I got up at 3AM, Issa picked me up at 330AM. I didn't sleep well at all being anxious to go back.
Issa was very nice, Becca married his best friend. We talked about our interests, and my tour, and just random--he had very good English. We made it in just about an hour to the airport, around 430AM. I had to go through initially a bag scan, no need to take out liquids, but just a quick scan I guess. Then since I was business class I got to go to the front of the passport check line---felt so special. It took about 20 min to get my passport checked and then get my ticket at the counter and then went through security. I was the second person that morning to go through.
Then I had to wait for about an hour for the plane to arrive and board it. There were not many of us boarding---not sure why I had to buy a business class ticket.
I started to not feel that great- a little pressure on my chest, scratchy throat, would only cough when my throat got dry---maybe once an hour. Hope all that goes away and its not coronavirus. We boarded quickly-I was in row 2-actually sat on the aisle side and was suppose to be window seat, but the girl next to me (from Canada), she didn't say anything so I just went it.
I watched Brian Banks--football movie being wrongly accused of sexual assault. I also watched Christopher Robin. Couldn't sleep much which was shocking.
This flight was 6 hours. I was welcomed with a fresh raspberry drink then had breakfast. Business class was full but economy had basically no one-not sure why I couldn't get an economy seat.
The first served was an appetizer--fruit, honeycomb and butter, roll, 3 cheeses, cucumber and tomatoes.
Then main entree was a cheese omelette with spinach and herb potatoes--it was a small serving but perfect after a large appetizer plate.
Then caught like 30 min of sleep-I was shocked I did't just sleep the whole thing but I think I was on so much adrenaline I couldn't relax. I got some tea to help my throat---not it was only scratchy. I didn't want the coronavirus--scary to go back to the states---all the stores are empty, no toilet paper, shelves empty, seriously nuts!
Got another snack before landing and it was a sandwich with cheese, green and red peppers and a marble cake-both fairly bland.
I arrived in Istanbul, Turkey midday and had to walk a while to the next flight---this airport was huge, very clean and now there were a ton of masks. I just wanted to be on home soil so very impatient to get on next flight.
I had to go through an initial scan when got off the first plane---didn't have to take my liquids or shoes off, just a quick scan. Then at the next gate, I had my ticket checked, passport checked and then bags opened a little and they wipe inside and wiped down my body.
I had to wait like 15 min or so and then boarded the second plane. This one was a step above---I had a seat that I could lay down on! It was beautiful business class. It made me feel special!
Again there was like 10 of us in business class and like no one in economy.
This flight was 11 hours and the chair was so comfy-treated like a celebrity!
I ate a lot --served a 4 course meal, someone came and made my bed for me, I laid down for like 6-8 hours, watched a couple movies, listened to some music and was dancing a bit in my seat because I was happy to be almost back to Chicago!
I felt so much better when we took off from Istanbul. Also additionally they gave business class free wifi!! How awesome!! So I could chat with family and friends the whole way home!
Got to ORD around 730PM and was expecting to not leave for a few hours. But was pleasantly surprised when we were like the only plane arriving and got through in 10 minutes. I had to fill out the arrival paperwork and had to be take to the CDC tent but only asked if I went to China or Iran recently. They said I was good to go and then had to wait 10-15 min for my parents to arrive.
They got there and got me and I was relieved! I was scared I would get someone sick by going back to the house but they wanted me to be with them and stay at home.
A shelter in place was then issued----had to stay in the house unless completely necessary to go out. I am still not feeling great, just my vertigo was acting up. I just hope I don't have anything that can be shared! Still taking my Malaria pills. This world is getting crazy, could be at least 30 days before things get to be somewhat normal.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
3/17: Back to Arusha
In the middle of the night, we all heard a lion roar. I went to look---had to unzip like 2 inches and use a flashlight but saw nothing.
I slept for about .5-1 hr maybe in total. I was exhausted when my alarm went off. I am so nervous going to breakfast. Everyone else in my group had a changed flight and I was the only one who didn't have one.
I repacked up my things and ate a little (again was not hungry)-they had juice, french toast, pineapple, and mango. There were meats, cheeses, yogurt, cereal, a lot of food--but I wasn't interested in any of it.
I was freaking out---called my mom again but still no resolution and then we were off to Arusha. It was about a 7-8 hour drive back.
One the drive we got stuck a couple times in the mud-Richard did such an amazing job driving and getting us out of the stuck mud. We had mud flying everywhere-huge cravats/holes. We saw lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, storks. We took our time returning basically. Lots of African massage. Once we got through the bumpy road, we were back to civilization and stopped to eat lunch at the Tanzanite shop/restroom stop we stopped at before. The manager of GA Adventures was there and she shared her condolences about the cancelled trip--she shared that all of the GA Adventures trips all over were cancelled and they would put us up in a hotel. None of the others in my group were interested because they booked one already but I wanted it.
Randy and Kari were getting really cocky and seemed to care only about themselves since we found out about the cancellation----they were really stuck up and could care less about helping anyone else. They also seemed ticked I got a free hotel night now.
We saw a lot of dogs with the Masai people and also wild dogs, dogs were not pets here but rather more used as herders for the goats and cows.
