Serengeti Part 1

Sunday morning we got up pretty early (7 a.m.) in order to leave around 9 for our next stop...the Serengeti! 

After packing and having breakfast all of us piled into the land rover. It was raining most of the ride, which was very worriesome because the government was threatening to shut down all the parks (I didn't find that out until yesterday...). 

In order to get to the Serengeti, we had to pass through Ngorongoro (the famous crater). 

That's from the viewpoint looking down over the crater. 

When we reached the Serengeti, 

we dropped off Paul again at the new campsite and set off on our adventure! 

Right away we saw zebras and wildebeest. The wildebeest are still doing their migration so they are every where!

We saw a dead hippo...which I won't post the picture but it smelled disgusting. We also passed the water buffalo (one of the big five) and so many lions! 

I have better pictures of lions from the other days so I will post them on the other blogs. 

We even saw a cheetah that first day! (Again, better pictures from the other days). 

And probably the most amazing thing, considering that it was our first day in the Serengeti, we saw not just one but two leopards...Now, the reason why this is so amazing is because leopards are part of the big five and the second hardest to find (the first being a rhino). I didn't get any pictures of the leopards because they were all in the trees and the only way we could even see them was with binoculars. But trust me, we saw them and it was amazing. I am still in shock that we actually saw 2 of them the first day! (Just as a side note the big five includes: elephant, leopard, rhino, lion and buffalo). 

After hours of the game drive we went back to the campsite called Tumbili, which was right in the middle of the Serengeti. As in, the animals can just come up when they want. 

There is one of the tents (the background tents are for the cooks and drivers). 

And there is the dinning area. But we were competely surrounded by the Serengeti. 

After dinner Rahim, Alkarim, Zuby and I all stayed up taking. After a while Zuby went to bed. And then...the animals cane out. There was a giraffe walking around. And we started hearing growling noises. There were hyenas prowling around us. And so we all freaked out and locked ourselves in the kitchen. We probably stayed in that kitchen for an hour and a half. We would keep hearing growling noises and decide not to go back out. Walking to the bathrooms was the worst because you couldn't see anything, even with a flashlight. 

Thankfully, we made it through the night and didn't get attacked by hyenas. Although the next morning all the guides and cooks were laughing at us because they could hear us freaking out in the kitchen. 

Tarangire

Saturday was the first day of the safari trip. It was all very sudden because I didn't even know who was in my group. When they picked me up at my uncles house we all had introductions and slowly I started to get to know them. 

There was Rahim, who knew the entire group except for me, Alkarim and Farrah (every one calls her Zuby), Lourna and James. Lourna is Rahim's manager in Canada and she brought her nephew James with her on this trip. Rahim, Alkarim and Zeuby are all from Arusha and they were all from khane. Also, we had a guide/driver named Edrick and a cook named Paul (who was a straight up gangstaaaa - I'll explain why later in life!). 

Anyway, that's just the run down on who is who. So then, we get to the first park which is called Tarangire. It is known for being an elephant dream land and it's true! Elephants were every where!! Front, right, left and center!

And here is a view of the park. Although, I just want to clarify that I am only using an iPod camera so the pictures are not as good as they could be. And much of the wildlife was much closer than they appeared in the photo. 

Absolutely stunning! 

There was so much wildlife there. From giraffes to elephants to evil monkeys. Oh yeah, monkeys are evil. Pure evil! And let me tell you why. 

We stopped at a beautiful view point to have a bathroom break and stretch our legs. I got an apple to eat and was just finishing up when a monkey approached me. I could tell right away what he wanted and he wasn't scared of me. So I freaked out and chunked the apple core because I'm not about to get attacked by a monkey! He ran for it (like we were playing fetch) and scampered away! But I got a picture of him. 

He has blue balls...hahaha. I took that picture before he went after me! 

After spending the whole day at Tarangire, we went to Sunbright Manyara Campsite to spend the night. 

When you go on a safari you are given the option of staying in a hotel, staying in a lodge, having a luxury tent or just plain camping. Now, being the real half African I am...I went with a group that was hardcore camping! (Also I am on a budget and can't afford anything else...hehe). 

I forgot mention that on our way to Tarangire, we dropped off Paul so that he could start cooking and preparing the tents. So when we got to the campsite we had a table laid out with Africafe, Cadbury Drinking Chocolate (a.k.a. hot chocolate), Milo (malt hot chocolate), tea bags, and popcorn! Talk about living the life! And we had an amazing dinner. Y'all, this guy Paul can cook!! Everything is made from scratch the day of...it's crazy! 

But that was the first day of the safari. All those elephants in one place...just amazing! 

Airplane Problems

Last Friday, I left Dar for Arusha. Getting to Arusha was ridiculous. I got to the airport early and waited about 30 minutes for check in. When I got to the counter, the man told me that the flight was delayed by 30 minutes (so yay, another extra long wait in the lounge as well). 

