So I leave late tonight to return home (30 hours from takeoff to arrival) Everyone has left except me and two older ladies who are leaving tomorrow. The hardest was the family with two girls. They just left. I got along so well with the whole family. Margaret and I have many similar interests. Jim and the girls are great.
So one last email, a summary of some impressions of Kenya and the safaris.
Meals:
So you may be wondering what do they feed us (OK, maybe not, but I'll tell you anyway). Most of the meals in the lodge meals were buffet. For breakfast there is always omelets, fruit, breads, bacon (not nearly done enough), sausage, and various other breakfast foods. For lunch and dinner we get 4-6 meats, a few potato dishes, several vegetables, salad, cheese, fruit, soup, and desserts. There are often Indian dishes, and sometimes what I assume is traditional Kenyan. They try to cater to the tourist. So, like one day for lunch I had turkey and for dinner the pasta bar. The another night we had barbecue - chicken and lamb.
Driving:
Another topic - driving. They are fearless. They will drive over anything, and most roads are not only unpaved, but have deep drenches. The amazing thing is we are often going 80-90 km/hr. We drive through streams, up steep hills, it doesn't seem to matter. Luckily we only got stuck two times.
Our drivers like to drive fast over the gravel/dirt roads. Because of the potholes and zigzagging to avoid whenever possible, it can get rather harrowing. A few times I felt like we were playing chicken with the oncoming cars. Paul is often telling our driver, "pole, pole" (pronounced with a long “o” and an “ay” sound), which means slowly, slowly. A few times this has changed to "roly-poly", and when he is exclaiming over the speed, "holey moley".
The other thing I notice is how close they pass by one another. When we arrived at a hotel one night, I was convinced there was no room to get between two parked trucks, but the driver had no problem. Even in the middle of the plain, no actual road in sight, we passed another truck with only 6 inches to spare. I guess there is no sport if you leave too much room.
Dust:
There is dust everywhere. Because the road (really paths) are just dirt and gravel, and we are often moving rather fast (unless we are watching animals), the dirt blows into the car and coats everything - especially when another vehicle passes.
I find myself constantly wanting to wash my hands. Because I have been wearing sandals, my feet are so dirty I am not sure they will ever be clean again.
I am sure everything that I bring home will have a fine layer of dirt on it.
“Kenya” time:
Kenya has there own version of “island” time. You here “akuna matata” (don’t worry) a lot. They definitely move at a slower pace. If something does not work, or goes wrong, they either ignore it, or stand around until someone tells them what to do. A good example of this was my luggage, when it was not at the courier office in the town. We would have recognized it was not coming that day (the only delivery is overnight) and continued on our way, following up on our cell phones. They stood around for 30 minutes waiting for a call back on their cell phone to explain what has happened, even though nothing they could have heard would have changed what we needed to do – go on to our next destination. Finally, Paul made an executive decision and we left.
The Maasai:
Kenya has 42 different tribes within the country, each with its own language and culture. One of the most well-known is the Maasai. The men are recognizable by their red blankets that they wear. I went to a talk on the culture. Many of the things they do seem barbaric to us, but there was a historical reason (such as polygamy, which started because there were more women than men due to wars and hunting deaths). There are changes happening, but slowly because they do not want to lose their culture (for example, the guy talking said he would only marry once and have 3-4 children because he wants to make sure he can afford to educate them all).
So hope you enjoyed traveling with me. I certainly enjoyed keeping up. See you all back in the US.
Showing posts with label Kenya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kenya. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The final Safari..., 7/24/2007
Got up Monday at 6:30 for a safari. The good news is I can sleep on the way home. Once again, I had low expectations because of how much we have already seen. But there are new experiences overtime we go out.
Came upon elephants digging for tubers. It was really wild, they would use their foot to loosen the tuber, their trunk to lift and shake off the dirt, then ate it.
A group of ostriches came across the field at us and walked right behind the van, no more than 10 feet away.
We also saw a herd of warthogs. They eat with their knees bended, butts in the air. And on occasion, they will walk short distances to find more grass in this position.