The box lunch we had was chicken sandwich-basically chicken pieces on bread, apple, potato chips, chocolate bar, fruit drink, and a water bottle. The chicken was tasty, but still not hungry---feeling nervous about not finding a new flight. I felt better though because I at least had a night at a hotel. Lorien- girl I went to Costa Rica with, she lives in Mwanza, which is in Tanzania and she was helping me by sending me new flight options. I didn't have any service, no wifi while driving, and service was not great.
We continued driving toward Arusha and made it to the Sheraton--thats where Randy and Kari were staying, Patrick got into a taxi and heading to the airport. Bernadette also took a taxi and headed off to the lodge her insurance company booked her. And then there was me. Gosh I am not really uncomfortable and scared.
The guide and driver and dropped me off at the Outpost Lodge where I would stay one night. There was wifi in the lobby but nothing in the rooms. So I had to stay out in the lobby all night to rebook a flight and communicate.
Right after being left, I called my parents and not get really emotional-was crying and couldn't control it. I was crying because I was all alone and literally didn't know anyone, nothing, no idea really where I was. I was super uncomfortable (I prayed for this trip to be wild and be uncomfortable due to the hard situation I was having with Alex and my relationship being over).
Had my mom, Becca (Sue Stoffel's niece) helping me out-they both found me flights and we would try to book it and then it would disappear. Becca made the final plane ticket purchase for me and it was $2700.00-business class on Turkish Airways. I only had one stop in Istanbul for an hour. Wow what an expensive trip back.
I got to talk with Becca and she was such a nice girl-we laughed a bit because we don't even know each other, but she was so helpful! She lived in Arusha in 2.5 years and married someone from Tanzania. She knew some guys there and one of her friends is a cab driver. His name is Issa and she connected us via WhatsApp. He would come get my at 330am since my flight at is 650am. She felt better about her friend taking me to the airport because she would have them stay with me and make sure my flight was going out.
I then felt ok and much much better because I was going back to U.S. soil. I checked my emails and showered and got ready for bed. My parents tried to exchange my Ethiopian airlines ticket, but they said it would cost over $3300--just outrageous, this is price gouging and that is so not right when you have to get back to the U.S.
I went to sleep for a couple hours and then kept waking up every hour thinking I would have missed my alarm.
I finally told Alex because he messaged me about not being able to pay me and I shared I had bigger problems--so he asked about it and I shared with him. But he was not much help and basically said "that sucks, hope you can get home." He was not very empathetic, what a dick he was.
Kyle Wynn: on the other hand was very friendly and super caring the whole trip. He was flirting with me but actually concerned about me and cared if I got home.
I am happy I am going home because being on the tour was great, but being all alone was not fun. I felt like I was given to the wolves--so not okay G Adventures.
I really have not slept for the last couple nights--so looking forward to sleeping on the planes.
I slept for about .5-1 hr maybe in total. I was exhausted when my alarm went off. I am so nervous going to breakfast. Everyone else in my group had a changed flight and I was the only one who didn't have one.
I repacked up my things and ate a little (again was not hungry)-they had juice, french toast, pineapple, and mango. There were meats, cheeses, yogurt, cereal, a lot of food--but I wasn't interested in any of it.
I was freaking out---called my mom again but still no resolution and then we were off to Arusha. It was about a 7-8 hour drive back.
One the drive we got stuck a couple times in the mud-Richard did such an amazing job driving and getting us out of the stuck mud. We had mud flying everywhere-huge cravats/holes. We saw lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, storks. We took our time returning basically. Lots of African massage. Once we got through the bumpy road, we were back to civilization and stopped to eat lunch at the Tanzanite shop/restroom stop we stopped at before. The manager of GA Adventures was there and she shared her condolences about the cancelled trip--she shared that all of the GA Adventures trips all over were cancelled and they would put us up in a hotel. None of the others in my group were interested because they booked one already but I wanted it.
Randy and Kari were getting really cocky and seemed to care only about themselves since we found out about the cancellation----they were really stuck up and could care less about helping anyone else. They also seemed ticked I got a free hotel night now.
We saw a lot of dogs with the Masai people and also wild dogs, dogs were not pets here but rather more used as herders for the goats and cows.
The box lunch we had was chicken sandwich-basically chicken pieces on bread, apple, potato chips, chocolate bar, fruit drink, and a water bottle. The chicken was tasty, but still not hungry---feeling nervous about not finding a new flight. I felt better though because I at least had a night at a hotel. Lorien- girl I went to Costa Rica with, she lives in Mwanza, which is in Tanzania and she was helping me by sending me new flight options. I didn't have any service, no wifi while driving, and service was not great.
We continued driving toward Arusha and made it to the Sheraton--thats where Randy and Kari were staying, Patrick got into a taxi and heading to the airport. Bernadette also took a taxi and headed off to the lodge her insurance company booked her. And then there was me. Gosh I am not really uncomfortable and scared.
The guide and driver and dropped me off at the Outpost Lodge where I would stay one night. There was wifi in the lobby but nothing in the rooms. So I had to stay out in the lobby all night to rebook a flight and communicate.
