Kobil Petrol Staion

On our way to Iringa, weather got the best of us and flooded the campsite we were to stay at. After much delibera- tion, our fearless admins and crew found us a palce to stay in Chalinze. While it did not match the luxury of places we had stayed at (and would stay at), it was for one night. They had places to pitch the tents, cook an amazing dinner (thanks to our fabulous cooks), cook up pizza (courtesy of the resto there), and these BIG HUGE SPIDERS. Granted, we pulled in past dark, so we saw one huge female by the bathrooms, but it wasn't until the next morning that we realized how many there were -check out the second picture.

Arusha (again)

We are over half way through the program, and with all the excitement of the game drives and wildlife we have seen (well, I'm in biology, so at least I was excited about the animals!), I (and many others) realized we had very few people pictures in our collections. After the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro, we were back in Arusha for almost a week. We realized, since we would be working on projects, that this was an ideal time to catch up on people pictures. Thus, except for the frog spotted on a bird walk, you have some pictures of a few of the amazing people who were on this field semester.

Maasai Homestay

Wow, our homestay was amazing - simly put. Jaime and I stayed with Mama Tajiri. Her husband had given her another anme, Naalakuina, and she immediately adopted Jaime and me as her additional children. Our translator and friend for the stay was Nemama, a young woman who wants to become a doctor and travel the world.

Jaime and I tried to teach duck duck goose to the children, and while the actual game itself didn't go so well, everyone (us included!) had a wonderful time laughing and running around. Because the rain had not been so good, it took a while for the cattle and goats to come back to the boma, but once they did, we were given the chance to try and milk the cattle and goats. It took a bit of effort, but Jaime and I both helped out a little bit :)

Welcoming wazungu

Normally, the CFSIA arranges for us to do a home stay with the Maasau in Kenya. However, since we were not going to Kenya, the amazing coordinators for the program found partnership in Tanzania that let partake in the amazing experience of living (albeit for on evening and morning) with a Maasai family for one day. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with every family that was involved with this project, and it was quite a site. The children were in their formal dress with red ochre painted on their faces, and the women and men were dressed in their beautiful traditional garb. We were treated to dancing by everybody while we were there, and we tired to partake in them, though I must say the guys from CFSIA could not jump as high as the Maasai!

I must say that this was one of the most warm welcomes we received. The kindness and hospitality was amazing, and something I know we will always remember.

Tarangire National Park

First up is Johnson, one of our fearless drivers who could spot animals hidden in the grass and dodge the crazy bus drivers passing mutatus around blind corners. Tarangire National Park was remarkably different scenery- wise from the parks we had been to previously. The park had huge baobob trees all over the place.

Ngorongoro III: Animals

Ngorongoro II: The land