Arusha National Park

Today we left early for Arusha National Park to see some animals. It’s only an hours drive from Arusha so it makes a great day trip. Unlike the Serengeti plains, which are a savanah, this park is in a higher elevation and is lush and green. We hired a guide to go with us. He was very helpful in spotting the animals and telling us their name. I couldn’t believe how many animals and birds we saw! Of course it rained all day but did have a few dry times. I got some great pictures. At one point there we a whole family of baboons hanging out on the road. They let us pull up really close without running away. We watched the for at least 25 minutes just grooming each other. This little baby baboon was running around getting into trouble. It was so fun to watch!
This evening we went to the home of a German couple. Don and Debi won a dinner at their house in an auction for the hospital. Erik and Bernice came too. Maria and Manfred were a lovely couple who have lived in Africa for 21 years and raised two kids. Their home was really lovely, designed and built by them. The dinner was fabulous! We had drinks and appetizers, pumpkin soup, and then sheep meat, red cabbage, mashed potatoes, carrots, rice, salad. For dessert, chocolate mousse with vanilla sauce, cookies, and little chocolate candies. We had great conversation and a good time was had by all.