Day 9 – Last Day of Safari (Lake Manyara/Arusha/Kilimanjaro)
And so it is…last morning in Africa! Great night sleep and it’s so chilly in the tent, neither Rich or I wanted to get up. Breakfast and goodbyes at 7:30 and we’re in route to Arusha by 8:00am. It’s cool here this morning so the tops are still on the jeep. Driving out I’ve come to terms with leaving and looking forward to a little shopping along the way.
Stopped by a t-shirt shop and another souvenir shop – pretty much got all we were looking for with the exception of that special gift Rich was looking for for Linda. Rich and I both dressed for the long flight home, completely forgetting we had one last driveq through Lake Manyara National Park (a much smaller park) on the way. Ally took the tops back off so we could enjoy our last drive. Park here is much greener because it has under water springs. But that also means it is very wooded so a little more difficult to see the animals.
Lots of monkeys (which are so adorable) and the normal grazing animals. Ally said though there ARE lions here, he hasn’t seen them in 2 years…and I can see why. We stopped by a lunch area there in the park to eat before continuing our drive in to Arusha. What’s in our lunch boxes everyday is always a surprise…Edward sent us left over farewell cake for our last lunch!
MSafari, the security guard that works the gate at the Mt. Meru hotel was there when we drove through today. It was good to see him again and he remembered to ask for his photo I promised to send him. I’ll have it framed and sent through Dawn at ADS. Martius and Timan were waiting at the front of the hotel as we pulled in. I appreciate them both so much for what they did to get me a camera. Both went way beyond for me.
As we all sat and talked about the week it was time to settle up with Ally and say our goodbyes. I thought I was ok until I hugged him good-bye. I don’t know if he fully understands how much this trip has meant to me and how big of a part he played in it being so memorable. Rich and I will never forget you Ally! God bless you and your family.
We had a day room there at the hotel for a few hours; to freshen up and get some lunch before we leave for the airport. Did a little more shopping there in the gift shop and waited for Martius and Timan to pick us back up. Have to admit that on our drive, we actually saw Mt. Kilimanjaro for the first time. The mountain we took pictures of day 1 (which we thought was Kilimanjaro) was actually Mt. Meru. It’s difficult to see it because the peak is normally in the clouds, but we caught just the right angle so the highest peak was visible. Was able to get photos of the snow on the peaks, which was amazing.
They got us to the airport 2.5 hours early, but that’s ok. Allowed us to get through customs, etc. with time to spare. Rich was able to find that special gift for Linda and I picked up a few more things. Good thing we decided to check our luggage this time. Our souvenir bag is getting heavy! Funny story is that they made Rich fill out some declaration form to get through customs, but not me? Not sure why. Rich said it was because I batted my eyes…LOL! I think it was because the customs officer I had didn’t want to mess with it. Who knows. I was also pretty sure Rich was going to have to completely uncloth to get through security…LOL. Provided a great deal of entertainment for not only me, but a few others in the waiting area…LOL! Sorry Rich, it was funny.
1st flight went to Del Sar which is South of Arusha. That one stop added two hours to our already lengthy flight to Amsterdam. So 9.5 hours later we arrived in Amsterdam. Three hour layover there allowed us to see parts of the airport we didn’t get to see when we came through the first time. At that airport, each gate has their own security check point verse one area for the entire airport. Also allowed me to pick up some flower bulbs (Tulips are famous in Amsterdam). Thought if I plant them, every year when they bloom, I will be reminded of this adventure. Rich and I both slept off and on, watched a couple of movies (including Born Free…:)), taught Rich how to play Sudoku and counted down the hours until we would be home. Once we started the journey I couldn’t wait to get there.
Quick stop through Detroit and a short 1-hour flight home. We were in the last seat on the plane so the last people off. Dave picked us up and we were at moms by 5:00. Had to stop by to see my boy and take him his goodies. His favorite gift was the two small pieces of lava rock I picked up at the park before we left (sorry Ally, I know I wasn’t supposed to do that). He said “cool MiMi…thanks”. He had his Tanzania bracelet (like mine) around his ankle. Not sure what he ended up taking to school today for show and tell but I’m sure he took something. Plenty of hot water and water pressure here at home. I actually lost 4lbs during the week, which is unbelievable since all I felt like we did was eat, but I’ll take it. Once last funny story is about my step counter on my phone. Mid way through the 2nd day of our Safari, my achievement sound went off letting me know I had reached my goal of 10,000 steps. Walked 5.23 miles…lol! I guess the jarring of the jeep counted as steps for me. Plus climbing up and down looking out the top must have counted for something.