Also got a close up view of a hippo out of the water. Once again, he was only 20 feet or so away. We also laughed at a baby elephant out further that must have been scared by something, but she ran around in circles, bawling, and then ran for some adults. Once she realized none were her mom, continued on, still crying out and walking periodically in circles. I saw the momma, walking slowly toward the baby, acting like nothing was wrong. Eventually, the baby found the mother, and order was preserved.
Didn't have to be at the truck until 9 am on Tuesday, but still woke up early, so went out on the porch to read, listen to music, and watch animals in "Backyard". I kept hearing bottles rattling on the porch next door, and just assumed Judy & Dick were over there and bumping bottles from last night. Then Gerhard walked over to say hi and found the real source of the noise. Several monkeys had found some pop left in a bottle and turned it over to lap up the soda from the cement.
Left for Tsavo. We had to take an armed guard. On the road from Amboseli to Tsavo, we passed within 1.5 kilometers of Tanzania. In late 70's early 80's, people from Tanzania would cross the border and raid the vehicles on the road. Although this no longer occurs, as with much around here, once something starts it becomes a tradition and never stops.
Arrived at Tsavo. The lodge is extremely relaxing. I could stay here for days, unfortunately we leave today. The rooms are one side remind me of Anne of Green Gables or Stratford-on-Avon.
The lodge has a porch across the back which overlooks a watering hole. While we waited to check in, we watched what looked like a parade of animals. First the warthogs played around the water. Then the baboons came parading in and the warthogs left. After the baboons came the zebras, then the wildebeest parading to the water hole.
After settling in we drove to Mzima Springs. There is an underwater observation window where we were supposed to see hippos and crocodiles, but they did not cooperate - none were within view of the window. I was only able to see the eyes of several hippos above water. The only crocodile was a baby on a rock near the path.
We did see several monkeys, including a an adorable baby and several "teenagers" roughhousing together. A few monkeys fell from the tree into the water. These monkeys were much nicer than those we've seen previously, and wanted to play. We also saw an eagle on a tree.
We saw a herd of elephants and they were snorting dirt into their nose then spraying on themselves to keep cool.
I was intrigued by some of the cool trees. We passed a Baobab tree (mentioned in the Little Prince) and two trees I call the "sleepy hollow" tree (branches going all over the place, no leaves this time of year, like it was dead) and the "menorah" tree (branches all curved upward).
When got back to the watering hole, we saw a herd of elephants come traipsing to the watering hole single file. There must have been 15-20 elephants. Once we got there they drank and pushed each other around. One elephant laid his trunk on a large rock to rest. Later I saw him sitting on the rock. When they were done, they left single file, and the animal parade began again.
All night long the elephants kept returning to the watering hole and you could hear them. At one point the wildebeest and elephants must have been fighting, because they were being very loud.
Today went on last safari. I can't believe it is over, yet I need a break from the constant going. Saw a few more of the deer family that we had previously not seen (Hartebeest, Eland, waterbuck, etc.)
Will write at least one more time before I leave for home on Thursday.
Came upon elephants digging for tubers. It was really wild, they would use their foot to loosen the tuber, their trunk to lift and shake off the dirt, then ate it.
A group of ostriches came across the field at us and walked right behind the van, no more than 10 feet away.
We also saw a herd of warthogs. They eat with their knees bended, butts in the air. And on occasion, they will walk short distances to find more grass in this position.
Also got a close up view of a hippo out of the water. Once again, he was only 20 feet or so away. We also laughed at a baby elephant out further that must have been scared by something, but she ran around in circles, bawling, and then ran for some adults. Once she realized none were her mom, continued on, still crying out and walking periodically in circles. I saw the momma, walking slowly toward the baby, acting like nothing was wrong. Eventually, the baby found the mother, and order was preserved.
Didn't have to be at the truck until 9 am on Tuesday, but still woke up early, so went out on the porch to read, listen to music, and watch animals in "Backyard". I kept hearing bottles rattling on the porch next door, and just assumed Judy & Dick were over there and bumping bottles from last night. Then Gerhard walked over to say hi and found the real source of the noise. Several monkeys had found some pop left in a bottle and turned it over to lap up the soda from the cement.
