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.
Wonderful, what a weblog it is! This blog provides valuable information to us, keep it up.
whoah this weblog is magnificent i like reading
your posts. Keep up the great work! You realize, many persons are
looking round for this info, you could help them
greatly.
Best post amazing share. Thank you!
I visited several sites except the audio quality for audio songs existing at
this website is really wonderful.
คอนเทนต์นี้ อ่านแล้วเพลินและได้สาระ ครับ
ดิฉัน ไปอ่านเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับ เรื่องที่เกี่ยวข้อง
สามารถอ่านได้ที่ Raymond
น่าจะถูกใจใครหลายคน
มีตัวอย่างประกอบชัดเจน
ขอบคุณที่แชร์ ข้อมูลที่มีประโยชน์ นี้
และหวังว่าจะมีข้อมูลใหม่ๆ
มาแบ่งปันอีก
I don’t normally comment on blogs.. But nice post! I just bookmarked your site
Attractive portion of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you get entry to constantly fast.
I just added this to my favorites. I truly love reading your posts. Tyvm!
I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your content.
This great article has really peaked my interest.
I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week.
I subscribed to your Feed as well.
This is the wave – the big wave.
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.
Wonderful items from you, man. I’ve take into account your
stuff previous to and you are simply too fantastic.
I really like what you have obtained right here, really like what you’re saying and the way through which you are saying it.
You make it enjoyable and you continue to take
care of to keep it sensible. I cant wait to learn far more from you.
That is really a tremendous site.
I believe this web site has some really wonderful info for everyone : D.
Sometimes, the sheer magnitude of the information seems overwhelming.
Every weekend i used to visit this website, for
the reason that i wish for enjoyment, since this this website conations actually good funny material too.
Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic but I
was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve
had issues 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.
Just stumble upon your blog from from time to time. nice article
I love it when people come together and share ideas.
Great site, stick with it!
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
Nice post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m inspired!
Very helpful info specifically the final section 🙂 I deal with such info much.
I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thanks and best of luck.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as
I provide credit and sources back to your site?
My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would truly benefit from a lot of the information you
provide here. Please let me know if this alright with you.
Thank you!
Hi there mates, how is all, and what you want to say regarding this piece of writing, in my view its in fact amazing for me.
Hello, I enjoy reading through your article post. I like to write a little comment to support you.
Hey very cool site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
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
Thaanks , I’ve jusst beesn lloking for infotmation approximatelyy thyis
tokpic ffor a lonbg time and ours iis thhe greatest I hafe camje
upon soo far. But, hat about thhe bottom line? Arre you certaain in reggards tto the source?
I like looking through a post that can make people think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment!
I think that may be an interesting element, it made me assume a bit. Thanks for sparking my considering cap. On occasion I get so much in a rut that I simply really feel like a record.
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it
and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident
they’ll be benefited from this web site.
A cool post there mate ! Thank you for posting.
Dude.. I am not much into reading, but somehow I got to read lots of articles on your blog. Its amazing how interesting it is for me to visit you very often. –
Your posts provide a clear, concise description of the issues.
Very descriptive article, I loved that a lot.
Will there be a part 2?
O reddit mudou de clipe de hype pra dado de sessão real esse ano.
I wanted to check up and let you know how, a great deal I cherished discovering your blog today. I might consider it an honor to work at my office and be able to utilize the tips provided on your blog and also be a part of visitors’ reviews like this. Should a position associated with guest writer become on offer at your end, make sure you let me know.
This information is critically needed, thanks.
Hi there, I do think your website could be having web browser compatibility
problems. When I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however,
when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues.
I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
Other than that, wonderful blog!
O cara que parou de chasing em março fechou a sessão de Opera Dynasty no green, foi dormir. Disciplina simples assim.
Your means of describing the whole thing in this piece of writing is in fact fastidious, every
one be capable of effortlessly be aware of it,
Thanks a lot.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It is the little changes that will make the greatest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of your blog?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people
could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for
only having 1 or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
I just like the helpful information you provide to your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more here frequently. I am rather sure I’ll be informed many new stuff right right here! Good luck for the following!
Best post amazing share. Thank you!
I do accept as true with all the concepts you’ve
introduced to your post. They’re really convincing and will definitely work.
Still, the posts are too quick for newbies. May you please lengthen them
a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
Advanced reading here!
I really like your writing style, excellent info , thanks for putting up : D.
I was able to find good information from your content.
Woah this is just an insane amount of information, must of taken ages to compile so thanx so much for just sharing it with all of us. If your ever in any need of related information, just check out my own site!
I’m extremely impressed together with your writing skills and also with the format to your weblog. Is that this a paid subject or did you modify it your self? Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it is uncommon to look a great blog like this one today..
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!