Right after being left, I called my parents and not get really emotional-was crying and couldn't control it. I was crying because I was all alone and literally didn't know anyone, nothing, no idea really where I was. I was super uncomfortable (I prayed for this trip to be wild and be uncomfortable due to the hard situation I was having with Alex and my relationship being over).
Had my mom, Becca (Sue Stoffel's niece) helping me out-they both found me flights and we would try to book it and then it would disappear. Becca made the final plane ticket purchase for me and it was $2700.00-business class on Turkish Airways. I only had one stop in Istanbul for an hour. Wow what an expensive trip back.
I got to talk with Becca and she was such a nice girl-we laughed a bit because we don't even know each other, but she was so helpful! She lived in Arusha in 2.5 years and married someone from Tanzania. She knew some guys there and one of her friends is a cab driver. His name is Issa and she connected us via WhatsApp. He would come get my at 330am since my flight at is 650am. She felt better about her friend taking me to the airport because she would have them stay with me and make sure my flight was going out.
I then felt ok and much much better because I was going back to U.S. soil. I checked my emails and showered and got ready for bed. My parents tried to exchange my Ethiopian airlines ticket, but they said it would cost over $3300--just outrageous, this is price gouging and that is so not right when you have to get back to the U.S.
I went to sleep for a couple hours and then kept waking up every hour thinking I would have missed my alarm.
I finally told Alex because he messaged me about not being able to pay me and I shared I had bigger problems--so he asked about it and I shared with him. But he was not much help and basically said "that sucks, hope you can get home." He was not very empathetic, what a dick he was.
Kyle Wynn: on the other hand was very friendly and super caring the whole trip. He was flirting with me but actually concerned about me and cared if I got home.
I am happy I am going home because being on the tour was great, but being all alone was not fun. I felt like I was given to the wolves--so not okay G Adventures.
I really have not slept for the last couple nights--so looking forward to sleeping on the planes.
Monday, March 16, 2020
3/16: Masai Community, Ngorongoro
I fell asleep immediately but woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. Officially got out of bed at 640am. Bernadette was not snoring too bad, but I had my plugs in.
I headed to breakfast-had a fruit plate- banana, pineapple and watermelon. Then ordered veggie omelette, with a pancake (much like big pancakes but tasted more like potato-like, thicker. Also had juice-not sure the fruit, but good and sweet.
Talked to group a bit at breakfast, had a beautiful view of the lake, lots of people driving their motorcycles to go fishing this morning, carrying their buckets. Lots of animals grazing too. It was a wide-open plain.
Then it was off to the Masai community- they live in mud/cow dung huts. We got to see 2 stoves--the first was the old one---so smoky inside-I was inside for 2 seconds and my eyes were severely watering. Wow I could not imagine sitting let alone sleeping in there. Just awful.
Then we saw a modern stove- it had a chimney which removed about 90% of smoke left, and 10% stayed inside to keep the home warm and warn off mosquitoes. The installation is done by the women of the community. They learn by taking a seminar in the main village and then do it back in their community and teach other women in their community.
We got to see 3 women help install a new stove with bricks, mud and termite dung. They use this because its strong and a lot like concrete they said.
The women wear a lot of jewelry. The men have multiple wives and families. There are two beds in a home-one for the man and one for the woman and children. Something they shared with us- when the father comes to stay with one wife and children, the boys older than 8 years need to go live another hut-this is out of shame they man of the community here said.
The older girls take care of the little kids, the boys take care of the cows and goats, the women get milk from the cows, build stoves, do the cooking, the men I am not sure what they do to be honest.
It seems to be a very simple life-they focus on one specialty-maybe rice, bananas, milk, potatoes, and then trade for what they need like cows, chicken, eggs-whatever their needs are. They do not eat wild animals-they believe if they do they will get bad luck. So that includes fish, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, buffalo---this is why they say they can live with the animals and cause no issues among them.
We left this community and went on to a Tanzanite shop (its a beautiful blue-ish stone, very pretty) and also a bathroom stop. When we walked inside they gave us hand sanitizer on the way to bathroom. This corona virus is getting really serious---We have not had any tv or news broadcasting so we don't really know the details but know its getting bad in the U.S.
Then we got to Ngorongoro-this is conservation land- where Masai are allowed to live among the wild animals. Saw more zebras, griaffes, elephants, donkeys and goats of the Masai, wildebeast.
We all experienced the African massage---a very bumpy ride, a very strong shake and rattle.
We drove the a great lookout to see what they call the crater----a huge basin where there are a ton of animals--can see animals for miles and miles-it was so majestic and beautiful.
Then we went to a museum and ate our box lunch. The museum was about the generations of humans and a lot of bones of old humans and animals.
The box lunch was kinda a random group of food-a piece of chicken, bread with what looked like coleslaw, banana, pineapple juice, cookies-plain butter-like cookies, spaghetti, and hard boiled egg. It was a very interesting mix, even had ketchup.
Then it was more African massage!!
We saw lions!! Came up on a small pride of females---just lounging around! Saw giraffes, elephants, warthogs, buffalo, storks, hippos. It was very bumpy and then muddy once heading to the lodge.
We entered the Serengeti on the way to this lodge.
There was a lot water and mud made up the roads---it was also raining on and off now too.