Left for Tsavo. We had to take an armed guard. On the road from Amboseli to Tsavo, we passed within 1.5 kilometers of Tanzania. In late 70's early 80's, people from Tanzania would cross the border and raid the vehicles on the road. Although this no longer occurs, as with much around here, once something starts it becomes a tradition and never stops.
Arrived at Tsavo. The lodge is extremely relaxing. I could stay here for days, unfortunately we leave today. The rooms are one side remind me of Anne of Green Gables or Stratford-on-Avon.
The lodge has a porch across the back which overlooks a watering hole. While we waited to check in, we watched what looked like a parade of animals. First the warthogs played around the water. Then the baboons came parading in and the warthogs left. After the baboons came the zebras, then the wildebeest parading to the water hole.
After settling in we drove to Mzima Springs. There is an underwater observation window where we were supposed to see hippos and crocodiles, but they did not cooperate - none were within view of the window. I was only able to see the eyes of several hippos above water. The only crocodile was a baby on a rock near the path.
We did see several monkeys, including a an adorable baby and several "teenagers" roughhousing together. A few monkeys fell from the tree into the water. These monkeys were much nicer than those we've seen previously, and wanted to play. We also saw an eagle on a tree.
We saw a herd of elephants and they were snorting dirt into their nose then spraying on themselves to keep cool.
I was intrigued by some of the cool trees. We passed a Baobab tree (mentioned in the Little Prince) and two trees I call the "sleepy hollow" tree (branches going all over the place, no leaves this time of year, like it was dead) and the "menorah" tree (branches all curved upward).
When got back to the watering hole, we saw a herd of elephants come traipsing to the watering hole single file. There must have been 15-20 elephants. Once we got there they drank and pushed each other around. One elephant laid his trunk on a large rock to rest. Later I saw him sitting on the rock. When they were done, they left single file, and the animal parade began again.
All night long the elephants kept returning to the watering hole and you could hear them. At one point the wildebeest and elephants must have been fighting, because they were being very loud.
Today went on last safari. I can't believe it is over, yet I need a break from the constant going. Saw a few more of the deer family that we had previously not seen (Hartebeest, Eland, waterbuck, etc.)
Will write at least one more time before I leave for home on Thursday.
My first view of Mt Kilimanjaro, 7/21/2007
Arrived in Amboseli, at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The lodge is great. I have a cabin that overlooks a field filled with zebras, wildebeest, and elephants. I sat for a while on the porch today and just watched.
We went for a safari ride late afternoon. After the wonderful experiences that we had at Masai Mara with animals coming within 10-20 feet of us, I felt we had already hit the pinnacle, and I should not expect too much, boy was I wrong.
But I jump ahead. First, let me describe my first impression of Amboseli - We could have easily been in the Sahara desert. There was nothing for miles but sand. I guess in the rainy season that area is swamp, but this is the dry season. Then it looks like there is a lake ahead; nope, I got my first experience with a mirage. I actually was able to take a picture of it. Then we look off to the side and see several dust devils. I got a picture of one that reached from the ground to the sky. I reminded me of a tornado, just all of dust and not as strong a wind.
We ate lunch once we arrived - a couple of us ate outside. I noticed a maasai standing around, and wondered why. I found out. I was eating and sometimes sneaking pictures (all maasai only want you to take pictures if you pay $10-$30) when the maasai came running toward me very fast shaking his stick/pole and yelling. I wasn't sure what I had done wrong, but he had me very worried. At some point I realized it was not me but something behind me and put my hands over my head and leaned down. I guess a monkey had come up behind me to take some of the food off of the table and the maasai guy was hired to stand guard and chase the monkeys away. They said these monkeys are very smart, but can also be mean (thus the protection). They may have saved a few years off my life if they had explained this when we arrived instead of scaring me to death.
So after settling in and watching the animals from my back porch for a while, we went out on safari. We saw several lions, but not nearly as great an experience as the other day. Then we came across 5 elephants (3 adults, 2 babies) and stopped to watch. I got a few pictures of them tussling with each other with their tusks. They kept walking toward us and crossed the road right behind our truck - they couldn't have been more than 20 feet away. We were all excited about this and drove on when it happened again, this time only 1 elephant passed just behind our vehicle.
