Safari and Back
Trip Start
May 11, 2008
1
9
19
Trip End
Jul 01, 2008
Mongoro, Tanzania
Sunday, June 1, 2008
I would like to talk about the drive to and from the Safari. We were told it was a 5 hour drive, which was actually pretty close in Tanzanian time, it was only 6 hours. But the first hour and half were on what locals consider a busy and nice road. It is what I would consider a dirt trail. Some of it is made of gravel, some of clay it is the roughest road I have ever been on. With the rainy season just ending it has all been washed away and there are rivers running through the middle of the road. There are constantly pot holes, and by that I mean there is no smooth area, much worse than Missouri roads! And riding through it is really hard on the body. For native KC people it is like riding the Timber Wolf at Worlds of Fun for 2 hours straight. You are just thrown around, banging your head on everything, boucing, getting bruised. I was an experience for sure. But it made me thankful for several things. First, that I don't have a weak bladder, because that could have been a real disaster. Also, that I don't have large boobs becuase I think permanant damange could have been done, or they could have just bounced right off. Also, I am very thankful I did not have to go through it in a daladala, that would have been miserable. I am thankful I only have to take that road this weekend and not ever again. And oddly, I am happy to know the president of Tanzania himself travels that very same road on a regular basis. Do you know why I know that? BECAUSE I SAW HIM AGAIN! I SAW THE PRESIDENT OF TANZANIA AGAIN! No joke. On our way home today the traffic police (which are just people standing on the side of the road waving there arms) pulled us over just as we got off the main highway onto the rough road. They told us we had to wait because the President and his convoy were coming through. So, there we waited, about 10 minutes when the police and military escort came bouncing down the very road we were traveleing. All 20 cars went through the intersection, then we were allowed back on the road. Our safari guide could not keep up with them because they have larger and fancier suvs than we did. But, not to worry we caught back up with them about an hour down the road when they pulled over to pee. Yes, the President of Tanzania, his entire police escort, his entire military escort and all his body guards were peeing in the bushes on the side of the road. My driver would not let me take pictures unfortunately, but it is something to remember. It is not uncommon to see people peeing on the side of the road as we are driving along anyway, but THE PRESIDENT!! And how bizarre that I have now seen in twice, and one time he was peeing!
I found some friends at the beach to play frisbee with me for the last couple hours which is fun. It is hard to talk about the safari I think pictures are better for that event. But I have decided my favorite safari animal is the giraffe. Not my favorite animal of all time though, that is still of course Zelda, who I miss very much! If you see her, tell her hello and I will be home soon.
Comments
back and safe
glad you had a good experience. I'm not sure about you and the President. I would have told your driver I needed to pee too. Which for me that would have been true!! Anyway, good chatting too. Zelda is doing well but misses you too. love ya, ma
Favorite animal??
What about Skiba?? You surely don't prefer the giraffe over Skiba. Sounds like you are having a great time. By the time you leave, you are going to be best friends with the President!
A good laugh with breakfast
I get more chuckles out of your blogs - if it could happen to anyone...it would happen to Mandy in Africa!!
I do remember those awful roads...when you got out of the cars you felt like your tail bone was now your neck bone...jarred right up your back.
We loved watching the giraffes on safari, they are so graceful and will just appear out of no where.
What fun. I haven't seen Zelda, but Norm and Phoebe were asking about you!
See you soon.
Love, Debi
Peeing President
Your trip sounds great. I can't wait to see the pictures at the end of the summer. Please continue stalking the Tanzanian president.
JESSICA TOLD YOU SO
told you you'd go on a safari.. and i knew there would be giraffes and lions. that's an awesome story about the president peeing on the side of the road. a great story to tell the grandchildren some day. glad you're having a great time!