Starts From here... Picture One...
Friday, July 3, 2009
June 23, 2009
Today we leave Africa. SAD! I know I will be glad when I get home (even though I am headed to Amsterdam for 4 more days), but I am really going to miss this place. I will definitely be back here in the near future, that is for certain. As Brooke says..."You are sold" ... I am definitely sold on Africa. This place is amazing.
June 22, 2009
Today was our last night, which is very sad. We went into the crater. In order to get there we had to drive up and then down into the crater. The entrance into the park looked like we were entering Jurassic Park..kind of freaky. It was soo cloudy and foggy driving up. You could hardly see straight in front of you. But once we started driving down, it was really interesting to see how the clouds were at eye level with us. The crater is literally flat. We saw a clan of lions and some cheetah. The cheetah were a little far off from the road, but they were so pretty. We also saw a rhino, which was sooo amazing. Elisa said there were only 22 in the entire crater and we saw one, so we were all very excited. We ate lunch at the hippo pool, but they were staying mostly under water like the ones we canoed with. But later, we went to the real hippo pool and saw tons of them. They were so cool. They kept playing with each other and rolling over and flipping their tails in the water. It was interesting to watch them. We also saw a hyena lying in some grass right on the road, he was so cute!
It was a nice last day, but it was really sad to be ending the trip. We all kind of didn't realize what we were leaving behind. We stood there with our heads out of the tops of the Land Cruiser just watching it all pass us by. In order to get out of the crater we had to climb back upwards quite a ways. The views were spectacular. This is when it all really hit me that we were leaving. It was all very surreal.
It was a nice last day, but it was really sad to be ending the trip. We all kind of didn't realize what we were leaving behind. We stood there with our heads out of the tops of the Land Cruiser just watching it all pass us by. In order to get out of the crater we had to climb back upwards quite a ways. The views were spectacular. This is when it all really hit me that we were leaving. It was all very surreal.
June 21, 2009
We got up later than normal today- which was nice. We headed to Plantation Lodge, which was supposingly the most insanely nice place we were going to stay the whole trip. When we got here and were taken to our "rooms" we all about DIED. This place is amazing. It is one large house, called the Garden House. There are 2 large rooms with 3 beds upstairs and 2 large rooms downstairs with 2 double beds. Each room has an extremely nice bathroom and little sitting area. Upstairs in the living room/den there is a fireplace open with a large seating area that opens to these stairs that go down overlooking a massive dining room space with a 15 foot long table. It could easily seat 12..if not more. The 2 downstairs room feed off of that room as well as a large deck at the end of that room and 2 side patios. On the side of the stairs, there is also a small reading library. I really love this place and could totally die a happy woman living in this "house."
We had the afternoon off and enjoyed it by going to the pool. The pool had these amazing lounge chairs that were made like beds. We had a Tusker (beer) and just relaxed. It was our second to last night and we really wanted to live it up, besides we had our own house! Somehow the night turned into a little party. The bar at this place was amazing. It had a see through table top that looked down into a wine cellar, where there was a small table that you could have dinner at. From drinks before dinner, we then went to dinner, which was amazing. After dinner, we went back to the bar and all really bonded. We were all sad that the trip was coming to an end. The night ended in a dance party at the Garden House (I think we made too much noise, but we had a blast).
We had the afternoon off and enjoyed it by going to the pool. The pool had these amazing lounge chairs that were made like beds. We had a Tusker (beer) and just relaxed. It was our second to last night and we really wanted to live it up, besides we had our own house! Somehow the night turned into a little party. The bar at this place was amazing. It had a see through table top that looked down into a wine cellar, where there was a small table that you could have dinner at. From drinks before dinner, we then went to dinner, which was amazing. After dinner, we went back to the bar and all really bonded. We were all sad that the trip was coming to an end. The night ended in a dance party at the Garden House (I think we made too much noise, but we had a blast).
June 20, 2009
Today we got up rather early and went to visit a tribe that spoke in click— The Hadzabe tribe. We went on a few hour long hunt with them after they let all of us try out their bow and arrows. It was really crazy because all of the men were smoking pot before we went on the hunt. They were all totally stoned out of their minds, shooting arrows all around us and up in the air. A little crazy. However, I was totally into the hunt. Right away the men spotted a bush baby. He was so fast. They were all running and click clicking at each other to catch him. When they shot at him it was intense. To get him to move- when he was hard to see or shoot, they threw rocks up into the tree at him.
Okay, the lights are going out- I will have to finish writing tomorrow--at least everything that I can remember.
Continued....
