Collage Box

I love when people give me those fancy gift boxes, so I was delighted when my parents arrived with two in their suitcase containing gifts. They're so useful for storing all kinds of things, but I didn't want to use a box all year round with 'merry christmas' all over the lid, so I collaged it. I used a couple of magazines and some art gallery leaflets. I think it looks so cool now!

Hunting with the Hadzabe

 Whilst staying near Lake Eyasi we went to visit a group of the Hadzabe tribe, who rely on hunting and gathering. They prepared their bows and then we went with them through the forest, alternating between running and keeping silent. They shot around 6 birds, five of which were small, and a larger one about the size of a pigeon, which they took home for the women to cook. The men we went with were incredibly good hunters and most of the time hit the things they shot at.

Whilst the men were hunting, the women were out gathering roots and edible plants. One stayed behind to watch the youngest children. In the background of this picture you can see a house.

Fun With Stickers!

My parents left. Sometimes it sort of sucks to live on a different continent from all of your family and most of your friends. Obviously it's cool living here, otherwise I wouldn't do it.

I took the opportunity to load up my parents with mail to post from England for me before I left. This is a letter I sent to my friend John. I used up all my good stickers, but I think it was worth it!

My Dad's First 3D Movie

We went to see a 3D movie: Arusha has had them for about a year now. Despite the fact that he lives in the UK it was my Dad's first 3D movie. We watched 'The Life of Pi'. My Dad thought the 3D was pretty cool. We are both wearing the glasses over the top of our glasses.

Safari Njema!

Here in Arusha, where we live, it's the safari capital of the world. Although we've lived here a year and a half, and have been on lots of one day, self drive trips to parks with friends, a week ago we did our first overnight safari. It lasted five days. What prompted us was that my parents came to visit. We went to Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, and also went hunting with the Hadzabe tribe.

It was very cool to sleep in a bed in a tent! Really cosy, but we could feel the night air and hear the crickets. It was my first time to see leopards and cheetahs in the wild. I'd recommend going on safari to anyone. I've lived here for a year and a half, but never in my life have I seen as much open space as I did in the Serengeti.

Safari Njema means to have a good journey in swahili. In swahili a safari means any kind of journey: not just those undertaken in a 4x4 in a national park.

Christmas Trees!

 
After having no Christmas tree the previous two years I really wanted one this year. Jouni made this tree from wire and I made the decorations from felt (except for the heart).

But then also, my brother sent us this lovely tree, compact and made of wood. It came with all the little decorations. I'm so happy with our two trees!