Travel Tweets: Zanzibar and Homeward Bound

During our travels, I found Twitter to be an excellent tool to document the journey as it happened.  Even in places where I had limited internet access, I typically had a phone signal, which was enough to record a 140-character thought for my family and friends to see.  (Previous: Serengeti and Tarangire Tweets)

Here are the Tweets from the last leg of our Tanzania trip: our relaxation time in Zanzibar, just off the coast of Dar Es Salaam.  Times are in U.S. Central.  (See all the photos on my Picasa album)

Zanzibar! Local weather, hot and humid. Bela's in heaven. I need air conditioning. Or a cold drink.
6:55 AM Nov 6th from txt

At the Shooting Star Lodge in Zanzibar, in an adorably quaint bungalow with a back porch overlooking the Indian Ocean.
8:47 AM Nov 6th from txt

From Zanzibar

Played in the pool ("swam" is too strong a term) overlooking the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar. After lunch, we'll play in the ocean itself.
4:40 AM Nov 7th from txt

From Zanzibar

How the Muslim ladies of Zanzibar, completely covered in black, manage to keep cool in this heat and humidity escapes me.   
9:18 AM Nov 7th   from txt

Saw tiny, fast-moving white crabs on the Zanzibar beach. They ducked into holes in the sand whenever I approached. They're kinda adorable.

9:31 AM Nov 7th from txt

From Zanzibar

Saturday night at the Shooting Star in Zanzibar: beach BBQ with fresh-caught lobster, GIANT prawns, fish and squid. w/Chenin/Chard/Viognier.
12:43 AM Nov 8th from txt

From Zanzibar

Increasing annoyance with Zanzibar heat, humidity, bugs, critters and rustic settings means it's nearing time for vacation's end tomorrow.
12:50 AM Nov 8th from txt


Correcting past Tweet: we were NOT cheated on entry visa cost. Tanzanians have proven to be among the most honest folk I've ever met.
2:17 AM Nov 8th from txt

Ants in sugar, flies on food. Hotel guest panicked when she saw a green snake at breakfast. Al fresco dining in the tropics comes at a cost.
2:28 AM Nov 8th from txt



Powdered sugar: a sweet way to choke.
11:13 PM Nov 8th from txt



Watching the sunlight shimmer off Indian Ocean waves while waiting for ride to Zanzibar airport, DarEsSalaam bound.
11:37 PM Nov 8th from txt

From Zanzibar

I'm impressed by all the young Europeans and Americans backpacking through Africa. Adventurous kids.
1:46 AM Nov 9th from txt



Puddle-jumped from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam. Now killing time at Slipway and friends' homes before our evening flight to Zurich.
3:11 AM Nov 9th from txt



Rap/hip-hop in Swahili sounds pretty cool, though I can't understand a word of it.
3:24 AM Nov 9th from txt



Dar Es Salaam traffic at a dead standstill. Flight to Zurich in 4 hours. I remain optimistic.
9:28 AM Nov 9th from txt



is in the Dar Es Salaam airport, waiting to board his 10-hour flight to Zurich. The journey home begins!
11:00 AM Nov 9th from txt



is in Zurich, where they don't convert Tanzanian Shillings. Gonna buy some Swiss chocolate while waiting for flight to Chicago.

From Zurich

12:29 AM Nov 10th from txt

Caotina surfin Swiss Premium Chocolate Drink puts Kay-O/Yoohoo to shame. And I LOVE Kay-O/Yoohoo.
2:17 AM Nov 10th from txt



http://twitpic.com/ozboe - Electric bug zapper racquet! Genius!
3:57 AM Nov 10th from TwitPic

And so concludes the travel Tweets for our Tanzanian trip.

Travel Tweets: Serengeti and Tarangire

During our travels, I found Twitter to be an excellent tool to document the journey as it happened.  Even in places where I had limited internet access, I typically had a phone signal, which was enough to record a 140-character thought for my family and friends to see.  (Previous: Ngorongoro Tweets)

Here are the Tweets from the fourth and fifth phases of our Tanzania trip: a trip through Olduvai Gorge to a safari in the Serengeti national park and wildlife preserve, and then a day in Tarangire national park and preserve.  Times are in U.S. Central. (For all the pictures see my Picasa albums for the Serengeti and Tarangire.)

