What’s the secret ingredient for a truly unforgettable trip? For me, it’s those moments that make you stop, blink, and think, “Did that just happen?!” Whether it was a spontaneous invitation that led to an unbelievable local experience, a chance wildlife sighting, or finding myself in a landscape so surreal it felt like a dream, my most cherished travel memories are the ones that took me completely by surprise. Prepare for a dose of wanderlust and a sprinkle of disbelief – these are my once-in-a-lifetime “wait, what?!” adventures.
- Hanging with Maasai Warriors
- Donkeys, Camels and Bedouins in Petra
- Diving in the Red Sea and finding a rare Dugong
- Skinny dipping in Santorini
- My first time experiencing a Cenote
- Easy riding? Road trippin Ha giang style
- Finding a hidden piano bar off the streets in Mykonos
- Island Hopping the Greek Islands
- My first safari in Nairobi National Park
- Dancing with Mantas
- Paragliding BabaDa Turkey
- Walking into Baalbek
- Exploring Johannesburg
- Swimming with Whale Sharks in Mexico
- Hiking to 5100 meters at Cotopaxi
- Walking with giants at Elephant Nature Park
- Experiencing yacht life in Southern Turkey
- Taking public transportation in Malindi to Gede
- Motoring around Hvar in a small boat
- Sleeping in an isolated hut in the jungle of Sumatra
- Experiencing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland
- Watching the sunset Komodo National Park
Hanging with Maasai Warriors
Let me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the Maasai Mara area outside of Kenya. This is such a ‘bucket list’ trip. We were almost stuck in this crazy rain storm and experienced flooding of the dirt roads that are on the way to the Mara from Nairobi. Many cars and trucks on that route did get stuck in the mud and the traffic was at a stand still for miles. Ronnie, our friendly and skilled driver and guide delivered us to our lovely lodge in the Mara sometime in the night. For the next couple days we explored the wide open plains and spotted the big five and the ugly five, it was an amazing memorable experience driving across wilderness only seen on television and searching for wildlife. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They are set up to perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was only my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazement as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of their village where and we met many of the children. The warriors then showed us how they make fire. The Maasai gather a fireboard (soft, dry wood), a firestick (hard, straight wood), and tinder (dried grass, leaves, or bark). Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main Maasai got an ember and gently blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. We walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a goat that just gave birth with the kids assist, until we got to the little town. This town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
Walking into Baalbek: are the gods calling my name?
So much has changed since I went to Lebanon. The economy collapsed, there was that terrible explosion and destruction and air strikes, again. It is a beautiful country with friendly residents and I hope that they will rebuild and start again. There is much to explore in Lebanon: ancient sites and cities, modern city of Beirut, museums, food, culture, the beach.
One of the preeminent ancient sites is Baalbek. Here I felt like I was stepping into the past. I had not seen ancient sites so well preserved. Visiting Baalbek in Lebanon is truly an awe-inspiring experience. It’s like stepping into a time capsule, where the grandeur of ancient civilizations unfolds before your eyes. Baalbek, also known as Heliopolis in ancient times, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history spanning over 11,000 years.
It has witnessed the rise and fall of various empires, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, each leaving its mark on the city’s architecture and culture. The Roman-era temples are particularly impressive, showcasing the empire’s architectural prowess at its peak.
The Temple of Jupiter is a colossal structure that once stood as one of the largest Roman temples ever built. Its massive columns and intricate carvings are a testament to the engineering and artistic skills of the ancient Romans. The Temple of Bacchus is another remarkable structure, known for its well-preserved details and elaborate decorations.
The sheer scale of the stones used in these temples, some weighing over 800 tons, is a source of constant fascination and wonder.
Walking among the ruins, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude of the structures and the history they represent.
The site’s location in the Bekaa Valley adds to its mystique, with the surrounding landscape providing a stunning backdrop to the ancient ruins.
