Okay, so one last story from yesterday that I forgot. When we got to Lake Nakuru, we were waiting for our guides to pay the fees to get in when a monkey jumped into the front of our truck and stole our guides box of juice. It was so fast, no one could get a picture. After drinking it, someone in another truck offered him some nuts, which he ate, but then wanted more. He almost attacked the guy, and when the guy swatted him he hissed very loudly. Later the monkey came back into the front of our truck (I guess he was thirsty again). Paul, our leader tried to swat him out and he got upset, hissed at him, and after a tense moment, left the truck.
Today we were supposed to pick up my luggage. I have been wearing the same clothes, except for a borrowed t-shirt since Friday morning! Unfortunately, the carrier company never picked up or sent my luggage, so it was not there. At this point, we will be going back to Nairobi for a night in 2 days, so I will wait until then to get my suitcase. You guys thought I could pack light before. Now I know I just need my backpack! Although an extra pair of shorts or pants would be nice. All of the stores have spare t-shirts, and many people on the trip have offered one of theirs, but pants/shorts seem to be in short supply everywhere. The gift store here had some native pants, but I would NEVER wear these again. I decided I would wash my pants out best I could again tonight and keep going.
My room at the Maasai Mara reserve is great. Very clean, classy, and rustic. After a long drive to get here, we went out on safari again. We saw so many animals...hyena, cheetah, eagle, stork (forget what kind), jackal, topi (like deer), lions (female and male), giraffes, elephants, and many many zebras and wildebeest. The zebras and wildebeest are what are migrating right now. There were probably 1000 of each intermingled on the plains and hillside. We were able to get within 5 feet of the lions, zebras, and wildebeest. Most of the rest were within 40 feet. The giraffes remain a little more distant than the other. We were lucky that the elephants began moving toward us. But the best prize was the cheetah. It was sitting on a hill of dirt and never moved except to turn to look at us, so we got good pictures (or I should say the others did).
Still having a great time with the people in my truck. Margaret and I really hit it off. She is my age and an officer at a credit union. She was raised in Japan, but you would not know it. He married an American (Jim) and adopted 4 kids. Two are grown and out of the house. The two here were adopted from China. Paul is the leader of the group. I met him briefly when I went to Peru. He brought his daughter. Our guides are Ben and Justin (easy to remember since I have a nephews with both names). I think Justin is sort of the lead of the guides. There are 4 trucks overall. Almost everyone else is over 55 (I know, some of you are too...). I almost ended up in the truck with the over 60 group, but Margaret rescued me on the first afternoon, saying that the kids were requesting me (which they had).
So back to the safari...Tomorrow is the balloon ride - we leave at 5:15 (yeck!). Since it is late, I will sign off for now. Since we will be at the hotel again tomorrow night, I should be able to email then as well.
See you all soon.
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