Zebras make a high-pitched whistling braying sound, like donkeys on helium.
11:27 PM Nov 1st from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

The Masai have traditions, mores & taboos that define & binds them as a people. What defines Americans? Worth pondering in devisive times.
11:34 PM Nov 1st from txt

Just saw a giraffe and her calf on the road to Olduvai. She stopped, turned her back, lifted her tail, and pooed for us.   
11:53 PM Nov 1st   from txt

Here at Olduvai (mispronunciation of "Oldupai") Gorge, human evolution is refreshingly uncontroversial.
1:10 AM Nov 2nd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Hominid "Lucy" was named for the hit song at the time: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.
1:15 AM Nov 2nd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

"Serengeti" is a mispronunciation of the Masai word for endless plains, "Sirengeti".
1:23 AM Nov 2nd from txt

On the Serengeti I can see the Earth's curvature all around. Only other place I've seen such far horizons is at sea.
2:19 AM Nov 2nd from txt

Over the last few days in the Tanzanian bush, I've gained so much respect for the Land Cruiser and especially our driver Mr. Mkenda.
4:04 AM Nov 2nd from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

Wandered up a little trail at a rest stop in the Serengeti. Encountered a baby elephant! Took pix and backed away, looking out for mama.
4:08 AM Nov 2nd from txt

I never realized how huge an animal the giraffe is, until staring up at one, 20 feet away on a Serengeti road.
4:40 AM Nov 2nd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Staying at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge, where the animals come close to our suite's balcony. Very close.
6:30 AM Nov 2nd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Don't get between a hippo and the water. A big hippo's SNORT made that very clear.

9:59 AM Nov 2nd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

4am wake-up call tomorrow for a balloon ride over the Serengeti!
11:55 AM Nov 2nd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Lions, cheetah & herds of hippo are just bonuses on a balloon ride over the Serengeti. The bird's-eye view alone is worth the price.
4:30 AM Nov 3rd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Just saw the loser of a bull hippo fight. His carcass was pillaged by the biggest crocodile I've ever seen.
4:32 AM Nov 3rd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Stopped for lunch, watching a pride of lionesses sunning. Warthog passed by. Chase. Kill. Lionesses lunch too. WOW.
4:35 AM Nov 3rd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Guide stopped the Land Cruiser within ten feet of a big, scarred male lion and a sleek cheetah. Exhilirating!
4:37 AM Nov 3rd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Safari BINGO! After spotting the leopard, we've seen all the big animals possible on the Sarengeti.
5:07 AM Nov 3rd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Touring the Serengeti, came upon a lioness guarding a water buffalo kill. She had on a radio collar. Marlin Perkins was here.
5:16 AM Nov 3rd from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

The vicious, relentless, disease-carrying tsetse fly is attracted to the colors blue and gray. The same colors as my shoulder bag and shirt.
10:29 AM Nov 3rd from txt



I wouldn't have thought I could get sore from riding in a Land Cruiser over Serengeti trails... But oh, can I!
12:13 PM Nov 3rd from txt



Our Tanzanian park guide Mkenda credits growing up among mountains and vast plains for his eagle-eyed distance vision.
2:36 AM Nov 4th from txt



is eating lunch at a folding table on a Serengeti plain amidst herds of grazing wildebeest and impala. This is amazing!   
4:08 AM Nov 4th   from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

At the Serengeti visitor's center, hyraxes scamper around like they own the place, sunning on picnic tables, curling up at your feet.
6:16 AM Nov 4th from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Leopards seem to be the elusive celebrities of the Serengeti. One just got up, sauntered among us paparazi cars and crossed the road.
7:24 AM Nov 4th from txt



The leopard just walked up to our Land Rover, checked out the tires and sauntered down the road. Could've petted, but wanted to keep arm.
7:36 AM Nov 4th from txt

From Sarengeti National Park

Today we leave the Serengeti and head for Tarangire National Park for our final day of safari.
10:06 PM Nov 4th from txt



On the Serengeti you WILL eventually be eaten. If not while you're breathing, then certainly after. And not even your bones will remain.

From Ngorongoro National Park

12:50 AM Nov 5th from txt

Stopped at Gibb's Farm, a lush coffee plantation in Karatu. All estate-grown vegetables; most flavorful I've ever eaten!
4:57 AM Nov 5th from txt

From Tarangire National Park

Now entering Tarangire National Park, Tanzania: our final safari destination.
6:40 AM Nov 5th from txt



Tarangire National Park has approx 3 elephants per square kilometer. Seems like more. Common as dogs in River North!
11:30 PM Nov 5th from txt

From Tarangire National Park

Seeing a lion up close is great. Seeing a lioness & 5 cubs, with a young wildabeest kill -- up close -- is spectacular!
11:38 PM Nov 5th from txt

From Tarangire National Park

Kikoti Camp in Tarangire: fell asleep to the smell of wood smoke and the sounds of insects; awoke to bird song and mist over the forest.
11:46 PM Nov 5th from txt