It is important to remember, that the location of Baalbek, within the Bekaa valley, means that travelers should stay up to date on current events, before traveling there. Baalbek is in the middle of nowhere. You have to drive next to Hezbollah territory to get there. There were only a handful of tourist when I was there.
Key Highlights:
- Temple of Jupiter (under renovation when i was there)
- Temple of Bacchus
- The Great Court
- The Temple of Venus.
Visiting Baalbek is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s a journey into the past, where you can experience the grandeur of ancient civilizations and marvel at their architectural achievements.
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Sunset views in Komodo National Park
We are traveling through Indonesia in a very ‘off the beathen path’ route. First stop: the remote jungles of Sumatra. Travel has been complicated here. It is a new frontier for me and trying to arrange accommodations, things to do, what to eat, how to get around has been a challenge. Add to this is my travel compadre, my 16 year old daughter. I want her to have an amazing adventure but cannot make it too difficult, too boring etc. From Sumatra we head south via auto’s, buses and airplanes. We made it to the tiny town of Lubuan Bajo and we are going to take a boat and cruise around to see mantas, Padar Island and Komodo Island.
The day began early in the morning and was almost a bust because our boat captain was a no show and they were having trouble finding another available captain. They finally found a replacement but we did not get going until the afternoon. We were excited to see mantas but we were so late and they were not any where to be found. We did enjoy a snorkel in light turquoise water with a cute little turtle. Pulling up to Padar Island was amazing. A mountainous island with bays and coves all around. The hike to the viewpoint was not too strenuous or long. The fresh air and the views are incredible here.
Joelle and I enjoyed hiking around the island, taking photos and ending up on the summit, together to revel in this breathtaking view.
Dancing with mantas
What can I say? I am exhilarated with wild animal encounters. A nature girl at heart, being in the ocean and observing these mantas swimming around so close that I could feel the current from their wings and hear their high pitched call is electrifying!! This encounter happened in the Galapagos Islands. I was on a boat and we were heading for a beach landing. Unfortunately or fortunately the waves were too rough so we had to turn back. That is when the captain and crew spotted the tips of manta wings sporadically coming out of the water. Apparently the mantas were chasing a female and trying to mate with her. Then our guide said ‘lets get in’ and for me those words are heaven…
donkeys, camels and bedouins an unlikely adventure in Petra
My friend, Chrissy, and I, wanted to do a trip together and we were thinking of either Oman or Jordan. We chose Jordan and were flying in from different locations so would meet in Amman, the main city. Like many of my adventures it’s 80% enthusiasm and 20% research (on a good day) Experience has shown that we’re in a new country, anything could happen!
Little did we know, Petra was about to give us a story for the ages, an experience of a lifetime, a bit of drama, much excitement, new and unexpected friendships and exotic places full of ancient history.
We found an efficient local hotel near Petra with an amazing rooftop pool that was a lifesaver in the Jordanian heat and began to plan our foray into Petra.
From the moment we passed the visitors center and started our trek into Petra we began walking back in time and stepping into a new world. Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO site!! I could imagine the ancient Nabataean people walking along the same narrow paths in between the narrow rose colored sandstone cliffs. It was hot even though sun could not reach us because of the tall cliffs. The echoing sound of horses’ hooves clippety clopping through the dirt path was immersive and transformative. Kansas this is not!
The afternoon’s descent from the oppressive heat found us traversing the Siq, a natural gorge that narrowed with each step, heightening the sense of entering a sacred space. And then at the end of the long road, the Treasury revealed itself, a monument carved into the cliff face, a testament to the Nabataean civilization’s artistry and engineering. The sight was both breathtaking and humbling, a confluence of history and human endeavor. I snapped a photo of the moment that we stepped into this sacred space the feeling of awe and wonderment forever captured.
