Ngorongoro Crater

This morning's sun rises on the ridge concealing a 304 sq km circular volcanic crater beyond. We broke camp by 7 am,


after a delicious breakfast made by Samuel, our cook.


We are at a comfortable and clean tourist campsite with restaurant, night time musician, and gift shop.


There is even a preying mantis here! Angel, the manager, took good care of us.


Today we experienced wildlife in a paradise bowl of grasslands, water and forest. It was actually cold!











The gazelles were skittish yet graceful.


The wildebeests were duking it out.


Hyenas were on the prowl.


Flamingos were on the fly.





The Masaai tribe boys sold me a necklace and granted a shot.


Kate and Paul (front) are an agriculturalist and veterinarian from Poland. Tom and Paul (back) are teachers from London. We four are happy safari mates.


Packed lunch was at this exquisite site,


and after lunch the cue was extremely long...


For this!


with awe and dust, from Jen

Tarangira National Park

The sun rises outside Arusha as I depart on a three-day safari. I am still feeling quite sleepy after the long bus ride from Kampala.


It's time to wake up,


call in the troops,


have a kiss before I leave,


check I've got everything,


tell Stundo that I'm leaving,


and ask Dopey if he wants to come.


I won't come head to head with the big guy,


and I'll avoid the bum deals.





Just keeping my head up,


focusing on my goals,


pairing up occasionally,


taking naps,


eating well,


walking places,


and sticking my neck out now and again,


should help life to branch out perfectly.


with grass fed love from Jen

To Kenya and Tanzania

Cheaping out on travel costs put me on an overnight bus from Kampala to Nairobi. It's been 18 years since I did a night bus (Bankok to Chang Mai, 1994), and obviously my memory was favorably selective. Saving one night of accommodation was not worth the forward-slanting front seat that landed my feet atop the hot engine cover and provided a disturbing sweaty night of screeching brakes, parching thirst, and swelling ankles.

On the brighter side were the stands of veggies and lush landscapes that Kenya presented as the sun rose. I wish I'd had my camera out to catch a shot of the early morning Kenyan runners!


Surprising was the size and development of Kenya compared to Uganda. Nairobi is a big, busy city!


The last leg of this journey was from Nairobi, Kenya, to Arusha, Tanzania. Luckily there was a bus leaving in the afternoon, and I was swept into a safari deal from Arusha before even crossing the border. Unfortunately, I fell into a scam at immigration, trying to purchase my visa, and was robbed of $80.00. Confusion and rushing caused me to doubt my currency conversion and to believe a crook. All is well, however, and the experience taught me to stay calm, cool and collected. Here is the sun setting on a Tanzanian skyline.


with love from Jen

Namirembe, Mengo, Kampala

The Protestant cathedral is right behind the Namirembe Guest House, in this southern neighborhood of Kampala, called Mengo. There is both a strong marching band and an inspiring choir of youth who rehearse up here daily. So dedicated!

Mengo Hospital is where our Canadian PODA friends met doing AIDS research and found Nelson working security.


Set on the hill, this church mission and hospital are helping many people, from Uganda and beyond.


Here is the grand view of Kampala from the guest house. There is a giant mosque, just out of sight in this shot, and we hear the call and songs at all hours. What a mix of religious cultures!


Back in civilization, sealed from rats, I would rather eat with my hands than with these silly utensils they provide.


On a walking tour, I discovered the Sanyu Babies Home, where abandoned children are taken before they are re-settled in Ugandan families or adopted. Uganda has so many kids, and some are impossibilities for the mothers, who are alone and/or have not chosen to 'produce'. This is home to 46 kids, run by staff and volunteers. Anyone, aged twelve and up, would be most welcome here. I made a donation, played with the babies for a while and learned that one must live in Uganda for at least three years before adopting... whew!





with love, clean feet and no baby, from Jen