Safari Guide Secrets
In this candid interview, James, our longtime lead safari guide in Tanzania, shares his remarkable journey from dreaming of becoming a doctor to finding his true calling in the bush, inspired by an uncle's conservation work and early encounters with tourists near Kilimanjaro.
In this heartfelt interview, James, our top safari guide and longtime partner in Tanzania, opens up about his journey from aspiring doctor to passionate wildlife expert. He shares how an uncle's influence and early glimpses of tourists near Kilimanjaro shifted him from medicine to tourism studies, leading to a life in the bush where he fell in love with nature, cultures, and connecting people to Africa's wild beauty. James reflects on community views (guiding wasn't seen as "real" work early on, but now it's respected for its earnings and global reach), the highs (transforming guests' misconceptions, like a mom who cried tears of joy watching her difficult child bond with him over a soccer ball) and lows (dealing with unrealistic expectations from zoo-like itineraries, tricky personalities, or blame when wildlife doesn't perform on cue). He recounts a heart-pounding rhino charge where quick thinking and vehicle skills saved the day, and emphasizes his role in conservation and cultural bridging, educating locals on tourism's value, tourists on respectful interactions (no handouts that create dependency), and everyone on seeing Africa's people and places authentically. With experience guiding across East Africa (Congo during tough times, Uganda, Kenya, and nearly every Tanzanian park from Serengeti to Katavi), James embodies the ambassador spirit, making safaris more than just animal spotting, they're about understanding, respect, and real connections.
SOME Bullet Points FROM THE VIDEO
Introduction to James In this interview, you'll hear from James, our number one guide and someone we've worked with for many years. He's charismatic in a way that really draws people in, but he's also deeply professional and takes his work to heart. Linda and I asked him a few questions after our last safari while driving back from a site inspection, how he became a guide, the toughest parts of the job, and what keeps him inspired.
How James Became a Safari Guide What led you to become a safari guide?
Originally passionate about medical studies, influenced by family.
An uncle (chief conservator at Ngorongoro) visited and encouraged work in conservation/tourism.
Attended Kilimanjaro High School near tourists, sparking interest in travel.
Studied tourism/travel management and guiding/zoology in college.
After graduation, office work felt unfulfilling, shifted to bush expeditions in East Africa.
Fell in love with nature, cultural exchange, and being the first point of contact for tourists rather than desk-bound.
How Guiding is Viewed in His Community Is there status to being a safari guide?
Early on, grandparents unhappy, guiding seen as "leisure," not real work like medicine, engineering, teaching, or law.
Now highly respected: pays well ("making dollars"), like being a teacher educating the world about Tanzania.
Kids in schools aspire to it (even young Maasai boys we met want tourism college).
Opportunity to meet global people while "traveling the world sitting in the car."
Highs & Lows of Guiding Guests in the Wild What are the highs and lows?
Highs: Deep interactions, changing perceptions (guests arrive with stereotypes like "acacia tree with giraffe," leave renewed, booking repeat trips).
Lows: Difficult personalities over 10+ days with no chemistry; physical/emotional challenges; unrealistic expectations from itineraries/scripts (e.g., "day X: 12 elephants", nature isn't a zoo).
Disappointments when wildlife doesn't appear as promised, remind guests it's natural, not staged (except predictable hippos).
Some guests want silence/photos only, no stories/education, makes James feel undervalued (could just rent a car).
Beauty: Pure, unscripted Africa changes minds.
Most Memorable Guest Moments
American mom with two kids: Mom initially distant, no interaction with kids, James bought soccer ball, played with boy in quiet spot; mom cried watching child bond and open up. Kid glued to him, begged to stay or take James home; mom apologized for preconceptions/stories about Africa.
Recent rhino sighting: Followed separated calf; wind shifted, rhino charged, quick reverse/start of engine narrowly escaped.
The Rhino Encounter He’ll Never Forget
Group spotted rhino (rare in area); followed cautiously.