The presence of the exotic and frankly hot Bedouins, aka ‘Jack Sparrow’, with their beautiful shiny long black curls wrapped with traditional head scarfs called keffiyeh or hatta and kohl outlining their eyes, confidently attending to their camels and donkeys, added another layer to our experience. They are the inheritors of this ancient land, their lives intertwined with Petra’s history for centuries. Chrissy, her ankle protesting the walk, opted for a camel’s perspective, and I soon found myself astride a rather vocal young camel, guided by two Bedouin men, Rakim and Lost (obviously aliases). We set off each of us on a camel and the two locals sharing a rather cute donkey. Our tour of Petra’s vast expanse, under the softening light of the setting sun, was just breathtaking. A private tour after hours in the lost city of Petra…
After hours of laughing and exploring and camel riding, Lost spoke of his grandmother, born in a cave within Petra, she still lived there, a rare exception to the community’s forced relocation. This was not a mere tourist encounter; it was an invitation to witness a living connection to the past. Hell yes!! is what I was thinking.
Lost and I jumped on the donkey. The donkey seemed tiny compared to the camel but he was nimble and maneuvered along the rocky and dusty desert paths. We embarked on a journey unknown (to us), a ride into the never ending desert, further and further away from the tourist sites, following paths carved into the rock and dirt by generations on hooves and feet. The cave, seemed like a palace, a profound dwelling, quite tall and rectangular shaped, the sandstones gorgeous striped pattern encompassed the entirety. There was an opening but there was not a door. I could not see inside the dark space. Grandmother and several others (two children, two adults) were sitting on the patios rock floor with a platter of white liquidy, goat meat. They were eating with their hands and spitting the bones out. I was offered to eat and did try a bit but the strong goat scent made my hand refuse to get more. G-ma was not convinced and was visibly wondering why we were there. She would skeptically glance over at me. Nevertheless the others were friendly and curious and made us feel welcome. It was a moment of profound human connection, a reminder that travel’s true riches lie in these unexpected encounters and a reminder that we are all the same regardless of religion, economic status or the color of our skin.
To be included in such an intimate experience, to witness a way of life that has persisted through time, was deeply inspiring. It was a reminder that history is not just carved into stone; it lives in the hearts and hands of those who call these places home. As we departed Petra under the cloak of night, I carried with me a sense of gratitude and a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of human connection, a lesson etched as deeply as the monuments themselves.
We ended up spending several days with these two, renting a car, spending the night in the desert under the stars, drinking arak, several visits to Umm Sayhoun, being stranded for a bit on rocks in Petra at night and listening to yelling and gunshots at a far off wedding that the guys had to go to (family feud), car breaking down in the middle of nowhere, swimming, spending a night ‘cruising’ Amman, a roadtrip to Amman with three Bedouins and us and last but not least a visit to the Roman Theater in Amman. It was truly an amazing experience and we were able to explore Jordan with a greater appreciation for the culture and history. It is a journey that I will never forget and as I am looking through my photos of that trip and looking at the very first photo i took of the Treasury and remembering how in awe I felt, I notice that Lost is in the photo looking towards me as I stepped into the plaza. A moment in time…
They said "don't bother" and i did and it was soulful: joberg
Has this ever happened to you? You are planning a trip and friends and family offer up “don’t go there!’, or ‘it is not safe there’, ‘ not much to see or do there”.
I have heard these warnings a lot and I usually end up going and then I am happy I did. Johannesburg is one of those places. When I arrived in Johannesburg I stayed at a hostel in Soweto, did a bike tour through the townships, learned about the history of apartheid, visited Mandelas house and the apartheid museum, ate soul food, then I went to another hostel in a cool area with hip bars and restaurants, a design scene, new friends and a lot of graffiti. Check out my post of graffiti around the world! We also visited a vibrant area with food courts, music and shopping that was so much fun. Thank you Joberg!!
