In the days that followed, both the modern and ancient worlds settled into tranquility, and soon it was the end of January, ti to prepare for the New Year.
In the modern world, the New Year ca first. This year, Lu Zheng celebrated in Lu Province with Lin Wan and took the opportunity to visit a few relatives, deftly handling inquiries about marriage and children. On the third day of the New Year, they returned to his hotown in Qin Province to deliver so diluted dicinal liquor.
By the fifth day, with no obligations weighing on them, the two decided to head out for so fun.
Though being part of Interpol is much more relaxed than working in the serious cri unit, it's still a job that requires imdiate action when sothing cos up. Therefore, the holidays are unpredictable, for instance, Lin Wan was called away on a business trip last year, whereas this year she got a generous two-week vacation.
"During our past trips at ho and abroad, it was always about sneaking away quietly. Although it did no harm, we couldn't let ourselves be seen or spend money freely, which wasn't pleasant."
Lu Zheng said, "This ti, we're spending money to fly and going on a proper vacation."
"Great, where should we go?" Lin Wan replied with a smile.
Lu Zheng asked, "How about we take a proper soak in a hot spring in Japan?"
Lin Wan pouted, "No way!"
"Skiing in Europe, contemplating the forests?"
Lin Wan pondered for a mont and shook her head. They've already skied and forest-gazed when they went to the Northeast looking for big cats. She's not interested for now.
Lu Zheng nodded, "The diterranean is more suitable for spring or sumr. It's still a bit cold in winter. How about horseback riding in New Zealand, seeing the Hobbits?"
It's sumr in the Southern Hemisphere and relatively comfortable.
Lin Wan thought for a mont, "Why don't we go see so animals?"
Lu Zheng said, "When it cos to places with the most unique animals in the world, there are two…"
Lin Wan chid in, "The African savannah and the South Arican tropical rainforest."
"Where to?" Lu Zheng asked.
"The African savannah, of course," Lin Wan imdiately said.
The Amazon rainforest? Don't be ridiculous. To go see poisonous snakes, anacondas, crocodiles, and dart frogs? Lin Wan has no interest in those things at all.
"Alright!" Lu Zheng snapped his fingers, then imdiately booked tickets, "Off we go to Beidu Airport!"
...
After more than thirty hours of travel, Lu Zheng and Lin Wan arrived in central Africa, in a country with over a dozen national parks and dozens of wildlife reserves ideal for animal watching: Tanzania.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, is located on the Indian Ocean and is almost every foreign tourist's first stop.
When Lu Zheng and Lin Wan got off the plane, their first feeling was: this ti they've truly traveled abroad.
Looking around, it was all either black or white faces; indeed, there were few Asians. Although the coast of Tanzania is beautiful, it isn't particularly rare on a global scale.
Yes, there must be quite a few Hua Country employees working in Tanzania, but they don't wander the streets like Lu Zheng and Lin Wan.
"Let's head to the hotel, take a rest, then explore the city," Lu Zheng suggested.
After arriving at their booked hotel, they dropped off their luggage and set out to explore. The area near the coast was quite bustling with hotels, convenience stores, bars, tourist services, marinas, and yachts, no less impressive than any top-tier city.
"Isn't Tanzania supposed to be one of the least developed places in the world?" Lu Zheng asked.
Lin Wan replied, "Since it caters to international tourists and is far from economically developed countries, those who co here aren't short on money. Naturally, the facilities in tourist areas are well-developed."
Lu Zheng nodded, turning to glance beyond the beachfront. It quickly reverted to a second-tier county town.
"It's the sa in Yashi, isn't it just that the coastal street isn't much worse than Hai City? Try going deeper?"
They both changed clothes; Lu Zheng donned a brightly colored tank top and shorts, while Lin Wan wore a beige camisole dress, a sunhat, and draped a light sun-protective shawl.
With freshly squeezed juice in hand, they strolled leisurely.
"It's said that Zanzibar Island across the way is a tourist spot too. Should we check it out tomorrow?"
"Sure, we're already here!"
With plenty of ti, they could even climb Mount Kilimanjaro, let alone visit an island.
...
The next day, Lu Zheng and Lin Wan went to Zanzibar Island, enjoyed the exotic town and beautiful beaches. By the morning of the third day, they rented a jeep, ready to embark on their African road journey.
"Mr. Lu, I still recomnd you take public transport to various locations and stay in designated areas at the national parks. What you're doing is sowhat dangerous, as most of the world isn't as safe as your country," advised a black man in broken Mandarin.
"Thank you, Sonny. We'll stick to the roads and only travel during the day; this way, we won't run into any danger, right?" Lu Zheng said with a smile.
The man nad Sonny nodded, "That will be much better. But if you encounter robbers, rember not to resist and hand over money willingly."
"OK!" Lu Zheng made a gesture, "Thank you, we will."
"There's a tent, food, and spare gasoline in the trunk. Wishing you safe travels!" Sonny patted the car window.
Lu Zheng, "…"
Lin Wan couldn't hold back her laughter, "Where did you learn your Chinese?"
"I learned it from Hua Country friends at the factory. How's that?" Sonny said proudly, "They said I could live in Hua Country now."
Lin Wan gave a thumbs-up, "Great! You probably won't get killed!"
Sonny: ???
Lu Zheng laughed heartily, waved to Sonny, then started the car, and off they went!
...
Actually, travelers like Lu Zheng and Lin Wan who do self-driving tours do exist, though often in larger groups and sotis ard.
Very few, like Lu Zheng, embark with just two people, unprotected and alone.
However, since Lu Zheng ntioned they would only travel during the day and seek accommodations in the city at night. Sonny didn't see that as much of a problem.
...
Driving on the bumpy dirt roads, with African-style music playing in the car, the scenery outside was a vast savannah.
This feeling was indeed quite enjoyable.
"I heard the Duku Highway in Jiang Province is completely jamd. Can you believe it?"
"It's indeed hard to imagine. The dostic travel season is simply daunting!"
Lin Wan looked ahead at the road; no cars were in sight. Then she checked the rearview mirror; still, no cars.
Lin Wan blinked and asked, "Are you following the map and driving on the main roads?"
"Of course not," Lu Zheng said with a matter-of-fact look. "Since we're out here, why would we stick to the official routes?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Wan gave a thumbs-up, "Nicely done!"
In the next mont, a few giraffes ca into their view, and simultaneously, a pride of lions, consisting of a male lion and several lionesses, appeared not far away.
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