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 |   Theses are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call life. |
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These are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call Life. I blog with these groups:     "Blogging Circle of Friends "  [E] 
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 30 Day Blogging Challenge Montreal, Canada Well, we're ending our month long adventure in Montreal. Another early morning just over 2 hour flight to Montreal. I got everyone a room at the Four Seasons. Today is our last day of continent hopping. So let's go out in style. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g155032-d16722291-Reviews-Four_Seasons_... I've offered 3 museum choices, feel free to pick whatever interests you. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155032-d155193-Reviews-Insectariu... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155032-d6784342-Reviews-Museum_of... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155032-d11716180-Reviews-Barbie_E... We're meeting up after lunch at 2:00 pm to do a private walking tour. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g155032-d12561325-Old_Montre... Dinner is at the Famous Tandem. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g155032-d2709343-Reviews-Restauran... Perfect day to be in Montreal! I can join up with my friends for the Tais Toi et Ecris (Shut Up and Write!) group in person instead of Zooming! They meet at 12:30 pm until 3 pm. So cool! This means I miss the private walking tour at 2 pm, but I am okay with that. Everyone was all abuzz about their Charlotte, North Carolina adventures. It was great to catch up and see everyone again... even if it is our last day. It was so cool to here about the ghost pub crawl that some of you were adventurous enough to take! Since none of the museums really interest me, I opt to do the walking tour in the morning. Yes, I am a rebel again, but Barbie or insects aren't my thing and I would love to see the city. I have never been to Montreal. I have driven through it, and that was an experience and a half! Quebec itself feels like a different country, even when crossing from Ontario into Quebec. Getting into the heart of Montreal will be a treat. The city has a great feel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nludElZhjrs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poe2cLKw9ko Gotta get me some poutine and I hear the craft beer scene is really good. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Charlotte, NC. Oops, guess I should have told you before we went to the beach crawl our flight was at 7:00, and we need to be at the airport at 5am. Don't forget to talk about your day, the things you saw and who surprised you. Well I missed the flight. Not too worried though, I'm kind-of on a 'no USA thing' until Trump is gone.... and I am sticking to it... even in a virtual sense. Besides sleeping in, was a welcome thing, especially after the wonderful time I had yesterday. So I take another day in Belize. I have thoughts of dipping over into Guatemala just to see where my cousins are from - I have two cousins who are adopted. Both are from Guatemala, both they are from two different indigenous groups, but instead I explore on my own and spend my day relaxing and soaking up more sun. Blogging Circle of Friends Charlotte, NC Prompt: Which one of these 15 Things to do in Charlotta https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g49022-Activities-Charlotte_North_Caroli... is the most fun? If I did venture here, I would be inclined to check out the Haunted Charlotte Ghost and walking Pub Crawl. It combines the mystery of a haunted tour with fun of a pub crawl for a great night out. A guide leads the group on a 2.5-hour walking tour through historic Charlotte. Stopping at several bars along the way, each housed in historic buildings with their own unique ghosts and stories. Guests will have time to enjoy a delicious libation as the guide tells them all about the fascinating history of Charlotte and some of its most famous and creepy haunted stories!   |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Belize https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g291963-d1687387-Reviews-Island_Magic_B... We're going to end our trip with some interesting experiences, hope you're ready. We've combined some of Belize's most adventurous activities in one tour. See the rain forest from several different perspectives. Go underground during cave tubing and above the trees during ziplining. Stress-free hotel pickup and drop-off and a Belizean BBQ lunch included https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g291968-d14121238-Cave_Tubin... In the afternoon, we're going to the most famous dive sight in Belize, it was discovered by Jacques Cousteau. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14035153-d296241-Reviews-Great_Bl... Don't think about napping yet. Cos we're doing a beach crawl. Ahoy! Me hearties, we be the #SanPedroBelize drinking session that moves from one licensed grog slinging premises to the next & so on. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g291962-d19932877-Reviews-BlackSai... Talk up the things that you enjoyed on today's excursions. Our hotel is lush and wonderful. So tranquil and relaxing - an oceanfront beach paradise. The resort offers experiences worth bragging about! Like swimming with sharks and snorkeling the world's second largest Barrier Reef. Enjoy a sunset Caribbean Cruise. Take a day trip to visit mainland Belize and climb a top ancient Maya Ruins or discover the secrets of Maya Underworlds. Or, simply lounge by the pool. Have a cold beer with a local. Taste the island cuisine. Jump off our pier into the aqua hues of the Caribbean Sea and be free! Our go-slow little island offers every opportunity to escape the hassle of every day life. Evn take a puddle jumper or boat to Caye Caulker and have us curate a magical experience for you. Having really been to the Quintana Roo part of Mexico, I am happy to explore this area from Belize. The beach is exquisite and the water is glorious. The zip line and tubing adventure was a blast. I love the caves! The zipline was a bit over the top for me, but I did it! We went to the Nohoch Chen Archaeological Park for the ziplining and tubing. Our first activity was the ZipRider, a zip-line tour through the rainforest. It featured an intricate harness system of pulleys on horizontal traverse cables which lets you glide 100 – 750 feet between platforms up to 120 feet high in the trees at canopy level. YIKES!!! After being fitted into the safety harness, the next 30 – 40 minutes are spent zipping through a series of 7 zip-line runs from 10 jungle platforms – a truly unforgettable experience! Following lunch, our next adventure was cave tubing. We got our tubes, headlights and safety gear before hiking through the rainforest to the entrance of the cave system. After a safety chat we got to tube! We tubed through the ancient Maya underworld – Xibalba. Intricate crystalline formations line the cave and stalagmites and stalactites magically appear out of the darkness. On several occasions, we emerged into the sunlight only to enter into another cave system. So cool! I could have stayed so much longer, but we needed to head off to see the Great Blue Hole and do more snorkeling. Some of us were able to dive. Our day finished with the BlackSails Beach-Crawl Belize. We moved from one 'grog slinging' place to another. There was also swimming and volleyball as well as Kayak races and live entertainment. By the time we all crawled into bed it was late.... or very early in the morning. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Brasilla, Brazil Today's adventure is all about unusual architecture https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303322-d318131-Reviews-Catedral_M... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303322-d2349423-Reviews-Itamaraty... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303322-d2349446-Reviews-Templo_da... Amazing designs, don't you agree? Which one appealed to you most, why? What's your favorite architecture near where you live? I found myself wanting to explore the more natural architecture of the area. Lyn's a sly fox   is telling us we will be off to Belize tomorrow and I did not want to miss the many waterfalls in the area. To be able to swim in the clear water and see the natural wonders of the place just felt right. I breakfasted with my fellow travelers, then as they went off to trek the streets of Brasilla in search of cathedrals and other interesting architectural designs, I headed for the car that would take me to my destination and my own adventure. I knew I would see the pictures of the places they visited later at dinner, but I wanted to bring my own photographic memories to that dinner. I am still remembering the Moroccan designs. Those were beautiful. Many of these tours of the waterfalls are several days, but I opted for one sweet day. Couros falls is one of the most incredible walks of the Chapada dos Veadeiros. It’s about 15 km of asphalt road and 35 km of dirt road, but all of it is compensated at the first stop where I could not only see an incredible fall, but also bathe in its refreshing and strong waters. It was heaven!!! The trail allowed us to see 3 more falls of great volume and indescribable beauty. It’s definitely one of those places where no image can represent the magic of seeing and feeling those waters in real colours. Still I took photographs to remind me of my experience. It was hard to leave and head back to the bustle of the city, but I was eager to see my friends and get a great meal. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/AttractionProductReview-g2159104-d19349474-CAR_GUIDE_... Blogging Circle of Friends I've made arrangements for you to take all those Brazillian food choices to the next level. You're putting a menu together to help this restaurant get better ratings. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303322-d4102590-Reviews-Primeiro-... https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-brazil https://www.oliviascuisine.com/authentic-brazilian-recipes/ Our group is going to enjoy your recommendations this evening. Don't be out to late we're off to Belize next. Perfect timing Hurricane Laura has already gone past our location I saw some of the reviews and this restaurant misses the mark where the food is concerned. The atmosphere and everything else seems above board... so a little help, even if it is from some Yahoos from elsewhere.... it couldn't hurt. I suggest the cheese bread and the fish stew! Looking over the menu of 30 The chicken wings and fried pastries look delectable as well... and don't forget the Brazilian lemonade. And of course the chocolate fudge balls. Of course the Brazilian names are far more authentic sounding... but it all looks and tastes divine! We ate and drank some wonderful, tasty dishes and drinks. We shared out adventures and our photos and we talked and laughed. Lyn's a sly fox reminded us of our early departure for tomorrow to Belize so we headed back to our hotel to settle in... but not before another swim to cool me off before sleep. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Brasilla, Brazil Phew, that flight was long. 20 hours on a plane. What a way to celebrate my 64th birthday. We're going directly to our hotel and catching some much needed rest before we go out for dinner. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g303322-d1507171-Reviews-Hotel_Royal_Tu... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303322-d2348030-Reviews-Taypa_Sab... Happy Birthday Lyn's a sly fox !!! Thank goodness we are flying in the direction we are going or you may have missed your birthday completely! Brazil! WooHoo! We are in the capital of Brazil. I think I am going to enjoy the sun and the pool while I rest. Maybe even walk along the lake. After the sensory experiences in Morocco, I think my body needs a break to just close my eyes and enjoy the warmth that is a serious beachy resort. The lines of this hotel are a curving delight. Calming in a way, after the boldness of Morocco. We all join in to celebrate Lyn's birthday - a great excuse to party. Taypa Sabores Del Peru does not disappoint, but the portions are tiny, scrumptious, but tiny. Afterwards, we headed over to the Carcassonne Pub to play some board games and enjoy some local white beer and some snacks The staff were lovely and very helpful in explaining the rules of the games. We had a roaring good time. Blogging Circle of Friends Discuss some famous people from Brazil - https://www.gapyear.com/brazil/famous-people-from-brazil or discuss favorite Brazilian food - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-brazil or write a recap of our trip thus far. This is the only person I recognize... Carmen Miranda (1909 – 1955) Carmen Miranda was as famous in the 40s and 50s as Angelina Jolie is today. She achieved worldwide stardom through her performances in both film and theatre, perhaps gaining most fame from her leading part in The Gang’s All Here, in which she wore a fruit hat. As you do. Her last performance was on the Jimmy Durante Show, during which she suffered a mild heart attack. She didn’t even realise, finished the show, then departed this world the following morning in the wake of a second, decidedly more severe heart attack. This video shows her in The Gang’s All Here wearing that legendary hat. As for the food... barbecue sounds fabulous to me. They even have a fried cheese recipe! This also looks yummy: moqueca... a fish stew that is more than a mere fish stew. It is served with theatrical flourish as the piping hot clay pot is uncovered at the table amid clouds of fragrant steam. Baianos (residents of Bahia, in the north-east of the country) and Capixabas (from the neighbouring state of Espírito Santo) both lay claim to the origins of the dish, and both serve up equally tasty variations. At its simplest, fish and/or other seafood are stewed in diced tomatoes, onions and coriander. The Capixabas add annatto seeds for a natural red food colouring, while the Baianos serve a heavier version, made with palm oil, peppers and coconut milk. It’s teamed with rice, farofa (toasted manioc flour – ideal for mopping up juices) and pirão (a spicy fish porridge made with manioc flour – far tastier than it sounds). I think I would be willing to try both versions of the stew, as long as they threw in some pao de de quelijo. This is cheese and bread brought together in glorious union. It is said to be a snack enjoyed at any time of day. Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, the gluten-free bread rolls are made with tapioca flour, eggs and grated curado minas cheese (a cow’s milk cheese from the state of Minas Gerais), rolled into small balls. For a naughty twist, keep an eye out for pão de queijo served in fist-sized rolls (or even a cake-sized bake), stuffed with cream cheese or various meaty fillings. And dessert. One must not forget dessert. Brazil’s answer to the chocolate truffle, brigadeiros. The sweet balls are made by simmering condensed milk with cocoa powder, then whisking in butter and shaping the mix into balls before rolling in chocolate sprinkles. Guaranteed to give an instant sugar high, they’re cloyingly sweet for some palates. Brazilians won’t hear a word against them, though. This might help to balance it out though - quindim is a glossy yellow sweet treat made with nothing more than eggs, sugar and coconut (with butter a common addition). Baked in cupcake-sized moulds, the bottom is toasted and golden, dense with grated coconut, while the top is a smooth, firm custard that sticks pleasingly to the roof of the mouth. The name is said to derive from the word ‘kintiti’ (meaning ‘delicacy’ in Kikongo, a language spoken in Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola), while the recipe itself was inspired by the Portuguese love affair with egg yolks in sweets and pastries. Something tells me I am in food heaven. Good thing these are all calorie free... but lots of swimming in the pool will go along way to burn off the calories. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Marrakech, Morocco https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293734-d1676197-Reviews-Royal_Mansour_... All I can say, is we've been very lucky when it comes to hotels thus far but no sleeping in for us because we have a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. We have an extended check out so we'll be hanging here until our flight. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293734-d15305958-Hot_Air_Ba... After our hot air balloon we're going shopping. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293734-d15000784-Marrakech_... 30DBC - write a poem or write a story about your adventures in Marrakech. I emerge from my private residence, a traditional Moroccan Riad, into the darkness of Marrakech. We are bustled off to the sight where our hot air balloon awaits. From what I am seeing so far, I am beginning to miss the trees. The lushness of shade is just not here. I can't say the experience is as breathtaking as in Tanzania, but it is lovely to see the views and watch the sun rise up over the horizon. The breakfast was quite good... a new taste experience for me. I am not the spiciest of people, but some of these spices are very good. I make sure to source them out when we ventured into the market later. I do like the architecture of the place. Moroccan. Our hotel is full of the intricate details and designs. The market was a feast for the eyes - colours, so vibrant I had to pick out at least one blanket - which I may have to hang as a tapestry of memory. I made sure to purchase some of the spices. I just hope I can smuggle them back home. I pick up a woven basket bag for my mother. I also find us each a pair of slippers. I even find a beautifully designed tagine pot which I could not pass up. I even found a leather briefcase that would be great... not that I need it, but the price was right and it looks fabulous. I will surely have to send this stuff home packaged up really well. Visiting Marrakech’s warren of souks was quite an experience. I could imagine that it’s easy to get lost in these colorful outdoor markets. Our local guide kept us all on track, steered us to the best artisans and shopkeepers, and shooed away the touts who tried to spoil our visit. Blogging Circle of Friends Day 2839: August 25 Marrakech,Morocco Prompt: Marrakech is a beautiful place. Look at Things to do in Marrakech https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293734-Activities-Marrakech_Marrakech_T... and find something you think is beautiful. Why do you think it is beautiful? https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293734-d11989887-Atlas_Moun... The idea of seeing snow on mountains when riding on camels was surreal. This is not what I think of when I think Morocco. Exploring Morocco’s Atlas Mountains with a local guide enabled me and my party to interaction with Berber villagers. Enjoying a local lunch and tea ceremony in a Berber home. On this day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains and Valleys, Berber Villages, Camel ride & Waterfalls you will see the most amazing and beautiful places: Atlas Mountains, Imlil Valley, Asni Valley, Amizmiz Valley, walk and visit around 9 Berber Villages, have tea with a Berber family and learn about their life, walk up to the waterfalls and see a wonderful views. visit to Argan women's cooperative. The tour started at 9:00 AM, from our hotel and ended back in Marrakech around 3 pm. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Nouakchott, Mauritania. A bit of interesting history - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouakchott https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293815-d10339182-Reviews-Nouakchott_Ho... We're doing a private tour today, looks like an interesting variety. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293815-d14779091-Nouakchot_... We're writers and here's a golden opportunity to see a famous library and a shipyard graveyard. Our muse should be inspired by one them to discuss. Maybe even both. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-libraries-of-chinguetti-chinguetti-mauri... https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bay-of-nouadhibou-ship-graveyard and our interesting dining choice. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293815-d4022339-Reviews-Restauran... Discuss what you enjoyed on the tour or the library, or the shipyard graveyard or even the restaurant. Maybe all of them. Have fun! Wow, only 6 days left of our journey. Okay, my ignorance is showing. The first thing I have to do is check a map. Thank goodness our first tour was the perfect introduction to Mauritanian customs and culture. It was a private guided door-to-door tour of the nation’s capital, Nouakchott. We visited markets, mosques, the port, the beach, and the National Museum of Mauritania. We sipped Mauritanian mint tea, and learned about the history of the region. Just what I needed. Later I was able to check out the libraries in the city of Chinguetti. It contains some of the world’s most important Quranic texts amid its simple earthen libraries. Established around 777 CE, Chinguetti became an important trading outpost on the Timbuktu caravan route to the Mediterranean. At the same time it became a gathering place for Islamic pilgrims on their way to Mecca. With the steady traffic of holy people through the city, a large, stone mosque was built and small libraries were founded to contain the growing number of religious texts left behind. Preserving the tradition of trading and passing down such holy writings, most of the original Chinguetti libraries exist in largely the same state as when they were deposited. Today there are five such libraries left in Chinguetti containing some 1,300 Quranic manuscripts, as well as civil records including contracts, bills of sale, and legal judgments. The dry desert air and dedication of generations of custodians have helped preserve the fragile parchments, often rolled inside bamboo tubes. From Atlas Obscura. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Johannesburg, South Africa Johannesburg is the place to go to mix big-city culture, shopping, dining and nightlife with outdoor adventures, up-close wildlife encounters and visits to historical sites. Explore caves and nature reserves, or visit a traditional village by day, then enjoy dinner at a hip cafe or five-star restaurant. And if you're a shopper, bring an extra, empty suitcase. With malls, open-air markets and places that blend the two, you'll find plenty of unique souvenirs. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g312578-d2322502-Reviews-The_Residence_... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312578-d313843-Reviews-Apartheid_... This museum is not something anyone should hurry through. Enjoy the (2000+) photos, discuss some of the ones that appeal to you. Did you discover the other name for Johannesburg and what is it? Jo'Burg Johannesburg, Jo'Burg, Jozi, Egoli – The many names of the City of Gold. Johannesburg, commonly known as Jo'Burg or Jozi, is South Africa's second largest city with a population of over than 3 million. I am not a fan of staying in South Africa, but at least I can take my time wandering the Apartheid Museum. The signage disturbs me - Blanks and Non-Blanks. Even as a child of 5 I had an issue with discrimination of any kind. My northern Ontario school had a separate door and seating areas for Boys and Girls. I remember thinking 'why was that necessary?' Why should it matter? I followed the rules... but I remember going into the school one evening to get my shoes I'd forgotten and running into the boys section to touch the windows just to show some defiance... I was only 7. It was very liberating, even if my mother was the only one to see me do it. The fact that this kind of signage existed bothers me to the core, making my time in South Africa (virtual or not) uncomfortable. There is beauty here - in its natural form, but there is an ugliness as well. A kind of unclean that inequality leaves, like a film... one that I fear will take a long, long time to get rid of... if it even happens. I find it interesting that the tickets designate you are white or non-white on an arbitrary basis - giving you a taste of what it may have been like. Going to Mandela House is another place I would like to venture to just to get an essence of the man who was willing to go to jail to speak out against the injustice of the system. Our hotel is much more quaint here. Cape Town was over the top, Johannesburg seems more down to earth... even if it is a far bigger city. The pool was shaded with lovely trees and I felt it easier to breath here. Not so opulent. I had no interest in shopping and decided to stay in and write for the evening once I had enjoyed a lovely dinner. It just felt like a more reflective thing to do. Blogging Circle of Friends Nelson Mandela, was a complex man. Discuss what you learn with one of the links. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312587-d2436621-Reviews-Mandela_H... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela#:~:text=Widely%20regarded%20as%20an... Being able to be in the place where Mandela's family spent their lives was good. A quiet neighbourhood. A house full of memorabilia that spoke of the man and his family. The enlarged photo of his wife, Winnie, made me smile. Now there was a strong black woman raising her daughters and fighting the fight while Mandela spent his 27 years in jail. What a life that must have been. https://europeansting.com/2019/07/19/here-are-10-of-nelson-mandelas-most-inspira... There are 10, but I have included 6 of my favourites here: 1. Be passionate “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.” 2. Nothing’s impossible “It always seems impossible, until it is done.” 3. Make a difference “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” 4. Be optimistic “I am fundamentally an optimist. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” 5. Learn and teach “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 6. Make mistakes “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” One must not forget Desmond Tutu as well. Here are some wonderful quotes: Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. Without forgiveness, there's no future. |
| Blogging Circle of Friends Day 2836 Prompt: Pick out one of these things to do in Cape Town https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g312659-Activities-Cape_Town_Central_Wes... and write a story, article, or poem about it. The natural world calls to me And I find myself walking the rugged shore line And scampering over craggy rocks To find myself on fine sand Shared with tuxedo-ed birds Who languish in the winter sun. So different from their southern neighbours Who huddled in the snow and ice These penguins dip and glide in the surf Like they are on some foreign vacation Like me, they avoid the touristy traps And save their money For more authentic ventures. When I do head back into town I venture to the market's of Hout's Bay And wander the stalls Filled with arts and crafts Made by local artists and artisans I am drawn to the colourful Vividness and diversity of the place As night draws us in Music fills the air Lulling me into a place Where I feel at peace And one with my my heart In this place Still cut by its past. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Arusha Tanzania We're staying at Arusha Serena Hotel and Resort Spa. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297913-d304446-Reviews-Arusha_Serena_H... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297913-d15883436-Miracle_Ex... As dawn breaks over the horizon, you serenely drift over the magnificent marvel of nature, The Serengeti, enjoying an eagle’s eye view of the wildlife theatre as it unfolds below you. You will have ample opportunities to spot wildlife from a different perspective. If you are fortunate, you might be able to spot the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile and a variety of birdlife. Your game viewing opportunities from the sky are endless. Following the flight, you will celebrate with sparkling wine and a splendid bush breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti, capping off what is sure to be your most memorable morning in the skies of Africa. The afternoon we'll be enjoying some of the awesome amenities at our hotel before the BCoF people take us to our next adventure. My room is an oasis in an of itself. A huge bed. A curved desk just under the window with a view that is quite inspiring. I can prop my door open and get a little fresh air. I can even pull a curtain of netting around the bed. Our hotel is set at the heart of a traditional coffee estate in the majestic environs of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the exquisitely appointed Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa ( formerly Lake Duluti Serena Hotel) offers heady views over verdant tropical forests, cool mountain walks, a wonderful array of wildlife, roaring fires and superlative cuisine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnMSCYqBBR0 Now this is Africa at its finest! City Tour and history of Arusha, Tanzania - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0iXTd1NcnA The balloon ride is is a unique way to experience a safari. It was one of the most magically memorable of the Serengeti experiences. A balloon safari allowed us to drift in silence above the splendour of the plains. We dipped down to visit the hippo pools of the Grumeti River and enjoyed a bird's eye view of the wildlife theatre as it was enacted below us. This is Africa!!! We were awakened by an early morning cup of tea, then we were driven to the balloon take-off point. There, we met our balloon pilot and watch as the team inflates the enormous rainbow-coloured balloon. As dawn breaks and the balloon slowly rights itself, we were helped into the wicker basket, the sandbags were cast off and the balloon rose majestically into the cool of the morning air. After a 45-minute flight, our balloon descended to the plains, where the ground crew greeted us with a glass of chilled champagne. Later, we had a full English breakfast, which is traditionally cooked on the burners of the balloon. After breakfast, we enjoyed a leisurely game drive back to the lodge. |
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