Skinny dipping in Santorini
Let me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the masai mara area outside of Kenya. That in and of itself was an amazing trip and we experienced flooding, almost getting stuck in mud and traffic on the grueling drive to the mara, a friendly fun driver and guide, a lovely lodge in the mara, the big five and the ugly five, it was a memorable and quick safari. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They for sure perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazment as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of the village and we met many of the children and were able to look inside one of the mud huts that the chief lived. a very modest space for a bed and a small window. The warriors then took dry brush and wood and metal to make fire. Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main masaai got an ember and blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. we walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a freshly born goat until we got to the little town. this town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
Mot, Hai, Ba, YO! Exploring Ha Giang with EasyRiders and new friends
Let me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the masai mara area outside of Kenya. That in and of itself was an amazing trip and we experienced flooding, almost getting stuck in mud and traffic on the grueling drive to the mara, a friendly fun driver and guide, a lovely lodge in the mara, the big five and the ugly five, it was a memorable and quick safari. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They for sure perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazment as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of the village and we met many of the children and were able to look inside one of the mud huts that the chief lived. a very modest space for a bed and a small window. The warriors then took dry brush and wood and metal to make fire. Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main masaai got an ember and blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. we walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a freshly born goat until we got to the little town. this town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
Cruising Southern Turkey on a boat
Let me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the masai mara area outside of Kenya. That in and of itself was an amazing trip and we experienced flooding, almost getting stuck in mud and traffic on the grueling drive to the mara, a friendly fun driver and guide, a lovely lodge in the mara, the big five and the ugly five, it was a memorable and quick safari. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They for sure perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazment as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of the village and we met many of the children and were able to look inside one of the mud huts that the chief lived. a very modest space for a bed and a small window. The warriors then took dry brush and wood and metal to make fire. Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main masaai got an ember and blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. we walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a freshly born goat until we got to the little town. this town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
Sleeping in an isolated hut in the jungle of Sumatra with my teenage daughter. Spoiler Alert: we got zero sleep the first night...
Let me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the masai mara area outside of Kenya. That in and of itself was an amazing trip and we experienced flooding, almost getting stuck in mud and traffic on the grueling drive to the mara, a friendly fun driver and guide, a lovely lodge in the mara, the big five and the ugly five, it was a memorable and quick safari. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They for sure perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazment as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of the village and we met many of the children and were able to look inside one of the mud huts that the chief lived. a very modest space for a bed and a small window. The warriors then took dry brush and wood and metal to make fire. Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main masaai got an ember and blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. we walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a freshly born goat until we got to the little town. this town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
My first time experiencing a Cenote
Let me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the masai mara area outside of Kenya. That in and of itself was an amazing trip and we experienced flooding, almost getting stuck in mud and traffic on the grueling drive to the mara, a friendly fun driver and guide, a lovely lodge in the mara, the big five and the ugly five, it was a memorable and quick safari. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They for sure perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazment as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of the village and we met many of the children and were able to look inside one of the mud huts that the chief lived. a very modest space for a bed and a small window. The warriors then took dry brush and wood and metal to make fire. Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main masaai got an ember and blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. we walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a freshly born goat until we got to the little town. this town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
Feeling spiritual under the Aurora Borealis in Iceland
