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Zanzibar

And that’s a wrap! As I write I am en route back to the U.S of A flying over Iceland, reminiscing on all the fun and adventures I was able to experience this summer.  Our last stop in Tanzania was Zanzibar aka heaven. After not having running water for nearly 3 weeks a Motel 6 would have been nice but Zanzibar was just heaven. The water was a beautiful turquoise and the sand a fine white, the hotel had everything in excess including some delicious seafood and the 3 nights was just bliss. However, Africa’s pace started getting on my hyperactive nerves a bit but as they say hakuna matata! The travel day(s) back from Zanzibar have been quite brutal including a 11 hour layover in the Dar Es Salam airport, any airport is not somewhere where you want to be stuck for 11 hours but with no food Dar Es Salam ranks pretty high on worst places to be stranded. However, travel is travel and I think I would do my travel days a million times to be able to have all the experiences and opportunitie
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Safari

Safariing was quite the adventure through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It included lots of driving, we covered a thousand miles over the course of 4 days, but also saw lots of animals and beautiful scenery. After being on a mountain with the same people for nearly 2 weeks it was quite the change to go back to civilization in the Toyota Migration of tourists and safariier's. At Ngorongoro we were able to experience the Masai Tribes culture and community including a tour of their huts and being able to sample some of their freshly killed goat (that really helped with my stomach troubles!) In the Serengeti we were able to get up close and personal with the animals including lions, giraffes, wildebeests, a rhinoceros, and loads of elephants. One morning we got up and chased the Great Migration seeing over half a million animals in the course of our safari. All in all it was a great safari and adventure I do have to say I am ready for some running water and maybe not be waken up by la
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Kilimanjaro

The human spirit is incredibly resilient. After spending 9 days on the mountain I am left with feelings of accomplishment, stomach cramps, happiness, nausea, fulfillment, and exhaustion. The past 9 days led me to 19,300 this morning-the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The first couple days on this mountain were not too fun when I woke up after our first night with a fever and not being able to hold any food down. This first hurtle was not a fun one as I'm not a fan of the stomach flu at sea level so at 10,000 feet it wasn't a joy. I managed to get my hands on some medicine and some toast in my mouth only to be faced by our second hardest and longest day of hiking. Thankfully the universe always manages to come full circle as this brought me to meet my personal day pack porter or sup'porter', Stanley. Stanley is everything you wish to find in the human spirit he has your back, is full of joy, catches you when you fall, and has this smile that just manages to put a smile on
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Ending in Amsterdam

Annnnd that's a wrap on the European Adventure! Amsterdam was the perfect ending to Europe and might take the cake ( or pancake) when it comes to my favorite destination. Yesterday we started the day in classic Dutch fashion with pancakes, strolled to a bike shop rented some bikes and got to see the city on wheels. Those who have rode bikes with me know I am not the most talented cyclist however Amsterdam and bikes is like Texas and queso so it is a must. The entire city opens up when you are bike riding from the gorgeous canals to charming alleyways the city is vibrant and historical all at the same time. The afternoon took us to the Anne Frank museum which was incredible and shocking but simply a must for anyone visiting Amsterdam. From there we hopped on a boat and saw the city from the water which is cleaned every 3 months so was pristine minus the 10,000 bikes that fall in the water.  The day before arriving to Amsterdam we spent the day roadtripping from Germany to the Net
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Switzerland to Germany to France to Germany

Today was quite the day of driving from Switzerland to Germany to France and back to Germany we went but all I can say is thank goodness for no border control. On our road trip we were able to visit Cailler Chocolate Factory eat way to much chocolate, get stuck in some nasty traffic, have a wonderful picnic by the Rhein River in Basel, see some villages and towns, and lastly arrive at a great little hotel in Germany where I still am not quite sure is exactly but I do know it is very nice, they have the sweetest employees, and wonderful food so works for me! Switzerland was an absolutely superb stop and included everything from delicious food, wonderful company visiting with family, and scenic views. Yesterday included loads of walking which was kind of a kick in the butt for Kilimanjaro and much needed. We were staying on Lake Geneva in the small town of Padeaux and were able to walk around the quaint villages and absolutely breathtaking lake. The only downside was it was raining like
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From Venice to Switzerland

Yesterday brought us to our last Italy stop- Venice! I now understand why cities are not designed with canals as roadways because while they may be stunning it is an absolute complete waste of time. Our drive from Florence was 3 hours and by the time we arrived at our hotel in Venice it had taken us 6 hours. It took a car, boat, and walking to get us there but in the end well worth it. Venice is possibly one of the most picturesque cities and offers a photo at ever turn and canal but essentially felt like an abandoned city with beautiful architecture and delicious food aka Disneyland for adults. This morning we left after breakfast wanting to leave before the rain came because canals that are filled with ninety percent of the cities waste is not what you want to be stepping in when they overflow. After retrieving our 8 pieces of luggage (that's right 8 for 3 people) we piled in the car and hit the road for Switzerland! Over the course of our 6 1/2 hour drive we were able to see be
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A Day in Florence

Today was a modgepodge of Florence with shopping, eating, swimming and sightseeing. We had a beautiful breakfast at our villa overlooking the city which included possibly the best coffee I have ever had. We then headed towards the city to the San Lorenzo Markets where I found my perfect tote bag that I have been on the hunt for, and after all what is a trip to Italy without buying some leather! We then strolled through the streets seeing some beautiful piazzas and breathtaking cathedrals. For lunch we stumbled upon a hidden gem in a courtyard which had a mozzarella bar (much better than a regular bar.) After lunch and some more sightseeing we headed up to the little town of Fiesole and drove through the narrow winding roads which feature breathtaking scenery and views. The town also features a small gelato shop that has caramelized fig gelato aka the best thing invented since the airplane. The afternoon consisted of swimming and lounging by the pool which was followed by  dinner with
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