Monday, Dec 3, 2018

I am sitting on our porch in the middle of this peaceful compound.  The weather couldn’t be more perfect.  The peace is palpable.  Even if we saw nothing else on this trip, this time and this moment would be worth it all. 

We had the funniest thing happen to start our day.  Jim and I walked up to the lodge to have our breakfast.  They serve a lovely buffet outside, but we actually eat inside.  We had just dug into our freshly made omelette when a monkey came flying into the room.  You should have seen the staff running after him as the monkey ran through tables and around the room!  I had no idea a monkey could move that fast!  I wish I had had my camera with me, because it was a hilarious sight to remember.

We spent the morning at the Shanga craft center.  This place is on the grounds of Arusha Coffee
 Plantation where we are staying.   It is run by an organization that trains people with disabilities 
or



 who are disadvantaged, and who otherwise would not be able to support themselves, to learn crafts such as weaving, beading, glass blowing, etc.  The concept is fantastic and the people who work there were so excited to show us what they have learned to accomplish. Once a person learns his art he or she moves on to start a business of their own, and others take their place here.  It allows them both dignity and a way to be in charge of their own lives.  

Later in the day, Jim brought over some of the little wood cars he makes to Shanga and distributed them to those who had children.  The ones who didn’t have children were so excited, so they ended up getting some too.  I loved seeing Jim’s joy in his realization of how much happiness those little cars can bring into someone’s life.  After this experience I see him making cars until he can no longer stand and do the job.

It has been a relaxing day and a good way to combat jet lag so we can truly enjoy our safari.  Tomorrow we will be on the road, heading to the Tarangire National Park.  I wonder what we will see?  Surely something we have never seen before!

We finished the day with briefing by our field guides, followed by a lovely dinner.  We are ready to go!