Mambo!

Many a times, we seek out new challenges. One day, out of boredom, a friend suggested, "Hey! Let's go for a safari trip." 

My first response?

"What?! Safari? No way! Nothing there! Only animals! Why would you like to see animals? You can see it in the zoo!"

"It's different. In the safari, the animals are roaming wild and free. Besides, not all animals are in the zoo. You only get to see selected ones. You should see how the animals live, in their natural surroundings, not in the restrictive confined space." my friend persuaded. 

Playing along the lines, I asked playfully, "So, where exactly do you plan to go?" 

"Well, it's either Kenya or Tanzania."

Suddenly, my ears perked up. Tanzania? Now, that sounds exotic! 

Immediately, I looked up my trusty atlas and located Tanzania. Wow! It's right along the equatorial lines, below Kenya, and between South Africa. It's on the east of the African continent. Seldom appears in the newspapers, means it must be relatively safe, compared to Burkina Faso, Congo or Nigeria. 

With little effort, I was sold into the idea. I searched about places to visit in Tanzania. Somehow, I ended up with Mikumi and Selous game reserves (more popular locations are Serengetti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.)

Picture of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Plane

Vast Plains, Vast Sky...

Picture of Absolute Tranquility, at the Hippo Pond, Mikumi Reserves

Rufiji River - View from our Lodge

Healing Powers and Natural Theraphy

Tanzania is a beautiful country. It's green, green, green, everywhere you turn. Green hills, green grass, green trees, green insects. Dark green, light green, brownish green. I never knew there were so many shades of greens.

Uluguru Mountains

Green Carpet

At the Temeke market (one of the three markets in this city), one stall usually sold only one item. Some might sell potatoes, another might sell tomatoes. Unlike markets at home, where a vegetable stall would sell all kinds of vegetables, not just one type. Butcheries were usually housed in white tiled buildings, with big chunks of red, bloody meat hanging on hooks and in buckets. Flies hovered almost everywhere, even on dried up rice grains in gunny sacks! Needless to say, I lost my appetite for the next four days. Turning into an overnight vegetarian and fruit lover.

One of the most prominent sight in Tanzania was seeing women and children alike, carrying goods on their heads, stable and balanced. Unlike Asians who typically love light, pastel coloured shirts (in general, not all), most Tanzanians loved donning bright shirts and dresses. Visiting the market was the most bizarre experience indeed.

Yet, it reminds us of poverty at the same time too. That just two continents, separated by one ocean, can be worlds apart, is a phenomena that I still can't quite figure out. At first sight, it reminded me of Jakarta. People walked on streets selling tissue packets, towels, scarves and fruits. In places were transportation was scarce, most people walked for several kilometres a day, from one village to another. Some hitched rides on trucks, but sat on top of it, instead of in it.

In the outskirts, frames of mud huts were made from fragile sticks and branches. Its walls made from balls of dried, rolled up mud from the grounds that they were built on. Pasted like chocolate chips on a cake. With time, some houses became dilapidated and dipped at an angle.

On every house, numbers were painted in faded red paint, large font on the left side of the main door. On the right side, a large, red cross marks its walls. Outside, wells were dug for water source.  Elsewhere, water trucks visited villages to provide clean water. Clothe lines consist of a nylon rope, hung from tree to tree, or tree to roof. Termites and their mountains were as tall as the trees beside them. Firewood - used as fuel for cooking. Whenever it was burning, smoke billowed through windows, doors and walls. Windows were just holes in a wall, covered up by clothes, mosquito nets or bricks.

It was nerve wrecking. There's a constant tugging in my heart, "Look. There must be something you can do." 

Yet, I'm rendered powerless. Instantly, I came to realize the gravity of the phrase ' a drop in the middle of the ocean'. For, what, can we do to eradicate poverty? With that thought, it made me even more resolute to give the very best at my present job. An individual can sprinkle a little help, here and there. But a corporate organization, can contribute much more.

The Kingdom of Mufasa

When it comes to animals, I am indifferent. I neither like them, nor dislike them. Coming to Selous Game Reserves (A UNESCO World Heritage site), has increase my understanding of animals, big and small, and perhaps, won my affection for them too. I learnt that animals are usually docile and gentle in nature. Unless, of course, they're hungry, provoked or agitated. Visiting the safari is a great way to get to know them on a closer scale. 

On the boat safari, we found out a lot about birds. For every species, we spotted and distinguished at least 3 types of sub-species. For kingfishers alone, there's pied kingfisher, kite kingfisher and great kingfisher. Plus, did you know that kingfishers have varied techniques of catching fishes too? Some hover above the waters before catching the fish. Some perch by the river bends before diving straight into the water. 