Once arrived at the lodge they made us close all the windows and they sprayed for the tse-tse fly, apparently its pretty bad out there in the Serengeti. They welcomed us with juice and a wet towel which was nice. We were escorted to our tents (I saw that loosely because it was super nice) by their male employees. At this place we were not allowed to exit our place until we have radioed the staff and they send someone to escort us-the reason for this is because we are staying within the park and wild animals are out there.
Once we went into our tent we were positively surprised---this place was huge!! The entrance was double zippered--one of more fabric and heavy and one more screen-like.
The first room was a little living room space and then another double zipper to go to the bedrooms---the first bedroom had a huge bed---bigger than a california king, and then the second bedroom had a bunk and a single bed. There were not walls but the heavy fabric that's the outside of the tent. Then the third area was 2 showers, bathroom and sink.
We knew we couldn't drink the water, they left a few water bottles at the sink for us! They even asked when we wanted to shower and they would come and turn our water on for us. Wow this place was just amazing and outstanding for a camp accommodation.
I slept in the single bed and gave Bernadette the large bedroom. The bed was a bit hard, but good for me. We had to set our things down and get to dinner. At dinner, Phil told us the trip was cancelled and he would be dropping us to Arusha and then we were on our way. So we all pretty much lost our appetite and started to freak out a bit.
The meals was first fish cake as an appetizer, then soup, then I had pasta with a curry sauce and the others lamb, and then dessert was a vanilla and dark chocolate pudding-thing---was a weird texture, kinda like jello and pudding.
We were all very frustrated because we wanted to finish the tour and didn't know what was going to happen.
We then back to our rooms, Bernadette was a bit upset and I was started to freak out bc I only had wifi and WhatsApp.
I saw a flight to get while at dinner and then went got back to the room it disappeared. I called my parents for help. We talked for about 5-6 hours, they called my insurance company, travelocity-who I booked my flights thru, and tried to get thru to Ethiopian air---but got nowhere. Now I was getting scared and tried to lay down and catch some sleep but couldn't. Flights are getting outrageously expensive!
I headed to breakfast-had a fruit plate- banana, pineapple and watermelon. Then ordered veggie omelette, with a pancake (much like big pancakes but tasted more like potato-like, thicker. Also had juice-not sure the fruit, but good and sweet.
Talked to group a bit at breakfast, had a beautiful view of the lake, lots of people driving their motorcycles to go fishing this morning, carrying their buckets. Lots of animals grazing too. It was a wide-open plain.
Then it was off to the Masai community- they live in mud/cow dung huts. We got to see 2 stoves--the first was the old one---so smoky inside-I was inside for 2 seconds and my eyes were severely watering. Wow I could not imagine sitting let alone sleeping in there. Just awful.
Then we saw a modern stove- it had a chimney which removed about 90% of smoke left, and 10% stayed inside to keep the home warm and warn off mosquitoes. The installation is done by the women of the community. They learn by taking a seminar in the main village and then do it back in their community and teach other women in their community.
We got to see 3 women help install a new stove with bricks, mud and termite dung. They use this because its strong and a lot like concrete they said.
The women wear a lot of jewelry. The men have multiple wives and families. There are two beds in a home-one for the man and one for the woman and children. Something they shared with us- when the father comes to stay with one wife and children, the boys older than 8 years need to go live another hut-this is out of shame they man of the community here said.
The older girls take care of the little kids, the boys take care of the cows and goats, the women get milk from the cows, build stoves, do the cooking, the men I am not sure what they do to be honest.
It seems to be a very simple life-they focus on one specialty-maybe rice, bananas, milk, potatoes, and then trade for what they need like cows, chicken, eggs-whatever their needs are. They do not eat wild animals-they believe if they do they will get bad luck. So that includes fish, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, buffalo---this is why they say they can live with the animals and cause no issues among them.
We left this community and went on to a Tanzanite shop (its a beautiful blue-ish stone, very pretty) and also a bathroom stop. When we walked inside they gave us hand sanitizer on the way to bathroom. This corona virus is getting really serious---We have not had any tv or news broadcasting so we don't really know the details but know its getting bad in the U.S.
Then we got to Ngorongoro-this is conservation land- where Masai are allowed to live among the wild animals. Saw more zebras, griaffes, elephants, donkeys and goats of the Masai, wildebeast.
We all experienced the African massage---a very bumpy ride, a very strong shake and rattle.
We drove the a great lookout to see what they call the crater----a huge basin where there are a ton of animals--can see animals for miles and miles-it was so majestic and beautiful.
Then we went to a museum and ate our box lunch. The museum was about the generations of humans and a lot of bones of old humans and animals.
The box lunch was kinda a random group of food-a piece of chicken, bread with what looked like coleslaw, banana, pineapple juice, cookies-plain butter-like cookies, spaghetti, and hard boiled egg. It was a very interesting mix, even had ketchup.
Then it was more African massage!!
We saw lions!! Came up on a small pride of females---just lounging around! Saw giraffes, elephants, warthogs, buffalo, storks, hippos. It was very bumpy and then muddy once heading to the lodge.
We entered the Serengeti on the way to this lodge.
There was a lot water and mud made up the roads---it was also raining on and off now too.
