First Impressions of Tanzania
We're safely home after our 22 hours of travel from Zanzibar. Miraculously, I managed to sleep on the plane and wasn't in too rough shape yesterday. We did, however, have to restock the kitchen and drive back to the bus station to retrieve my forgotten mobile phone and iPod (lucky me, they found them!) But after numerous phone calls, a quick dinner and an unsuccessful attempt to watch Pirates of the Caribbean, Riccardo and I only made it until about 8:00 before heading to bed.I'm not so eager to start back at work tomorrow. This term is going to be a busy one, and I just hope I can stay afloat. Before that though, I intend to blog the photots and events of our honeymoon... of which there are many. So here goes...
We were picked up at Kilimanjaro airport by a driver from our travel company, the amazing Tanzania Adventure. He took us directly to our first hotel, in central Arusha. Arusha is a large city in central Tanzania; it's most famous because it borders Kilimanjaro and is therefore the start- and end-point for those doing the climb. It is also a good place from which to commence safari.
Our drive from the airport was roughly an hour, during which time I attempted to catch various images of African life with my camera - slightly unsuccessful, from a bumping vehicle! The first sights that surprised me were the plentitude of animals roaming freely about; the way the African people lead such an outdoor-life; and, that African women really do tend to carry everything on their heads!
Though it claimed to be in the centre of Arusha, the Oasis Lodge seemed anything but. We had to drive through a maze of dirt roads (all of which were in serious disrepair) to get to it. Along all these roads was Arushian life: tiny market stalls, rock- or leaf-built homes, weird jungle and people and animals everywhere! Perhaps this is why the Lodge is called 'Oasis' - it really was one! The grouping of independent bungalows, with restaurant, bar and pool were like a world of their own, and were segregated from the outside by a huge 12-foot permeter wall and iron gates. Happily, the singing and commotion in celebration of a national holiday (the day we arrived) still be enjoyed from within the walls.
As we arrived at the Oasis Lodge mid-afternoon, we had time to settle in, have a snack and lounge by the pool before dinner. We were pleased to host Rob, Riccardo's parents' friend from their first journey to Tanzania two years ago, for dinner at the hotel. What a wonderful opportunity to get to know him, finally!
We made an early evening of it, however, as our safari was set to start the following morning at 8am.
What an amazing place!! The pictures are gorgeous...I must go!