July 14-16

Tuesday, July 14th

We had school this morning-went okay, but James was really distracted and jittery. I decided to stop the lesson and we went outside and did some “science” by digging up 2 plants, one with roots and one without. We have replanted them to see if they can grow. Then, after lunch, we went to the Wami River, the River that Kisampa is on. We went swimming (wading) in the shallow area where there aren’t any crocodiles. I was a little scared because they once had 7 villagers die in one year from the crocs. They like deep water though, so we were fine. We spent the afternoon at the river, then came back, showered, had dinner, and went to bed…big day on Wednesday!

Wednesday July 15th

We got up at 6 AM to prepare for our big day of adventure. No school today. We got in the car and drove about an hour to a spot on the Wami River within Saadani National Park. Rob rented a motor boat, which a native drove up and down the coast of the river. He would put the front of the boat up onto the shore- right next to crocodiles. I have never seen one so close. At one point I could have touched one. Apparently, crocodiles don’t attack boats….? I was still really scared. We drove up the river, seeing lots of pretty birds, mangroves, tons of hippo, and lots of crocs. Then we turned around and drove to the inlet, where the Wami River meets the Indian Ocean. It was beautiful.

After about 2 or more hours on the boat, we got back into the car and got our permits to go into the national park. We then drove through the national park to the beach property that Rob owns. Its called Sima Beach, and its completely private on the Indian Ocean. We had a picnic, went swimming, and of course I laid out for most of the afternoon. The weather was gorgeous and we had a really nice time at the beach.

Then, as if the day couldn’t get any better, at about 3:30 we packed up our things and went on a game drive through Saadani. We saw, in order: Reedboks, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Hardebeast, GIRAFFE!!! THEN: 3 lions!

The lions came on the path right in front of our car, so we followed them for about an hour. I have the most amazing pictures of them. They were all young, a boy and 2 girls, presumably all related. It was sooo cool.

Then we came home, exhausted from a long day. I took a hot shower, then dinner was baked fish with mashed potatoes and brocolli. We had Kisampa Honey Ice Cream with Cashew Nuts for dessert. Wonderful!

I fell asleep at about 9 pm last night I was so tired…then early morning wakeup at 7 this morning!

July 16th

We have school today, then I’m having lunch in the STAFF BANDA with all of the workers. My friend Raymond is coming with me to translate the Swahilli. It should be a cultural experience, as the guys eat Ugali with only their right hand,