From Tarangire National Park

Like a fifth leg or a second trunk, a bull elephant's junk almost reaches the ground.
12:24 AM Nov 6th from txt

From Tarangire National Park

Leg 1 (father-in-law's old haunts) and 2 (safari) of our Tanzanian trip are over. Now off to leg 3: Zanzibar to play in the ocean!
3:58 AM Nov 6th from txt

Finally, we left for Zanzibar, to end our trip relaxing on the beach.  (Go to the Zanzibar Tweets)

Travel Tweets: Ngorongoro Crater

During our travels, I found Twitter to be an excellent tool to document the journey as it happened.  Even in places where I had limited internet access, I typically had a phone signal, which was enough to record a 140-character thought for my family and friends to see.  (Previous: Dar Es Salaam Tweets)

Here are the Tweets from the third phase of our Tanzania trip: safari in the Ngorongoro Crater national park and wildlife preserve.  Times are in U.S. Central. (See all the pictures on my Picasa album.)

Driving from Arusha to Ngorongoro, seeing lavender-flowered Jaracanda trees, arabica coffee plantations, giant aloes, cattle and goats.
6:48 AM Oct 31st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

Just saw camels grazing with donkeys on the wide, arid grasslands. Patches of green along the road where the rains run off.
6:55 AM Oct 31st from txt

On the Arusha-Ngorongoro road, the horizon is nothing but mountains and towering fluffy cumulonimbus. Acacia and sere grasslands until then.
7:10 AM Oct 31st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

Driving through northern Tanzania, I'm convinced the Masai inspired the Aiel and their Three-Fold Land. #WoT
7:30 AM Oct 31st from txt

More sights along the Arusha-Ngorongoro road: big termite mounds like ruined pillars and tornado-like dust devils.

7:54 AM Oct 31st   from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

That's one HUGE dust storm heading our way...
7:59 AM Oct 31st from tx

Baboons! Hanging around and sauntering across the road like they own the place. And I'm not gonna argue with them.
8:13 AM Oct 31st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

The countryside is painted in vivid green grass & leaves, yellow brush, red & lavender flowers, rust soil, powder-blue sky and white clouds.
8:41 AM Oct 31st from txt

First view of Ngorongoro Crater from the rim is breathtaking. A vast preserve 600m below of plains. & lakes, animal herds visible as specks.
9:45 AM Oct 31st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

The Sopa Lodge at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater can be described in one word: paradise. Words, even pictures fail to capture this beauty.
10:21 AM Oct 31st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

Ngorongoro Crater: buffalo LIONS hyenas vultures jackals buzzards warthogs ostrich wildabeest zebra gazelle egrets ELEPHANTS HIPPOS!

2:23 AM Nov 1st from txt

Ngorongoro National Park

There are 26 black rhinos left in Ngorongoro crater. I'm looking at one of them through binoculars.
2:38 AM Nov 1st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

Six! Six beautiful black rhinos! Note "white rhinos" are the same color as black rhinos. It's a mispronunciation of "wide (lipped) rhino."
4:37 AM Nov 1st from txt

The floor of Ngorongoro Crater has more animal poop per square meter than anyplace I've ever seen. And not just little poop either.
5:28 AM Nov 1st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

The Masai may be a rustic, traditional folk, but they're hard, aggressive bargainers when it comes to their handicrafts.
7:17 AM Nov 1st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

See the Ngorongoro Crater once in life. Nearly untouched by man, it's a view and perspective into a vast, thriving world of primal beauty.
8:05 AM Nov 1st from txt

I was uncomfortable when the Masai came out and danced for us, to "welcome important ambassadors." At least we brought crayons for the kids.
8:09 AM Nov 1st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

Relaxing last evening at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge in suite's solarium, looking down lush slopes, sere grasslands & the mountainous crater rim.
8:13 AM Nov 1st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

Safari essentials: a camera with at least 20X optical zoom, 16GB memory, bandana/dust guard, bug repellant.
9:09 AM Nov 1st from txt

On safari nature isn't enclosed; you are. You venture into territory where the animals don't care about you, they're busy doing their thing.
9:14 AM Nov 1st from txt

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge rooms have no TVs, which is helpful when trying to get a full night's sleep before an early safari.

8:40 PM Nov 1st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

The morning mists over the Ngorongoro rim are like breakfasting in a cloud. Next stop: Olduvai Gorge.

10:12 PM Nov 1st from txt

From Ngorongoro National Park

From Ngorongoro, we set out to the Serengeti wildlife preserve, stopping at Olduvai Gorge on the way.  (Go to the Serengeti and Tarangire Tweets)