Once arrived at the lodge they made us close all the windows and they sprayed for the tse-tse fly, apparently its pretty bad out there in the Serengeti. They welcomed us with juice and a wet towel which was nice. We were escorted to our tents (I saw that loosely because it was super nice) by their male employees. At this place we were not allowed to exit our place until we have radioed the staff and they send someone to escort us-the reason for this is because we are staying within the park and wild animals are out there.
Once we went into our tent we were positively surprised---this place was huge!! The entrance was double zippered--one of more fabric and heavy and one more screen-like.
The first room was a little living room space and then another double zipper to go to the bedrooms---the first bedroom had a huge bed---bigger than a california king, and then the second bedroom had a bunk and a single bed. There were not walls but the heavy fabric that's the outside of the tent. Then the third area was 2 showers, bathroom and sink.
We knew we couldn't drink the water, they left a few water bottles at the sink for us! They even asked when we wanted to shower and they would come and turn our water on for us. Wow this place was just amazing and outstanding for a camp accommodation.
I slept in the single bed and gave Bernadette the large bedroom. The bed was a bit hard, but good for me. We had to set our things down and get to dinner. At dinner, Phil told us the trip was cancelled and he would be dropping us to Arusha and then we were on our way. So we all pretty much lost our appetite and started to freak out a bit.
The meals was first fish cake as an appetizer, then soup, then I had pasta with a curry sauce and the others lamb, and then dessert was a vanilla and dark chocolate pudding-thing---was a weird texture, kinda like jello and pudding.
We were all very frustrated because we wanted to finish the tour and didn't know what was going to happen.
We then back to our rooms, Bernadette was a bit upset and I was started to freak out bc I only had wifi and WhatsApp.
I saw a flight to get while at dinner and then went got back to the room it disappeared. I called my parents for help. We talked for about 5-6 hours, they called my insurance company, travelocity-who I booked my flights thru, and tried to get thru to Ethiopian air---but got nowhere. Now I was getting scared and tried to lay down and catch some sleep but couldn't. Flights are getting outrageously expensive!
Sunday, March 15, 2020
3/15: Arusha, Manyara
Woke up at 645am-slept well until snoring started. Bernadette said I talked in my sleep and was proclaiming something.
I went to breakfast---which consisted of a lot of fruit, cereal, this bar which was like dry cereal bar, dried fruit, nuts, they offered hot options like eggs, beans, bacon, potatoes, milk, juice, toast.
The fruit- tiny, mini bananas--they were very sweet, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, mango juice, water.
My stomach feels a but uneasy-started my Zpack, vitamins, and malaria pills.
The rest of the group came up for breakfast and I got to chat with them a bit. Then it was time to board the land cruiser and take off.
I learned some Africa words:
Sawa Sawa- ok ok
Jambo-Hello
Asentee- Thank you
Karibu-Your welcome
First stop was a supermarket to get water and snacks, ATM. It was gated off, super clean-lots of staff just standing around, dusting, straightening everything up.
The people of Arusha- very friendly, kids wave a lot at our van, we were looked at quite a bit, kids taking care of younger kids-seem close knit---kids follow and listen.
They drove to a shop/bathroom on the way. The scenery is very lush, green, lots of coffee and banana plants--very wide plants.
Our driver is Richard-very quite man, good driver though.
There are a lot of motorcycles-use for transport, easier to drive they said in bumpy streets.
I bought art/coffee in the shop, it was hot hot hot and humid.
Then off to the Mto Wa Mba tribe.
On the way there, we passed a village of a man who had 32 wives and 105 kids. He is a very famous man with his own town and community---I feel like that's a but gross but here its respected.
We made it to the Mto Wa Mbu tribe-walked to the rice patty--got a little muddy, then went to local sculptors --it was so hot and humid, then to banana farms -had banana beer/wine-tasted weird, but as strong as ours in the States--the beer has a nicer taste the wine tasted more like fermentation, not my cup of tea of either of them.
Then off to local painters---I am not really trusting that these are true local artists, it almost seemed like they were pretending while we were there. Not sure so didn't buy anything.
The kids were so friendly---always saying hallo when they saw us and high-fiving us. They would even come and hold our hands, just so sweet.
We then went to lunch and by this time, I was starving. A group of woman I guess come together and make a large sum of food--- we had a lot of variety--rice, spice rice, beans, rice, pancakes (like a crepe, more tortilla tasting), cucumber/tomatos salad, cabbage, a few spicy items, it was all pretty good---fairly plain tasting which is my favorite. For drinks we had to purchase them which I thought was a bit ridiculous! They had coke, fanta, beer for like $2 each.
Once we had our fill, we were off to Manyara State Park- saw giraffes, monkeys,-baboons, blue ball monkeys (their balls turn blue when they are mating), leopard (so fun to watch, could only see his face and then a group of zebras came and he tried to attack when he saw the baby crossing the road. We couldn't see anything because it happened in a bush but didn't appear the leopard got the baby.)
Also saw elephants --it was so wonderful to see them in their natural habitat.
Left the park and it was about 30 min to the next lodge--lots of people out and about on a Sunday evening. This lodge was in the middle of nowhere but could see Manyara across the lake--we had a beautiful sunset.