I arrived to the gate at 11:30 a.m. The flight didn't start boarding until 2:20 p.m. (even though they had told me that the plane was delayed to 2:55). 

We (all the passengers) get all settled and ready for take off when the pilot comes over the speakers and announces that we won't be landing in Arusha like originally planned due to a tire bust, and will be landing in the Kilimanjaro airport instead. 

So they load us back off and we had to wait another 30 minutes before we could board again. In other words, the guy who told me that the plane was delayed was right (in a way). In all, being at the airport for 3+ hours sucked. 

But I was glad to arrive in Arusha! I know leaving for Arusha was so sudden but I had a very good reason. I had gotten a call from my uncle Asif and I was booked for a 4 night 5 day safari! It started on Saturday and just ended today as I am writing this. 

Don't worry, I'll blog it all in a few upcoming posts! But just to "distract" you until then here are those pictures of the mendhi I got done. The old mendhi still hasn't fully come off so you can see parts of it in the pictures. 

I like this kind better (as I said earlier). But what do y'all think? 

Good bye Dar!

So, this may seem a bit sudden but today was my last night in Dar es Salaam. I was originally planning to leave next week, but I'll get back to that later (as in another post). 

Anyway, since Sunday we have been going to khane a bunch. This week is a very auspicious week for Ismalis. On Sunday we had a morning prayer, but before that, Romaana and I went at the crack of dawn to set up fruit. 

Pretty fancy, huh?

Then after the special prayer we had sherbet (a milkshake kind of thing). 

And then when we got home we all took pictures together. 

Then everyone passed out for a couple hours. And oh man, it was raining like crazy! From the time we got back home (around 1 p.m. to when Romaana and I got back home at 1 a.m.)

Romaana and I went to an Indian movie that night! (This is still on Sunday). We went and saw the movie R...Rajkumar. It was such a stereotypical Indian movie, I loved it!! And, they even had an actual intermission for the movie! 

So then Monday, was a music party to celebrate the Upanga Khane's 50th birthday (Upanga is the area where I have been staying with Zeby) and Kushali (a holiday for Ismalis, like Christmas). They brought a Bollywood singer, Amar, who could do both men and women voices in the songs...which freaked me out at first because I thought he was lip syncing the women's voice. It was pretty amazing though. He was so cool, dancing and so energetic! 

They put lights on the khana for the celebrations and it looked so good!

And y'all, they had fresh made jalebi (an Indian dessert). It was delicious!! No...I didn't take a picture. I was too busy enjoying the moment! Haha. 

Then, yesterday after khane, we went back to Sno-Cream! And this time I took pictures. 

Best iced coffee I will ever have...ever. 

And y'all look at this picture of fruit...

Those are plums, grapes and straqberries. Real fruit...which is why it is so small! 

And finally, today we went for Mamboz and Snoopy's ice cream, just like last time!

At Snoopy's Romaana and I split a waffle ice cream. Which, I thought meant a waffle cone...but it was actually a waffle!

Mocha waffle with vanilla ice cream and bananas! Mmm mmm mmm! 

Also, today I got more mendhi done. But instead of the traditional Indian one like before, I got the Arab version (which I like much better!). Romaana has the pics and I'll post them when I get them!

I have loved being back in Dar. Even though I have stayed for a much shorter time than expected, it's been great. My home away from home. Everyone has been so welcoming and sweet to let me stay with them. And I've enjoyed having a big sister for a little while. :p Now it's their turn to come visit me in Texas! 

A Taste of India

I don't really know how to pay my respects to some one on a blog but I just want to say that Madiba will be greatly missed. Romaana and I were watching a movie when we found out at 1 am our time. I will never forget that moment. But it's good to know after months of being in life support, he is finally free and at peace. 

Yesterday was my aunt Zara's birthday so we went and got a delicious chocolate cake and had a quiet celebration at home. 

There is Romaana and I getting the cake. 

She bullies me y'all (that's why I am making that face). She says, and I quote, "I've been waiting for this chance all my life." It's only because she is 3 years older! I finally know what it feels like to be a little sister, haha! 

Happy birthday Zara! 

Then today Aahil, Romaana and I went out to this new restaurant called Mithai (pronounced mitt-eye). It's in the style of street food in India or "fast food" in India. And y'all, it was veg but I didn't care because it was so good! 

Credit of those photos go to Aahil who has been the designated photographer for Romaana and I. 

Here are the dishes we ordered: 

This is called bhel. It's got potatoes and crisps with masala. That was our starter. 

Pav bhaji. This is just bread with mixed veggie curry. 

And finally, chili paneer! Oh man, this one was the best. Delicious and spicy! Since being here I have finally been able to eat spicy food. As in making me cry spicy food! 

There is Aahil getting mad at me for taking a photo...

