Mikumi accommodations

Even more photos of Mikumi National Park

More photos of Mikumi National Park

Here are some more of the photos we took on our game drive...

Day 4 - Mikumi National Park

We woke early to a wonderful breakfast and then it was off to our first ever game drive. A game drive is much like a safari, but there is no hunting involved. You ride around in a land rover and look for wild game. The amazing thing is that the wild game are not spooked by the vehicle. They just look at it and turn away. Our guide did share some safety things with us - never climb out of the vehicle until given the OK. Never reach out to touch any animal - they are wild and you might be seen as a meal! If you remain still and quiet you may see some amazing things...And off we went!

At the gate we had to stop and check in. My stomach had butterflies as I was so excited to see the big animals. We had not gotten 1 mile into the park when we came upon a large herd of impala and cape buffalo (water buffalo). The vehicle stopped and the engine was turned off. We just watched - WOW!!!

Further on down the road we came upon a pair of lions - doing a mating ritual. We were 30 feet from these amazing animals when we had a view not seen by many. The female was on her back, she stood up and began circling the male. And you guessed it, it was love at first site! I don't need to go into the details, but needless to say it was amazing! Enjoy some of the pictures I'll post with this blog.

We also were able to see giraffe (Twiga in Swahili), Tembo (elephant), more Simbas, zebras, and lots of wildlife! It was breathtaking! Half way through the drive, we came to a watering hole. We learned this was man-made as there was very little water around. In the hole (which was quite large) there was a hippo. On the hippo's back there was an egret. This egret was very interested in us and came so close we could almost touch it. No fear!

During our break we were treated to cold sodas and some snacks. We rested for about half an hour and then it was off to see more of the park. We laughed as we saw more and more impala. Our wonderful guide told us these were "fast food" for the big animals. There were so many of them - I didn't really grow tired of seeing them, but it would be like seeing deer everywhere you went.

We ended our day after about 5 hours driving around the park. The sun was beginning to wane and we made our journey back out to Vuma Hill. Once we returned, we had a wonderful meal and it was off to pack our things. We boarded the bus and began our 4 hour ride to Iringa.

A new adventure was to begin!

Day 3-Wazo Hill Lutheran Church and Mikumi National Park

The day began at 5:15am getting up and getting ready for the 7am church service. Our hosts had a simple breakfast made for us -chai tea, fresh bread, and fruit. After breakfast we were surprised by gifts of kongas (Tanzanian fabrics) and locally grown cashews. Yum! Then it was off to church!

We left the beautiful compound of our hosts and ventured back into the third world country neighborhood in which they lived. Their house was surrounded by a protective wall, and had helpers who opened and closed gates. The roads were horrendous and it was good that we were in a 4-wheel drive! This area reminded me very much of Iran where I traveled as a child. The sights, the smells - everything.

We arrived in time for a little choir rehearsal with our group and then as the sun came up strong, church began. We were ushered into the front pews for a great view. During the service there was lots of special music for us and performances by many of the groups in the congregation. Then we were on! Our small group was to perform as well - hence the previously mentioned choir rehearsal. It really sounded great in such a large sanctuary! The service lasted for two and a half hours. The women were presented with beautiful kongas again, and the men each received a Maasi fabric. Between services we were treated to coffee, tea, fruit, nuts, chicken, and their version of donuts. We were also joined by many children and a number of the host families. The second service began at 10 - and yes, everything was repeated for another two and a half hours!

The service ended outside with an auction of chickens. We wondered why they were in the sanctuary during the service! Because everything is open, it gave opportunity for birds and all sorts of creatures to join us. The birds eyed the restrained chickens with longing, but they were not rewarded that day. Many children stood with us. They seemed fascinated by the visitors.

There was a special meal provided for us after the service. Many of the church elders and council members joined us and shared conversation while we ate. Again we had chicken, rice, beans, vegetable soup, fruit, and many other tasty delights. There will be a theme running through our meals as you might imagine - chicken, rice, and beans. They are a staple in Tanzania and part of every meal we ate.

Finally, we said our thank yous and good byes. On the bus again for a three hour drive to Mikumi National Park. This was to be our first experience with game drives and seeing the big animals of Africa. The drive lasted for five hours instead. There was tremendous traffic getting out of Dar. And on two lane roads, it just takes a long time.