Wind blew scent toward rhino; it assessed, then charged.
James in lead vehicle, quick remote start, turned away; rhino missed by inches.
"Close to retirement, I’ll never forget that."
Watch the Rhino Encounter Video
How to Be a Better Safari Guest Advice for travelers joining safaris?
Come with open mind—no fixed doctrines/expectations.
Listen to guide (knows ground realities), be led comfortably.
Try new things: Walk local markets/wilderness (see micro-life beyond vehicle).
Accept people/places as they are—perceived "poverty" often isn't (Maasai with 600 cows richer in land/freedom than Western metrics).
Happiness comes from endless plains, not gadgets; avoid judging/changing cultures.
A Guide’s Role in Conservation & Culture
Be positive about country despite issues—ambassador for whole Tanzania, not just tribe.
Understand/embrace ethnic diversity, present positively (e.g., speak well of Maasai despite historical conflicts).
Educate locals: Photos promote culture/wealth; no handouts (candies create dependency/frustration).
Bridge communities/foreign world respectfully—make world better.
Interact kindly, reduce historical discomforts.
Where James Has Guided Across East Africa
Guided in: Congo (during tough times for silverback gorillas), Uganda, Kenya (Masai Mara, Nakuru, Amboseli, cross-country expeditions), Tanzania (Serengeti all sections, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Lake Natron/Oldoinyo Lengai, Mikumi, Ruaha, Katavi, Saadani, Zanzibar, Bagamoyo historical sites). Looking forward to promoting southern/less-visited areas.
Thanks, James, what an inspiring life in the bush!
Join us on Safari at Tahzi Travel - Tahzi Travel Website
Pike Place Market With a Local
Back in 2009 I started Shutter Tours right here in Pike Place Market, and after 16 years I've finally put together this video to show folks not just the famous fish-throwing and gum wall, but the hidden gems and real stories most visitors miss.
I’ve been running Shutter Tours in Pike Place Market since 2009, and he's finally dropping this video he's wanted to make for 16 years. It's a laid-back walking tour that mixes the classic tourist spots like fish-throwing and the gum wall with a bunch of hidden gems, local history, and his personal stories. He covers the Native American roots, how the market started in 1907 to cut out shady middlemen, quirky facts about ghosts and celebrities, plus food stops for donuts, coffee, piroshky, and more. It's basically an insider's guide from a guy whose family has deep Seattle roots.
SOME Bullet Points FROM THE VIDEO
Native American Roots and Early Seattle History
Before the market existed, this waterfront spot was tide flats called Dzidzilalich, a "little crossing over place." It was a pantry and trade route for tribes like the Duwamish and Suquamish, full of salmon, clams, mussels, berries, and crab.
Seattle was founded in 1851 by the Denny Party, who arrived after trekking the Oregon Trail. Chief Seattle helped them learn to hunt and fish, bridging cultures.
The city was named after him in 1853, though he initially resisted because Native tradition avoided saying a chief's name during a year-long mourning period to not disturb the afterlife. He came around and felt proud by the time he passed.
The 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott cost tribes millions of acres, but kept hunting and fishing rights (still valid today).
In 1865, a city ordinance banned Native Americans in town after dark unless working for a white person. Chief Seattle's daughter, Princess Angeline (Kikisoblu), refused to leave. She lived in a small house built by Henry Yesler right on the old waterfront, gathering and selling shellfish and berries.
Edward Curtis photographed her, inspiring his 30-year project documenting Native Americans in a 20-volume set.
She died in the late 1800s, respected with a big funeral, buried in a canoe-shaped coffin at Lakeview Cemetery near Yesler. Some say her ghost lingers on the steps with odd smells.
How Pike Place Market Began
On August 17, 1907, farmers (mostly Italian and Japanese, limited English) got fed up with middlemen charging crazy prices like a dollar a pound for onions. The city let them sell on the corner of First and Pike. Eight farmers showed up first day, sold out by afternoon. Next day, more came. It grew into one of America's longest-running public markets, with 275 businesses, 500 residents, daycare, health center, food bank, low-income housing, senior center—a real city within a city.
