Tanzania: A dream come true…my long awaited journey to Africa.

For as long as I can remember I have dreamed of going to Africa.  There has always been something inside of me that has drawn me to this continent.  I still can’t wait put my  finger on it – maybe it’s the people, maybe it’s the history, the origin of man, maybe its Serengeti, maybe its all of those things.  But I finally got a chance to discover just a sliver of this vast continent with a trip Tanzania. 

It’s hard to put into words just how amazing this part of the journey was for me.  It's an experience that at times left me speechless and has left me wanting to return since my departure.  We were so blessed to have met the people we did along the way – so inspirational.  The animals are beyond words.  The best food of my life.  I now understand  when people I have met before told me, “go to Africa, there something totally different there, unlike anywhere before, it changes you, it touches your soul”. 

I don’t yet have all the words to do this trip justice so I am hoping that pictures will inspire you and that highlights I do cover will push yourself to make the journey as well.

A little glimpse into a Dune Bashing expierence

Highlights from Dubai

For me Dubai seemed more like a city to live in rather than a getaway destination.  However, I think it is a great place to stopover if you’re coming from the US while heading to another destination. For others the trip isn’t so long therefore, I could see opting to head to the Atlantis and hit up the beach! For us it was great to visit good friends and share in exploring Dubai!

What I will remember:

-       The fact that Dubai seems to be constantly building – 24/7 NON STOP.

-       The girl in the supermarket who was wearing what people in the U.S. would even deem a bit inappropriate being gawked at by locals and expats (it just isn’t something you see often in Dubai – if you go it is best to not opt for next to nothing. Tank tops are ok. No pants you may want to reconsider).

-        Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark!

     Go! it is a blast and a great way to pass a day under the desert sun. A particular highlight was the Gold Vending Machine, yes; you can actually buy solid gold!

-       Dune bashing 

     Even though my friend and I were like wet rags due to motion sickness; it is one of the bumpiest and jerkiest rides I have taken (worse than the Cyclone at Coney Island for those of you who have had the pleasure of riding it).  Our particular guide was obsessed with U.S. rappers and insisted that he himself was a rapper.  At one point he decided to indulge us with his so called talent. 

     An option you may have as an addition to Dune Bashing is a BBQ in the desert with performers and camel rides.  It’s ok – it’s a bit cheesy but something to do.  The dancers were the highlight.

    In the end I am surprised we actually survived the trip for two reasons:

o   Our guide didn’t believe in speed limits

o   He also decided that it would be fun drive without lights on as we left the dessert after dark – EEK!

-       A bird’s eye view of the Burj Khalifa  water show @ Neo Lounge in the Address Hotel. 

o    Neo Lounge @ The Address Hotel

     The lounge itself is really nice and provides you with a perfect view to watch the water show unfold.  Sunset is a perfect time to go but make a reservation in order to secure a table by the window.  Downside: our service wasn’t great.  They forgot our nuts and our $20 drinks were half empty. Maybe they were having a bad night? Good news is that upon telling the manager he treated us to a lovely appetizer.

-       The Old City or Dubai Bastakiya 

     The Old City gives you a hint at what this city must have looked like 20 plus years ago.  Its small winding streets, wooden boats, and the call to prayer make for a beautiful picture that will forever be etched in your mind.  If you want to hit up the Souks – spice, gold, and silver – this is where you have to go. It is a great experience.

Other moments were spent enjoying dinners, making dinner, and just

walking around with our friends! (btw people look at you like you're crazy

for walking).

A trip to Dubai!

Egypt got ruled out as a stopping point due to the tensions that continue to mount within the country so we took a sometime to figure out what we should put in its place.  We came to the conclusion that we would visit some dear friends who had recently moved the Dubai.  I am glad we did.

I think Dubai itself is an interesting place.  From what we have read the city is about 80% expats and 20% Emirates.  It’s a complicated blend where the west meets the east.  But while you might envision a blending of the cultures, I would argue, based on the impressions of my short visit, there is a clear divide.  Here is why:

-          There are laws and rules that apply only to expats

-          There is a clear area where the expats live, which is mostly in the massive apartment buildings.

-          When walking out and about you rarely will see the locals mixed with a table of expats. I have to say that the few instances that we did see people interacting it made me smile. I truly believe that sharing and education builds bridges of understanding between people.

My impression is that the city is still developing a culture of its own as it tries to juggle the complexities of diversity (cultural, religious, economic).  A few things you have to able to stomach:

-    Sometimes not being addressed especially if you are a women (this was a bit hard for me especially knowing that there is so much work to be done in these areas for women rights)

-    Not kissing or touching your husband/wife (while you can legally hold hands if your are married we didn’t risk the chance of getting thrown in jail)

-    Having covered shoulders and legs, especially in the Old City (to me this was no big deal rather I find it to be respectful)

Still our short visit has defiantly left a desire in me to see more of the UAE and more of the Middle East which hopefully we will be able to do one day.

Getting Away from Paris: Versailles

Louis VI defiantly the Versace of his time.  His palace is full of over the top gold decorations, lavish furniture, and elaborate fountains.  Regardless, Versailles palace is worth the trip.  It is a fascinating place.  The gardens are lovely and the fountain shows make for a beautiful walk.  I could write so much more but the having your own experience would do it more justice.  Just be prepared as it is a long day.  I suggest getting started as early as possible. 

Beyond Paris: Berlin

Our trip to Berlin was as special as we were able to visit a friend of mine from high school who had been an exchange student in Omaha.  It was such a treat to be able to spend time with her after all these years. It was great to catch up and it was awesome to have a local to show you around.

Although our time in Berlin was too short, it left a great impression.  Berlin is a city with a unique energy.  It’s a city that is being reborn.  It is trying to decide what it wants to be as it grows.  The people are laid back.  The food is great.  It some aspects it reminds me of a Colorado mountain town hippy feel within a big city or the lower east side.

Interesting insights and highlights from our trip:

-    The city is full of art.  Cool independent galleries.  If you’re into it. This is the place for you

-    Seeing the wall

-     filling our bellies with German comfort food

-     if your in the mood you can hop on the beer bike

-    The contrast of architecture tells the history of the city.  As you walk along you see beautiful buildings that managed to survive WWII, next to this a cold War/Post war building, and next to this a funkier modern building.

-    Despite Germany economic success Berlin continues to be one of the poorest areas of the country. The national government and the local government are seated in the same area which leads to interesting tensions.

-    Every so slowly there is a revival of German pride.  For so long the concept of German pride has been taboo, but, the new generation is finding their footing. (according to the locals)

-   HOUSE MUSIC.  Baby rock it all night long...or least the Germans do to house & eletronic music.

Beyond Paris: Lille

I love this northern French town and I am always super excited to visit mi amiga whom I studied with in Spain.  If you have limited time but want to see more of France than just Paris this is an excellent choice that you can get to with a short train ride.

Lille sits very close to the border of Belgium so you not only get great wine but you get excellent beer.  It is full of university students from all over the world which makes for an nice chill vibe in the city. 

As for food, Lille is famous (or should I say infamous) for producing some of the stinkiest but tastiest cheese that France has to offer.  An added bonus, they are well known for a unique pastry.  A light and airy cake like dessert in a shape of a ball in either white chocolate or milk chocolate – try the incredible.

If your into Jazz, or more up and coming independent artist this is a place to check out.  There are a number of performers playing in local bars and café’s.   While there we there our friend treated us to a Maceo Parker show.  Simply amazing.