We are alive!!!!!

 We have been totally off the grid and had some incredible adventures that we cannot wait to tell you all about!!  We have spent the last four days with the Hadza people. They are one of the last few remaining hunter-gatherer tribes.  Today we are with Brett and Christy Harrison in Arusha, Tanzania. We will ring in the new year tinight and worship with them tomorrow before heading to Zanzibar.   

Driving Day

Every day is filled with adventure!

Christmas in the Serengeti

Best Christmas Ever!!

Merry Christmas from the Serengeti!!

Not much internet but lots of memories!  

Lake Natron

Incredible!

Hello, Tanzania!

 We had four flights during the night last night and have finally arrived in Arusha, Tanzania! Safari starts tomorrow!

So long, Istanbul!

Istanbul is an amazing city! I’m glad we got to enjoy it together!

Bits of Istanbul

It is VERY cold and we are VERY tired! Hoping to post more details when we have time, internet and energy!

Exhausted!

Bone-crushing exhaustion from jet lag is very real!

Istanbul

Pics that didn’t attach to last post!

Istanbul day 1

We made it to Istanbul. Got a little sleep and now we are headed out for the day!

And We’re Off!!

We are at the gate and ready to start the first leg of our journey!  Tomorrow we will be in Istanbul. 

Here We Go Again!

 It has been almost 5 long years since we have done any major family traveling!  A lot has changed in the world and with technology since then.  This is an attempt to fire up our old travel blog with some general information on our upcoming trip!

All 5 of us will travel from Atlanta to Istanbul on December 16 and arrive on December 17.  Now that we have adult children and many miles of family travel under out belts, we are going to take a simple approach on this portion of the trip.  Scott has planned one event each day and the rest of the time we will be spontaneous!!  😱😬

After spending a few days in Istanbul, we will travel to Tanzania.  This portion of the trip has been arranged by Brett Harrison and his staff of Red Knot Safari Company.  Brett and his family have lived in Tanzania for over 10 years as missionaries supported by our church (Brett's home church) and others.  Their ministry is transitioning to business as mission and a travel planning business is part of that plan.  Red Knot Safari created our itinerary:

21Dec we have you staying at Kahawa House for your first night in. 

22 Dec you will be picked up by a truck and driver from Nomad in the morning to start your journey to Lake Natron Camp . You will arrive in time for lunch and will have 2 nights there full board. You can partake in various activities such as a waterfall hike, swimming or bird watching the many flamingoes that live there!

24 Dec you will travel to Serengeti Safari Camp  for 2 nights where you will go on game drives. Though this is technically in Ngorongoro Crater Area, the camp follows the wildebeest migration so you will have a lot of animals to look at along with some beautiful views. 

26 Dec you will go to Sanctuary Safari Camp which is situated on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Should you want to, waking up early to watch the sunrise over the rim is one of my favorite experiences. After breakfast you will depart to descend into the Crater for a game drive with a picnic lunch. 

27 Dec you will sleep 1 night at Gibbs Farm located just outside the National Park area. Here you can relax and enjoy the fresh food from the farm and the coffee grown on their plantation. 

28 Dec your time with Nomad and the driver will be at an end after this and you will transfer vehicles and start your 3 night/4 day journey with Dorobo and your Hadza Immersion. What this will include:

• There will be a Hadza guide and other representatives from the community with you in camp for activities and interactions during your stay. These include making arrows/bows, forging arrow headsand beadwork. 
• Visit the near by Hadza settlement the first full morning for introductions
• Head out foraging with the community as they do for tubers, honey and anything else you might find
• While walking and foraging, Hadza are always hunting and on the lookout for game
• Experience harvesting honey and a chance to follow the honey guide
• Witness the art of climbing Baobab trees that often have hives byusing pegs and a hand axe 
• Learn how to make fire from firesticks

Note: Activities are un-staged and a lot will depend on what's around and whats in season. 

Dec 31st you will head to Brett’s house for a New Years Eve party.

Jan 1st you fly to Zanzibar to stay at Anna of Zanzibar for 5 nights. Here you can enjoy the beach, take kite surfing lessons ), explore Kuza Cave or take a spice tour. There is so much to do in Zanzibar!

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Fingers crossed this will actually post to our old blog!  We aren't sure about access to the internet or even electricity while we travel but hopefully this space will soon be full of photos and tales of our adventures!