It's the 33rd most visited tourist spot globally, beating the Louvre in visitors (though most Louvre folks just snap the Mona Lisa and bounce, similar to fish-throwing here).
Food and Drink Highlights
Storyville Coffee — Top roaster per Wine Enthusiast, better than the big chains, great interior with Edison lights and photos.
Daily Dozen Doughnuts — Fresh hot mini donuts, cinnamon and sprinkles are killer. Get a dozen mixed—better deal. The "donut robot" makes them fresh.
Market Spice — Over 200 teas, signature cinnamon orange brings back childhood memories for Terry.
Piroshky Piroshky — Fast service even with long lines. Uli's jalapeño sausage piroshky is doughy and spicy—pair with a drink.
Pike Place Chowder — #1 dish on Yelp (New England clam chowder), order online to skip lines, great Dungeness crab roll in season.
Falafel King — Yacob works nonstop, authentic shawarma, falafel, baklava—super reasonable.
Other mentions: Athenian (Sleepless in Seattle filming spot), Market Grill (best wild sockeye salmon sandwich), Pure Foods Fish (top smoked salmon), Jack's Fish Spot (solid fish and chips), Le Panier (baguettes and macarons).
Hidden Gems and Quirky Spots
Secret Garden — Rooftop veggie garden feeding residents (many in the LaSalle Hotel), quieter views of Elliott Bay, ferries, Seattle Wheel.
Secret Library — Cozy spot near the fish-throwers, good Seattle/Northwest books, $5 day pass (cash or online), nice reading room and gum wall view.
Gum Wall — Started in early 90s when theatergoers stuck gum outside instead of on seats. City tried cleaning in 2015 (350 pounds gone), but it keeps growing. Gross but iconic, cool art details nearby.
Pike Place Fish Throwing — Started because owner John Yokoyama got tired of walking around the counter. "World Famous" sign helped blow it up. Stunt fish entertains crowds, then feeds wolves at Wolf Haven. Fun fact: Axl Rose supposedly slipped and hit his head there once.
Original Starbucks — Not the very first spot (that was nearby on Western and Virginia, moved after a 1976 fire). Current one at 1912 Pike Place has the old siren logo, no food sold to avoid competing with other vendors.
Other cool bits: Ghost stories (Princess Angeline, Arthur Goodwin at Ghost Alley Espresso), Pink Door restaurant (trapeze acts, hard to get in), Kashiba (high-end sushi), market tiles from 1980s fundraiser to save the place (even one from Heaven's Gate cult), no cars on lower streets now except vendors.
Terry wraps it up saying the market's more than the big attractions—it's a living spot with history and locals. Six generations of his family love it. Solid tour if you're heading there.
Bull Jumping in Africa
This video captures the raw intensity and profound beauty of the Hamar bull jumping ceremony in Ethiopia's Omo Valley, a centuries-old rite where a young man leaps over bulls to prove his manhood, surrounded by vibrant dances, horn music, and a controversial yet deeply meaningful whipping ritual where women voluntarily bear scars as lifelong badges of loyalty and sacrifice.
Linda and I share our unforgettable experience witnessing the Hamar tribe's bull jumping ceremony in Ethiopia's Omo Valley. This rite of passage marks a young man's transition to adulthood, filled with vibrant dancing, music, community celebration, and intense rituals. They describe the women's elaborate adornments, the emotional whipping tradition as a show of loyalty, the jumper's preparation and daring leaps over lined-up bulls, plus their own reactions to the chaos and cultural depth. It's a mix of awe, respect, and some discomfort with certain elements, all wrapped in deep tribal significance.
The Ceremony Begins: Community Gathering
The day starts as a big communal event with family and friends traveling from afar. It celebrates culture and identity, not just the young man's jump.