Crawled into bed, missing my hot water bottle…LOL! Sure could have used it last night. I’m not sure how I slept. Dave said I woke up a couple times, looked around like I wasn’t sure where I was and laid back down. Up at 6:30 which would be 3:30pm in Africa. Not sure how long it will take me to get back on track. Atleast I’m home.
I like the valuable info you provide for your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at once more right here frequently.
I am somewhat sure I will be told many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site
who has shared this great piece of writing at at this place.
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually recognize what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally visit my site =). We can have a hyperlink trade contract among us!
Amazing things here. I am very glad to peer your article.
Thanks so much and I’m looking ahead to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?
The post is absolutely fantastic! Lots of great info and inspiration, both of which we all need! Also like to admire the time and effort you put into your website and detailed info you offer! I will bookmark your website!
This paragraph presents clear idea for the new visitors
of blogging, that truly how to do blogging.
I was skeptical, but after a year of trading, the low fees convinced me.
The best choice I made for using the mobile app. Smooth and easy onboarding. The dashboard gives a complete view of my holdings.
Howdy! I realize this is kind of off-topic however I needed to ask.
Does operating a well-established blog like yours require a lot of work?
I’m brand new to writing a blog however I do write in my diary
everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my own experience and feelings online.
Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for new aspiring
bloggers. Appreciate it!
Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained I’m sure you had fun writing this article.
Ridiculous quest there. What happened after? Thanks!
This is my first time visit at here and i am really impressed to read
all at one place.
Hi there, just wanted to mention, I enjoyed this article.
It was helpful. Keep on posting!
Glad to be one of several visitors on this awful internet site : D.
Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of
precious knowledge on the topic of unexpected feelings.
Hey very interesting blog!
Nice blog here! Also your site so much up fast!
What web host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate link on your host?
I want my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed
in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Appreciate it
Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished
to say that I have truly loved surfing around your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing in your rss feed
and I hope you write again soon!
I think this is among the so much vital info for me. And i’m happy reading your article. But wanna remark on few common issues, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Just right job, cheers
I think it is a nice point of view. I most often meet people who rather say what they suppose others want to hear. Good and well written! I will come back to your site for sure!
Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information. You have done a wonderful job!
Very good information. Lucky me I found your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
I have book marked it for later!
Its just like you read my thoughts! It’s like reading about my family.
Hello to all, the contents present at this web site are genuinely amazing for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
The interface is great support, and I enjoy providing liquidity here.
Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and
you are just too magnificent. I actually like what you have acquired
here, really like what you are saying and the way
in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care
of to keep it wise. I cant wait to read much more from you.
This is actually a wonderful site.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
deniz
I was skeptical, but after since launch of cross-chain transfers, the scalable features convinced me.
You said it very well..
You are not right. I am assured. I can prove it. Write to me in PM, we will talk.
Now I am going to do my breakfast, afterward having my breakfast coming yet again to read other news.
Greetings, I do think your web site may be having internet browser compatibility
issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE,
it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other than that, fantastic website!
Spot on with this write-up, I actually assume this website needs far more consideration. I will in all probability be once more to learn rather more, thanks for that info.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about CO88. Regards
The learning crypto basics tools are great support and useful analytics.
Tips and tools you offer are so helpful to agencies in our community.
I will share you blog with my sis.
I favored your idea there, I tell you blogs are so helpful sometimes like looking into people’s private life’s and work.At times this world has too much information to grasp. Every new comment wonderful in its own right.
hey thanks for the info. appreciate the good work
The clarity in your post is just nice and I can tell you are an expert in the subject matter.
There are some serious financial ramifications here.
I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but I’m glad I visited. I will post a link to this site on my blog. I am sure my visitors will find that very useful.
My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on numerous websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it? Any help would be really appreciated!
I’ll check back after you publish more articles.
Just came from google to your website have to say thanks.
Can I just say what a relief to seek out someone who actually knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You positively know find out how to bring a problem to mild and make it important. Extra individuals have to read this and perceive this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more in style because you positively have the gift.
Great blog right here! You seem to put a significant amount of material on the site rather quickly.