By this time, Mt Kilimanjaro, which had been under cloud cover at the top cleared, and someone said, wouldn't it be cool if we could get a picture of an elephant walking across the plains with the mountain in the background just like in all the pictures you see in Kenya. Guess what - one appeared and I got the picture.
On the way back, we saw hippos out of the water, although at a distance, hyena, and many more elephants.
By the way Bart, the top of Kilimanjaro is waaaay up there. It looks cool, but I am glad I'm not the one making that trek.
As we were sitting around after dark, several bats started flying in circles around our cabin when we were sitting on the porch (there are 4 rooms to a cabin). I got a picture, but it looks like a water spot on the picture. I also saw the big dipper in the sky, but really low in the northern sky (like between 7 o'clock and 11 o'clock).
We go out for a couple of hours in the morning (6:30 am) and then have >6 hours free time after breakfast. I am not sure I will know what to do with myself we have been keeping so busy. A couple of people here want to do a Sunday service, so I will probably join them. Also there is a pool, a large complex to walk around, and a fantastic few from my porch.
Oh, on a side note, the other night at dinner we were convinced we felt an earthquake, and we just found out today that volcano was the cause. It is no where need us, so mom, you do not need to worry. I just thought that was neat.
We went for a safari ride late afternoon. After the wonderful experiences that we had at Masai Mara with animals coming within 10-20 feet of us, I felt we had already hit the pinnacle, and I should not expect too much, boy was I wrong.
But I jump ahead. First, let me describe my first impression of Amboseli - We could have easily been in the Sahara desert. There was nothing for miles but sand. I guess in the rainy season that area is swamp, but this is the dry season. Then it looks like there is a lake ahead; nope, I got my first experience with a mirage. I actually was able to take a picture of it. Then we look off to the side and see several dust devils. I got a picture of one that reached from the ground to the sky. I reminded me of a tornado, just all of dust and not as strong a wind.
We ate lunch once we arrived - a couple of us ate outside. I noticed a maasai standing around, and wondered why. I found out. I was eating and sometimes sneaking pictures (all maasai only want you to take pictures if you pay $10-$30) when the maasai came running toward me very fast shaking his stick/pole and yelling. I wasn't sure what I had done wrong, but he had me very worried. At some point I realized it was not me but something behind me and put my hands over my head and leaned down. I guess a monkey had come up behind me to take some of the food off of the table and the maasai guy was hired to stand guard and chase the monkeys away. They said these monkeys are very smart, but can also be mean (thus the protection). They may have saved a few years off my life if they had explained this when we arrived instead of scaring me to death.
So after settling in and watching the animals from my back porch for a while, we went out on safari. We saw several lions, but not nearly as great an experience as the other day. Then we came across 5 elephants (3 adults, 2 babies) and stopped to watch. I got a few pictures of them tussling with each other with their tusks. They kept walking toward us and crossed the road right behind our truck - they couldn't have been more than 20 feet away. We were all excited about this and drove on when it happened again, this time only 1 elephant passed just behind our vehicle.
By this time, Mt Kilimanjaro, which had been under cloud cover at the top cleared, and someone said, wouldn't it be cool if we could get a picture of an elephant walking across the plains with the mountain in the background just like in all the pictures you see in Kenya. Guess what - one appeared and I got the picture.
On the way back, we saw hippos out of the water, although at a distance, hyena, and many more elephants.
By the way Bart, the top of Kilimanjaro is waaaay up there. It looks cool, but I am glad I'm not the one making that trek.
As we were sitting around after dark, several bats started flying in circles around our cabin when we were sitting on the porch (there are 4 rooms to a cabin). I got a picture, but it looks like a water spot on the picture. I also saw the big dipper in the sky, but really low in the northern sky (like between 7 o'clock and 11 o'clock).
We go out for a couple of hours in the morning (6:30 am) and then have >6 hours free time after breakfast. I am not sure I will know what to do with myself we have been keeping so busy. A couple of people here want to do a Sunday service, so I will probably join them. Also there is a pool, a large complex to walk around, and a fantastic few from my porch.
