Day of Rest...

Sunday, August 17th : Day of rest
Today, there was nothing on our agenda, in other words we were free to do as we wanted. So, we were up early (again) and made our way to Arusha National Park. It is a short jaunt from our hotel, about 35 km and the entry fee is quite modest, only 35$. At first, the gate keeper said he did not take Visa or Mastercard, although there are 10 card machines beside him. He wanted Visa debit card. After I said that I do not have, he hummed and hawed, then finally accepted the money. It turns out he was just too damned lazy to open the safe to give me change.
We weren`t on the road (gravel that is) for 5 minutes when we came across a clearing and there were a bunch of Giraffes and zebras along with some water buffalo and wildebeasts. (so that`s where they got the fixin`s for our meal last nite!). Carrying on, we came across some small deer which they call diki diki. Then quite a bit along the same road, our path was blocked by a bunch of giraffes, no less than 20. We passed no more than 10 feet from one, close up and personal.
We also managed to catch a glimpse of two hippos in the water, snout and eyes only and our path was continually blocked by baboons. We also saw some columbus moneys (I think that is what they are called, black and white with long white tails). Saw a gazelle in the woods and whatever is in the picture!!
Our trip came to an end with some zebras and giraffes off to our left grazing. It seems that`s all they do! We didn`t see any elephants and there are no lions in this park. Afterwards, met up with some people in the bar, they asked where we came from and what we were here to see. After exchanging pleasantries, told them we were actually here to work, that they were paying us to be here (talking about rubbing a bit of salt in the wound..)
Tomorrow, it is back to work and Tuesday, the big adventure begins where we cross the Serengheti,