Success!

As I said Mt. Kilimanjaro was cloud-covered on our way north to Nairobi, so we were praying for a sighting on way home with the overnight in Moshi, which is closer and has hotels with views.  A young woman at a gas station suggested a YMCA -- take a left at the 2nd roundabout, so we headed in that direction with the mountain in sight but still some clouds covered the peak.  Never found the Y but followed a hotel sign down a dirt road and then down an even smaller dirt road to the gate and barbed wire fence of the loveliest piece of paradise!  Cottage style rooms around a small lawn area with beautiful plantings--flowers, trees, shrubs--AND the mountain.
  After unloading and getting settled in air-conditioning (as soon as there was power) we relaxed in their open air "restaurant" with samosas and beverages.  Within the hour the clouds disappeared and there it was in all its majesty!  What a sight....and to think I actually contemplated a climb--silly me.  I am in awe of the Hanson siblings who did make the climb--what an accomplishment!

Finally, pictures of the toddlers at the orphanage....quite the rowdy group of 10 (7 boys!!).  And I already have a few favs.  Balloons were quite popular and got them to sit for 30 seconds.  Cora demonstrated how to look pregnant at 2.....do you think sister approved? haha!

Tourist Mode

During our time in Nairobi we visited the Giraffe Center where we fed these beautiful animals.  The handlers are quite used to snapping pics for you.  From there it wasn't far to The Karen Blixen House Museum (Out of Africa)--a bit expensive but included a very informative tour. Lots of old photos, some original furniture, and many items from the movie, i.e. Merle Streep's safari jacket & hat in the bedroom.

It was time for lunch and since we needed to change money (both tourist stops had gift shops), went to  the food court at a brand new mall.  The six restaurants compete for your business by dashing to your table with menus hoping to entice you--Italian won out!  And there's also a bar so you can have a Pilsner with your ravioli or pizza.

"To be in Nairobi and not eat at Carnivore's would be a sin." says Fr. Bernard.  And what an experience from the Maasai dancers at the entrance (sound like Dells?) to the wait staff hustling from table to table with the meat and carving knives.  Serving wild game meat has been outlawed but we were impressed & content with crocodile (tastes like chicken haha), camel (flavorful but chewy), ostrich meatballs (interesting), chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, and pork.

Till next time.....

Ngorongoro Crater

Sunday was our safari day to the crater.  Our guide/driver arrived at hotel 5:45 am to start our 3 hr. drive. Breakfast & lunch in safari truck.  Incredible experience!  Between birds and animals we were lucky to see 26 different species--a few shorts here. Bull elephant crossing road right in front of us joining the herd on other side.  Wilde beasts having fun in the mud.  Hyena checking to see if coast is clear (is that truck gone yet?)

Safe Arrival:  Now in Morogoro, Tanzania.  Accompanied one of our cooks, Gracie, to the market this morning.  Purchases included carrots, tomatoes, bananas, cabbage, passion fruit, flour, oil, eggs, and beer!  Very brief visit to orphanage to deliver milk....the children recognized Cora and "attacked" her.  Even though I was a stranger I carried a little boy who wouldn't let go of me!   On to Nairobi tomorrow via Arusha.  Hopefully we'll see Mt. Kilimanjaro (depends on clouds).  But for surgore Nongoro Crater.

Packing

Oh my goodness...this is hard!  I have spent 2 weeks going through boxes of school stuff!  I still haven't made final choices of what to take!!  I do have my 20x20x20 UPS box which will be secured with Leopard Skin duct tape! Anyone with tips on what to take, feel free to comment.