Friday, January 28, 2011

January 27, 2011


Morning activities were postponed as students rubbed their eyes awake after their late arrival in the Amani Nature Reserve the previous evening.  Instead, a work session was initiated to alleviate the last of assignments on our to-do lists. In the afternoon those that opted for a study break chose between two hikes to seek out either chameleons or butterflies.  After a candlelit dinner, local chameleon guide, Rasta, led wildlife students on a torch-lit night walk to seek the many chameleon species endemic to the area.
 Chameleon found on walk.
Photo by: Dana DeSousa
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39 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    Grace,
    I wonder if the chameleon walk reminded you of our old searches for "ghost crabs" at the beach.

    Be aware that they are calling for another major winter storm here, sometime from Tuesday night into Wednesday. Dad and I will leave here as early as necessary to arrive in time to meet you. Let's just hope that the storm holds off an extra day or two, allowing everyone to come home on time. Love always, Mom

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  2. Joe GormleyJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Caits, I can't even find chameleons at the pet store in the cage so can't even imagine how you are suppossed to find them at night! I see you're heading off to Pembe Abwe Beach Camp on the Indian Ocean tomorrow. Let me know if playing 'Jump the Hump' is as good along the Indian Ocean as it is along the Atlantic Ocean! Looking forward to seeing you soon. Love ya. Dad

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  3. UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Caits, Remember you are not allowed to bring any of the chameleons home. I can't wait to see you,but I'm sorry it is nearing the end. Make the most of every minute left,We all love and miss you. Mom

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  4. dcrudkinJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    ELizabeth, Dad and I have looked on the internet at the different spots you have been and those that are still to come. Wow, becoming more aware of this part of the world has been enlightening. The blog has been great for your day to day activities and keeping up with you and your classmates. We can't even begin to imagine what you have seen and are experiencing. And now seeing the beaches! Truly an experience beyond belief. Sending big, big hugs and kisses. Enjoy each moment., before you know it you'll be leaving.

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  5. MartinJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    Lizzie -

    I'm reposting, since I didn't realize that a new blog entry had been added when I posted on the last entry. Happy Birthday, not 5 minutes late. We're still saving the cake for you. Enjoy your last few days in Africa, and have a great day!!

    Love you,
    Dad

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  6. SoozJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Griffin, will you be using you waterhousing at the beach? Can't wait to see the waves there! Enjoy the last couple days of your trip. Looking forward to u coming home and hearing about it all! Travel safely! xo

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  7. JaneJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    Hey Lindsay, The night walk must have been really interesting. Can't wait to hear more about what you saw. Shopping in the markets must have been fun too... We have been shoveling alot of snow - we had 12 inches Wednesday and school was closed on Thursday and some schools are still closed today (not Friends). There should still be plenty of snow when you get home. Dad, Rob, and I are cheering Emily on at her swim meet tomorrow. Love, Mom

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  8. UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Happy Birthday to Lizzie!!!!!!!
    Hugs and Kisses,
    Mom and Mocha

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  9. UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    Hi Lizzie!!!!!
    I love the chameleon pictures!!!! I can"t wait to see the butterfly pictures!!!!!
    Lots of Love,
    Mom and Mocha

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  10. MartinJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    Lizzie -

    I think Mom's trying to have a competition by posting a second time on the same blog entry. I can't let that happen. So I'm posting again. That way you can get lot's of Birthday wishes!!

    Hope you have a great day.

    Dad

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  11. skyhigh41076January 28, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Happy Birthday Lizzie! This is Sam's Mom, I know how your parents feel having you away for your birthday.What a memorable way to celebrate. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Come on all you viewers....wish Lizzie a Happy Birthday

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  12. Paul B.January 28, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    Hi Lizzy Baxter,

    The snow here in Herndon VA has melted a lot, and it's relatively warm at nighttime - in the high 20s F.

    I like the idea of nighttime forest walks at the Amani Nature Reserve to see what animals you can find. It must be truly dark at night.
    They say the Usumbara mountains are over 100,000,000 years old. The butterflies in the butterfly house must be beautiful.

    Right now, at 7:02pm EST Friday 1/28/2011 and it's about 3:02am Saturday 1/29/2011 in Tanzania. In about 4-6 hours you will wake up and start going to Pembe Abwe Beach, Zanzibar!

