We have arrived in Africa! | Getting our visas & our night at the Ngare Sero Lodge
The Itinerary : Our Safari through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Beach Holiday in Zanzibar, Africa
What to pack for a Safari & Beach Holiday in Tanzania, Africa
Two weeks. Two completely different locations. Varying temperatures. All in one carryon duffle bag.
Some would get stressed at the thought of this, but for me - I honestly enjoyed it. It was a challenge. We would be spending 1 week on a safari in and around the Serengeti, and 1 week on the island, Zanzibar.
I will admit, I probably spent much too much time googling 'what to wear on a safari', as well as too much time shopping for 'safari outfits' - but I don't care! During the weeks leading up to this trip, it was all I could think about!
So I wanted to share my learnings, personal experiences (why did I pack so many nice sandals?? so not necessary!), and actual list of what went into that very packed red duffel bag.
Booking a Safari to The Serengeti & The Ngorongoro Crater | Tanzania, Africa
Andrew and I have just returned home from our amazing and eye opening two week trip to Tanzania, Africa during the first two weeks of June, 2017. I have started to write and then re-write several different blog posts because I don't know where to start! I want to dive right into the safari experience. But first, I felt I should give an overview of how I booked the trip. From finding the right safari company (and knowing who to trust), the extreme price differences from mid-range to luxury lodges (ones starting at $1,000 per night!), and why safari's can be so expensive.
Our Attempt at Brewing Kombucha
In the US Andrew and I LOVED the GT's Kombucha brand. They had some odd/interesting flavors that always made me feel 'healthier'. (ok ok, that may have been all in my mind). But, in Germany... these tasty/magically healthy kombucha brands don't exist! (They do have one or two brands of "kombucha" here, but it basically tastes like bubbly tea). I had always read that you could brew your own... and it was easier than I had thought!
Our Seaside Lunch in La Baule-Escoublac, France
Just before we arrived in Le Croisic, we decided to stop in a neighboring town to get some seaside lunch and to get our first glimpse of that beautiful ocean.
French cuisine is by far my favorite... so eating it in a coastal french city, where you can get the freshest seafood? I'm in heaven. First thing we must eat in France? Steak tartare + muscles.
We found a great little restaurant that was right on the beach called Les Fils a Maman La Baule.
Dar Les Cigognes & The Sanssouci Moroccan Cooking School | Marrakech, Morocco
Whenever we visit a new country or culture, our favorite 'experience' is joining a cooking class. We have taken a "French Market Cooking Class" in Paris, a "Cambodian Cooking Class" in Siem Reap and now... a Moroccan Cooking Class in Marrakech.
I find the best way to get to know a new culture is through food. What people eat explains a lot about their society, landscape, environment and rituals.
Living in the US, we have the option of almost EVERYTHING, and there are new restaurants, and interesting takes on cuisines constantly popping up. But when we travel somewhere remote... we find that there are usually one or two specialties that the area is known for... and most likely, its exactly the same as what they were eating 1000 years ago.
And in Morocco... that is Tajine & Couscous.
Dar Les Cigognes: Our Riad Oasis in Marrakech, Morocco
The maze like streets of Marrakech are filled to the brim with wonderful little hidden apartments called riads. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace built around an interior garden or courtyard. Many of these have now been converted into boutique accommodations. The most spectacular feeling about a riad is - after spending a full day on the chaotic streets of the souks... walking into this calming hidden oasis you call home.
We decided on Dar Les Cigognes. For three reasons...
Rose Meringue Recipe
The past few Valentines Days I've tried to bake something for Andrew as a little Valentines treat. (baking is how I show my love). It was much more romantic when we didn't live together, so I could show up with a nice little surprise. But the surprise factor doesn't really exist when he can hear the loud noise of my hand mixer whipping up a storm in the kitchen. Oh well...
This year I saw on pinterest these beautiful little meringues in the shapes of roses, so I thought i'd give it a try. The best thing is, its only 3 ingredients and they're not that bad for you. (it's really just egg whites + sugar + a lot of whipped air)