Oh, on a side note, the other night at dinner we were convinced we felt an earthquake, and we just found out today that volcano was the cause. It is no where need us, so mom, you do not need to worry. I just thought that was neat.
Playing with Lions in Kenya, 7/21/2007
Yesterday morning we left at 6:30 am for one last safari in the Maasai Mara Reserve. I have to admit, after being out on safari there for half day Wednesday and all day Thursday, I was not sure I really wanted to get out of bed for it. What were the chances of seeing anything new. At the same time, I can sleep on the way home.
The only animals we were still trying to see were male lions (every time we ran across them, they were relaxing in the grass and refused to get up) and leopards. Within 20 minutes after we left, we were driving down the road and two male lions walking straight toward us on the path. We could not believe it. They walked right by my side of the truck, looked up at me, then kept walking. So we fallowed them down the path for quite a while. After marking every tree they came across, they found some wildebeest dung and rolled all over it so that they would smell like wildebeest, and therefore be able to sneak up on them easier. They must have played in the dung for 10-15 minutes, before we finally left. They were acting just like tame cats at home, rubbing against each other, belly's up in the air, purring loudly. It was wild; well worth getting up at 6 am.
After a 5 hour drive back to Nairobi, I finally got my luggage. I don't quite know what to do with all the clothes options. Also, I found it much harder to pack this morning - I needed more time than usual to repack this morning.
Then we went to dinner at Carnivore, a well know restaurant for the area. They used to carry lots of unusual game, but with new laws, are more limited. The food is all you can eat. They bring the meat to the table on a skewers and will carve a piece right onto your plate. They will continue to bring meat to the table until you "give up" and take down the flag they give you. Usually they have crocodile, but because of a skin disease the crocodile have in the area, they do not have that right now. So we just had beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and ostrich. The ostrich came as meatballs (tasted like ground chicken meatballs to me) and sliced (tasted more like hen than chicken). Both were okay, but I would not go out of my way to eat it again.
So today we are off to Amboseli game reserve. This is at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, so the pictures are supposed to be spectacular. And now that I have my camera back...
Hopefully we will see a leopard.
Until later.
The only animals we were still trying to see were male lions (every time we ran across them, they were relaxing in the grass and refused to get up) and leopards. Within 20 minutes after we left, we were driving down the road and two male lions walking straight toward us on the path. We could not believe it. They walked right by my side of the truck, looked up at me, then kept walking. So we fallowed them down the path for quite a while. After marking every tree they came across, they found some wildebeest dung and rolled all over it so that they would smell like wildebeest, and therefore be able to sneak up on them easier. They must have played in the dung for 10-15 minutes, before we finally left. They were acting just like tame cats at home, rubbing against each other, belly's up in the air, purring loudly. It was wild; well worth getting up at 6 am.
After a 5 hour drive back to Nairobi, I finally got my luggage. I don't quite know what to do with all the clothes options. Also, I found it much harder to pack this morning - I needed more time than usual to repack this morning.
Then we went to dinner at Carnivore, a well know restaurant for the area. They used to carry lots of unusual game, but with new laws, are more limited. The food is all you can eat. They bring the meat to the table on a skewers and will carve a piece right onto your plate. They will continue to bring meat to the table until you "give up" and take down the flag they give you. Usually they have crocodile, but because of a skin disease the crocodile have in the area, they do not have that right now. So we just had beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and ostrich. The ostrich came as meatballs (tasted like ground chicken meatballs to me) and sliced (tasted more like hen than chicken). Both were okay, but I would not go out of my way to eat it again.
So today we are off to Amboseli game reserve. This is at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, so the pictures are supposed to be spectacular. And now that I have my camera back...
Hopefully we will see a leopard.
