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.
A thoughtful insight and ideas I will use on my blog. You’ve obviously spent some time on this. Congratulations
Nice response in return of this matter with firm arguments and explaining all regarding that.
When we look at these issues, we know that they are the key ones for our time.
I have read some just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how a lot attempt you set to make
one of these fantastic informative site.
Hi there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll definitely digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this web site.
Thankfulness to my father who told me concerning this
web site, this blog is actually remarkable.
Hello, just wanted to say, I loved this post. It was practical.
Keep on posting!
Good day! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems
with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Easily, the post is really the greatest on this laudable topic. I concur with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your future updates. Saying thank will not just be sufficient, for the wonderful c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates. Solid work and much success in your business enterprise!
I will right away take hold of your rss as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription link
or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly
let me realize so that I may subscribe. Thanks.
Hi there! 🙂 My name is Erlinda, I’m a student studying Social Science
Education from Festa, Italy.
What i don’t realize is in truth how you are now not
really a lot more well-appreciated than you may be
now. You’re very intelligent. You know thus considerably when it comes to this matter, made me individually imagine it from numerous various angles.
Its like women and men are not interested unless it is one thing to
accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding.
Always handle it up!
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a information! present here at
this web site, thanks admin of this web site.
I think other website proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and great user pleasant style and design .
You are good writer. Thank you.
What made you first develop an interest in this topic?
I am glad to be a visitor of this perfect blog !, appreciate it for this rare info!
I can’t go into details, but I have to say its a good article!
I’ll check back after you publish more articles.
Coi chừng! Trang này cài mã độc theo dõi, vào xong là máy lag như điên.
I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for.
Does one offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on most of
the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome web log!
I was referred to this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure who has written this post, but you’ve really identified my problem. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
I was referred to this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure who has written this post, but you’ve really identified my problem. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
I always used to study piece of writing in news papers but now as I am a user of internet so from now I am using net for posts, thanks to web.
Thanks for another great post. Where else may anybody get that type of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m at the search for such information.
A cool post there mate ! Thank you for posting.
Nice Post. It’s really a very good article. I noticed all your important points. Thanks.
Advanced reading here!
My brother recommended I would possibly like this
blog. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day.
You can not believe simply how so much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
Hello, yeah this article is in fact nice and I have learned lot of things from it concerning
blogging. thanks.
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us you really recognize what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my website =). We can have a link trade contract among us
We absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome weblog!
Surprisingly good post. I really found your primary webpage and additionally wanted to suggest that have essentially enjoyed searching your website blog posts. Whatever the case I’ll always be subscribing to your entire supply and I hope you jot down ever again soon!
I love what you’ve created here, this is definitely one of my favorite sites to visit.
I believe you have remarked on some very interesting points , thankyou for the post.
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this website requirements a lot much more consideration. I’ll probably be once more to read much much more, thanks for that info.
There is so much to try to understand
Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll
just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your
blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new
to the whole thing. Do you have any suggestions for beginner blog writers?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Good site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day!
If wings are your thing, Tinker Bell’s sexy Halloween costume design is all grown up.
I believe this web site has some really wonderful info for everyone : D.
What i discover troublesome is to find a weblog that may capture me for a minute however your blog is different. Bravo.
There most be a solution for this problem, some people think there will be now solutions, but i think there wil be one.
Saw your material, and hope you publish more soon.
Почему пользователи выбирают площадку KRAKEN?
Маркетплейс KRAKEN заслужил доверие многочисленной аудитории благодаря сочетанию
ключевых факторов. Во-первых, это широкий и разнообразный ассортимент, представленный сотнями продавцов.
Во-вторых, интуитивно понятный интерфейс KRAKEN, который упрощает навигацию,
поиск товаров и управление заказами даже для новых пользователей.
В-третьих, продуманная система безопасных транзакций, включающая механизмы разрешения споров (диспутов)
и возможность использования условного депонирования, что минимизирует риски для обеих сторон сделки.
На KRAKEN функциональность сочетается
с внимательным отношением к безопасности
клиентов, что делает процесс покупок более предсказуемым, защищенным и, как следствие, популярным среди пользователей, ценящих анонимность и надежность.
Of course, what a great site and informative posts, I will add backlink – bookmark this site? Regards, Reader
I wish I could craft such articles as this. Thank you very much.