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!

Malaysia

Hi All,


Below are pics from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia from our trip in November. We played with Orangu-tans, parasailed, went to the national park, saw a rare largest flower in the world in bloom, visited the local market, golfed, hit the spa, and other beach activities. Sara beat me in ping pong too. It was a great time (except for the 60 mosquito bits on both my ankles within 10 minutes...really!). Sara saw a paradise snake land on a patron near the pool. Our room was really nice with a large balcony that included an outdoor tub.


Pictures of Troy's Abu Dhabi Adventures to follow!

Sara in the National Park Canopy Walk Vista view from lunch spot

Amazing sunset from balcony

Sara's excellent golf step-up!

Friendly Orangu-tan

Barcelona Trip

October 5th-10th Sara and I visited Barcelona and met up with Lacey and Joe. The weather was a wonderful break from the Abu Dhabi heat. The highest reading on the car temperature was 118 Deg. Farenheit in Abu Dhabi this year...yes that's hot! Current November weather is perfect!

Barcelona was a great experience of architecture, wine country, and coastal area. Our first couple days were spent walking around Barcelona and taking in the sites. 3rd day we went to Cava (Spanish Champagne) country and visited a winery. After the winery we drove the rugged and beautiful coastal road to a resort on top of rocks extended into the mediterranean. The small towns along the coast were terrific with amazing views along the tiny coast road. We rented a Mercedes to make all the turns a bit easier to handle.

In wine country we had difficulty finding a specific restaurant we were in search of and ended up in a local restaurant that looked like an old wedding reception hall with plastic covering the tables. The waiter made excellent suggestions and provided a bottle of their own Cava.

Below are some terrific pics of our trip. We've already been and returned from Malaysia...next posting to follow in next few days. We hope everyone is doing well and Happy Thanksgiving!

Excellent Coastal View from our ENORMOUS Balcony!

Typical Beautiful Coastal View from small road we travelled

Sara and Lacey bumping belly's after tasting...Joe watching!

Sangrada Familia...famous Gaudi Architecture. It's wild!

Wonderful lunch spot with excellent food on 2nd day.

Wash DC July Visit

After our time in Indiana, we spent 4 days in Washington DC with Jordan and Marie. We got to see their home remodel project, went to a Baltimore Orioles game, sailed on Chesapeake Bay, did a Segway tour, and visited many excellent restaurants. The weather was great...except for when we were trying to bring in the sail boat while a major storm was rolling in. They had to come get us. The storm knocked over a tree which took down power line and made us drive through somone's front yard to leave the marina. Jordan and Marie also took us to a concert...I think my ears are still ringing. Definitely getting old!

Segway Tour Crew at Capitol Building

Sara and Jordan imitating Bighorn Sheep at the Wash Monument!

Our first stop on the tour...Obama didn't invite us in, shucks!

Jordan & Marie's favorite French Breakfast place...we see why.