tarangire, part 1

How do I possibly put into words... the day and the emotions wrapped around it? Beyond spectacular? Amazingly awesome? All that... and more. If I had to go home tomorrow, I would leave with a smile.

We squished in, the six of us, for the very first game drive. It was important for my Mom to have us all together, at least this first time. Shoes off, standing on the seats so that we could be out the top of the Land Rover, and holding on for dear life... we sped out onto the rutted road in a storm of dust. The sun was warm on my face and the wind whipped my hair all about, leaving me wondering why I spent an ounce of energy on bemoaning no hair dryer. I squealed as the wildebeests and zebras crossed the road... and reminded myself I wasn't in Animal Kingdom anymore.

Several times during the afternoon I would stop and just take in the magnificent view, and my heart spoke pinch me, we are really here in this very real place. And then... I would squeeze my eyes shut, to hold back the tears, and purse my lips to stop the gasp and sob that lurched in my throat.
There seemed to be no end to the life around us. Herds of zebra and wildebeests, elephants and warthogs and monkeys... and the most beautiful view down river.

My heart spoke again this is the best day ever... but when my voice tried to speak aloud, it came out in sobs while I was wrapped in my Mother's arms.