The place was made up of all yurts. There was no A/C again (there is no A/C anywhere), but always have bug nets, but we could open the window screens at least for air. We could hear frogs, crickets all night.
There were so many bugs at dinner---yuk!, it made me itchy and very paranoid. I went back to my yurt and sprayed me all over. Dinner was at the main yurt---all open so bugs were flying all over, lots of huge crickets/grasshoppers too. For dinner we had Irish potato soup, and then cabbage, carrots, spinach, rice, cucumber-others had beef. The dessert was banana fosters-basically banana muffin-like small tart- yummy. Food was good-very natural-lots of veggies for me!
Talked with group at dinner about the day and current TV shows.
Then back to my yurt with Bernadette for bed. I put on my pjs and covered myself in buy lotion. This was not my favorite place, especially being outside at dinner-too buggy, every minute flew by me or on the table/plate. No no no---cant wait to leave!
I went to breakfast---which consisted of a lot of fruit, cereal, this bar which was like dry cereal bar, dried fruit, nuts, they offered hot options like eggs, beans, bacon, potatoes, milk, juice, toast.
The fruit- tiny, mini bananas--they were very sweet, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, mango juice, water.
My stomach feels a but uneasy-started my Zpack, vitamins, and malaria pills.
The rest of the group came up for breakfast and I got to chat with them a bit. Then it was time to board the land cruiser and take off.
I learned some Africa words:
Sawa Sawa- ok ok
Jambo-Hello
Asentee- Thank you
Karibu-Your welcome
First stop was a supermarket to get water and snacks, ATM. It was gated off, super clean-lots of staff just standing around, dusting, straightening everything up.
The people of Arusha- very friendly, kids wave a lot at our van, we were looked at quite a bit, kids taking care of younger kids-seem close knit---kids follow and listen.
They drove to a shop/bathroom on the way. The scenery is very lush, green, lots of coffee and banana plants--very wide plants.
Our driver is Richard-very quite man, good driver though.
There are a lot of motorcycles-use for transport, easier to drive they said in bumpy streets.
I bought art/coffee in the shop, it was hot hot hot and humid.
Then off to the Mto Wa Mba tribe.
On the way there, we passed a village of a man who had 32 wives and 105 kids. He is a very famous man with his own town and community---I feel like that's a but gross but here its respected.
We made it to the Mto Wa Mbu tribe-walked to the rice patty--got a little muddy, then went to local sculptors --it was so hot and humid, then to banana farms -had banana beer/wine-tasted weird, but as strong as ours in the States--the beer has a nicer taste the wine tasted more like fermentation, not my cup of tea of either of them.
Then off to local painters---I am not really trusting that these are true local artists, it almost seemed like they were pretending while we were there. Not sure so didn't buy anything.
The kids were so friendly---always saying hallo when they saw us and high-fiving us. They would even come and hold our hands, just so sweet.
We then went to lunch and by this time, I was starving. A group of woman I guess come together and make a large sum of food--- we had a lot of variety--rice, spice rice, beans, rice, pancakes (like a crepe, more tortilla tasting), cucumber/tomatos salad, cabbage, a few spicy items, it was all pretty good---fairly plain tasting which is my favorite. For drinks we had to purchase them which I thought was a bit ridiculous! They had coke, fanta, beer for like $2 each.
Once we had our fill, we were off to Manyara State Park- saw giraffes, monkeys,-baboons, blue ball monkeys (their balls turn blue when they are mating), leopard (so fun to watch, could only see his face and then a group of zebras came and he tried to attack when he saw the baby crossing the road. We couldn't see anything because it happened in a bush but didn't appear the leopard got the baby.)
Also saw elephants --it was so wonderful to see them in their natural habitat.
Left the park and it was about 30 min to the next lodge--lots of people out and about on a Sunday evening. This lodge was in the middle of nowhere but could see Manyara across the lake--we had a beautiful sunset.
The place was made up of all yurts. There was no A/C again (there is no A/C anywhere), but always have bug nets, but we could open the window screens at least for air. We could hear frogs, crickets all night.
There were so many bugs at dinner---yuk!, it made me itchy and very paranoid. I went back to my yurt and sprayed me all over. Dinner was at the main yurt---all open so bugs were flying all over, lots of huge crickets/grasshoppers too. For dinner we had Irish potato soup, and then cabbage, carrots, spinach, rice, cucumber-others had beef. The dessert was banana fosters-basically banana muffin-like small tart- yummy. Food was good-very natural-lots of veggies for me!
Talked with group at dinner about the day and current TV shows.
Then back to my yurt with Bernadette for bed. I put on my pjs and covered myself in buy lotion. This was not my favorite place, especially being outside at dinner-too buggy, every minute flew by me or on the table/plate. No no no---cant wait to leave!
Saturday, March 14, 2020
3/14: Ethiopia to Tanzania
Landed in ADD (Addis Ababa in Eithiopia), had to go through a maze of people to re-scan our things. With this corona virus coming in full effect, it was puzzling why they would make us be so close together in a basement looking place--smelled very bad-like bad BO. It was such a tight, tiny space--a lot more masks now and felt like everyone was staring at me as the American.