    Hi to Dana, Erica, CJ and everyone.

    love xxx000xxx Dad and Mommy

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  13. skyhigh41076January 28, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Hi Sam, how are things going.I hope you were able to do one of those two hikes.The chameleon is awesome,what do you think the cats would do with that.The butterflies would have been beautiful to see.I remember how excited you where to visit them at the Bronx Zoo.They kept landing on your head,you were worried about hurting them if I tried taking then off. Tomorrow you're on you way to the beach. Something I know you've been looking forward to. Be safe, have fun, and remember your sunscreen.....Oh and the creatures in the water....lol..... Love You More....Mom and Dad....xoxox

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  14. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    Hey Nicole,
    Glad you got a little break after that longgg travel day - hope you had some decent naps on the bus. To keep you updated on current weather conditions, in Philly we just got 15in of snow! That's 15in of snow I had to try to walk through to get to class because apparently Penn never closes (I think sledding down the streets would have been more efficient). And since I know you'll find this beyond hilarious, I have to let you know that today I had a lab animal handling class where I was picking up mice and rats (yes, that's right, mice and rats!). Needless to say, I don't think I'll be entering that specialty anytime soon haha. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your trip :)
    deine Schwester,
    Britt

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Hey Sam...wow beach time tomorrow!!! awesome...listen to your mom...remember your sunscreen...the hell with that did you remember your bathing suit? be well and enjoy the swim! love ya tons xox annmarie

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  16. UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    hey grace, caitlin, and jasmine!

    Can't believe you guys are almost done. I'm also jealous that you are going to the beach. There is a foot of snow here. I only made it into work on Wednesday for 4 hours. And it's supposed to snow two days next week. I'm hoping it's not snowing the day you're supposed to come home. So you will all be tan, and we're freezing. The chameleons look awesome. Did you get to see them change color? I'm gonna have to go back with you jas if you're serious about going back soon.

    Austin

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Hi Holley and all. We have enjoyed all the pictures and following the blog. It all looks awesome. We are sad your journey is coming to an end. We are packing and leaving tomorrow for our trip.
    Love hugs and kisses Nana and Grandpop

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  18. UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    KTP

    That chameleon is so cool looking! I can only imagine what it was like seeing it in person! I think I would sleep in too after a day like you guys had!! I am leaving tomorrow to go to Michigan for the weekend to see Katie and my Great gma...so if I don't post a comment for the next couple of days that's why! I am sooo soo SOO excited for your return..i can't wait to see the pictures in person and hear all of your stories.

    By the way, I have officially made our gin bucket a facebook event and so far TWENTY SEVEN people have said yes!! NOw, who actually shows up..we won't know until the day but we should feel pretty special about ourselves.

    That's the update from home!! Keep enjoying beautiful Tanzania and stay safe in your cmapsite (or are you at a lodge right now?) Love love love you and see you super soon!

    xoxox

    Diannn

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    Happy Birthday Liz Abraham! What an awesome way to celebrate turning 20, in Africa... no big deal :) I hope you have a great day and fantastic adventures!

    Hugs from Toledo,
    Laura Gello

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  20. UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    happy birthday liz!!! enjoy the rest of your time in africa!!! be very happy that you're missing all the crazy snow on the east coast. cleveland's actually in better shape these days :) see you soon! xo
    ~ michelle ~

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  21. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    me again, sorry. Liz Abraham's birthday is Jan. 29th and it's definitely the 29th in the time zone I'm in. So Liz, idk what time it will show as when I posted, but it is your birthday right now so don't think I'm lame and messed up you're birthday.

    I once made a house completely out of cotton swabs,
    Laura Gello

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  22. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    Oh Laura Gello...haha HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZ!!!!!! I miss you so freaking much but what else is new? Thats what we get for literally being as far apart as possible at colleges on separate coasts! I hope you are having a blast in Africa with the zebras and the monkeys (do they have monkeys? :P) hahah Enjoy the rest of your fantastic safari adventures! Come back in one piece too while you're at it.

    Much love, Diana

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  23. Chad CampbellJanuary 29, 2011 at 12:36 AM

    LIZ!!!
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I can only imagine how amazing africa is right now. I can't wait to hear all about it!!!

