Snapshots

Women in the cooperative tree nursery in Kakamega, Kenya.

Zebras in Sweetwaters, north of Nairobi.

luxury tent camping

Jambo!
We are still "safari-ing" and enjoying every minute of it. We've seen the Big Five (water buffalo, rhino, elephant, cheeta, and lion). Not only that, the lions mated and the cheeta pursued a gazelle while we watched.

The Kenyans have been most kind and welcoming. every time you pass someone, big smiles are exchanged along with "jambo" or "jambo sana" which is the typical greeting. Our "tents" are fully supplied with hot water, comfortable beds, shower, electricity and all gaze toward the pond which attracts zebras, elephants, giraffes, water bucks, fowl, warthogs, on and on. While we ourselves are grazing at the multiple dinner options, all beautifully laid out, the staff turns down our comforters and places a hot water bottle under the sheets. It isn't necessary temperature wise, but it sure is a nice touch and one that i'll remember to practice during winter in chico.
We've had 3 days here and plan to leave tomorrow to return to Nairobi where we catch a flight to Kakawmega where Annette works with Just One Person, an empowerment school for adolescent girls.
It has taken me a little while to learn how do to do this blog thing and then difficult to find the time to access the computer, but i hope you enjoy the photo attached.

on safari

2 days into Sweetwaters, north of Nairobi, and we have seen so many animals! On our drive up the mountain (as in Mt Kenya), we almost ran into an elephant and a water buffalo and it has been non-stop ever since. Sorry, I don't have pictures loaded yet and this entry will be short since dinner is about to start. As you all know, I love a place with good food and we are fortunate to graze here like a giraffe on the acaia trees.
The "tent camping" is luxurious and I awoke this morning to watch the elephants water about a football field distance away. A waterbuck nibbled outside the door this afternoon. We all feel like we are in the middle of a National Geographic film. Tonight, after the chimp sanctuary, our driver found a lion pride and we watched five lions lounge about the pond waiting for their dinners to arrive.
More later, but for now hope everyone is well.

in Nairobi

Greetings! One full day in Nairobi and we (Cathy, Billie, Annette and I) are still alive after taking taxis to downtown and even just crossing the street. Kenyans seem overtly friendly, unless behind the wheel of a car when the inner macho exudes. No one seems immune.
Aside from enjoying a delicious breakfast, a quick but effective sun bath (bright read tummy now), and an amazing trip for trinkets, we all visited the office of Solar Cookers International. James, the host of the office, showed us their varied models and explained the projects. His "side work" includes teaching organic gardening, composting, and making pesticides from natural ingredients. Outside the office while waiting for the return taxi, we met a former Olympic runner who ran with Kip Keno. We all agreed he was "one good looking man".
Tomorrow we are off to Nyjeri to visit the orphanage that Cathy is associated with and then onto the safari in Sweetwater. Hopefully, I will be able to post more from there.
While I haven't begun with mentioned Amsterdam which was our 9 hour layover on the way, it deserves a long description. I am grateful to have the opportunity to walk a few of the streets in spite of the snowy ice blanket covering the streets. It was so impressive to watch the masses bicycling in that weather. Please enjoy these photos of our quick trip. We in Chico have nothing to complain about!
Hope everyone is well and happy. Love, Karen