Now it was dark. We saw signs for Mikumi and the speed humps greeted us reminding everyone to keep a watchful eye for animals as big as our bus! Before getting to the main entrance we slowed to a near stop as four elephants crossed the road! WOW!! We arrived at our destination around 7:30pm, checked in and paid our entrance fees. We were to wait for an escort to the Vuma Hill Tent Camp across the road.

The bus drove the bumping road into Vuma Hill and my eyes were wide looking for any sign of more animals. None to be seen at that time of night. We were greeted at the camp by our hosts and Maasi who would act as our porters. They grabbed our bags and escorted us along lighted paths to our bandas. These large tents were to be our rooms. They were impressive!

After getting settled, we were to all meet in the dining area for cocktails. Again, it was breath-taking. We sat with our drinks as our dinner was being prepared. To relax and not be on a bus was really pleasant. Then it was dinner. They had a buffet laid out for us that was wonderful. Again, you guessed it - chicken, rice, beans, and a host of other tasty items. After a couple of bottles of wine at the table, a discussion of our day, and confirmation of our plans for morning, we were all off to our bandas for the night. I laid awake for a little while listening. Straining to hear anything that sounded like wild animals. Then sleep took over.

Another awe-inspiring day.

Day 2 - Dar es Salaam

We woke up early for breakfast at the Pentacostal Center (our first hostel). We were greeted with africaf (african instant coffee), toast, hard boiled eggs, and jam. After morning devotions and a little choir practice, we packed and met our hosts (Jackson and Nselo) and bus driver (Peter) once again. This morning would prove to be an adventurous day!

The stories we had been told of the PC conditions were not to be found - no monster cockroaches. We did find one BIG spider though, and a quick swat with a shoe took care of any potential danger. We slept under misquitto netting and saw no salamanders or millipedes.

First stop on our trip was the central park of Dar where we saw a statue commemorating Tanzania becoming a country in December 1961. At the base were the Swahili words for "Freedom and Unity." A beautiful little park! Next we traveled to the museum of the city. We saw an exhibit of recent findings of the first humans. There were many other exhibits and it was very interesting.

While on our way to see other sites we drove past the US Embassy. As we passed I took a few pictures. Stuck in a traffic jam, we watched an armed Tanzanian military guard walk across the road. He looked like he was walking toward our bus. I made a comment to Lisa that I notice him coming toward us and that was interesting. He then talked for a few moments to our driver. Then he walked around to the door and came on the bus. Looking right at me, he demanded my documents. I was stunned and handed him my passport. He looked at it and then said, 'camera.' Then I was really nervous and very confused. He stood and talked very sternly to me in Swahili and his voice continued to get louder. I was still perplexed as to what was going on. This lasted for a couple of minutes and our hosts were talking with him as well. Jackson motioned to me to get off the bus so the conversation could be continued outside. Another guard came over - not in military garb, but more like a security guard. After having military man continue to yell at me and gesture with my camera and passport, Jackson said that he and I would need to follow the guard in blue to the Embassy. I agreed and off we went.

We entered the security area of the Embassy. At least I felt like I was near safety being in a US building. I was told to stand with Jackson at the counter and wait. A phone call was made to some unknown location. He hung up. The guard brought my camera over to the counter and asked me to show him the photos I had taken that day. I did so immediately. There were three shots of the Embassy area - the sign, an outside guard shack and the American flag. Another phone call was made. This time, and for the first time, it was in English. The guard spoke with someone then turned to me and said, "He wants to talk with you..." Taking the phone I said, "Yes, sir." On the other end was someone who spoke English and identified himself as a US Marine. He asked if I knew why I was being detained, and my answer was a very truthful - "I have no idea." His explanation was that the Tanzanian military was very sensitive about security and I was seen taking pictures of the embassy. I said yes, I had, but didn't know that it wasn't OK to do that. He told me I wasn't the first one this had happened to, and that 'his man' was going to delete the photos. If I would show him how that would be appreciated. I was also told that I could take pictures if I got permission ahead of time, so I could call the next day and make a request. Did I have any other questions? Yes, will I be able to keep my camera? Yes - after the pictures of the embassy were deleted. I walked the guard through how to delete the photos, then had to move the pictures back and forth to show they were all deleted. I was free to go.

