INCREDIBLE TANZANIA

 

 

I look back on my trip to Tanzania and it still feels like it was only yesterday that I was there.  It is so hard to comprehend, just how much a trip to Tanzania stays in your heart, days, months and years later.

If I could, I would return there tomorrow.   When I returned, someone said to me “ I guess seeing the game in Africa is a bit like seeing the game in our Canadian Rockies, eh?”.  As much as I love our Rockies and all that they have to offer, the quantity of wildlife you see on a safari is about 10,000 times more.  Unimaginable until you actually see it.

I remember driving through the Serengeti http://www.serengeti.org   in a jeep and out of the blue a female giraffe walks the road beside our vehicle. Then 5 minutes further down the road, is 1000 wildebeests and zebras crossing the road.

 

A little further along is a watering hole with 20 lions rolling over in satisfaction, having just consumed most of a Cape Buffalo, with the remains left for the vultures or the hyenas.

lazy lioness after a feed

 

 

It was a bit comical because by the end of our safari, when our guide pointed out a herd of elephants at Ngorongoro Crater http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/39     , we dismissed the stop in pursuit of something we hadn’t yet seen.  I am not sure what that was as I think that we saw almost every bird, reptile and mammal in Tanzania.

 

Our week in Zanzibar was also a real treat after a busy safari.  Stone town is certainly worth at least one day of your time to roam the streets. We were quite surprised at how safe we felt as we wound our way through the alleys and narrow streets.  It tested our imagination of what it was to live in the 1700’s in this unique and Arab city when Royalty lived in the palaces and mansions.

 

Beautiful sunset at Spice Island Resort Zanzibar

 

 

What are some of your memories of Tanzania and Zanzibar that stood out?

 

   

 

Have you walked across the Brooklyn Bridge lately?

For those of you who like to get up early, this is the best time to walk from Manhattan side to the Brooklyn side of New York City.   There are still many joggers at that time but it is a little less conjested and chaotic than during the middle of rush hour.  This bridge walk stretches 1.3 miles and provides great spots to either take in the Manhattan skyline or to take a memorable picture.  Make sure that you wear proper walking shoes and stay in the lane that is marked "Pedestrians".  I don't think that you want to take on NYC's taxi drivers head on.  They are on a mission and there is a lack of patience for anything that might get in their way. It can get windy on the bridge so make sure that you dress for the weather.  Last but not least, go to the washroom before you head out as there are no port a potties on the bridge. 

New York City High Line

Have you ever visited the High Line in New York City?  This is an elevated parkway that uses the old railway line; now converted in to a pedestrian walkway.  If you are looking for someplace that affords views of the river and the westside of Manhattan, a place for a picnic or just a nice 20 minute walk, this is the place for you.  Granted,, this walkway gets very busy on Saturdays, but what a great place to people watch as well.  Next time you are in NYC and want something a little different, check it out and let me know what you think.  Here is a great blog that keeps you updated on the progression of this route.  http://www.thehighline.org/

Naked Cowboy

Who has seen the Naked Cowboy in NYC?  An icon not to be missed, this street performer is regularly spotted, in every kind of weather wearing only a cowboy hat, boots and briefs, with a guitar strung over his shoulder.  At first glance you'll think that he has nothing on but his birthday suit.  Robert Burck, aka The Naked Cowboy, announced that he will be running for President of the United States in 2012.
Our challenge, when we travel to NYC in May is to see who can spot him first.  A prize to be awarded!
Start thinking about the NYC weekend in May ladies! Now who can resist this?