On this tour, we had another guide join us. It was interesting because he really could have been a model, seriously. His face structure was insane and he was very nice. Along the hunt a little further, the bushmen spotted a monkey, a couple really, up in some palm trees. We were really close behind them when they were shooting up at him. Then they killed him. One of the guys climbed up the palm tree...all the way up to get him--INSANE. Before, when they killed the bush baby, Christina flipped out. She began crying and couldn't stand it. It really upset her. It was really interesting because the bushmen didn't understand why she was upset. This is how they live and survive. They have to kill animals in order to eat-otherwise I wouldn't have been so excited about them killing a monkey. But, I was really into it. I was so excited for them-especially when they killed the monkey for some reason. Seemed like a good kill, important. As soon as they got it from the tree, they started a fire (the old fashioned way) and laid the monkey right on top of the fire, still breathing a little. It hurt a little to watch, but it was an awesome experience to witness. I wouldn't change it for the world. We all got some amazing photographs of these people, but I really felt like these photographs were insane. I really haven't ever loved photographing people, but I felt connected with these people because we had been out on their turf with them. I was really getting into the groove of being out in the field working freely and constantly and openly on whatever and everything that came into view. There was no specifics really on what I "had" to photograph. I grew to love photographing the people of the land and felt sure I would come home with many photographs of the people that I would want to put into my portfolio. And hopefully would continue to love photographing people in the future more.
We headed back after they cooked the monkey and we had all tasted it. It was surprisingly not so bad. One man was even eating the skull!! Once we got back, they did a ceremonial dance and song for us. We then went back to the lodge for lunch and lounged around for a little while by the pool and exchanged journals with each other. Then we headed back out to see a blacksmith and his tribe. This was really interesting to see because it takes so much time to make things. He sat there banging on the metal for the entire time we were there. And another person had to pump this bag with their arms in order to blow air into the coals to make fire. There was a lot of work that went into making one single item. He made bracelets and knives among other things. Everybody bought bracelets and Christina and I bought Knives.
After we left there, we headed to visit another tribe. The head man had 3 wives. They were really impressed with my 5 finger shoes. It was weird because they laughed and laughed about it and wanted to keep me just for my shoes. They got us to dance with them-jumping up and down. We got to walk through their house. They have such low ceilings and their house is made from dung (elephant poop).
From there we left and went back to the lodge for dinner. We leave this lodge in the morning.
Okay, the lights are going out- I will have to finish writing tomorrow--at least everything that I can remember.
Continued....
On this tour, we had another guide join us. It was interesting because he really could have been a model, seriously. His face structure was insane and he was very nice. Along the hunt a little further, the bushmen spotted a monkey, a couple really, up in some palm trees. We were really close behind them when they were shooting up at him. Then they killed him. One of the guys climbed up the palm tree...all the way up to get him--INSANE. Before, when they killed the bush baby, Christina flipped out. She began crying and couldn't stand it. It really upset her. It was really interesting because the bushmen didn't understand why she was upset. This is how they live and survive. They have to kill animals in order to eat-otherwise I wouldn't have been so excited about them killing a monkey. But, I was really into it. I was so excited for them-especially when they killed the monkey for some reason. Seemed like a good kill, important. As soon as they got it from the tree, they started a fire (the old fashioned way) and laid the monkey right on top of the fire, still breathing a little. It hurt a little to watch, but it was an awesome experience to witness. I wouldn't change it for the world. We all got some amazing photographs of these people, but I really felt like these photographs were insane. I really haven't ever loved photographing people, but I felt connected with these people because we had been out on their turf with them. I was really getting into the groove of being out in the field working freely and constantly and openly on whatever and everything that came into view. There was no specifics really on what I "had" to photograph. I grew to love photographing the people of the land and felt sure I would come home with many photographs of the people that I would want to put into my portfolio. And hopefully would continue to love photographing people in the future more.
We headed back after they cooked the monkey and we had all tasted it. It was surprisingly not so bad. One man was even eating the skull!! Once we got back, they did a ceremonial dance and song for us. We then went back to the lodge for lunch and lounged around for a little while by the pool and exchanged journals with each other. Then we headed back out to see a blacksmith and his tribe. This was really interesting to see because it takes so much time to make things. He sat there banging on the metal for the entire time we were there. And another person had to pump this bag with their arms in order to blow air into the coals to make fire. There was a lot of work that went into making one single item. He made bracelets and knives among other things. Everybody bought bracelets and Christina and I bought Knives.