Hamar women dress in colorful beads, ochre, goatskin skirts, and ankle bells.
They prepare by singing, dancing, and creating an energetic atmosphere.
Start of Ceremony
The mood builds with powerful energy from the women.
Women dance in circles, jump, play Woga horns, clap rhythmically, and chant.
This heightens the emotional and cultural weight of what follows.
The Whipping Tradition: Show of Loyalty and Sacrifice
One of the most controversial parts for outsiders is the whipping.
Women from the jumper's family demand to be whipped by the Maza (men who recently completed the ceremony).
They endure it voluntarily as a demonstration of loyalty, support, and sacrifice.
Scars become lifelong symbols of love and devotion; in the future, showing scars can obligate the man to help them.
Not everyone is whipped—pregnant women and some young nervous girls are turned away respectfully.
The women show pride in participating, even if it causes pain; some continue dancing afterward with stoic strength.
Dancing with the Bulls
Women fearlessly dance among and with the bulls.
They show no fear while interacting closely with the animals.
This adds to the intense, celebratory vibe.
Preparation by the Men
The young jumper gets support from other men.
They help him mentally and physically prepare.
He stands naked among the bulls to get accustomed to them.
He appears nervous at times, confident at others.
Face painting and rituals separate him and add spiritual elements.
The Dangers and Tension
Being near the bulls brings real risk.
Bulls can break through crowds unexpectedly.
Terry shares a funny yet scary moment when a bull charged, leading to a quick dash behind a tree.
And It Begins: The Bull Jumping
The climax arrives quickly after hours of buildup.
Tradition requires jumping across the backs of lined-up bulls (often 7-10 castrated ones) at least four times without falling.
The jumper must show strength, agility, and focus.
Maternal-side women hold sticks high for good luck and blessings while dancing and singing.
If successful, he earns his place among the men and can marry.
If he falls, he may wait for another chance.
The actual jumping is fast—six leaps or so—then the bulls scatter, and the celebration continues.
Linda and Terry's Reflections
Months later, they reflect on the trip.
It felt amazing, beautiful, exciting, and full of culture, music, and dance.
The horns, bells, and women's outfits fascinated them.
The whipping was hard to watch from a Western perspective but earned respect once understood as voluntary cultural pride and devotion.
Terry notes the jumper's stoic focus and support from previous Maza men.
The women's fearless dancing with bulls stood out as particularly impressive.
A chaotic bull charge added personal adrenaline.
Overall, an unforgettable adventure they highly recommend sharing experiences about.
Motar - Corn vendor on Gili T.
This short, fun video shows me discovering one of Lombok's best street food surprises: fresh grilled corn topped with mustard from Mutar's blue bicycle cart. Join me as I meet the friendly vendor, try both garlic butter and mustard versions for the first time, and react to how unexpectedly delicious the tangy, salty combo turns out to be. A perfect example of why street food adventures in Indonesia are so rewarding—simple, authentic, and full of flavor!
Terry here. While exploring the beautiful island of Gili Trawangan ("Gili T"), the largest and most popular of three small islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, I stumbled across this fantastic little street food cart run by a friendly guy named Motar. He was grilling fresh corn on his blue bicycle cart, and when he offered it with mustard (and garlic butter as an option), I had to give it a try since I'd never had corn like that before. The video captures our fun chat, the excitement of trying something new, and my genuine reaction to how surprisingly delicious it turned out. It's one of those simple, joyful travel moments that make you love street food even more.
Meeting Motar and Ordering the Corn
I introduced myself right away and started filming the experience.
Motar greeted me warmly and asked if I wanted corn with mustard.
I said yes, since I'd never tried it that way before.
No ketchup allowed, just pure mustard, which made it even more intriguing.
The Preparation and Options
Motar got right to work heating up the corn.
He offered two toppings: garlic butter and mustard (he called the mustard version special).
We decided to try both so I could compare.
The corn looked perfectly grilled with that nice char.
