We got up at 6 - had breakfast at 6:30 - and left the hotel at 7. We walked to Central Station, bought tickets to Schiphol Airport and then were on the train at 7:25. We arrived at 7:45, checked in and were in the KLM Business Class Lounge by 8. Very efficient.
We loaded on the plane a little after 9 and took off about 10:15, just a few minutes late. A good flight with pretty good food. I watched 2 movies and took a nap and Tim watched movies and TV.
We arrived in Kilimanjaro Airport at 7:45 pm. Tanzania is one hour earlier than Holland but they don't go on daily savings time. So we are now 7 hours prior to Florida time.
We were one of the first in the immigration line and had our Tanzania visas so it was quicker. Our baggage arrived first and we were the first to leave customs. Godson, our guide was waiting for us. We got in the Land Cruiser for the 45 minute ride to our hotel. It is PITCH BLACK out everywhere. Lots of trucks were on the highway that slowed down the traffic several times, but Godson was an experienced driver and got us to the hotel safely.
We got to the Lake Duluti Serena Lodge about 9 pm. We checked in and the porters took us to our cabin (#35). Tips for porters are $1 each. This is in a country where the average annual income is $100!!!! Unbelieveable!
We unpacked a bit and then went to the lounge for a beer and tried Safari Beer. It was good. Then off to bed. We have a beautiful room with mosquito netting around the bed and flower pedals on the pillows. Exotic looking!
It was difficult to see much of the complex tonight since it was so dark. But we are inside a gated compound with guards all over, so we felt very safe.
Off to sleep inside our mosquito netting with the fan running to keep the air circulating (no AC!).
Our safari adventure begins in earnest tomorrow morning at 9 am.
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