At the Farm

 And so to Fox's Farm...!

 It was such a lovely holiday- a real break from Dodoma: it is everything that Dodoma isn't: hilly, cool weather, green, full of lakes and dams and water, mosquito-free, lots of opportunities for outdoor activity. In fact, it is a bit like going on holiday to Europe! It felt like a lovely change from everyday life. It was also a complete rest, as it is full-board, which means no market trips, shopping, cooking or cleaning up for me! :-)

The views outside our holiday cottage were stunning:

 Esther felt VERY grown up on this holiday, as she shared a chalet with Auntie Claire and lived next door to the "boys" (plus Mum!), whose cabin was situated a little further down the hill. The "girls" had a lovely, civilised chalet, free from toy cars, noisy toddler waking at night and smelly socks (all of which seem to go along with brothers!).

 The weather was so cold at night that we lit the log fire in our cabin in the evenings to keep nice and warm. A log fire is a real novelty for us- there is certainly no need for any kind of heating at any time of year in Dodoma! (You'll have to turn sideways to look at this photo- my computer is refusing to turn it the correct way up- sorry!!):

 In the cool mornings, we were treated to wonderful views of clouds of mist swirling between the hilltops in the valley below us:

There was time for lots of outdoor fun- walks across the farmland:

Horse-riding for Esther, Ben and Auntie Claire:

Afternoons spent canoeing on one of the beautiful, peaceful, unspoilt lakes on the farm, whilst Andrew also tried his hand at fly-fishing:

 Time to visit the farm animals, including the calves, smelly pigs and piglets (Joel was quite taken aback by the noisy, stinky pigs!!) and of course, the adorable lambs, who were extra-special fun for the children as they could bottle-feed them:

 There was even the opportunity for Claire and Andrew to play tennis on the farm's grass court - and for us as a family to attempt a game of croquet on the immaculately-kept croquet lawn- which was all great fun for Joel, even if he didn't quite get the point and thought it all a huge laugh to chase the balls!

 Being so near the tea-estates, it felt only right that we should enjoy several cups of tea each day- and what better place to enjoy a cuppa and cake than on the top of the hill by the croquet lawn??

                                  All in all, a lovely holiday- well worth the long journey each way!