Today the tour headed for Kenya's Amboseli National Park. But first, we apparently had some major SHOPPING to do! So our first stop was Safariland Galleria, a massive gift shop, i.e., tourist trap, that specializes in Tanzanite products. Tanzanite is Tanzania's endemic mineral gem, but more on that shiny blue stone in a bit.
Before our hosts shouted 'Let the Shopping Begin', a lovely Tanzanian lady gave a talk about the history and mining of Tanzanite - a mineral only found in this corner of the world, Tanzania and Kenya. Being the hyper little Chaos demon that I am, I was far too excited to give the talk my full attention. There were souvenirs to examine and I & my credit cards were rearing to go.
Our cheerful tour guide
Views down into the shop interior
Truly the gods of goodies smiled upon us this day
There was much artwork for sale
stairway wall...
Gleaming blue Trillion cut Tanzanite gems
The front and center stone is coming home with me
First stop when turned loose to browse, was the gemstone area. One of the ladies in our group was determined to buy a full set of Tanzanite jewelry - a ring, a bracelet, a necklace... the whole shebang. But as for me, I've collected gems and minerals since I was 19, back when dinosaurs ruled the earth. I went for a rough, uncut stone. I am fairly sure I paid more for the stone than it had a right to cost, but one must support local economies, right? The stone was purchased and handed over to me in a cute little zippered & cushioned cloth bag. The stone has some major traveling hours in its future.
After purchasing my gem, I bought some minor odds and ends - beautiful odds and ends mind you! Then I meandered outside where I actually chatted a bit with some handsome Masai gentlemen. I complemented their cool sandals and they were kind enough to show off their foot gear to me. The sandals are made from repurposed automobile tires. The soles of the sandals are tire treads that literally cradle their feet.
When everyone had shopped their wallets flat, and the one lady had cleared out the jewelry department, we were off to our next stop for lunch and a tour. The Sanga Workshop is in Arusha Tanzania.
Shaga is a workshop where folk with disabilities learn a trade or three and produce high quality goods for sale. The products made include blown glass goods, jewelry, woven fiber textiles and other goods. But first things first, "Where's lunch being served?"
Buffet area
I chose various tasty goods from the buffet bar.
My lunch was topped off with a lovely icy sherbet
Honestly, the most interesting thing about our luncheon was the intruders. Vervet Monkeys wandered around the building rooftops. The monkey below was the hit of the day as she showed off his electric blue boy bits.
'Yeah, they're blue - and 100% brass!'
Shanga's tiled reflective pool - so tranquil
Shanga Workshop Tour Guide
The looms in the workshop were noisy and HUMONGOUS! I love spinning wheels and seeing the ones they used, made from what was available to them was impressive. See below for yourself.
We were entering the Pride lands, and on our eventual way to our lodging, Ol Tukai Lodge.
Leaving our van we took the v. pretty stroll along a wooden walk way, leading us to the main lodge entrance
Lodge entryway dead ahead!
The serving area of the lodge's GINORMOUS dining room.
A bonus - that is a bonus for me, not you - are these birds spotted on our last game tour for the day.
Blacksmith Lapwing
Spur-winged Lapwing
Little Egret
Pied Kingfisher on a true roadtrip
Grumpy looking Goliath Heron
It was a long day, but Ila and I decided we deserved to have some down time and relax with a drink. We strolled along the walkways from our room to the bar area, which had many comfy places to lounge. We were just sipping our drinks, when another little dream of mine began to manifest. A host of Masai men nearby, began to sing and leap in their traditional Adumu Dance - something I'd always hoped to see for myself one day, and today is that day!
Our tour guide Wolfgang assured us Ngorongoro would be the most luxurious hotel of our trip. So excitement peaked when we reached the Inn.
Walkway into the lodge
We were greeted by the lodge's hostess for an introduction to the facilities.
We stayed in the Mufasa Bungalow
As promised by Wolfgang, our Mufasa room was the fanciest we'd encountered. An large bedroom with a pair of queen sized beds, and a luxury bathroom, the same size as our bedroom. There was a massive bathtub and not one, but 2 showers stalls: one indoor, the other outdoor. All that separating you from the world being a patio wall. No. I was too chicken to try the open air shower. Here is a video of the Mufasa Suite, lasting a mere 20 seconds.
We had much of the rest of the day to explore the grounds of the Ngorongoro O'Ideani Mountain Inn. No surprise, I was on the lookout for new birds and I wasn't disappointed.
Area set aside for birding and strolling
Speckled Mousebird
Rattling Cisticola
Back at the main building of the grounds a Pigeon whose eyes looked like it had stayed up too late the night before, rested on rafters outside the main building.
Speckled Pigeon
Red-throated Crag Martin
Fisher's Lovebirds
The lovely walk through the main hall to the dining room
Thanksgiving feast table - a visit to
My little spot at the table
Bread sticks and dinner buns
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Creamy Farmer's Soup
Appetizer: Crispy green banana fritters (Bhajia) with sweet chili sauce
Main Entree I chose: Marinated Braised Lamb Shoulder
Dessert was a choice of either Chocolate Cake, Creme Caramel or Seasonal Tropical Fruit. Shockingly, I chose the fruit platter then wished I'd gone for the chocolate cake. Oh well! Maybe next time.
Following our thanksgiving feast, Ila and I headed back to our Mufasa bungalow, and am happy to report we managed that without getting carried off by lion, leopard nor, pack of hyaenas. A wonderful end to a fascinating and beautiful day.
