls. It was gorgeous with a small pool at the base, and a few were brave enough to jump into it. I’ve seen enough funky diseases and rashes to squelch a little of my adventurous side! =)
Thank you again for everyone’s emails. I AM trying to get back to everyone. Hope all is well back home!
2 comments:
AWESOME! It is fun to picture you in each of those places! I can't believe it has alrady been 4 weeks! Thanks for sharing with us. I wish I could come over in Dec/Jan to be there with you guys. Continue to enjoy. Both Frank & Susan continue to email about how wonderful you are!
Amber that is so amazing!! I think all that you are doing is so wonderful and exciting! Thanks for sharing it with us here at home!!!
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