Safari, WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!!! LOVED IT!

Dear Everyone! If you havent gone on a safari, now I highly recommend it! Today, Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. To sum up, INCREDIBLE!

I was told that 'not so many' animals are in the park this season, as they are all spread out in the neighboring parks of Serengeti, Arusha and Lake Manyama. To my suprise, I could care less, I was able to see nearly every animal, except the cats.

So here is just a fraction of the pictures I took. ENJOY!

THE RIDE, TOYOTA LANDCRUISER, TANZANIA EDITION

Road Blocks, Elephants Galore!!!

Impala, Not Snoop Dogs 'Six Fo'

Vutures/Scavenging Storks

One of the MANY Giraffes I saw

Friendly Elephant, just chillin and munchin

There must have been almost 100 baboons on the road!

Elephants playing in the river

Impalas, Road Blocked Again!

MORE PICS AND ANIMALS COMING...JUST TAKES A WHILE WITH THE SLOW INTERNET HERE....

Here's an elephant itching his butt!

1st Full Day in Tanzania

Well, Its Friday night and Im pooped after my culture shock during my first day here in Africa. Here is a picture to explain what it is like in the city. Quite crazy, chaotic, and people here, there and everywhere. But I've been with Taxi drivers European Safari companies and all is good.

So today I visited with two companies of American origins, Thomson Safaris and Nature Discovery Safaris. I gained invaluable information from them and further contacts, Im super excited and appreciative of their help and knowledge! I will also do a Safari with them on Sunday!!! WOO HOO!!!

Safari Vehicles with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background (Cant see it through the clouds)

Safari Headquarters

Otherwise besides my research on biodiesel and safaris here in Arusha, Ive been taking it easy 'hakuna matata' as they say, at the hotel. Its very nice, good food, internet and....just NICE!

Tanzania Here I Come!

Its finally set, or is it? Well things are supposed to be in order, but as things take time...LOTS OF TIME in Tanzania I still havent gotten confirmations. It seems to be like working with French, just takes time, it will get done eventually...but after a while. Its a bit frustrating, as I have been researching a whole semester on bidiesel potential in Tanzania and I think Ive spent 75% of my time trying to call and contact people (mostly to no avail) Overall though, Ive got some good research done, and I hope to contribute to sustainable development for Tanzania's future.

I am in for a suprise, but I hope it is pleasant. Everyone tellls me Tanzanians are good natured people and very nice. Im only a bit nervous to get there...I mean, we've all heard of Africa and all the bad things, but no one tells you of the good things. Thats what Im going and hope to change!

The Trip Breakdown:
Week 1: Kilimanjaro and Arusha

• Visit Safari Companies to discuss possible collaborations for biodiesel production
• Visit Jatropha Actors for research and follow-ups of their operations
• 1 day Safari to Tarangire National Park (AFRICAN SAFARI BABY!)

Week 2-2.5: Dar es Salaam

• Visit Univ. Dar es Salaam (Biodiesel Research)
• Conducting Seminar/Focus Group Interviews to review biodiesel feasibility and potential in Tanzania
• Meetings and Interviews with biodiesel actors, organizations, government and officials
• HOPEFULLY GOING TO ZANZIBAR!

Throughout the trip I am also hoping not to get sick from the food, water, etc. I've got plenty of meds, vaccines and I'm all ready to go! Next Thursday....WOO HOO!

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FLY FISHING SWEDEN UPDATE!

This last weekend I also drove the beast (My little Ford Fiesta) down to Emån (Em river) to fish for Salmon and Sea-Trout. Well, I didnt get anything, but the trip was great. Emån was big, fast and from what I experienced LACKING fish! hahaha
I had a great time and fished two days. Also saw some expert Spey Casters (Two hand fly rod fishermen). It is very cool looking!

One thing I did manage to hook up with was a DUCK. Actually hit one on the way home. Little guy flew right into the front of my car....no damage...remember...THE BEAST!