Capturing the Moment

  A young Maasai girl, dressed in intricate beadwork.    I firmly believe that you can't come to Africa and not be totally blown away by the kindness of the people. Everyone we have met has been humble, willing to engage in conversation, and so hospitable. You will meet all kinds of local people working the different jobs on safari and in the lodges. But something that is a must-do when on safari, is to go to a local village, and get a better feel for what life is like. Right now we are in Amboseli National Park which is in the middle of Masai land. The Maasai people are part of the Nilotic ethnic group, believed to have migrated from the Nile Valley region in present-day Sudan and South Sudan between the 15th and 17th centuries. As they moved southward, the Maasai settled in what is now Kenya and northern Tanzania, displacing other groups such as the Kikuyu and farming communities, and establishing their territory on the vast savannahs. This migration allowed them to bec...

  The pond and gazebo at Hollis Henrich's Park. Every week here in Prince William Sound, we get to visit the small fishing town of Cordova. It is quite unique, very beautiful, and not often visited by tour boats. This is definitely an UnCruise kind of stop. We take hard chargers up a mountain, do a historical walking tour with the director of the Cordova Museum, and have time to explore the unique town. Cordova, Alaska, has a rich history shaped by its indigenous roots, strategic location, and economic developments. Here's a quick overview of its history: The tiny, historical town of Cordova, near the Copper River Delta in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Before European contact, the area around Cordova was inhabited by the Eyak people, who thrived on the region's abundant natural resources, particularly its rich fisheries. The Eyak's way of life was closely tied to the land and sea, and they developed a deep knowledge of their environment. The first settlers paddled down ...