This morning started with breakfast at 8 am well, more like 8:30 in reality. Time here runs a little differently, but I kind of love it. Breakfast was a mix of random things: some kind of egg bread thing I couldn’t even explain if I tried, potatoes, watermelon, crepes, scrambled eggs, and mango juice boxes. Super random, but pretty good.

After eating, we had a bit of time before leaving at 9:30, so I went back to my room, braided my hair, and threw on my safari hat ready for the anti-poaching hike we were supposed to do. Our first stop ended up being another branch of the Wildlife Management (TAWA), where we had a short talk about the Ngorongoro Crater. One of the speakers was from a Maasai tribe, which was really cool, so I asked a few questions about both the crater and the tribes. It was still pouring rain though, so the hike ended up being cancelled.

Instead, we visited another glass making place, similar to the first one we saw. It was also run to support people with disabilities, which I think is amazing. They taught us more Swahili sign language and the alphabet. It always feels so welcoming and genuine there. We got to walk through the different things they make like clothes, bags, jewelry, etc. and we ended at the glass making station where we watched them make wine glasses right in front of us.

One of the guys who makes necklaces gave each of us a heart-shaped glass necklace. He was so sweet, and we ended up taking a picture with him. As a small way to support them, we all decided to buy cookies from their little café before we left.

Next stop was the currency exchange, and while I was swapping out my money, the woman gave me African hard candies, one peach flavoured and one milk flavoured.

Lunch was at a local restaurant where we had chicken, rice, salad, and a vegetable sauce. We asked if they had fufu because we’d heard about it and wanted to try it. And they did! It had a soft, doughy texture and kind of tasted like plain mashed potatoes. No strong flavour on its own, but it went well with the veggie sauce. Satisfied the TikTok cravings.

Since the hike was cancelled, we had some extra time, so we went back to the African art museum and did more shopping in their giant gift shop. Then we headed back to the hotel, where we started packing up our suitcases for tomorrow’s visit to the Maasai tribes. The rain kept coming down, so i was feeling kind of tired. I hung out with Ellie and Phoebe before dinner.

Dinner was mashed potatoes, beef, spaghetti, and vegetables.

My quotes of the day were at the glass factory:
“When deeds speak, words are nothing.”
“The highest form of wisdom is kindness.”
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”