After we left there, we headed to visit another tribe. The head man had 3 wives. They were really impressed with my 5 finger shoes. It was weird because they laughed and laughed about it and wanted to keep me just for my shoes. They got us to dance with them-jumping up and down. We got to walk through their house. They have such low ceilings and their house is made from dung (elephant poop).
From there we left and went back to the lodge for dinner. We leave this lodge in the morning.
June 19, 2009
We got up this morning and headed out from the Rift Valley lodge. The road into and out of there is KILLER. It is completely made of rocks and mud and is ridiculously bumpy. But if we thought that road was long, bumpy and rough-- we had no idea what was ahead. We had a 3 hour ride in front of us. We stopped to full up on gas and let Bailey get money from the ATM. Where we stopped there was a little "super market" that you could purchase liquor from. I bought 2 little bottls of Konyagi for 4 schillings each. What a steal!!!! It is said to be the equivalent of drinking something similar to everclear...interesting! Apparently you can't purchase this liquore back in the States, so it will be something special to take back home. We also got some items at the lodge we just left. I got a bottle opener, a hair barrett for my Mom and some African made sandals.
From there we ended up on the long, bumpy road. It didn't seem so bad at first, but we were on it for what seemed like days. As I say again, you can do some real soul searching on those roads. Finally, we pulled up at the lodge and mannnn oh man is this place a sight for sore eyes. The lodge is located on the lake, except that the lake is dry right now. In the distance there are mountains/hills that are hiding the crater that we are going to see last. There is an amazing view from every place you stand. The owner took us on a tour of the place and we were shown the fresh water ponds and stream that the locals are allowed to come and get water from.
Later, we went to the pool and got some real African sun. Totally right up my alley...I love the pool. Then we went on a long walk out on the lake bed. There were locals herding their cattle and goats to the fresh water stream for water. We took a lot of photos of them. Some turned out really great!
After that, we took showers and got ready to go up the cliff behind the lodge for a sunset view and a beer. It was amazing and the conversation among us all was really comfortable. Brooke opened up to us and us to Brooke. We all seemed just far enough into the trip that we could share ourselves and let down our guards a little. It was great. We had a nice afternoon off to just take everything in and let the trip really sink in. The end of the trip is nearing and every minute should be treasured. We then headed back down for dinner, which was great too. The food is soooo good here. Lunch was spaghetti and tonight we had a little steak. I'm passing out now- early for once. Tomorrow we are going to see a tribe of hunters and gathers. We are going to hunt with them--that should be interesting.
From there we ended up on the long, bumpy road. It didn't seem so bad at first, but we were on it for what seemed like days. As I say again, you can do some real soul searching on those roads. Finally, we pulled up at the lodge and mannnn oh man is this place a sight for sore eyes. The lodge is located on the lake, except that the lake is dry right now. In the distance there are mountains/hills that are hiding the crater that we are going to see last. There is an amazing view from every place you stand. The owner took us on a tour of the place and we were shown the fresh water ponds and stream that the locals are allowed to come and get water from.
Later, we went to the pool and got some real African sun. Totally right up my alley...I love the pool. Then we went on a long walk out on the lake bed. There were locals herding their cattle and goats to the fresh water stream for water. We took a lot of photos of them. Some turned out really great!
After that, we took showers and got ready to go up the cliff behind the lodge for a sunset view and a beer. It was amazing and the conversation among us all was really comfortable. Brooke opened up to us and us to Brooke. We all seemed just far enough into the trip that we could share ourselves and let down our guards a little. It was great. We had a nice afternoon off to just take everything in and let the trip really sink in. The end of the trip is nearing and every minute should be treasured. We then headed back down for dinner, which was great too. The food is soooo good here. Lunch was spaghetti and tonight we had a little steak. I'm passing out now- early for once. Tomorrow we are going to see a tribe of hunters and gathers. We are going to hunt with them--that should be interesting.
June 17, 2009
Today was absolutely amazing. We set out on a game drive to Tarangire National Park again. We saw elephants and zebra again, but immediately set out on a hunt for lions and a leopard. We went further into the park than yesterday. We eventually found an entire family of lions. The male lion - who seriously looked like he was straight out of the Lion King, was what we first spotted. But, he was off in the distance behind some tree limbs, kind of hiding. Then we saw an entire clan right in front of us, all sitting together in front of a tree about 10-15 feet from the truck. These were not what you would think a baby cub would look like, but they were baby cubs. They looked more like small lions, but they were SOO CUTE! They were very playful and so innocent looking. They kept playing footsie with each other. We all took a million photos of them. We saw there for forever, as we were all in amazement.
