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.

DSC_2195

DSC_2192

DSC_1731

DSC_2119

DSC_2113

DSC_2110

DSC_2153

Posted on

17,167 thoughts on “Day 9 – Last Day of Safari (Lake Manyara/Arusha/Kilimanjaro)”

  2. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your site?
    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 images.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

  5. This is really attention-grabbing, You’re a very
    skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to seeking more of your great
    post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks

  7. First off I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask
    if you don’t mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself
    and clear your mind prior to writing. I’ve had trouble
    clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.
    I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure out
    how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Kudos!

  8. Pretty section 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 access consistently rapidly.

  10. I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.

    I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.

  12. You really make it appear so easy with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be really something which I feel I’d by no means
    understand. It sort of feels too complicated and very vast
    for me. I am looking forward for your subsequent submit,
    I will attempt to get the hold of it!

  14. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of
    your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it
    much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your
    theme? Fantastic work!

  15. Fantastic items from you, man. I’ve be aware your stuff
    prior to and you are simply too great. I really like
    what you have obtained right here, certainly
    like what you’re stating and the way in which by which you are saying it.

    You make it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to stay it wise.
    I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a great web
    site.

  21. Hello, Neat post. There is a problem along
    with your site in internet explorer, might test this?
    IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a large section of other folks will omit your
    wonderful writing due to this problem.

  24. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as
    long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog?
    My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would certainly benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.
    Please let me know if this alright with you. Thank you!

  28. Great article! I’ve been using rr.com email for a long time,
    and it’s nice to see helpful information about
    it. Since it was originally part of RoadRunner and later moved under Spectrum,
    many users still get confused about how to log in or
    manage their accounts. A lot of people don’t realize that they now need to sign in through the Spectrum Webmail page instead of the old RR
    login.

  29. Hello there! This post couldn’t be written much better!
    Reading through this post reminds me of my previous
    roommate! He continually kept talking about this.

    I am going to send this post to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a good read.

    I appreciate you for sharing!

    • Hi there I am so delighted I found your blog page, I really found you by error, while I
      was looking on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here
      now and would just like to say cheers for a marvelous post and a all round entertaining
      blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at
      the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
      back to read much more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.

    • Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a
      community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You
      have done a outstanding job!

    • My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different web address and thought
      I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am
      following you. Look forward to checking out your web
      page yet again.

    • Hi, I think your blog might be having browser
      compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
      I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that,
      terrific blog!

    • We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
      Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job
      and our entire community will be grateful to
      you.

    • This is really interesting, You are a very
      skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post.
      Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

    • Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your blog.
      You have some really good posts and I feel I would be a good
      asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really
      like to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.

      Please shoot me an email if interested. Cheers!

  35. I blog often and I seriously appreciate your content.
    This article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your blog and
    keep checking for new information about once per week.
    I subscribed to your Feed too.

  38. Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit once again since
    I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the
    best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

    • First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do
      not mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing.

      I’ve had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.

      I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like
      the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to
      figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Appreciate it!

    • Greetings! I’ve been following your weblog for some time now and
      finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Tx!
      Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent work!

    • Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine
      Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
      If you know of any please share. Thank you!

  39. Thank you for every other informative site.
    The place else may just I am getting that type of
    info written in such a perfect means? I have a challenge that I am just
    now working on, and I’ve been at the look out for such information.

  41. Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and
    checking back frequently!

    • Definitely consider that that you stated. Your favourite reason seemed to be at the internet
      the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while folks consider issues that they plainly don’t understand about.
      You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , people could
      take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thank
      you

    • I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of
      your website? 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 two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

    • Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick
      shout out and say I really enjoy reading your articles.
      Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?
      Many thanks!

    • you’re in point of fact a just right webmaster. The site loading pace is amazing.
      It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick.
      Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a great job in this topic!

    • I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic.
      I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
      Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for my mission.

    • Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google,
      and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.

      I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from
      your writing. Cheers!

    • After checking out a handful of the articles on your web page, I seriously like your technique
      of blogging. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark website list and will be
      checking back in the near future. Please check out my web
      site as well and tell me what you think.

  43. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get
    three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Many thanks!

  44. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as
    long as I provide credit and sources back to your website?

    My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and
    my users would genuinely benefit from some of the information you provide here.
    Please let me know if this okay with you. Regards!

  45. A person necessarily assist to make severely articles I’d state.

    That is the very first time I frequented your web page and
    up to now? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular
    put up incredible. Great task!

  46. Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or
    if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to
    get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would
    be enormously appreciated!

  47. hello there and thank you for your information – I have definitely picked up anything new from
    right here. I did however expertise a few technical points using this web site,
    since I experienced to reload the website a lot of times previous to
    I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your
    hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will
    often affect your placement in google and can damage your high
    quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more
    of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again very soon.

  49. Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
    I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my audience would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

Leave a Reply to DD&B Custom Home & Pool Builders Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *