From Europe to Africa in America - A Sisters' Expedition

[Flossbolna]

Hi everyone! The weekend is over - a lot of hard work while it was 90 degrees outside (and the same inside due to the lack of air conditioning). But we saw many lovely and enthusiastic kids which I feel will be great ambassadors for Germany in their host countries!

Nice to hear from you again and glad you had a wonderful weekend! Good for you for volunteering with your student exchange organization .

I was a volunteer local director which included student screening, family match and placement. I met our students at the airport with their host families and watched over them during their stay. Our family also hosted for a few years. No paid positions other than the organization director. It is a wonderful opportunity for students and host families.

Enjoy your weekend and we'll look forward to an update when time permits.

I am so amazed about how many different things you did in your life! I think the idea of youth exchange is a great way to create understanding of different cultures and I love it when people volunteer for it. Katharina, her DH and I both volunteer as counsellors for exchange students coming to Germany as well. Here in Germany it is organized a bit different, a lot of the administrative tasks are centralized in our national office and we just have one or two students and their host family for which we are the general contact for all their issues. This also includes visiting the family before a student is placed with them, several visits during the year etc. I guess that's pretty similar to what you did.

I didn't realize that. Did we talk about that before? We hosted when I was in 7th grade...that's how I got my Belgian brother Bart, who Judy and I visited in my flashback TR in my PTR. I still remember my family being interviewed before we were selected as a host family. That was 30+ years ago.

Take your time with the updates....we'll be here!

Yes, we talked about it on your PTR or my PTR... I guess I was better in remembering that fact because you also posted a TR about your visit with your former exchange student.

My year in Denmark was 1989/90! It was very exciting, I got to experience the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification from abroad.

Lots going on in your world right now! Don't worry, we all patiently (sometimes) wait for each other, don't we! I imagine when I get back it'll take some time to settle in

I can only try to imagine how much you will have on your plate once you get back from WDW!

it's always ok to take time out to watch the world cup!

I think that's wonderful you are both still involved with the exchange program. What a wonderful way to give back!

Yes, and Germany did extremely well so far!! 4:1 against England (not the UK, England has their own team in soccer) and 4:0 against Argentina! We are going to play Spain the semi-final now. We lost against them in the final of the European Championship two years ago...

I think Katharina and I just really enjoy meeting lots of young people from all over the world as well as young Germans looking forward to go out to explore the world. And besides that the volunteers from the organization are a great community and fun to be around! :

 

[Flossbolna]

The break was at the right moment and it was nice to sit down, get a drink and something to eat. We all shared one table and were served a platter of danishs and muffins (all split in half) and there was a bowl of fresh fruit as well. And we had the chance for a potty break!

Afterwards we moved over to Africa:

I really like the theming there...

Here we visited the Pangani Forest Trail. This is a camp that is set up by a famous researcher and her students. They try to make it very educational with signs and such, but you also walk through their camp and living quarters.

We entered it from the exit in order to meet up with another animal keeper. At the exit I took a picture of this sign which is a good example for how this trail is set up:

We walked past the gorillas:

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There is a map of the two different groups of gorillas, the bachelors on one side and the family on the other side:

Actually, on the bachelor side, there is also a walkway at the other side of their habitat. This is the path you take when exiting the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. If some of the bachelor choose to hang out on the other side of the hill in their habitat, you will be able to see them there. So it isn't an additional enclosure, but actually gives them the possibility to roam around. And it also enables the bachelors which tend to get into fights with each other to get out of each others sight!

In between you come across the student's sleeping quarters. When you are there the next time, check out these bunk beds and you realize that the guy sleeping on top is quite different from the one sleeping on the bottom bunk!

There are also some trunks standing around with interesting advertisements on them. I am not so sure I want to try economy camping!!

There is also a lake with fish:

The animal keeper we met was in charge of the birds. He told us about how they work and then also started to call the birds with a whistle and started to throw out some bird feed. If you are thinking of seeds and such now, you are wrong, it was a small cup full of insects and maggots.

But the birds came and there are some really colourful ones to be found here:

This old trunk is interesting: It is not a real old tree, but rather a Disney tree. It is actually a feeding station for the birds: the put insects, worms and such inside and when they start crawling out through the holes, the birds will come and eat them. This way they are still being fed as close to their natural behaviour.

These ducks were really cute, too:

Continued in Part 2

 

[Flossbolna]

Right at the entrance to the trail (i.e. where we exited) there is an okapi. The okapi normally does not live in East Africa where Harambe is. So there had to be an explanation for it. Here is a picture of the okapi and the explanation:

This is finally the real entrance to the trail with another educational sign:

And here we also saw the other side of the gorilla habitat:

This was the end of our tour. It was supposed to be three hours and we ran over a tiny bit. We finished a bit before 11:45 am. We were asked to fill out a survey on how we liked the tour (we gave it very high marks!) and we received a pin:

I would really recommend the tour very highly to everyone interested in the design of the parks. I found it extremely interesting despite having read a lot about it. Of course there were certain things that I already knew. But it also helped me a lot to actually slow down and take the time to just look at things. I also really liked the balance of pure theming aspects as well as animal care and then how theming and animal care work together – even for the benefit of the animals. Also, three hours don't leave you too exhausted and there is a small break in an airconditioned restaurant.

I really enjoyed the tour very much. I learned a lot of interesting things, not only about imagineering, but also about the animals and how they are treated. I recommend this tour to everyone, who likes AK as you get to know so many details about the park.
I think, we were very lucky to be able to afford the tour! For me personally there are two more things I enjoyed, besides the actual tour:
1. Magdalene, although my walking encyclopedia on all things Disney, heard things that were interesting and new to her. Before we went on the tour, I was afraid it might be boring for her
2. There were only two other people on the tour, and they were nice, easy to get along with people for me European girl on my third day in the US. I had been a little bit afraid of this first “intense” contact with natives.



Since the tour ended right next to the Safari, we picked up a fastpass for that and walked over to EE to use our fastpass over there. On the way there we met DiVine who was just coming out of the gate:

We watched very briefly. And while it is very admirably how she moves so slowly, it really isn't my kind of entertainment. So I was happy to have seen her and to move on.

On the way back to the Safari from EE Katharina decided that we needed a snack and for whatever reason she really wanted to get the eggrolls. Since I never had them, I was fine and so we ended splitting one eggroll. The place selling them is on the walkway from Asia to Africa quite close to the Flights of Wonder show. There are also some seating areas at the water which were quite nice.

This is the eggroll and a diet coke:

I don't have any notes on how the eggroll tasted, but I remember not being very impressed. It was not very crisp, rather a bit soggy. Not to fatty, but from water. Not like eggrolls that you can get here in Germany.

While we waited to be served there was a college program cast member in training working on the trail (I think he was cleaning, but am not sure). He was really excited and told some other guests that he had just started the college program and that he was studying German in college. I was very tempted to start a conversation with him, but just when he stopped talking to these other guests, we were being served and he disappeared.

We saw very many college program CMs earning their ears while we were there. End of January seems to be the time they start their program.

Once we had gotten our snack it was time for the safari. This time we had the most wonderful safari guide. He really made a point of acting out the spiel and did this very convincingly. I noticed that he had those marks on his name tag that show that he has been with WDW for a number of years. And he really seemed to truly enjoy his job! I was trying to catch his name when we exited because he was someone I wanted to leave a positive comment for. But I did not manage to see his tag...

After the long safari ride we realized that half an eggroll really wasn't a proper lunch. So we decided to head back to Flame Tree to try another menu item which we were interested in. But first we quickly stopped on the Africa bridge for a photo:

This time we got the pulled pork – again to share!

Normally this comes with beans. Since Katharina did not enjoy the beans yesterday I suggested getting the coleslaw instead. That was no problem at all. We really enjoyed the pork a lot. It was very flavourful and moist. Today I found both types of bbq-sauces and really loved the hot one. Unfortunately the sandwich seemed to have been sitting around for quite some time already since the bread had become a bit too moist as well – you could also call it soggy. But I still really liked this and now have a serious problem: there are two menu items which I really want to eat at Flame Tree!!

Fortified by this late lunch we finally exited AK, but not without getting a few more photopass pictures.

On the way back we became adventurous and decided to get off at Kidani to explore a bit. For whatever reason (I guess tiredness) I did not take any pictures. But we checked out the lobby and the pool. The pool looked wonderful and it was actually a rather warm day. We were debating back and forth whether we should go back to Jambo to get our stuff and return to the pool. But in the end we decided to stick with our plan of heading to DHS before our ADR for dinner at the California Grill.

We walked back from the Kidani pool to our room in Jambo House. It took us about 10 minutes and was quite ok. But it was mostly in the sun and those garages you walk by really aren't very pretty. I think it isn't a walk I would want to do on a regular basis.

With hindsight I think we both regretted it a bit that we did not make it to the pool that day. But who would know that this was our only real chance for some pool time in a 9 day trip?

Still we had a brief break on the balcony with a drink in our refillable mugs and a fruit salad from Mara. Katharina even had a brief nap.

And we got a surprise in our room as well:

Now we already had three little critters:

Next: Chapter 14: Dipping into DHS on the way to the Top of the World

 

[eandesmom]

That tour really sounds incredible and I love your retelling of it, I feel like I'm there with you both!

The pin is beautiful.

I don't think I've ever seen a full shot of Devine like that, she looks like she is on stilts! Very tall!

Yes, Germany is doing quite well in the World Cup, it's been fun to watch. Not so fun since we got out but still, quite fun!

Fun interspersed with some bad refereeing and loud horns.



I have heard that the walk between Kidani and Jambo, and those garages is pretty ugly.

 

[mebbradley]

Great update!

I leave for Berlin in two weeks from today! I'm so excited!

 

[Flossbolna]

That tour really sounds incredible and I love your retelling of it, I feel like I'm there with you both!

The pin is beautiful.

I don't think I've ever seen a full shot of Devine like that, she looks like she is on stilts! Very tall!

Yes, Germany is doing quite well in the World Cup, it's been fun to watch. Not so fun since we got out but still, quite fun!

Fun interspersed with some bad refereeing and loud horns.



I have heard that the walk between Kidani and Jambo, and those garages is pretty ugly.

Thanks! I really hope that I am not taking too much away from anyone who might want to take it as well and there are many things I did not mention on purpose. It was a great tour!

I am sure Devine is on stilts. You are right, most people take pictures of the details. I have seen full pictures of her before, but since you mentioned it, I realized that they are pretty rare...

Well, so far Germany has been rather on the lucky side of the bad refereeing (I did not know that this could be used as verb as well!) I just don't get it why the FIFA is so much against using video as proof for what really happened.

Great update!

I leave for Berlin in two weeks from today! I'm so excited!

I hope we will have beautiful summer weather for you!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Lovely update! I really like the blouse you are wearing; so feminine and Disney, too!

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks! I really hope that I am not taking too much away from anyone who might want to take it as well and there are many things I did not mention on purpose. It was a great tour!

Not at all! It made me want to go! Not in the budget this trip but something I'd love to do when we are a smaller group.

I am sure Devine is on stilts. You are right, most people take pictures of the details. I have seen full pictures of her before, but since you mentioned it, I realized that they are pretty rare...

I had NO idea she was so tall and I loved the shot, she looked much more vine-like!

Well, so far Germany has been rather on the lucky side of the bad refereeing (I did not know that this could be used as verb as well!) I just don't get it why the FIFA is so much against using video as proof for what really happened.

I don't either, it causes unnecessary drama if you ask me. I was glad Germany ended up winning far and square against England as they were robbed of that one goal. One could argue it changed their energy and game but given the final score it left a lot less room for argument. We however were on the unlucky side. More than once!

Huge bummer.

 

[swwake]

That tour sounds awesome, and I don't think I've ever done that trail. It doesn't look familiar to me.

I love that you got to see DeVine. I have always wanted to see her but haven't found her.

Being originally from Memphis, this girl loves some pork BBQ. I might have to try Flame Tree and see how it stacks up.

 

[LuccaDrake]

The tour seemed really interesting, thanks for sharing! I also enjoyed the hidden coleslaw Mickey in the pulled pork picture. Was that on purpose?

~Beka~

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The tour sounds great - so glad you included it and the photos. May I ask how you booked the Tour and how far in advance? It is only for AKL guests? Thanks! (perhaps this was already explained and I missed it )

Excellent update, Magdelene!

(p.s. I'm 62 yrs young, so have had lots of time to have many life experiences! ;0 )

 

[Lady Lallie]

The tour sounds so enjoyable. I am going to keep it mind for future trips for sure. The pin is pretty as well.

I am a huge huge fan of pulled pork like that and love the stuff at Flame Tree BBQ.

 

[Flossbolna]

Not at all! It made me want to go! Not in the budget this trip but something I'd love to do when we are a smaller group.

Yes, the tour is not that sheap and with a larger group that certainly adds up! Also, you have to be at least 14 to go on the tour, so the Es would still be to young now anyway I think?

I don't either, it causes unnecessary drama if you ask me. I was glad Germany ended up winning far and square against England as they were robbed of that one goal. One could argue it changed their energy and game but given the final score it left a lot less room for argument. We however were on the unlucky side. More than once!

Huge bummer.

I am sorry for that! I remember that I was really rather impressed with the first game your team played against England. And you are right, I was really glad that Germany managed to continue playing a good game against England to prove that they did not need that one goal. And in a way it was seen as a bit of a "revenge" for the "Wembley-Goal" which was a ghost goal that was given to England in the 1966 World Cup final and which decided the game. It is still a huge thing in German - English footbal relations. Wikipedia describes it quite well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_goal

That tour sounds awesome, and I don't think I've ever done that trail. It doesn't look familiar to me.

I love that you got to see DeVine. I have always wanted to see her but haven't found her.

The trails of AK are a true treasure! You should really take your time to explore them! DeVine can normally be found on trail between Africa and Asia behind the Tree of Life. If you go to AK on Steve Soares website (http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/) he lists her times.

Being originally from Memphis, this girl loves some pork BBQ. I might have to try Flame Tree and see how it stacks up.

Oh, I am not sure how it compares to the real stuff! But I liked it.

The tour seemed really interesting, thanks for sharing! I also enjoyed the hidden coleslaw Mickey in the pulled pork picture. Was that on purpose?

~Beka~

Yes, the hidden Mickey was on purpose. On my first dining review I realized that the plates in one picture made a hidden Mickey and since then I love to organize my pictures so that they have hidden Mickey! It's great that you spotted it!

The tour sounds great - so glad you included it and the photos. May I ask how you booked the Tour and how far in advance? It is only for AKL guests? Thanks! (perhaps this was already explained and I missed it )

Excellent update, Magdelene!

(p.s. I'm 62 yrs young, so have had lots of time to have many life experiences! ;0 )

Thanks! It's always great to hear that people enjoy what I write! Our travel agent booked the tour for us, but according to allears, reservations can be made by calling 1-407-WDW-TOUR (1-407-939-8687) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. You will need to reserve your tour with a credit card. You don't have stay at any WDW resort to take this tour, it is open to everyone. And I don't think you need to book far in advance. We were at AK for rope drop for two mornings (besides the tour) and both times we saw the tourgroup and I think it was never more than 8 people or so. However, it is only offered on Thursdays and Fridays

The tour sounds so enjoyable. I am going to keep it mind for future trips for sure. The pin is pretty as well.

I am a huge huge fan of pulled pork like that and love the stuff at Flame Tree BBQ.

The pin was really a very nice pin, much better than the one we got on the Keys to the Kingdom Tour in my opinion!

 

[All7OfUs]

OK, can someone make a guess on what the lady in the brown capris is DOING?? Is she getting ready to throw her Coke?? I just can't make a guess!

In between you come across the student's sleeping quarters. When you are there the next time, check out these bunk beds and you realize that the guy sleeping on top is quite different from the one sleeping on the bottom bunk!

Bottom one for me, please!!

There is also a lake with fish:

LOVELY! Aviaries are GREAT!!! As are fish habitats!

 

[englishrose47]

subbing will catch up later !!

 

[If U Had Wings]

The tour sounds just wonderful. I love all the little details that you picked up. I think AK is truly the best themed park of the 4. All the little details just add so much to everything there.

 

[englishrose47]

Sorta caught up !! That Tour of AK looks very interesting !!! Mmmm maybe for one of my FREE Trips I can convince them to do it !!!

 

[Flossbolna]

subbing will catch up later !!

I always meant to tell you that I really love your avatar!

The tour sounds just wonderful. I love all the little details that you picked up. I think AK is truly the best themed park of the 4. All the little details just add so much to everything there.

I always find new things to explore at AK! The tour is fantastic and I can really recommend it! For me it is always difficult to give up prime touring ime in the morning, but since I normally do longer WDW vacations, I feel ok for missing out on rope drop one morning...

Sorta caught up !! That Tour of AK looks very interesting !!! Mmmm maybe for one of my FREE Trips I can convince them to do it !!!

It is a fantastic tour!! And if your FREE trip would mean that you would get the tour for free, that would be even better!

 

[glennbo123]

In between you come across the student's sleeping quarters. When you are there the next time, check out these bunk beds and you realize that the guy sleeping on top is quite different from the one sleeping on the bottom bunk!

I've never noticed this!

This was the end of our tour. It was supposed to be three hours and we ran over a tiny bit. We finished a bit before 11:45 am. We were asked to fill out a survey on how we liked the tour (we gave it very high marks!) and we received a pin:

The tour sounds great! I might have to try that someday. Nice pin too!

2. There were only two other people on the tour, and they were nice, easy to get along with people for me European girl on my third day in the US. I had been a little bit afraid of this first “intense” contact with natives.

You are too cute Katharina!

Since the tour ended right next to the Safari, we picked up a fastpass for that and walked over to EE to use our fastpass over there. On the way there we met DiVine who was just coming out of the gate:

We watched very briefly. And while it is very admirably how she moves so slowly, it really isn't my kind of entertainment. So I was happy to have seen her and to move on.

That's all I did too. I don't know how long you can stand there and watch her.

In this picture it looks like Katharina's Minnie is looking up at Magdalene!

With hindsight I think we both regretted it a bit that we did not make it to the pool that day. But who would know that this was our only real chance for some pool time in a 9 day trip?

Tell me about it! You think that you'll have more than enough time, but somehow it evaporates!

 

[Flossbolna]

I've never noticed this!

One student appears to be more studious than the other...

That's all I did too. I don't know how long you can stand there and watch her.

I am a bit relieved, that I am not the only one! But I have read reports of people who claim to have watched here move around for quite some time.

In this picture it looks like Katharina's Minnie is looking up at Magdalene!

I hadn't noticed that! We were actually wearing our version of "matching t-shirts" that day: both of us had Minnie on the t-shirt!

Tell me about it! You think that you'll have more than enough time, but somehow it evaporates!

Well, we also had another problem. You will see the day after the next one what I am talking about! So probably you will read about it in three months time...