Well have been back in the UK now for 4 days and thought I might update this blog for any of you who are still reading it.
The trip home was fine, a few strange things happened... So here goes.... I spent the last night in a rather posh hotel in Mombasa, I plumped for this hotel because it had a pool but hey ho it rained so I never got to use it. Instead I spent the time watching the World Athletics on my telly, so didn't really need to stay there, did toy with the idea of using the gym but I came over all faint at the thought of it and had to go for a beer.
Managed to get up in time the next morning thanks to setting two alarms and having an early morning call. I managed to scoff two boiled eggs a piece of toast and a quick cuppa at 3.15 before Ken arrived and whisked me off to the airport. What is it with airports, they tell you to get there two hours before departure but the staff don't turn up till well about one hour before departure so you are standing around like a lemon in a queue that you feel you shouldnt be in coz you have already checked in online......
Whilst standing in said queue I was motioned by the guy who shrink wraps the luggage and he pointed to someone looking official who was beckoning me over. So I duly went, bear in mind it is 4am and I am a tad tired. Anyway he started asking me questions about Ken. Who was he, how did I know him, was he a cab driver, where did he live, what did he do, was he at the airport last week etc etc. So obviously I asked him why he wanted to know this and who he was. He said he was Police and I asked to see his ID, not sure he was particularly thrilled with me asking, but how do I know what Kenyan Police wear! After ID shown I was still a tad difficult and think he got a bit frustrated, he asked for Ken's number so I gave him the old one that doesn't work and then asked if I could go back to my bags.
So feeling a little perplexed I went for a cigarette which I had to leave the building for and went and sat down in a cafe. The Police man came into the cafe, spoke to the waitress, she looked at me and he went away. I was beginning to feel a tad paranoid at this stage. Then finally after getting boarding passes etc went upstairs to go through. A member of the airport staff ran by me and spoke to one of the customs guys. My hand luggage was put through and I was asked for my passport. The custom guy then wrote down my passport number on a bit of paper, so now I was beginning to think maybe I am an international terrorist or smuggling drugs and I had forgotten to remind myself of this fact.
Anyway that was the end of the drama in Mombasa. When I got to Nairobi all was fine, no weird looks, no whispering etc, I pootled around the shops for cigarettes and other goodies and then forgot the time and realised I should be boarding. When I got to the Gate, they immediately said to me are you Miss Mills - oops, there were other people boarding still though. Flight back to Amsterdam was fine, I managed to secure myself a good seat with plenty of leg room.
As usual on flights we were over fed, I had three breakfasts that morning - one at the hotel, one on the flight from Mombasa and one on the flight from Nairobi. The only problem with the flight from Nairobi was that although I had my own screen and was looking forward to watching the films my headphone jack was broken so that was that. I had to listen to my ipod instead and snooze.
I had a quick turn around at Amsterdam, we were due to land at the time I was supposed to board, so the airhostess moved me nearer the exit to an empty seat so I could get off the plane quickly.
I don't know if you know Amsterdam airport but it is huge and the gates are miles away from each other and of course my priority was, yes you guessed it, having a cigarette. So it was all rush rush rush and I had been hoping to do some more shopping but no chance. A very nice guy lent me his mobile so I could ring Pauline and tell her I was arriving on time and the flight back to London was very quick, felt like we landed before we had even taken off.
Was very impressed at Heathrow, I rushed to get to the Customs queue as I knew it would be a long one so I got through quickly and then after a quick trip to the Ladies the bags were out and low and behold there was mine. I did have thoughts that maybe they would still be in Kenya but Kenya airports are obviously very efficient - so tut tut to me for thinking otherwise.
As I went towards 'nothing to declare' a customs official looked at my bags and then obviously followed me because as I was going through the channel he was beside me. He asked if I had come from Nairobi, I explained that I had come from Mombasa, he asked if I had any more cigarettes in my luggage rather than those on display in my duty free bag. I honestly answered I had a few lose packets in my luggage and then I was on my way. Must have a very honest face!
So that was that. I managed to call Pauline again from a pay phone and then had to ring her again from another very kind person's mobile to let her know where to pick me up from and then I was being whisked back to Hackney to deal with the cat. That will be put into my next edition!
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Sunday, 16 August 2009
CT Last Post
Well this will probably be my last blog from the Colobus Trust and possibly from Kenya. Maybe will have time at the airport to do a blog or tomorrow - just depends on what the sun is doing!
Talking about sun it is well and truely hidden this morning, the forecast looks good though so hopefully it will come out to play so we can get some tan topping up time. Managed to get an hour or so yesterday. I could of had longer but I was too lazy and got up late and pontificated around so did not get down to the beach until 3pm ish.
Need to get my hair re-done - anyone know any good hairdressers over here? I cannot get hold of Hope who did my hair originally so I think I shall go off in search of one whilst the sun is still hiding.
