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.
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