First Bites and My Reaction
The moment I tried it, I was hooked.
Started with the garlic butter version, super hot and full of flavor.
Then the mustard one: I let Motar take the first bite to show how it's done.
My turn: I filmed my reaction because it was way better than I expected.
The combination of sweet corn, tangy mustard, and that salty kick was incredible, nothing like what I imagined.
Why You Should Seek This Out
This little cart is a hidden gem on Lombok.
Look for Motar's blue bicycle corn cart (he has a cool shirt too).
It's simple street food done right,fresh, hot, and full of personality.
Moments like this are why I love slow travel and chatting with locals.
POV Street Photography - HoI An Vietnam
This video takes you along for a day of street photography in the magical town of Hoi An, Vietnam, where colorful markets, ancient streets, and everyday life provide endless inspiration. Shot mostly in black and white for a timeless vibe, I share candid moments, camera tips like using monochrome preview in RAW, and a funny (but slightly stressful) lesson about getting shortchanged by a local vendor.
I was in the heart of Bangkok at the Pan Pacific Norland Hotel, soaking up the city and reflecting on my recent stop in Hoi An, Vietnam. I put together this fun little video sharing some of my street photography adventures there. Hoi An is such a photogenic town with endless opportunities around every corner, especially in the bustling markets and colorful streets. Most of the shots I ended up loving were converted to black and white for that timeless feel, and I walk you through the process, a few camera tips, some funny (and slightly stressful) moments like chasing down a woman who shortchanged me, and why slow travel in a place like this really lets you capture authentic scenes.
Arriving in Hoi An and First Impressions
I switched to shooting on my iPhone for some quick clips while wandering.
Watched local women burning paper offerings right in the middle of the market.
It creates interesting light and atmosphere, even if I'm not sure if it's purely for offerings or just clearing out unwanted items.
Exploring the Busy Market
The market in Hoi An is packed with life and perfect for street photography.
Vendors selling fresh fish, vegetables, and all kinds of goods.
Shot with an 85mm lens, which keeps me a respectful distance while still getting intimate portraits.
Daytime is prime time here for natural light and candid opportunities.
Navigating the Streets Safely
Pedestrians definitely take second place to motorbikes and cars.
Listen for horns and stay alert—it's chaotic but adds to the energy.
Found great backdrops like colorful walls and buildings that frame people perfectly.
A Rookie Mistake and a Money Mishap
I made a couple of classic travel photography errors.
Forgot to format my memory card from my last Africa trip, so it filled up quickly and I missed some shots.
Gave a woman 50,000 dong for a photo expecting 20,000 back in change—she kept it all and wasn't happy when I followed her to ask.
It was only about two dollars, but it taught me to carry small bills, keep bags zipped and locked, and never leave valuables unsecured.
The whole interaction got caught on video, which turned into a good public service reminder about staying vigilant.
Camera Settings for Street Shooting
I shared a peek at how I set up my Nikon for these conditions.
Use monochrome picture control in-camera while shooting RAW so I can preview contrast and tones in black and white.
This gives me a good sense of how the final image will look without committing to JPEG.
Typical settings: ISO 250, f/6.3, 1/1000 shutter speed to freeze motion and keep everything sharp.
I carry multiple cards (120GB, 64GB, 32GB) and always format before a new session, plus back up daily to external drives.
Finding the Perfect Backdrop
Some spots just call out for portraits.
Spotted a beautiful wall and waited for people to walk by.
Got lucky with a few ladies who posed together after I asked.
Paid a bit more than planned for one bread vendor shot, but the backdrop made it worth it.
Sometimes you have to be a little sneaky—hold the camera up and hope for the best.
Wrapping Up in Hoi An
I spent time just hanging out, getting into the rhythm of the town.
Slow travel lets you notice little details and build connections.
Met a friendly 72-year-old local who chatted with me while I filmed.
Ended up with maybe 45 photos total, and three or four real keepers that I'm proud of.