To the Crater!

Last Sunday, I found myself on an impromptu safari. It was amazing to see herds of gisele, zebra, and clusters of ostrich, giraffes, flamingos, and flies! On our way across the grass, some of the animals ran alongside and ahead of our vehicle.
Our destination was Oltukai.To get there, nine of us squeezed into a seven person vehicle, drove across some grassy turf, avoided patches of tire trapping mud, and found our way to an open wooden lodge that overlooks lake Manyara.
From the platform of the lodge we could make out bands of rippling pink created by an enormous flock of flamingos on the lake in the distance. Two friends, a Maasai tribesman and I made our way to the edge of the lake. As we drew closer, we could smell salt and the defecation of the beautiful birds.The ground was cracked, and where the water lapped at the land, there lived a bright green algae!

When we returned from the walk, we happened upon a humorous scene. The Maasai men had descended upon a giant open box of donated summer hats and shoes. Some of the clothing items were pretty flashy and effeminate. In about five minutes, I found myself an observer of a kind of dress up/play time. Evidence of this event can be seen above...
Five of the Maasai men hopped in the car to join us on our return trip to the main road. In order to fit the extra passengers, we raised the roof about 3 feet and everyone stood. I was squeezed between two people, and a car seat. As we drove over bumpy terrain, my hand was repeatedly pinched between the chair and a Maasai man's machete.
By early evening, we returned to the bustling and chaotic city of Arusha. The smell of diesel and garbage filled my nose once again. Some part of me was glad to be back, though I immediately missed the wild and wide open sights of our excursion at Oltukai...What a treat!