I felt very uncomfortable, felt like I would catch something here, it felt dirty. Seemed like a poor country with a low income.
Once I got through that mess, I had another hour or so before my flight would appear on the monitors. I walked a bit to shake out my legs and then sat by the woman I sat by on the plane. There was good wifi so I Whatsapp'ed my mom and could talk to her and do some emails. Found from my mom they found my laptop and were shipping it to them for when I return.
I went and sat by my gate once the board told me the gate. A guy named Yuca from South Africa came and sat by me and started talking to me a bit. We talked about travelling and where we were going. Then about 45 min later I was boarding my last flight to Tanzania. It was a little smaller plane and had less advanced tv's. The plane was also only about 1/4 full, maybe less. Seemed we were all sitting quite close at the front of the plane.
It was only a quick 2 hour plane ride which went by super fast--I watched Playing with Fire.
Then arrived and had to go thru a lot of border control lines. It was pretty hot and sticky (humid) and we had to walk off the plane ourselves--no true attached gates). This line took forever---First was an immunization check- i only stayed in Ethiopia for 2.5 hours so didn't need one. Then passport check--that took the longest, there is no rush obviously in Africa. They just ask where you will be staying and why are you here, they also took our forehead temperature for coronavirus and then off to visa check.
Then they scanned my bags again and a random woman close to the exit asked why I was here. It was a bit weird and kinda scared me. But then I was outside and looking for the National Geographic sign. I found it and went over to the driver--he whispered are you Danielle and I said yes and away we went. It was a little scary but I had no way to know if it was right or wrong.
I followed him to the land cruiser van, he got out to pay the fee of parking there and waiting for me and then away we went---it was an hour drive to the lodge.
There was security surrounding the airport---a bit unusual for me to see.
The scenery on the drive was lush, green, a lot of farm workers-working the land, a lot of goats, some cows, a lot of people walking--some have shoes or barefoot.
I arrived at the lodge, some normal roads and the one to the actual lodge was all dirt and extremely bumpy roads.
It was a very nice, basic lodge-canopy style stay. It had a huge pool. I checked in and got escorted to me room and then laid by the pool. I didn't bring a suit, but just relaxed, had good wifi and called my mom, looked at email.
I met my roommate, Bernadette. She was an older woman, maybe mid to late 60s or early 70s from London. We both sat for maybe 2-2.5 hours and then had to go to the meeting with meet all the others and our guide (CEO-chief experience officer).
The CEO was Philbert, we could call him Phil. The group consisted of 5 of us---me, Bernadette, one person cancelled, Kari and Randy-couple from Michigan, Patrick-guy from Scotland.
It seemed like a nice group, we introduced ourselves and talked about the itinerary.
I was exhausted so they all went to dinner and I just went to the room and ate a pb&j I packed and had a shower and went to sleep early.
The showers here in Africa do not have door, just open space with a spicket-actually really like it and would like a shower like it in my house.
I went to sleep around 8pm, but was woken up by Bernadette snoring at 130 and 430 am. She did worn me and tell me did so I put ear plugs in----I have a hard time sleeping with noise so it was hard to fall back asleep.
I felt very uncomfortable, felt like I would catch something here, it felt dirty. Seemed like a poor country with a low income.
Once I got through that mess, I had another hour or so before my flight would appear on the monitors. I walked a bit to shake out my legs and then sat by the woman I sat by on the plane. There was good wifi so I Whatsapp'ed my mom and could talk to her and do some emails. Found from my mom they found my laptop and were shipping it to them for when I return.
I went and sat by my gate once the board told me the gate. A guy named Yuca from South Africa came and sat by me and started talking to me a bit. We talked about travelling and where we were going. Then about 45 min later I was boarding my last flight to Tanzania. It was a little smaller plane and had less advanced tv's. The plane was also only about 1/4 full, maybe less. Seemed we were all sitting quite close at the front of the plane.
It was only a quick 2 hour plane ride which went by super fast--I watched Playing with Fire.
Then arrived and had to go thru a lot of border control lines. It was pretty hot and sticky (humid) and we had to walk off the plane ourselves--no true attached gates). This line took forever---First was an immunization check- i only stayed in Ethiopia for 2.5 hours so didn't need one. Then passport check--that took the longest, there is no rush obviously in Africa. They just ask where you will be staying and why are you here, they also took our forehead temperature for coronavirus and then off to visa check.
Then they scanned my bags again and a random woman close to the exit asked why I was here. It was a bit weird and kinda scared me. But then I was outside and looking for the National Geographic sign. I found it and went over to the driver--he whispered are you Danielle and I said yes and away we went. It was a little scary but I had no way to know if it was right or wrong.
I followed him to the land cruiser van, he got out to pay the fee of parking there and waiting for me and then away we went---it was an hour drive to the lodge.
There was security surrounding the airport---a bit unusual for me to see.
The scenery on the drive was lush, green, a lot of farm workers-working the land, a lot of goats, some cows, a lot of people walking--some have shoes or barefoot.
I arrived at the lodge, some normal roads and the one to the actual lodge was all dirt and extremely bumpy roads.
