Tanzania--Serengeti Under Canvas

Here are a few pics from our first stop in Africa. It takes forever to download pictures so if you want to see more go to my web gallery.


First we flew into Kilimanjaro and then took a bush plane to Serengeti National Park. When I say bush plan, that's exactly what it is. Buzzing the landing strip so that we can land on the grass. A little crazy, but that's Africa. Then we were met by our guides and started the Safari to our camp.

Highlights--

• The dung Beetle-- I was deeply touched by the unity of the beetle couple. The female beetle clings to the dung while the male rolls the dung for up to a mile till the find an appropriate hole for the female to lay her eggs in the dung and then bury it. The Dung Beetle is responsible for burying half of the dung in Africa. Quite the task. So chivilristic.
• Beautiful Tents--King size bed, sinks, bucket shower and a flushing toilet--yes I did say tent. Best tent I ever stayed in.
• Saw every animal imaginable. It was the migration and there were thousands and thousands of Zebra and Wilda Beasts migrating. It was beautiful.
  
• Interesting fact--Female Hyenas are actually hermaphrodites. Yep, they have a false penis until they give birth for the first time and the penis bursts. Not joking. That would have to be a painful delivery.
• Our guide told us a stroy of an elephant that lived int he Serengeti. A female matriarch got stuck on a poacher trap. She got out, but her trunk was ripped of at the stem. Local rangers assumed that she would soon die, but she was spotted a year later still alive. How you ask?--an elephant can't eat or drink with out a trunk. They saw that her daughter would suck water through her trunk and then put it into her mother's mouth. The same would be done with food. Who knew that elephants were so intelligent and cared so much for their kind? Since this Elephant was the matriarch--(the matriarch is the leader of the herd, she is relied upon for her wisdom and guidance), she was very vital to her herd. Love the elephants.

1st Stop--Athens, Greece

I could go into detail of every minute of everyday, but I will stick to the highlights and a few pictures from each location. Although I will start by saying a "thank you" to my parents for facilitating one of the most enjoyable and memorable occasions of our lives. There really is something wild and magic about Africa.

Back to Greece...

• Our hotel was in a great location--right in the heart of the city and we could walk to everything. It also had a great spa with a gorgeous pool and themed sauna and steam rooms. I had never seen anything like it before and it was great after a long flight.
  
• Mr. B Clinton was staying at our hotel. No sighting though and I was a little disappointed that the heightened security was not for me.
• Loved relearning all the history around this amazing place and architecture.
• Grafitti covered this city. It was everywhere.
• Great shopping, = to NY or SF right out the front of the hotel.
• Last but not least, the people watching was unparalleled to anywhere I have been. Their unique sense of fashion was so interesting. I wish I would have snapped a few pics. Their hair down to their toes were all in what appeared to be costume.

Now a few pictures..

Ben on Mars hill walking in the foot steps of Paul.

It was everywhere--a little sad

The Acropolis

The Parthenon on the Acropolis
The Amphitheater
In front of the president's house with the gaurd
At the original Olympic stadium
These churches were scattered around the city. This one was surrounded with modern shopping buildings. Quite the standout.

Still Alive..

been in Africa for a few weeks. Pics to come.

My Tiny Princess

J's 3rd Birthday Party.

For Jesse's 3rd Birthday we had a party with all the cousins. Indeed, he wanted a Monster Truck party, but we couldn't find any of the proper gear, so we settled for a Cars theme. It was a fun filled evening of cake, ice cream, pinata, and presents. I think by the end of the evening we counted a total of 36 monster trucks. Needless to say he was a very happy boy. His mom and dad got him a "4-ler" as the big surprise-daddy is training him young. Thank you to all of you that came and Jesse is very thankful for all his thoughtful gifts. He's a lucky little man that I think had a dream birthday.








Earlier in the day I brought chocolate cupcakes to Jesse's preschool class. It was so much fun to see all his friends. I don't know what I was thinking though with the cupcakes. There were a bunch of messy kids. I only got one pic at the beginning because I was too busy doing damage control with the chocolate.

Some Happy Birthdays Are In Order...

First, a Happy 28th to my ridiculously sexy husband. Happy Birthday babe! I love Ben because you couldn't get a better man. He is strong, steadfast, solid, thoughtful, playful, patient, loving, and a lot lot more. My favorite thing of the moment...he has always taken perfect care of me. He seems to have a sixth sense of knowing what I need. I have always felt so safe and secure with him. (Sorry ladies I snagged the best one:)Next the Happy Birthday goes out to my favorite little boy. Happy 3rd baby boy. Jesse is a happy very good little boy. His patience and ability to reason are far beyond his years. He is passionate, loving, fun and all all boy. My favorite thing about Jesse at the moment...he loves to cuddle his Mom. He knows how much I need snuggles and he is always willing to give them up. (We celebrated his birthday yesterday--pictures are coming.)

And last, but far from least, the Nana. 62 I believe. My mom is the most wise and intelligent women I know. There isn't a lady that has more class. My dad always boasts that she is his life's greatest asset and she has been mine as well. She has loved me unconditionally and has taught me to see and fufill my potential. She has given me every tool I need to find success and happiness in this life and the next. Love you Nana.

J Walks On Water--Or It Appears