Hello, Hello, Hello Tanzania
Jambo Sana is hello in Swahili and it’s one of the only key phrases we know. Traveling to a new country with a different currency, language, culture, and seemingly even different handshakes can be quite overwhelming. I went in for a high five but instead got a fist bump, I went in for a fist bump and got a high five. Eventually, I learned to do a fist bump high five combo. Just seemed easiest… The amazing thing is a simply Jambo and a smile will get you far here in Tanzania. The next couple of posts I will share some of what I learned and what I saw so hopefully, you don’t have to fumble through your first few Tanzanian greetings.
Landing in a new country is always like taking a breath of fresh air, but, visiting the African countryside is so much more, and cannot be explained in words, it is majestic, breathtaking, simply a must see. We passed bustling towns with intricate markets, small children herding cattle, individuals selling small trinkets/corn, public buses packed with people, while we rode along in luxury, 4 seats vacant, hmmm. Says a lot. However, there was one defining factor that separated the Tanzanian people from the rest of the world hands down. No matter what, they were smiling. Smiling no matter what their circumstance, poor: rich, wet: dry, they continued to smile no matter what.
Sipi our safari guide, drove us from Moshi to Serengeti, which I learned almost a week later and after much arguing was completely false and actuallyTangire National Park. He drove for 4 1/2 hours, and what did he do afterwards? He thanks us! He readily replied with any requests with a “your very welcome,” without fail.
Safari!!!!!!!! Ooo, ahh. Yes, we went on a three-day safari. Yes, Elise smiled so much I think her face might be stuck in a perpetual smile for life (see below), and yes we did stand the whole time looking out into the bush, eyes glued and watching for the slightest of movement. Make sure to be careful around the monkeys though, they are verrrrry sneaky. Apart from the monkeys and their sly selves, this part of the trip is recommended to all, a must if you are able.
We chose the camping option for this three-day safari, thinking to ourselves that we could “rough it.” How wrong we were, ha. We stumbled out of the car into a dream world for campers, we had entered the realm of “glamping.” The secured compound, with villas surrounding a luscious green expanse where our one tent was located, not 20 meters from a pool! Those who don’t camp, this is not a normal experience by any means I promise. Due to this stressful experience, they through in Hiddy the professional cook to assuage all fears that we were indeed camping. He cooked everything over charcoal and prepared for us, not one, not two, not three, but four courses each meal.
The tent was a bit cramped for two friends, but we quickly learned everything and anything about one another. For instance, I now know without a doubt she snores, yup, I didn’t know beforehand, rookie mistake. And to my own horror, I learned that I also snore, noooooo. Sorry world. Also, I learned it is very important to pack the night before, or else limited room will be allowed to maneuver as her bag and all its contents will be littered throughout the tent.
Enjoy some photos and more to come.
Top Climbers Expedition