feelings of awe, wonder, and a sense of the supernatural, with some even describing it as feeling like a dream or a heavenly display. “spectacular,” “dancing,” “glowing,” “radiant,” “magical,” “shimmering,” “enchanting,” “stunning,” “beautiful,” “dazzling,” “mesmerizing,” and “captivatingLet me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the masai mara area outside of Kenya. That in and of itself was an amazing trip and we experienced flooding, almost getting stuck in mud and traffic on the grueling drive to the mara, a friendly fun driver and guide, a lovely lodge in the mara, the big five and the ugly five, it was a memorable and quick safari. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They for sure perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazment as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of the village and we met many of the children and were able to look inside one of the mud huts that the chief lived. a very modest space for a bed and a small window. The warriors then took dry brush and wood and metal to make fire. Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main masaai got an ember and blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. we walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a freshly born goat until we got to the little town. this town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
Hiking to 5100 meters at Cotopaxi
feelings of awe, wonder, and a sense of the supernatural, with some even describing it as feeling like a dream or a heavenly display. “spectacular,” “dancing,” “glowing,” “radiant,” “magical,” “shimmering,” “enchanting,” “stunning,” “beautiful,” “dazzling,” “mesmerizing,” and “captivatingLet me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the masai mara area outside of Kenya. That in and of itself was an amazing trip and we experienced flooding, almost getting stuck in mud and traffic on the grueling drive to the mara, a friendly fun driver and guide, a lovely lodge in the mara, the big five and the ugly five, it was a memorable and quick safari. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They for sure perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazment as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of the village and we met many of the children and were able to look inside one of the mud huts that the chief lived. a very modest space for a bed and a small window. The warriors then took dry brush and wood and metal to make fire. Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main masaai got an ember and blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. we walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a freshly born goat until we got to the little town. this town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
Feeling spiritual under the Aurora Borealis in Iceland
feelings of awe, wonder, and a sense of the supernatural, with some even describing it as feeling like a dream or a heavenly display. “spectacular,” “dancing,” “glowing,” “radiant,” “magical,” “shimmering,” “enchanting,” “stunning,” “beautiful,” “dazzling,” “mesmerizing,” and “captivatingLet me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the masai mara area outside of Kenya. That in and of itself was an amazing trip and we experienced flooding, almost getting stuck in mud and traffic on the grueling drive to the mara, a friendly fun driver and guide, a lovely lodge in the mara, the big five and the ugly five, it was a memorable and quick safari. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They for sure perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazment as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of the village and we met many of the children and were able to look inside one of the mud huts that the chief lived. a very modest space for a bed and a small window. The warriors then took dry brush and wood and metal to make fire. Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main masaai got an ember and blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. we walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a freshly born goat until we got to the little town. this town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
Feeling spiritual under the Aurora Borealis in Iceland
feelings of awe, wonder, and a sense of the supernatural, with some even describing it as feeling like a dream or a heavenly display. “spectacular,” “dancing,” “glowing,” “radiant,” “magical,” “shimmering,” “enchanting,” “stunning,” “beautiful,” “dazzling,” “mesmerizing,” and “captivatingLet me explain…my friend and i had hastily arranged a safari to the masai mara area outside of Kenya. That in and of itself was an amazing trip and we experienced flooding, almost getting stuck in mud and traffic on the grueling drive to the mara, a friendly fun driver and guide, a lovely lodge in the mara, the big five and the ugly five, it was a memorable and quick safari. After the safari our guide drove us to the neighboring Masaai Village and we were greeted with a dozen warriors draped in their traditional colorful wraps and adorned with jewelry. They for sure perform for the tourists coming through the village but on this day it was my girlfriend and I. We watched in amazment as they performed and jumped and listened to the interesting and coordinated humming and chanting.
Afterwards we went inside the walls of the village and we met many of the children and were able to look inside one of the mud huts that the chief lived. a very modest space for a bed and a small window. The warriors then took dry brush and wood and metal to make fire. Fascinating and a team effort with several men trading off the spinning until the main masaai got an ember and blew until the smoke turned into fire!
The women of the tribe quickly laid out their jewelry and crafts on hand made tables that were already in place. I did feel awkward that we were only two people! After we were done we then took a walk with the two main Masaai chiefs to the local school. we walked through a rough mud road and passed more children playing, a freshly born goat until we got to the little town. this town needs supplies urgently and i was moved. it was nice to walk with the chief and learn a small bit about their life. he liked the long sleeve grey layer i had on so i said i would trade and then i saw the gorgeous neclace he had on and yes! Let’s make a deal. He love the shirt and i loved the neclace. they do not have money for new clothes and many of the kids were wearing western tshirts. my friend also made a trade as i looked over the other masaai had on her white cap.