After dinner we went to Sno-Cream for iced coffee. Oh man, it's the best iced coffee I've ever had. Instead of putting milk, they use vanilla ice cream! To give the milk and the ice!! Ohhhh goodness. I just don't want it to end. Heaven in a cup. Screw you, Starbucks. I've found a better coffee place. For much less! 

I would have taken a photo...but I was too busy enjoying the deliciousness of it to remember to take a picture...so forgive me! 

So far, being in Dar (hehe that rhymed) has been pretty chill. I don't have to wake up early, we've been going to khane regularly and just been having quality sis (or "dada" as they say in Swahili) time with Romaana. Aahil still has school, so he has been missing out! Haha! 

Shout out to my momma, aunt Selma and grandma! I love y'all!!

 

Chill Day

In one of my earlier posts from Kisumu I made a mistake that I would like to fix. There was this fruit that I had thought was called jambura...apparently I had misheard the word. It is actually known as zambarau which means purple in Swahili. Sorry! Hehe. 

The reason I am clarifying is because Romaana and I went downtown today to run some errands and we stopped at this juice place called Naeem's. I saw that they had the zambarau and so (of course) I ordered it! 

It looks just like pomegranate juice...and it's almost as good...almost. 

Then, Sophie (Romaana's friend) picked us up and took us to Oyster Bay (the beach) to have mohgo and chips. 

There is nothing in this world quite like street food. I don't care where you are from, if you try food from the street vendors or food from a 5 star restaurant I guarantee you'll pick the street food every time! It's just amazing. And cheap so what's not to like? 

There is the guy frying the mohgo. 

A view of the sea from Sophie's house. 

Then we went to Sophie's house and just hung out, had chai, and I watched the sunset. 

Just a gorgeous color. The photo doesn't do it justice. 

Overall it was a chill day, but I just wanted to blog about the food because it was delicious and I don't think I have blogged about really good food (besides yesterday) in a while. 

Indian Wedding Part 3 & 4

Friday was the mendhi ceremony/party (Sangeet) for the brides' side. Romaana, Zeby and I all went together. 

Also, just a disclaimer what we wear is not a dress, it's a punjabi suit. And all the clothes that I am wearing are Romaana's that she is letting me use for the wedding. 

We arrive at this hall and it looked so nice. It was all done up. The setting was very intimate because there were maybe 50 people in total. 

The bride enters and is seated in the front area. Unlike the engagement on Thursday, there wasn't a bunch of ceremonies. Just a lot of photos and then people could go up and get mendhi done whenever they wanted to. 

After a while food was served and then some people from the grooms side crashed the party. Then all the dancing began! Y'all. People in Africa love the song Danza Kuduro. I have heard it every where!! 

But that was about it. It was just dancing and mendhi. It was cool to see how Hindus do it. 

Saturday was the main wedding. Where the bride and groom are officially married in the ceremony. The ceremony itself lasts 2 and a half hours. The poor couple had to sit for 2 and a half hours! I can barely sit for an hour without getting antsy! All the guests were allowed to freely walk around, get food and watch the ceremonies. 

For this wedding, Romaana and I went all out. We went and got our hair styled and then came home to dress and do make up. We decided to wear saris which are  what most Indian women wear. If you ever watch Bollywood movies, you'll know what I am talking about. 

To put those things on is such a hassle! The top is super tight and putting that on while trying not to ruin my hair was interesting. But Romaana and I managed to get me into it as you can see. 😝

And then the sari itself is crazy! The sari is the cloth that is draped over my left shoulder. What actually happens is that there is a liner skirt you put on super super tight first. Then you have to tuck in the cloth into the liner and wrap it around and around yourself. Then you pleat it. And then (finally!) you drape it over your left side. You have to pin it though because holding that thing is so tiring! 

Romaana was lucky and cheated. Her sari had velcro so that instead of wrapping it around and around she just stuck it together! 

At the wedding, we got to sit right on the stage where the ceremony was.

There is the groom putting a necklace on the bride. 

After about an hour of just sitting and watching we were asked to help serve food. That was interesting...all the girls are in heavy saris, and have to serve hot food to people. At the end we were all dying of heat and sweating sooo bad! 

After that, I decided to leave with Zeby and Karim. Romaana stayed because she is so close to the bride and groom. 

We came home and changed and then decided to go check out a new ice cream place that opened. Guess what it was...a Baskin Robins! 

Karim called it BR (bank robbers) because it was so over priced. But they are the only place in Dar that sells them and probably the only one in Africa (besides South Africa which is completely westernized), so I can see why they charged so much. 

It was cool to see the cultural diffusion within the ice cream. They had a date flavor! So of course, I got it! 

And it was delicious! 

And today I found an even better nundu place!

It's called Muchacho's (pronounced Moo-cha-choo) and it is the best!! I am sorry to say it is better than Diamond Plaza and Mamboz...I wish you could have had it while you were here, dad. It is so good! I had extra in your honor!