It was a very nice, basic lodge-canopy style stay. It had a huge pool. I checked in and got escorted to me room and then laid by the pool. I didn't bring a suit, but just relaxed, had good wifi and called my mom, looked at email.
I met my roommate, Bernadette. She was an older woman, maybe mid to late 60s or early 70s from London. We both sat for maybe 2-2.5 hours and then had to go to the meeting with meet all the others and our guide (CEO-chief experience officer).
The CEO was Philbert, we could call him Phil. The group consisted of 5 of us---me, Bernadette, one person cancelled, Kari and Randy-couple from Michigan, Patrick-guy from Scotland.
It seemed like a nice group, we introduced ourselves and talked about the itinerary.
I was exhausted so they all went to dinner and I just went to the room and ate a pb&j I packed and had a shower and went to sleep early.
The showers here in Africa do not have door, just open space with a spicket-actually really like it and would like a shower like it in my house.
I went to sleep around 8pm, but was woken up by Bernadette snoring at 130 and 430 am. She did worn me and tell me did so I put ear plugs in----I have a hard time sleeping with noise so it was hard to fall back asleep.
Friday, March 13, 2020
3/13: Den to Eithiopia
Left Mom and Dad's at 7AM. I got to see Natalie, Wes, and Kane before I left which was lovely and calming.
Dad drove me alone since my Mom needed to stay behind to watch Wes and Kane.
I was pretty scared to be honest since the CoronaVirus (COV-19) was getting worse and worse. But I called the tour group and insurance and they were not cancelling the trip so I kinda had to go.
There were a few masks in ORD, but nervous about leaving and not being able to return to the US potentially.
I went through security quickly and boarded on time. First stop was Ethiopia (13-13.5 hrs). I met an African-American woman in the aisle seat while I was in the window seat. No one was in the middle seat which was nice so we had a room to spread out. Really only 1/4 of the plane was utilized so people were spaced out nicely and could even go further to the back and lay down if we wanted to.
I was comfortable though in my seat-I wore my calf sleeves to reduce cramping and they work really well---my feet were a bit swollen after the flights and wearing them the whole time but legs felt good.
I watched 4 movies on this flight (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood), 127 hours, Crazy Heart, and Frozen 2.
I listened to some music, slept for maybe 5 hours or so.
Meals:
Got served lunch first-white fish and rice, salad, bread roll, cheese and crackers. It was ok, pretty tasty.
Dinner was a very small chicken deli meat sandwich---it was very plain, not great and super tiny portion.
Then I had my banana as a snack.
For breakfast: eggs and veggie-medley and a sausage-looking thing. I didn't eat that, but eggs were kinda watery, the veggies tasted the best-were buttered. I had a roll, croissant, and fruit cup.
I went to put a nuun tablet into my water shaker, but it was so full so I spilled it all over my pants---it was pretty wet and on the seat. The woman I was sitting by got me some napkins and I went to the bathroom. I just had to wait for it to dry on their own--no other options really.
Dad drove me alone since my Mom needed to stay behind to watch Wes and Kane.
I was pretty scared to be honest since the CoronaVirus (COV-19) was getting worse and worse. But I called the tour group and insurance and they were not cancelling the trip so I kinda had to go.
There were a few masks in ORD, but nervous about leaving and not being able to return to the US potentially.
I went through security quickly and boarded on time. First stop was Ethiopia (13-13.5 hrs). I met an African-American woman in the aisle seat while I was in the window seat. No one was in the middle seat which was nice so we had a room to spread out. Really only 1/4 of the plane was utilized so people were spaced out nicely and could even go further to the back and lay down if we wanted to.
I was comfortable though in my seat-I wore my calf sleeves to reduce cramping and they work really well---my feet were a bit swollen after the flights and wearing them the whole time but legs felt good.
I watched 4 movies on this flight (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood), 127 hours, Crazy Heart, and Frozen 2.
I listened to some music, slept for maybe 5 hours or so.
Meals:
Got served lunch first-white fish and rice, salad, bread roll, cheese and crackers. It was ok, pretty tasty.
Dinner was a very small chicken deli meat sandwich---it was very plain, not great and super tiny portion.
Then I had my banana as a snack.
For breakfast: eggs and veggie-medley and a sausage-looking thing. I didn't eat that, but eggs were kinda watery, the veggies tasted the best-were buttered. I had a roll, croissant, and fruit cup.
I went to put a nuun tablet into my water shaker, but it was so full so I spilled it all over my pants---it was pretty wet and on the seat. The woman I was sitting by got me some napkins and I went to the bathroom. I just had to wait for it to dry on their own--no other options really.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
3/12: Den to Chi
My first plane ride was getting from Denver to Chicago. ( found a great deal from Chi to Tanzania). Saw a couple masks, pretty empty airport. I went through security quickly. I accidentally left my laptop unfortunately- I never bring my laptop home with me so I forgot it. I only noticed that when I got to Chicago and went to take my laptop out of my backpack and noticed I left it.
Mom made me a thanksgiving dinner--kinda like a last supper.
I didn't sleep well that night-kept freaking out myself, remembering to do something.
Mom made me a thanksgiving dinner--kinda like a last supper.
I didn't sleep well that night-kept freaking out myself, remembering to do something.
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