Until later.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Flying High above the Sky, 07/19/2007
The balloon ride today was great. The basket we rode was huge - held 14 of us. When we got to the site (before sunrise), they were filling up the balloon with air using 2 huge fans. The pilot got us all into the basket, which was on its side, and we laid down in it like astronauts. Then she hit the initial burners. It was extremely hot on our faces. She actually burned some of the bottom of the balloon from the fire. According to our pilot, you can burn up to 30% of the bottom of the balloon and still be able to fly, however even a pinhole in the top has to be repaired otherwise the hot air will escape and the balloon will not fly. We did not get to see many animals in the balloon - just some giraffes and gazelles.
The balloon ride ends with a champagne breakfast. They had a Maasai serving the drinks, so we were able to get our picture taken with him. The Maasai are the natives in this area, and they are quite the entrepreneurs, charging $10-$20 to take their picture. We ate near the Maasai river, which had over 50 hippos soaking in it, as well as a few crocodiles.
As we were driving back to the lodge, we saw >14 giraffes of various sizes. At one point we noticed one was using his neck to butt another. We thought maybe it was a sign of affection, but was informed that it is a sign of aggression between two males. We were also told that their tongues are blue and can be over 8 inches long in adults! What I think is cool about giraffes is watching them walk. They always move both feet on the same side at the same time. Later in the day we saw another group of over 20 giraffes.
We spent the rest of the day on safari. We noticed a tree with huge branches down and ask our driver what had happened, since it did not seem to be lightning. He told us it was likely elephants which pulled the limbs down. Around the bend, we found 4 elephants, which we guessed to be the mother, baby, younger child (~4), and older child (~8). We were able to get within 20-30 feet of them.
Afterwards, as we were leaving, we got stuck in a huge rut and almost turned sideways. We got out of the van and the men pushed the truck back up onto the road. I am amazed that they were able to do this given how deeply the van was in the ground. I took this opportunity to find bushes and take a "potty" break, and on the way back ripped my only pants (sweats) on a bush. Thank goodness I am supposed to get luggage tomorrow, although I have to admit, I am not letting myself get too excited until it actually happens.
Saw three cheetah laying in the grass, just a little ways from zebra, topi, and peafowl hens. Before we knew it, there were ~9 trucks circling the cheetahs taking pictures. They did a great job of posing for us. Then the cheetahs started walking toward the vans, walked right between two of them and started stalking the prey. The topi buck noticed the cheetahs and started moving the topi and zebra away. The peafowls disappeared. After waiting a while, the cheetahs gave up and walked away. We got some great shots of the cheetah stalking toward the prey before it gave up. And a group with us was in one of the trucks that the cheetah walked beside. They were just inches away from it.
Saw more zebras and wildebeest as part of the migration. Found out the migration includes approx. 100,000 zebras and 300,000 wildebeest! This explains why they seem to go on forever. The wildebeest is called the "leftover" animal because it has a buffalo's body and horns, hyena's rear legs, zebra's strips (although more brown & black), and human's beard.
Other animals seen today include a thompson gazelle, warthogs, African crowned crane, caped buffalo, hyena, lions, and baboons.
Tomorrow we have a short safari in the morning, may go to a Maasai village, and then back to Nairobi. We are still hoping to get better shots of the lion (every time we see the male, he is laying down on the ground and we can't get good pictures) and a leopard. If all goes well, I will be able to change my clothes then.
That's all for now, I'll write later.
The balloon ride ends with a champagne breakfast. They had a Maasai serving the drinks, so we were able to get our picture taken with him. The Maasai are the natives in this area, and they are quite the entrepreneurs, charging $10-$20 to take their picture. We ate near the Maasai river, which had over 50 hippos soaking in it, as well as a few crocodiles.
As we were driving back to the lodge, we saw >14 giraffes of various sizes. At one point we noticed one was using his neck to butt another. We thought maybe it was a sign of affection, but was informed that it is a sign of aggression between two males. We were also told that their tongues are blue and can be over 8 inches long in adults! What I think is cool about giraffes is watching them walk. They always move both feet on the same side at the same time. Later in the day we saw another group of over 20 giraffes.
We spent the rest of the day on safari. We noticed a tree with huge branches down and ask our driver what had happened, since it did not seem to be lightning. He told us it was likely elephants which pulled the limbs down. Around the bend, we found 4 elephants, which we guessed to be the mother, baby, younger child (~4), and older child (~8). We were able to get within 20-30 feet of them.