    -Chad :)

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  24. newtobloggingJanuary 29, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    Megan...I bet they have some cool looking butterflies over there, not to mention freakishly weird but interesting chameleons!!! I bet you'll be sad to see this trip winding down but wow, what a wild experience. I look forward to hearing ALL about it! Love you to pieces, Mom

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  25. Paul B.January 29, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    HI Lizzy Baxter-Good news! Allen Carlson had Diane Pugh enroll you in Thea204-010 with Prof Walker! Your email a couple days ago to them worked! Gosh I wish i were with you in Zanzibar. They sell spices there.Find out if you can bring some home. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper. Surprise us with some spices I havent listed. I can also give some to Naheda. She would love it. There is a new snow storm predicted for Tues-Wed this week. Be careful driving when you get home. Dad is sick in bed. He's too tired.Love, Mom

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  26. UnknownJanuary 29, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Happy Birthday to Lizzie A.!!!!!!
    Its finally your real birthday here in Ohio!!! And guess what...it's snowing just for you!!!! I love you and can't wait to see you in 5 days!!!
    XOXOXOXO
    Mom and Mocha

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  27. UnknownJanuary 29, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    Virg - Do the Tanzania Chameleons do the serious eyeball roll? Can't wait to hear about the trip when you get home!!!!

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  28. UnknownJanuary 29, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    Lizzie-Have an amazing day!!!!!
    Hugs and kisses,
    Mom and Mocha

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  29. MartinJanuary 29, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Lizzie -

    All of your friends wrote on your Facebook wall. So when you get home, you'll need to see what everyone had to say. Me, well I'm not a big Facebook user, so I'm going to wish you a Happy Birthday on the Blog, one more time.

    Hope the beach is wonderful.

    Dad

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  30. kwiatkoJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Your blog has been informative and exciting to follow. Can't imagine the sight and sounds in person; the pics are great. Thank you for sharing your adventure. Cis

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  31. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    You must be at the beach by now! What a way to end your adventures! Errica's mom

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  32. UnknownJanuary 29, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    Ja-Z hope that you are relaxing on the beach and organizing all your pictures so we can see them when you get home. The trip has been amazing. We are thankful for being able to follow you on the blog. Can't wait to see you. Just a few more days now.Enjoy them!! Love mom and dad.xox

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  33. Deb's Travel GuideJanuary 29, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    Hey Camille,

    Are you guys at the beach yet? It's wierd to think of you all hot and enjoying the ocean as I stare out at the very white and snowy outdoors. I just got home from work and am glad that I have next saturday off with you just home. Dad and Sean were trying to resolve our little fence hopper's habit today, we shall see how it goes. The dog should be on the track team!

    We here another nor'easter will be traveling up the coast next week, too seeon to know it's track and what it will bring. Could be interesting....I'm sure your fearful leaders will be keeping up on it.

    Enjoy your last few days!!!!

    love,

    mom and Riley

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  34. RheaJanuary 29, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Lee says "awesome" about the real chameleon.

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  35. UnknownJanuary 29, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    Hey Liz-
    We had flan to celebrate your birthday!!! Wish you were here!!!
    XOXOXOXO
    Mom and Mocha

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  36. Paul B.January 29, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Hi Lizzy Baxter,
    I think it's just amazing what you have done- gone to Africa for serious study -gone out of your comfort-sphere into something totally new.
    Mommy and I are really proud of you. We look forward to seeing you before you go back to UDel for the spring semester.

    In Herndon VA on Tuesday Feb 1st, we're supposed to get a light wintry mix of snow (40% chance) and on Wednesday Feb 2nd rain/freezing rain (80% chance).

    Mommy's helping with your internship applications right now.

    It's 10pm EST Saturday Jan 29, 2011 for us, and it's about 7am Tanzania time, Sunday Jan 30th.
    love, xxx000xxx Dad and Mom

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  37. KellyJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Hi Tanzania Adventurers!
    I didn't realize that this blog was here!(I went back and read all of them) Your trip sounds so great and I can't wait to see all the pictures and hear about it when you get home!
    It beats winter session at Delaware right now, we got close to a foot of snow so walking to class is a little hard.
    Anyway, I hope you all have a safe trip home!
    Shout out to my VC Friends- Liz Rudkin and Alex Moreno! See you both in a week!
    ~Kelly Speier

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  38. Raymond DeSousaJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Dana,
    Really nice picture, looks like your headind back during some nasty weather. You guys might be spending a extra day in Amsterdam???
    Love,
    Daddy

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  39. NormaJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    Oh my goodness! I just noticed you took this photo Dana! Great shot! Can't wait to see all of them <3 Love, Mommy

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