Where do birds usually build their nests? In the caves? In the trees? In every dark nook and corner? Did you know that the Yellow Weaver's nests are so light that they hang on every blade of grass by the river? Some can even exists alongside in pairs or threes. Such a sight is most common during the breeding season, in the months of October to December. The most interesting fact is that the male yellow weavers turn bright yellow during these months. 

We saw hippopotamus soaking in the Rufiji river too! The reason the hippopotamus are often depicted in the waters is because they are perpetually immersed in it. Their skin is so sensitive to heat that they need to cool themselves down in the water for 19 hours a day. They emerge only to scour the surroundings for at least 40-120 kg of food per day. Oh! They're vegetarians by the way. They don't eat meat. Baby hippos get bitten by crocodiles though. When the parents find out though, they'll stomp all the way to where the crocodile is and protect their young. 

By the way, animals can really move their ears! Whereas humans' ears seem to be like an ornament that sticks out on both sides of the head, the ears of these animals are very dynamic! They can wriggle their ears and steer them towards the direction of the sound. Just like in the Disney cartoons! 

Their tails are extremely useful too! When the impalas get frightened by humans, they hide it between their legs and dash towards the forest. As lions nap on a lazy Sunday afternoon, their tails swish from left to right, chasing away tsetse flies which bite anything that's alive with juicy blood veins. The black tip of a lion's tail, is also a guide for baby lions who hasn't fully gained their sight. 

The most fun part of the trip was distinguishing between lions and lionesses, bull and cow, deers and does, cattles and ewes. And of course, male and female giraffes. The patterns of a giraffe differs from one to another, just like a human's fingerprints. But, how do you differentiate between a male and a female giraffe? A hah! This requires skill! All you need to do is, to look at the head of a giraffe. If it has a knob on top of it,, it's a male. If it doesn't, it's a female. Interesting, isn't it? 

How about deers? Only male deers/stags have antlers. Plus, they usually roam around in either bachelors or female groups. During breeding season, a single deer can impregnate up to 50 doe-s! Upon which, he has to look after the whole herd of them! If he doesn't, a stronger and younger deer might usurp him and become the leader.

Oh oh! We saw warthogs, swines and wildebeests too! After this trip, my vocabulary on animals improved tremendously. Watching Lion King will take a whole new dimension!

Buffalo's Skeleton, with larva growing on its horns

Hippos soaking in Rufiji River

Galloping Giraffe

Baobab tree - Largest Tree in Africa. 

It can grow up to 100cm in circumference, where every metre gained is equivalent to its survival of one century. It has a very interesting story too! Check it out here. 

Rains and Relief

From October to December in Tanzania, it rained almost everyday. In Dubai, wipers were almost thought of as an accessory, a decoration, something that a car ought to have, but its function long forgotten. As soon as it rained though, the guide turned on the wiper. Had it not been for this trip to the reserves, its existence would have wiped off my mind, 

In most parts of the world near the Equatorial line, roads are usually wet, even more so in Tanzania. In the suburbs, the roads were unpaved. The ride was muddy and bumpy. Our vehicle got stuck all the time that I learnt how to release it using seat belts, shovels, sticks and strength. Since fuel was scarce, air conditioned was not turned on. Windows were wound down at all times, rain or shine. 

On sunny days, it was great, as the winds were cooling and refreshing. On dusty roads, it was a bane, dust coated every inch of our permeating pores. On rainy days, raindrops flew in, mud splashed in. Sometimes, in the mud, you can even see snakes slithering eerily across. Who knows what other creatures lurks in these thick, murky foundations! 

After 3 days, I've had enough. Bites were beginning to take a toll on me. I didn't want larvae to grow on my skin, or suffer from high fever, with yellow skin for ten years without any cure. I didn't want to hear lizards clicking their tongues and frogs croaking beside my bed. Or imagining some wild animals roaming around our little hut, hunting some poor, helpless animal. Or hear that victim screaming for help. 

On the last day of the trip, I jumped out of bed at 4am, relieved to get back to the cool Dubai with clean, hot water and zero mosquitoes. 

Yes! I finally made it back from Africa, alive! Yes! I did it!

Contemplating Strategies

Muddy Roads with Unpredictable Depths

Dolphins and Fjords in Oman

Ever since I started working offshore in 2006, one of my greatest dreams and desires is to see dolphins. I don't know whether I was teased, or I'm too gullible. People always tell me they spotted dolphins during rig moves and flaring. All I know is light and motion attracts dolphins. It must be true. 

