Off I go! Packing light is the way to do it! (Tanesia Brazington)
I began my journey at 8 a.m in Missoula on Friday and arrived at 8 a.m in the Amsterdam Airport on Saturday. The journey brightened half way through as I was able to meet my best friend in Dulles and finish my flight with her.
The wind was blowing! We finally got a picture in though. (Tanesia Brazington)
We ended up taking a nap at the hotel on Saturday afternoon and then went out to see Christmas lights in the city and get some dinner. There is a fun Dutch specialty called "bitterballen." It is little balls of meat that has been breaded and deep fried then served with sauce. It can also be breaded cheese. I ate my fill that Saturday night and couldn't get enough! If you would like to try bitter ballen visit "Bar Bitterballen" as they have more choices than any other restaurant in Amsterdam.
Stayed in the Hyatt Regency in Amsterdam. Great hotel! (Tanesia Brazington)
Sunday morning was fantastic as we met up with Freedam Tours for our free city tour. They have sign ups available online and no registration fee is required. They simply ask that you give the guide a good tip. Our guide's name was Mike and he was fantastic! We walked through the city with him learning about the local culture and history. The tour brought so much depth and perspective to my time in Amsterdam that I can't imagine my trip without it.
Food! (Tanesia Brazington)
We made our way to boat around 3 pm and ended up staying on board the rest of the evening relaxing and enjoying our fantastic 4 course dinner.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
