Africa, Day 6-9

DAY 6,  Friday July 8 Continued.

Ok, to refresh you memory,  I had JUST returned from my walking tour with the Maasai Warrior.

           As we reached back to the hotel after our walk, I headed our towards my tent. 

I ran into Jim and Lois who were having a fabulous sunset with some drinks on their porch.  They looked so peaceful and so calm it was a beautiful sight to see.  I stopped and chatted with them for a bit and headed towards the tent.  I ran into others in our group who were passing our paper for us to write notes on to give to Lois for her birthday!  My mind went into creative mode and I dashed into the tent, greeted Dad, grabbed the instant camera (again, THANK YOU PHYLISS) and went to hunt down members of our group so that I could take polaroids of them to include with their notes.  I thought that would be a really neat memento for Lois, and after all, she deserves it!  She is such a wonder woman!  I keep meaning to ask her and Jim exactly what their relationship is, At first glance, you would think this couple have been together for forever, but……  they also seem to enjoy each others company SO MUCH!  that it seems that they are in the magical part of the beginning of a relationship where you hang on every word each other says.  Whatever their story is, the  affection they have for each other is so wonderful to be around, it just makes you smile!!

So, back on task, I started to hunt people down and started to photograph the troup!

After taking pictures  I moved on to take single pictures of each of the Maasai’s, and gave them their photos to keep. THEY LOVED THIS!  And the hunting poses they would get into for their single shots was so cool! It was an honor to do this for them.

I met up with Dad on the trail, headed back to the tent, grabbed my mosquito net shirt, and we headed out to the bar.  We couldn’t find a maasai to guide us, and it was dark, so we decided to go for it.  As we were walking, we heard a rustling in the bushes and you should have seen us retain our cool, but also quicken our stride! This is what I get for insisting on looking like a Disney float in the electric light parade every time the sun goes down!  But I have to say, it has been a hoot watching the Maasai laugh at my laser star light~

We met up at the bar, and all sat around talking about our day, Dad got me a beer, and then he spent about 30 minutes talking to a newly wed couple from Paris who were there on their honeymoon.  Dad bought them a round of drinks and was really engrossed in their conversation with them.

We headed into the dining area, and started dinner. 

We had our nightly Matty’s magical moment segment of our evening, which has really become one of my favorite rituals with the group.  It is so amazing to give each and every person your undivided attention while they go through  their magical moment of the day!  It’s really cool to see their perspective and listen to their moment!  Then, we always raise our glasses in a moment of gratitude for the day, and celebrate what tomorrow will bring!  This group is amazing!

After dinner, a cake was brought in for Lois, and the staff at the hotel sang to her. It was a great way to have your birthday!! 

We headed back to the room to try and pack up before we headed to bed, which is ALWAYS such a production.  Dad and I were in bed by 11 ish, only to have to wake up at 5:30 am to make a 6:30 am breakfast call!  This is how each morning plays out.  its tough, my body is really starting to feel the lack of sleep.

Day 7 Saturday July 9^th

Dad and I woke up at 5:30 am.  I have to say, this night’s sleep was the BEST nights sleep I have had the whole trip! And that aint just cause of the XANEX. its to bad we were only able to get less then 6 hours sleep.  I wanted to sleep in so bad!

It is so amazing to sleep with the most of the walls of the tents down walls if screens. The crisp night air made for just the perfect, perfect nights sleep!!

We headed for breakfast and Jules and Mary told the tale of how they were woken up at 2 am by an elephant bumping into their tent and eating the leaves from the tree.   It was such a cool fucking story, and I have to admit, I was so envious.  I wish that would have happened to dad and I.  We thought we heard something before we turned our lights out, however, it was not as exciting as the girls tale!  Talk about a magical moment!!

We checked the seating chart for the Jeeps

  and started to prepare for our next days adventure!

With the jeeps packed up, it was time  to dab the crew with scented iol and give the drivers their daily tootsie pop treats. its funny, as the days go on, the drivers have become more picky about which flavor of tootsie pop they want.  I do my best to fill their requests.  This morning was extra cool. I was able to give each of the Maasai guides a tootsie pop as well, they were excited and thankful!  They are gonna miss old Matty when I am gone! 

Today in the jeep Dad and I are with Carol, Jeanne, and Julz.  The conversation is flowing as I sit here and try and type up this for the blog! 


Then, out of nowhere, we had to stop.  Our vehicle got a flat.  

And.........where's Dad?

These guys changes that tire in a heartbeat!!

Kurt not looking happy about the unexpected pause in the program!

Then we headed into Lake Manyara National Park

a quick montage of DIRTY FUCKING MONKEY PICS.

( although I dont think baboons technically monkeys  They are, however, still dirty and nasty like monkeys)

 We call this a Happy Ending!

How baboons say "Fuck Off!"

Wrong hole dear,  wrong hole!!

 Baboon dick, with a titty twister!

LAZY , LAZY , LAZY!

LUNCH BREAK!!

( enter sarcastic cheer for boxed lunch here)

Not to worry about feeding the animals.

  I dont even think THEY would eat these Boxed lunches!

Dad takes a break from his fine dining experience to snap a quick photo of a branch.

NOW where the hell is Dad?

Elephant!

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge

Our room

Incredible view!

Check out this incredible pool at the Lake Manyara Serena Lodge! Stunning!

We were treated to poolside entertainment.  This group of acrobats were amazing!

At the poolside bar,  you sit here:

And get treated to this incredible view!!