So, when I found out, that the neighbouring country, Oman, harboured dolphins, I was excited! Finally! I would get to see dolphins in the open sea too! Eagerly, when the temperature in the Arabian Gulf dropped to 19 degrees Celcius, I booked a ticket to Musandam with 4 friends, just to see them. 

And the best part? These dolphins were often spotted around fjords! 

"Wait a minute." you might stop me here. 

"What are fjords?"

Ahh... in short, a fjord is an interesting geological feature. It consists of a body of fluid, flowing between valleys. My first love with fjords began when I encountered this term, during a geological field trip. Back then, it was hard for me to visualize it. So, I Googled it, and ended up with this website (here). In some of the photos, both sides of the valleys flourished with green grass and trees. During winter, it'd ocassionally be covered in snow too! 

Naturally, being in the Arabian Gulf, I can't expect the fjords to be pure, snowy white. But I'd expect it to at least have some greens. So, imagine my surprise, when we arrived at the Musandam fjords, only to find it barren from the peak to the foot of the mountains! Not a single plant, tree or flower in sight! The mountains were brown and dry. Even the rocks crumbled, like dried up biscuits. Had I been assigned to work here, I think I would have cried my heart out. 

The land seemed lifeless, save for one or two nearby date plantations, and the immigration at the customs. How could anything possibly survive this harsh terrain? 

Yet, human beings are not to be underestimated. We have thrived and survived throughout centuries of natural and man-made disasters. It has only made us stronger and smarter. So, which leaves us with this question, "Why would anybody want to live here?" 

Oh. I shouldn't let my wandering mind get the better of me. Back to the story. 

Anyhow, despite its barren surface, it surrounding waters are a source of life for aquatic creatures. Here, one spots jelly fish, barracuda, long fishes, short fishes, baby mud fishes, shellfish, sea urchins, plus all those little shells which geologists call gastropods. Which, when buried under thousands of layers of sands, under high pressure, they are compressed and shrinked. Eventually, they become smaller than sand grains, and can only be spotted under a high resolution microscope. Yet, of all creatures, every single one of these animals were present, except for dolphins! 

How could it be? Every one whom I've spoken to, mentioned that they've seen dolphins here. Right here in Musandam. Did the travel agent bring us to the right spot? Did he trick us? Were we even in Musandam? Well, for the moment, I'd give them the benefit of doubt and treat it as another reason to return when the sighting of dolphins are a 100% guarantee. 

Despite one minor misgiving, I'd say the trip was fantastic. I got to soak my insect infested hands and legs into the salt water, killing those imaginary larvae. Got to dive and swim in the deep blue ocean with invisible dolphins. Rode on the banana boat at top speed, under the hot sun, with a magnificent view of the fjords. Sitting cross legged on a cruise, Emirati style, floating on the waters was a unique experience too! Whiling away the time, chatting about hopes, dreams and impending future. 

Ahh... Life, is blissful indeed. What more could one ask for? 

Fjords - Imagine a river flowing between the valley

The Barren Mountain

Eroded - Withstanding the Test of Times

Sparkling Waters - Home to Marine Creatures

Limestones - It's pure white! We think it must be really tight, because none of the fluids can permeate through it. 

Massive, Magnificent Mountains.

Question: Are these sandstone or limestone? 

Layers and layers of mountains, one behind d other... 

Exactly how many are there?

Buildings by the Sea...

Christmas in Dubai

25th December, 2011

After spending most of the UAE public holidays out of Dubai, this Christmas, I decided to utilize it in a different manner - spending it in Dubai. 

And so, on Christmas eve, I opened my eyes, body aching from all d swimming in Oman, only to awake to the realization that I'll be all alone here this Christmas! To top it up, the taxi driver didn't even know how to go to the church I wanted to go to! Huhuhu! Depressed, I watched a really comical movie which only made me cry further. 

Fortunately, my Filipino colleague invited me to spend Christmas with her! So, I happily hopped to the Christmas party venue.

Apparently, Christmas parties for Filipinos are a major event, just like Chinese New Year. Since most are Catholics, they start celebrating it, 9 days earlier! We have booze, lots of food from morning 'til night. And of course, gift exchange and karaoke too! Plus, they broke spontaneously into song, wishing Jesus Happy Birthday! There's even a song that accompanies the gift exchanging session too! And it goes like this:

I love my Monito (Monita) Yes I do!

I love my Monito (Monita) Yes I do!

I love my Monito (Monita) Yes I do!

I love my Monito (Monita) but I won't tell you!


(Which sounds like the melody of Itsy bitsy spider, climbing up the wall...)

View from my friend's Apartment - Al Barsha Side

View from my friend's Apartment - Jebel Ali Side

Nasi Goreng - Indonesian Style

Malt Drink - Really, really bitter, which makes the food taste even better!