The Road to Amboseli National Park, Part I

Rainbow spritz over Amboseli

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!