Jackson and I were escorted back to the bus by the guard. Once there I had both my camera and passport in my hands. The military guy was still ranting about something. He continued to lecture me after the guard explained that the photos were deleted. Finally, Jackson motioned to me to get on the bus. The door was closed and we pulled away. Everyone was silent.

Lisa put her arm around me and I started to cry. Others got up, or reached over the seats to hug me or squeeze my arm. Someone asked if my police training came into play and my response was, "Yes, shut up and answer the questions asked without further comment!"

The remainder of the day was very pleasant. We went to see a museum called the "Village Museum" where we were treated to a wonderful meal of very local fare. We had chicken, rice, beans, meat in a tomato sauce, ogala, casava, and some type of small smoked fish much like sardines. The food was exceptional! Our tour of the museum was an introduction to they types of housing we would encounter on our journey. Much of it was made from mud bricks, wood, and thatch. We were also treated to a traditional style of dance by some amazing dancers. This museum was established to highlight the 120+ tribes of Tanzania, so that their way of living would not become lost as progress naturally takes over.

Back onto the bus again - this time to find the woodcarver's market and do some shopping! Once there we were given 30 minutes to shop to our heart's content and support the Tanzanian economy. One after another, the sellers beckoned us into their stores. Lisa bought a drum for a co-worker and we then had 10 merchants bringing their drums to us. Someone else bought ebony carvings, and more merchants were attempting to entice us to buy more. After spending enough money we boarded the bus once again and off we went to meet our host families!

Arriving at Wazo Hill Lutheran Church, we were greeted by smiling faces and welcome hugs from host families. Lisa and I were to stay with Mwajanga and his wife Titi. Off we drove with our hosts into their neighborhood of Dar es Salaam. I was taken by the poor quality of the roads once we left the main drag. No wonder people had Land Rovers and other 4-wheel drives! You wouldn't survive without one!

We were treated to conversation and another meal. Our dinner consisted of boiled fish, chicken, veggie stew of some sort, chips (fries to us), rice, and fried bananas. All very good!! After dinner we presented our hostess with gifts we brought along. Finally, a much anticipated shower and off to bed. We had to be at church before 7am for the first service!

Day 1 - Arrival in Dar es Salaam

On Thursday, July 1st we left Minneapolis and flew to Amsterdam. Eight hours on a plane - and not quite half way to our destination! We landed in Amsterdam and spent three hours walking around, having coffee and a little breakfast. Finally, we were ready to board our flight to Tanzania!

We learned the plane was smaller than the original scheduled (there was mechanical trouble) and took 100 fewer passengers. For a few minutes we thought we might be bumped off the flight. Others were not very happy at the counter. Our group stepped up, we got our boarding passes and we were off! Only 9 more hours before we would arrive in Dar - late.

I slept a bit on the flight, but it was hard to sleep between two strangers. We were all split up when the plane was changed. Those with the same last names were seated together, but three of us sat apart. Not the worst thing - we were all on the plane!

We arrived in Dar and then proceeded through customs. Passport please. (HURRAY! - loud cheering in the background.) It turns out that we arrived as Ghana was playing in the World Cup Soccer match. No one was really paying us much attention. All eyes focused on the few TVs around the terminal.

We found our baggage and headed toward the check point. Everyone got through until it came to our large duffel bags, wheel, and a box. Questions...what were we carrying, where were we going, how long would we stay...the customs agent wanted to charge us for the grinder we were carrying. She thought we were going to use it for ourselves while in Tanzania. It would be $85 to get it through customs. After a very long explanation by Pastor Rolf, we finally were able to convince her that the grinder was for a church in Mbigili where we were headed. She waved us through and we didn't hesitate - out!

When we got outside, the heat and humidity were breath-taking. Our group was gathered outside looking for our contact - Pastor Paul from Wazo Hill Church. Again, groups were huddled around the TV monitors outside - Ghana was on the verge of an historic game. The only Africa country still in the World Cup.