Afterwards, as we were leaving, we got stuck in a huge rut and almost turned sideways. We got out of the van and the men pushed the truck back up onto the road. I am amazed that they were able to do this given how deeply the van was in the ground. I took this opportunity to find bushes and take a "potty" break, and on the way back ripped my only pants (sweats) on a bush. Thank goodness I am supposed to get luggage tomorrow, although I have to admit, I am not letting myself get too excited until it actually happens.
Saw three cheetah laying in the grass, just a little ways from zebra, topi, and peafowl hens. Before we knew it, there were ~9 trucks circling the cheetahs taking pictures. They did a great job of posing for us. Then the cheetahs started walking toward the vans, walked right between two of them and started stalking the prey. The topi buck noticed the cheetahs and started moving the topi and zebra away. The peafowls disappeared. After waiting a while, the cheetahs gave up and walked away. We got some great shots of the cheetah stalking toward the prey before it gave up. And a group with us was in one of the trucks that the cheetah walked beside. They were just inches away from it.
Saw more zebras and wildebeest as part of the migration. Found out the migration includes approx. 100,000 zebras and 300,000 wildebeest! This explains why they seem to go on forever. The wildebeest is called the "leftover" animal because it has a buffalo's body and horns, hyena's rear legs, zebra's strips (although more brown & black), and human's beard.
Other animals seen today include a thompson gazelle, warthogs, African crowned crane, caped buffalo, hyena, lions, and baboons.
Tomorrow we have a short safari in the morning, may go to a Maasai village, and then back to Nairobi. We are still hoping to get better shots of the lion (every time we see the male, he is laying down on the ground and we can't get good pictures) and a leopard. If all goes well, I will be able to change my clothes then.
That's all for now, I'll write later.
Day 4 without luggage and counting...
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.
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.
Flamingos, Lions, and Rhinos, Oh My, 07/17/2007
Hi all. Finally found an email again.
Well first the good news, after 4 days in the same clothes, I get my suitcase tomorrow night (one more day to go!). Luckily everyone has been extremely generous, providing a hat, t-shirt, suntan lotion, bug spray, and camera. The first night had a fan, so I got to wash my clothes, but that's it.
Day 1 we drove to Lake Boringo. It is in the Rift Valley. Nairobi is up on the escarpment, and the valley below. We stopped just were the escarpment ends to shoot pictures. OK, for the Busics, I just have to say, every time I hear of an escarpment it reminds me of dad's drive around Lockport all excited about the fact that we were on an escarpment, then off. At the time, I had never heard of an escarpment and thought he made it up. Now, this is the second trip that has brought that up.
I am in the safari truck with the two families (3 kids total). I fit right in, getting the kids in trouble, keeping them occupied. One of the fathers threatened me with a timeout. It's just like home.
We stopped a place where the equator passes. I got my picture taken with me standing on the equator line, half in the northern hemisphere and half in the southern hemisphere. Supposedly the toilet water flushes the opposite direction in the southern hemisphere, but I cannot tell.
Today, went to Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru. When we approached Lake Bogoria one of the girls mentioned the pretty pink current. As we got close, we realized that it was tons of flamingos. We saw baboons, zebras, gazelles, and warthogs. Then we drove to a hot spring area that feeds the lake. There were small geysers going constantly. Of course we had to put our hands in the water (although a several feet from where it comes up) - it was still very hot.
After settling into our rooms at Lake Nakuru we went for a safari ride. We saw more flamingos, baboons, and zebras, as well as a family of lions sitting on a tree, a family of giraffes, Impalas, dik-diks (2nd smallest deer), water bucks, water buffaloes, and a rare black rhino. Tonight we got to see some native dances.
Anyway, once we got the the lake we went for a boat ride. Saw crocodiles. Also, the best was that we saw an eagle swoop down from the sky and eat a fish. The others got great pictures that they promised to share. Also saw a man on a handmade balsa wood canoe. His paddles were like the side of a milk jug, but boy was he fast. He had caught several fish with just a line, no pole. Then we went back to the "hotel". It was a little rugged, but beautiful. Right on the lake. Supposedly Hippos come up to the hotel and you have to watch out, but the night guards kept them away. This morning I had a visitor in the shower - a huge cockroach (20 feet long!!!) I decided to stand outside the shower and let him take it alone.