From there we headed to find a leopard-bound and determined, but certainly not really thinking it would happen! We actually saw one, however the first car spotted him. He was so far in the distance though. The other car left and we decided to track him down. We drove back to the dry river bed and spotted him in a tree. We then found ourselves stuck in the sand in the river bed. We had asked to get just a little closer and a little closer and Nicole reminded us that we should be careful what we wish for! Good advice I think! Elisa, our guide, said he would have to get out in order to turn on the 4WD and when he got out that the leopard would scatter, so we needed to get our photos fast. He was sooo amazing. He was glaring at us like we were dinner. He had some serious intensity in his eyes. As soon as Elisa got out of the truck, the leopard checked Elisa out like he was his supper and then jumped from the tree fast as lightning and was gone in a flash. It was so amazing. I still can't believe that we saw him. The adrenaline rush alone from seeing him was priceless. We left and then came back a little later and saw him a 3rd time in plain view in the dry river bed, but only for a few seconds.
When we left the park, we headed to these two markets of the messai people. This type of market is not full of various booths and natives selling their crafts and the sort, but rather a single tin hut. These women hand make jewelry, baskets and carve wood into giraffe heads and the sorts. They also had blankets that they all wear as clothing (they are known for wearing red). They had many things made from beads. All of the women wore these necklaces I would call them around their necks. They were large and circular and made from beads. When they danced they bounced up and down off their shoulders.
We went to two different places. At the first place, the head lady wanted to argue a little about the bargaining. Our guide Jackson (Babu) did a good job discussing prices with her. He had to talk in her tribal language to negotiate. They would discuss for quite some time and it really made me nervous. I just wanted to know what they were saying. When we left they sang and danced for us and asked us to join in. It was never really a choice of whether or not you wanted to or not...you just did. They put their necklaces on us and dressed Christina and Jaime in their clothes. They jump up and down when they dance and their necklaces just bounce up and down. At the second market, I got a little emotional. It just all set in with me. It all felt so right when they were singing and dancing and I was snapping photograph after photograph of these people and their country. I literally teared up. This place is just too much of God's country.
We leave this camp tomorrow morning and head up the Rift Valley to another tented lodge. We will go on a walking tour in the morning and then a night game drive later that night, where we will hopefully see more cats.
From there we headed to find a leopard-bound and determined, but certainly not really thinking it would happen! We actually saw one, however the first car spotted him. He was so far in the distance though. The other car left and we decided to track him down. We drove back to the dry river bed and spotted him in a tree. We then found ourselves stuck in the sand in the river bed. We had asked to get just a little closer and a little closer and Nicole reminded us that we should be careful what we wish for! Good advice I think! Elisa, our guide, said he would have to get out in order to turn on the 4WD and when he got out that the leopard would scatter, so we needed to get our photos fast. He was sooo amazing. He was glaring at us like we were dinner. He had some serious intensity in his eyes. As soon as Elisa got out of the truck, the leopard checked Elisa out like he was his supper and then jumped from the tree fast as lightning and was gone in a flash. It was so amazing. I still can't believe that we saw him. The adrenaline rush alone from seeing him was priceless. We left and then came back a little later and saw him a 3rd time in plain view in the dry river bed, but only for a few seconds.
When we left the park, we headed to these two markets of the messai people. This type of market is not full of various booths and natives selling their crafts and the sort, but rather a single tin hut. These women hand make jewelry, baskets and carve wood into giraffe heads and the sorts. They also had blankets that they all wear as clothing (they are known for wearing red). They had many things made from beads. All of the women wore these necklaces I would call them around their necks. They were large and circular and made from beads. When they danced they bounced up and down off their shoulders.
We went to two different places. At the first place, the head lady wanted to argue a little about the bargaining. Our guide Jackson (Babu) did a good job discussing prices with her. He had to talk in her tribal language to negotiate. They would discuss for quite some time and it really made me nervous. I just wanted to know what they were saying. When we left they sang and danced for us and asked us to join in. It was never really a choice of whether or not you wanted to or not...you just did. They put their necklaces on us and dressed Christina and Jaime in their clothes. They jump up and down when they dance and their necklaces just bounce up and down. At the second market, I got a little emotional. It just all set in with me. It all felt so right when they were singing and dancing and I was snapping photograph after photograph of these people and their country. I literally teared up. This place is just too much of God's country.
We leave this camp tomorrow morning and head up the Rift Valley to another tented lodge. We will go on a walking tour in the morning and then a night game drive later that night, where we will hopefully see more cats.
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