We began to hear friendly greetings behind us, and turning around it was Pastor Paul. Nancy and Rolf were hugging and making introductions. A warm welcome from one of our hosts! We all met Peter our bus driver and then we were off to the parking lot to find our ride. By this time the soccer game ended and there were sad faces all around - Ghana was out.

To our bus! We loaded our bags and all climbed ith air conditioning on for our comfort we were off to our first hostel - The Penticostal Retreat Center. We drove through a rough looking area - then very industrial. Coming to a gate, a horn toot and then the gate opened. Out walked an attendant, our driver said a few things, and then we were let in.

Rooms were assigned and we all agreed to an 8:30am breakfast. REST! On a real bed, not a plane seat. We looked around the room and found things were in order. We picked a bed and pulled down our misquito netting. Rest came quickly and easily. Our adventure continues in the morning!

Who me? Tanzania?

On Thursday, July 1st there was a mad dash to get the last minute details finished. We were leaving for Tanzania, Africa in hours, and we were not packed, had to run multiple errands, pick up a huge duffel bag and get the grinder we were carrying disassembled and packed. I woke up at 4:30am in a bit of a panic!

So the duffel bag was the most critical component for this grinder we were carrying. We bought one about three weeks earlier at REI - Bloomington, and I went there first when they opened. This was not a typical duffel - this thing was the monster size! AND IT WAS SOLD OUT!!! AGH!!! There was one at the REI-Roseville (a 30 minute drive) that they would hold for me. I plead with them to sell me the floor model, but they would not. Frustrated, I jumped back in my car and drove to Roseville.

I called Lisa, my lovely partner, in a panic. No answer! She was running errands from her half of the last minute 'must have' list. When we finally talked I was on my way home from Roseville, ginormous bag in hand! Whoever got home first was to start packing the grinder in the bag we already had on hand.

When I pulled in the garage door was still down, I pushed the button and no one else was at home - uh oh! After parking the car, I jumped out, got organized and started packing the duffle bags. It was 12:30pm and we were to be at the airport at 2:30pm. Our ride was coming at 2:00pm. Pack clothes, shower, clean up the dishes, fold the laundry being left behind, and...PANIC!!!

Lisa arrived home, helped to finish packing the grinder and all its parts. We rushed inside after weighing everything (no more than 50# per person in coach) and moving things around. Quickly showered, piled clothes and got rid of clothes. Packed! Ride has arrived! Dishes! Fold laundry! It is 2:15pm and we're loading the car. We arrived at the airport at 2:50pm and our group came out to help us get everything inside. WHEW!!! We were there! We made it!

Check-in went smoothly. Off to security and to find our gate. It was 3:30pm and the flight was at 5:05pm. We had not eaten anything since breakfast, expended a ton of energy in our panicked state, and realized we were hungry. Off to Wolfgang Puck's for some nourishment and an adult beverage!

So, if you've read this far (thank you!) I'm sure one of your questions is...why are you going to Africa? What's in Tanzania? Well, allow me to back up a little...

Lisa and I are traveling with 7 others from our church (Richfield Lutheran in Minneapolis) - Pastor Rolf Olson, his wife Nancy, Steve Griffin, Steve and Carol Larson, and Ralph and Bonnie Swenby. We are a group going to work on our partnership with Mbigili Lutheran Church in Mbigili, Tanzania. This trip is a relational mission trip - building a partnership. Five of our group went in 2008 and are returning, four of us are newbies.

We have a few specific goals: a continuation of getting to know the people of Mbigili, building a relationship of support for a growing church, and bringing a grain grinder that will be the beginning of a small business outreach opportunity for this congregation. We are also meeting some of our sponsored youth (financially sponsored to continue their education), seeing what our sponsorship funds are accomplishing at a local orphanage, and seeing how some of our sponsorship dollars are meeting the needs of the growing church.

Our group is filled with excitement, wonderment, and anticipation as we begin our very long journey across our planet to the African country of Tanzania. If you are so inclined, please follow along as I share stories and pictures of our time. You are invited to share this blog with others who might be interested, and I hope to give you a small sense of the experiences of this traveler and uncertain missionary.

Thanks for joining me on a recounting of my journey!