点评:Empakaii crater was mostly quiet and tranquil when we visited. It was a short and easy trek down to the lake, where we could see a group of flamingos in the distance. It’s not possible to venture too close as the birds tend to get spooked and fly away easily. However, when we first stepped onto the quiet crater lakeshore from the forest, we saw a flock of flamingos spread their wings and fly away en-mass in a sea of pink, which was a stunning spectacle.
We were introduced to Michael, who used to be a teacher before becoming a park ranger. He is not only knowledgeable on the flora and fauna in the area, but also had a passion on sharing his educated insights on regional economy and geopolitics. Turns out Michael was a fan of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our late prime minister, a visionary leader who shaped modern Singapore. Michael and us were immersed in deep conversations almost the entire time while exploring the area. It was really refreshing to be able to exchange our world views via learned discussions with a young Tanzanian.
To be honest, I’m not sure the crater was worth the 2-3 hours drive to visit it. That said, I would have preferred to stay longer when I’m already there, both to enjoy the natural serenity and Michael’s company. A visit to Empakaii Crater requires the accompaniment of an official park ranger and you’d be lucky if that ranger turns out to be Michael!
翻译:我们参观的时候,恩帕凯伊火山口静谧祥和。我们沿着湖边走了一小段路,轻松惬意,远远地就能看到一群火烈鸟。由于鸟类容易受惊,很容易飞走,所以不太敢靠近。然而,当我们第一次从森林踏上宁静的火山口湖岸时,就看到一群火烈鸟展翅高飞,在一片粉红色的海洋中成群结队地飞走,景象令人叹为观止。
我们被介绍给了迈克尔,他以前是一名教师,后来成为一名公园管理员。他不仅对当地的动植物知识渊博,还热衷于分享他对区域经济和地缘政治的真知灼见。原来,迈克尔是已故总理李光耀先生的粉丝,这位富有远见的领导人塑造了现代新加坡。在探索这片区域的过程中,我们几乎全程都沉浸在深入的交谈中。能够与一位坦桑尼亚年轻人通过学术讨论交流彼此的世界观,真是令人耳目一新。
说实话,我不确定这个火山口是否值得我开车两三个小时去参观。话虽如此,既然已经到了那里,我还是想多待一会儿,既能享受自然的宁静,又能与迈克尔相伴。参观恩帕凯伊火山口需要一位官方公园管理员的陪同,如果这位管理员正是迈克尔,那真是太幸运了!