Mt. Meru Hotel
Our days fell into a relaxed rhythm, following the shade around the resort...
1/7/25
Two Gentlemen in Arusha
1/13/2025
There’s a book (and TV mini-series) titled “A Gentleman in Moscow,” about a man forced by circumstance to live in a Moscow hotel. Jeff Palmer and I recreated this scenario when our expedition to Kilimanjaro took an abrupt turn, and we found ourselves living in the beautiful Mt. Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania for nine days, awaiting the arrival of my pal's wife, who would be joining us for our planned three day safari.
Mt. Meru Hotel
...taking photos around the grounds ...
Mt. Meru Hotel
...waiting for the pool to open, and getting to know the staff...
Mt. Meru Hotel
Calvin, our breakfast server...
Mt. Meru Hotel
...Edgar and the desk staff, and the gang of three doormen, Joseph, Michael, and Exaud, became our friends away from home, and made our stay much more enjoyable.
Around Arusha
We hired Sarah, one of the guides who carried our gear down from Kilimanjaro, to take us on a "local's view" tour of Arusha.
Around Arusha
It started with a ride in one of the ubiquitous "Dollah Cabs..."
Around Arusha
...included the local market...
Around Arusha
...a visit with a dude who called himself "The Spice Man..."
Around Arusha
...and a haircut. If you know anything about my travel habits, you know I always try to get my hair cut when I'm in a strange (to me) new place. It's such a wonderful way to get a peek into the real world. Barber “Nicky” lit up when he heard my accent, and dashed away to return with the Old Glory apron. I saluted and cracked him up.