December 21-22, 2005 -- A collection of pictures taken at Mama Wilson's, in Arusha town, and Arusha National Park can be found at Arusha and Environs.
The weather matched our mood -- gloomy. This is our last day in Africa, for now. It rained during the night and continued through early morning. God had listened to Wilbard's prayer for rain for his crops. Long sad farewell with Albert, Bernadetha, Lenarda, and other Farm House staff, then on the road to Arusha. By the time we reached the Manyara Escarpment the sun was blazing. The sunshine helped to lift our spirits.
The effects of the rain were most apparent at Lake Manyara. When we had visited the lake earlier in the week it appeared like a minor pond. On this day, Lake Manyara had now spread out to its most outer banks showing the transformative power of water on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. The Maasai and their flocks were out in force taking advantage of the latest gift from the heavens. Many Maasai gathered around pools to wash their shukas and bathe. The pastures and highlands were lushly green. God was definitely blessing Africa today!
We made three stops before reaching Mama Wilson's in Arusha. First, the T-Shirt Shack for some souvenirs we didn't think we needed the first time around. Our second stop was at Fotini, a fabulous gift and antique shop owned and operated by George and Lucy Vrontamitis near the Braeburn School, outside Arusha -- the find of the day. It was a GREAT shop -- beautiful batiks, handwork, jewelry, etc. Complimentary refreshments for shoppers were available -- coffee, tea, cake, and sherry. The atmosphere was relaxing and welcoming. I'm still looking for the mythical Fotini shop in North America. I guess I'll have to return to Tanzania in order to capture that ambiance. Next stop, the Cultural Heritage Center in Arusha to claim our previous purchases, and perhaps make a few more purchases, then finally arrived at Mama Wilson's for lunch. The afternoon was free time. Many repacked their luggage to include newly acquired items.
I couldn't sit still so I asked Pascal to take me into Arusha town in search of tire shoes. The Maasai make and wear shoes made from old tires. The tread of the tire is cut to foot size and the natural curve of the tire cradles the foot on either side. Straps are created from sidewalls or from the more flexible rubber tubing. They are quite comfortable and long lasting. Once in town, Pascal located a young street Maasai who was more than happy to lead the way. I selected a pair and wore them immediately. On the way back to the vehicle, the young Maasai, stopped at every street corner to dance and jump. I obliged him of course, it was too much fun. He was very happy when I presented him with 2000 shillings.
Dinner was at 5:30pm -- Mungu, it was sad. You could cut the tension with a knife. We gave Pascal, Alex, and James our Polaroid camera, field guides, and other cameras and gear. David, Mama Wilson's manager, presented me with a postcard with a heart-felt Kiswahili message.
Finally it was time to head to the airport. My family rode with James (Pascal and Alex could not accompany us to the airport because they had to pick up another safari group). As we left Mama Wilson's we looked up and there was Mt. Meru -- no clouds, sheer magnificence.
Longest ride of our lives. The bond we had created with James, Pascal, and Alex was so strong that we did not want to leave. James was also visibly struggling -- even after we passed through the first two security checkpoints he lingered on the other side of the partition. He did not leave until we disappeared into the waiting room.
Waiting for our flight was deadly -- knowing we were still in Tanzania but not able to be with James, Alex, and Pascal.
LONG flights to Amsterdam, then Boston. Exhausted, we managed to muster enough energy to drive the last four hours from Boston to St. George, VT.
It was nice to come home and find Siobhan's friends had decorated the house for Christmas. Simon, our yellow labrador, was happy to see us. Our journey to Africa has just begun!
