Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is it's own eco-system. It has any animal you can think of and they all live in a 16 mile diameter crater. We saw Black Rhino from a long distance and was unable to get some photo's. This is were we saw our first lions. Below are pictures of some of the animals.

We spent one night in a lodge overlooking the crater, then descended into the crater early in the morning. After lots of pictures, we were on our way to the amazing Serengeti.

Sara and I now live in Knoxville, TN. We arrived on June 22nd (Sara's Birthday gift).

Wart hog

Next stop - Lake Manyara

On the way between Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater, we stopped in Lake Manyara for 1/2 day and had a picnic. Lake Manyara had many animals that were not in Tarangire. It was very hot and dry in Lake Manyara, but we did not have the Teetsie flies like we did in Tarangire, so that was a relief. I've never had a fly bite that hurt so much. We had welts all over.

In the crater, we saw our first wildebeast, lions, black rhino, and hyenas.

Hippos lounging in the water

Baboons along the side of the road
Giraffe near the lake

More Tarangire National Park!

Ok. I have too many pictures. Below are more pictures within our first stop, Tarangire National Park. The other 3 park pictures will just have to wait. One of the most amazing moments was the leopard sleeping in the tree. It could care less if we were there. Leopards are difficult to find because they hunt at night. Some people go to Africa many times without seeing one. We were lucky to see 2 on our trip. The baobab trees are so amazing and big. We had to get out of the vehicle to get a picture of this one. There are two pictures so you can understand the size! Still...many more photos to come.

Also, most everyone knows by now...the Muller Abu Dhabi Adventure is coming to an end soon. July 14th is our last work day. We are very excited about our next adventure. We'll let you know as soon as we have more details!

Baobab tree from a distance

Baobab tree close up...can you even see us?

Wow!! One lazy leopard. Must have been out all night!

He was gracious enough to give us a photo opp!

TANZANIA AFRICAN SAFARI - First Stop Tarangire !

Africa is so amazing...it's hard to decide where to start. First stop was Tarangire National Park, followed by Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park. So many animals roaming. It's so difficult to describe the vastness and wildlife, but hopefully the pictures can give some ideas. We have over 900 photos and wish we could share them all.

We are extremely lucky to have such a vacation. All guides and camps were wonderful. Our favorite camp was Oliver's Camp located in Tarangire. More postings of animals from each park to follow...check in periodically to see...well, you'll just have to wait! Below is just the beginning.

Sara in our Land Cruiser leaving the Arusha Coffee Lodge

Beautiful sunset from our first tent (Oliver's)

Giraffe with storm rolling in

Oliver's Camp Main Lobby/Lounge Close up!

Dune Bashing

It's not an official visit to Abu Dhabi without a trip to the desert for Dune Bashing and dinner. It was a great day to be in the desert. Our last stop on Troy's visit after the dune bashing was a trip to Ferrari World located on Yas Island. Unfortunately the fastest coaster in the world was not operational on that day, but the facilities and other rides were quite amazing. Next postings...Tanzania African Safari! WOW!

Sunset over the sand

Sara being decorated with traditional henna

View of the dinner location after dune bashing

SUV's cooling their engines after bashing in the sand

Dune bashing view from the back seat of the Land Cruiser

Abu Dhabi from the Water

During Troy's visit, we rented Wave Runners and cruised around Abu Dhabi and the outlaying islands.

Troy and Charlie chilling after day on the water

Local Dhow boats at the marina with flags for National Day

Troy with Abu Dhabi buildings in background

In action

Burj Khalifa Pics

Below are pictures from our visit to the tallest building in the world. Very amazing.

View of Main road and other very tall buildings that look small!

Sara and Jeanie looking good!

Troy at the top!

View looking down at the Bellagio style fountains next to mall.

Couldn't get from the ground to the top in one shot!

Big Bro Visits Abu Dhabi

This past December my brother came to UAE to see what it's like to live in Abu Dhabi. He experience more of the UAE than most do in a year. Most of the activities, Sara and I hadn't experienced...so it was great for all of us.


Troy's first night (right of the plane), he went for a tour around town and picked up lebanese shwarma sandwiches. The cuisine throughout the next 11 days was a collage of lebanese, persian, indian, and finished with a barbeque restaurant at Emirates Palace on the beach. Of course, Sara also spoiled us with her own meals as well. The garlic chops were my favorite!


We did so many activities, it would be hard to remember if it wasn't for the photo's. The first major day is considered our Dubai day; which included a camel race, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai mall, Jumeriah Souk, and the Atlantis. We'll start with the photo's of the Al Wadtha Camel race...which starts at 7am! Our friend Jeanie joined us on our Dubai day.


Future postings (hopefully soon) will include our adventures of wave runners, NBA JamFest, a tour of saadiyat island (where I work), dune bashing, dinner in the desert, FIFA Soccer game, and Ferrari World. I think that's most of the major fun stuff. We also met a friend on the top of the Aloft hotel open air bar for an evening of drinks and a great view of the city.

Starters getting out of the way of the Camels!

Camels getting ready to head to the starting gate!

View from the main start finish stands...one lap is is 6 miles!

Camel back side at starting gate! They have electric jockeys.

Camels coming to the finish line...with owners following in SUV's!