Dad and I enjoying a Tequila Sunrise at Sunset!

Delicious

Random shots of this beautiful lodge.  They had incredible sound effects coming from this pond.  it was like being on the jungle cruise at Disney!

This is in the bar.

MATTYS MAGICAL MOMENT!!  A ICED TEA!!   

I cant even tell you how thrilled i was to have my Iced tea!

The group enjoying another fabulous meal!

Day 8 Sunday July 10^th

Breakfast is served.
Check out the Omlette Bar, Stephen would be THRILLED. He LOVES his Omlette Bar!

Check out the Drivers enjoying the Matty Treats!

Driving to the Massai village

You can't even imagine how hot and dusty these roads are!

The Maasai performing for us.

We were allowed to tour these Huts.  The huts are made by the women. they are incredibly small and have small little rooms around the perimeter

The Maassai are incredible jumpers.

Rob petting a filthy, filthy puppy!

I Love Rob.

As you can see, he has a big heart,

 and now, dirty, dirty hands!

A Beautiful Maasai Woman  making jewelry.

Kurt and Rob inside one of the Huts

This is in the village school house. these kids greeted us with song as we entered the school room. Midway through the song, one of the kids noticed my shoes, and stopped singing and just started to stare. it was so adorable. I was able to catch it on video, but cant get the video on the blog yet.

The school house

The Maasai were selling jewelry and other beaded items.  I had bought a few things the other day when I had visited a small village on my Maasai walk.  The bracelets I bought at the village were $5 a piece.  But in THIS Maasai village, they were charging $20.00 a piece.  When I figured out that this village was taking advantage of our group, I ran to find Dad.  I just KNEW he would be loading up on goods, and would not know he was about to be overcharged!  Sure enough, I got there, and a Maasai villager was adding things up as dad had a handful of stuff.  I promptly took half of the stuff away from Dad and saved him a shit load of money. 

Dad is so proud of this purchase. Its a Maasai's Chief club. However, at $50, I have renamed it the FOOLS CLUB!!  

LUNCH BREAK 

Dad Takes a break to "enjoy"  his shitty boxed lunch!

Have I told you how much I hate these lunches.  As the tour goes on, there is more and more food left over. It seems I am NOT the only one who is over these lunches!

 Down in the Olduvai Gorge, where the Africanthorpus skull was found. 

We were treated to a rare lecture down in the gorge itself. 

 I aint gonna lie.

 At 1:30 in the afternoon, in July, stuck in the bottom of this hot, hot gorge,

 I really wasnt interested in WHAT they found down there.  

Unless, of course, it was air-conditioning! 

 I mean SHIT !  It was HOT!!

And, again, where did Dad go?

It was FINALLY time to Cross into the Serengeti ! 
It is a vast, vast, dusty place!

Has Anyone Seen my Dad?

Chillen in the jeep!

My view from the jeep!

Yep, Its this dusty! 

Thats rIght folks, We crossed right into the park and saw Lions!  Can you believe it? 

Dad and "FUCK" snap a photo of the Magestic Lions!

 Now THIS, was by far the most spiritual moment of the whole trip!  CRUISING through the Serengeti at 80 kilometers, pop top up, standing in the vehicle, with Cher BLASTING through my earphones ! We were speeding through the dusty plain for well over an hour!  It was SO FUCKING AMAZING!  Sometimes is is good to be in the moment, with no words spoken, no description of animals given, no discussion of habitat, or education of species. Just being, driving fast, music pumped, eyes open, heart racing! 

 I will NEVER EVER forget this!  

PRICELESS!

Hippos.

Enough said!

Bird!

Well this was an unexpected surprise.  We found a leopard chillen in a tree.  

BREATH TAKING!!

Spotting a leopard is a HUGE deal for any safari goer!! 

The Universe was shining down on us!!

Two great cats in one day!

We continued our high speed drive through the Serengeti to the Serengeti Serena Lodge.I listened to some very powerful tribal music in my ipod. When I turned to notice the most Stunning sunset I have ever witnessed.  It seemed as if Angels were coming out of the clouds.  As the Sun went down, and the rays peaked through the clouds, I became so overwhelmed with gratitude and grace. I could NOT take my eyes off the sky. it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  I stood humbled and in awe of this great beauty. Pictures cannot do it justice. 

When we arrived at the Lodge, I QUIETLY got out of the jeep, and hugged dad, and told him about the spiritual moment I had , and thanked him for the blessing of this trip!

Serengeti Serena Lodge

Our stunning home for the next 2 days!!

Dinner is served!

We have 2 beds in our room, I insisted Dad take the king bed, and I would take the single I wanted him to be comfortable. Look what he does, covers the bed with all his shit and then sleeps on one side!  

In this shot, he is talking to mom via skype.  I love having the internet back!!

Our face wraps, cleaned and ready for another days adventure!

Day 9 Monday July 11^th

Dad and I both decided that it would be beneficial if we stayed at the hotel for the day and catch up on our rest.  This safari is a rather hectic pace.  we get up early, and get back early evening. And on top of that , you have to pack and unpack your shit each day. It is a welcome relief to be able to stay in one spot for 2 nights.  If I had one wish, it would be to start the day at 8, instead of 6:30. Its just to much. Judy decided to stay at the lodge today as well. here we are enjoying a SLOW PACED BREAKFAST!!  You have to remember folks, this is not only a safari, but also a vacation.  its nice to slow down!!

 The pool