Tomorrow we head to Maasai Maura for more animals and then the balloon ride the next morning. I will write again when I can.
Well first the good news, after 4 days in the same clothes, I get my suitcase tomorrow night (one more day to go!). Luckily everyone has been extremely generous, providing a hat, t-shirt, suntan lotion, bug spray, and camera. The first night had a fan, so I got to wash my clothes, but that's it.
Day 1 we drove to Lake Boringo. It is in the Rift Valley. Nairobi is up on the escarpment, and the valley below. We stopped just were the escarpment ends to shoot pictures. OK, for the Busics, I just have to say, every time I hear of an escarpment it reminds me of dad's drive around Lockport all excited about the fact that we were on an escarpment, then off. At the time, I had never heard of an escarpment and thought he made it up. Now, this is the second trip that has brought that up.
I am in the safari truck with the two families (3 kids total). I fit right in, getting the kids in trouble, keeping them occupied. One of the fathers threatened me with a timeout. It's just like home.
We stopped a place where the equator passes. I got my picture taken with me standing on the equator line, half in the northern hemisphere and half in the southern hemisphere. Supposedly the toilet water flushes the opposite direction in the southern hemisphere, but I cannot tell.
Today, went to Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru. When we approached Lake Bogoria one of the girls mentioned the pretty pink current. As we got close, we realized that it was tons of flamingos. We saw baboons, zebras, gazelles, and warthogs. Then we drove to a hot spring area that feeds the lake. There were small geysers going constantly. Of course we had to put our hands in the water (although a several feet from where it comes up) - it was still very hot.
After settling into our rooms at Lake Nakuru we went for a safari ride. We saw more flamingos, baboons, and zebras, as well as a family of lions sitting on a tree, a family of giraffes, Impalas, dik-diks (2nd smallest deer), water bucks, water buffaloes, and a rare black rhino. Tonight we got to see some native dances.
Anyway, once we got the the lake we went for a boat ride. Saw crocodiles. Also, the best was that we saw an eagle swoop down from the sky and eat a fish. The others got great pictures that they promised to share. Also saw a man on a handmade balsa wood canoe. His paddles were like the side of a milk jug, but boy was he fast. He had caught several fish with just a line, no pole. Then we went back to the "hotel". It was a little rugged, but beautiful. Right on the lake. Supposedly Hippos come up to the hotel and you have to watch out, but the night guards kept them away. This morning I had a visitor in the shower - a huge cockroach (20 feet long!!!) I decided to stand outside the shower and let him take it alone.
Tomorrow we head to Maasai Maura for more animals and then the balloon ride the next morning. I will write again when I can.
Arriving in Kenya, Part 2, 07/16/2007
Okay, you heard the bad of my flight last night, now the good...
1. After a 7 hour layover and 13 hours in the air, you bond with people. I met several people on the way over. With some, we collect email addresses, with others it was a pleasant way to pass the time. I met one woman on the plane to NY who I used to work with; another is a professor at Kent and hooked me up with a group going to Tanzania, making it easier to pass the time. Met a couple who took the same flights from NY who are also going on my trip. They have two kids, 6 and 9, that I have already bonded with.
2. I am here safe and sound.
3. With no luggage to pack, I have time to send this email.
Oops, time is getting away from me again. I will write when I can.
1. After a 7 hour layover and 13 hours in the air, you bond with people. I met several people on the way over. With some, we collect email addresses, with others it was a pleasant way to pass the time. I met one woman on the plane to NY who I used to work with; another is a professor at Kent and hooked me up with a group going to Tanzania, making it easier to pass the time. Met a couple who took the same flights from NY who are also going on my trip. They have two kids, 6 and 9, that I have already bonded with.
2. I am here safe and sound.
3. With no luggage to pack, I have time to send this email.
Oops, time is getting away from me again. I will write when I can.
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