Things are ok here, little strained and I am keeping very quiet, don't want to rile said employee again...... Claire is leaving tonight so then it will just be the four of us. I cannot make my mind uyp whether to go to Mombasa and stay there tomorrow or whether to just go from here on Monday evening. Still haven't got my credit card back as Andrew didn't make it into Mombasa yesterday so have to think about that too. Maybe if I could find a cheapish hotel with a pool in Mombasa I could go up there tomorrow am. So I shall have a quick peek at my guide book.
See you guys are having good weather - hooray! Please keep it so for when I come back, I don't want my gorgeous golden tan to fade...... If the weather takes a nose dive for the worst then I will have to result to sun beds.....
Quiet here today, the French girls have gone into Mombasa and everyone else is just chilling. Little Erica is up to mischief again this morning. I had her last night, she was as good as gold, I woke up at 7am ish and feed her and then she came back to bed but then decided to pooh and wee on my bed. At least she saved it until the morning rather than the middle of the night. She is bouncing around now and keeps pouncing on the keyboard as I try to write.
I am now going to blog off and see if I cannot find a hairdresser, I might give Hope one last call, then I hear the beach calling and I have to nip down to Forties as I could not find my shoes on Friday when I left so I am hoping that they might have found them.
Greetings to all from Kenya.
Talking about sun it is well and truely hidden this morning, the forecast looks good though so hopefully it will come out to play so we can get some tan topping up time. Managed to get an hour or so yesterday. I could of had longer but I was too lazy and got up late and pontificated around so did not get down to the beach until 3pm ish.
Need to get my hair re-done - anyone know any good hairdressers over here? I cannot get hold of Hope who did my hair originally so I think I shall go off in search of one whilst the sun is still hiding.
Things are ok here, little strained and I am keeping very quiet, don't want to rile said employee again...... Claire is leaving tonight so then it will just be the four of us. I cannot make my mind uyp whether to go to Mombasa and stay there tomorrow or whether to just go from here on Monday evening. Still haven't got my credit card back as Andrew didn't make it into Mombasa yesterday so have to think about that too. Maybe if I could find a cheapish hotel with a pool in Mombasa I could go up there tomorrow am. So I shall have a quick peek at my guide book.
See you guys are having good weather - hooray! Please keep it so for when I come back, I don't want my gorgeous golden tan to fade...... If the weather takes a nose dive for the worst then I will have to result to sun beds.....
Quiet here today, the French girls have gone into Mombasa and everyone else is just chilling. Little Erica is up to mischief again this morning. I had her last night, she was as good as gold, I woke up at 7am ish and feed her and then she came back to bed but then decided to pooh and wee on my bed. At least she saved it until the morning rather than the middle of the night. She is bouncing around now and keeps pouncing on the keyboard as I try to write.
I am now going to blog off and see if I cannot find a hairdresser, I might give Hope one last call, then I hear the beach calling and I have to nip down to Forties as I could not find my shoes on Friday when I left so I am hoping that they might have found them.
Greetings to all from Kenya.
Friday, 14 August 2009
CT
Well the holiday/work thing has taken a turn for the worse. I decided tonight to speak to one of the employees about his relationship with a volunteer, unfortunately he got very defensive and wasn't too happy with my question enough said about Kenyan male arrogance! Maybe I should be more submissive in my attitude to men over here, but I cannot help being a feisty UK woman especially when all around me are 'whinging' but are not prepared to change the situation. So what happens in the next few days? Will keep you posted.....
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Colobus Trust Update No 5 or 6
Don't know why I have been putting CB all the time when it is CT - so get used to the new title - must be all the sun eh!
Talking about sun managed to get on the beach the last two afternoons as seriously need to make you guys envious of my tan when I return, so might reach for the cooking oil on Saturday - anyone for a fried egg! Didn't bother going for a swim the azure blue sea gets a bit boring after a while.
Am planning to go to Mombasa tomorrow as none of you have volunteered to go for me, as need to get my flight sorted and paid for then I can relax. Only got 4 whole days left, time to come home will miss this place but am missing home more now.
Well what have i been up to the last couple of days. Yesterday we went de-snaring in the forest, got a big scratch on my back thanks to a bush! Found one operational snare, correction, I found one operational snare more by luck than judgement. We were standing talking and I looked round and went whats that...... Found some string also, which was obviously a snare.
Then it was beach in the afternoon and chilling out and early nights last for all, it is so tiring working in the sun and whatever else.
Today went off to find the hybrid again, i managed to spy it, but by the time the others got to me it had disappeared into the neighbouring hotel. We followed it but lost it although we searched high and low.
Apparently tomorrow we are going to catch it to take blood samples, faecal samples, hair samples and hopefully semen samples. Not sure which one of us will be pleasuring him to get the semen samples - I vote not me! He is actually a really nice monkey I sat right by him and took about 15 minutes of video and there was no aggression, in actual fact he ignored me. Charming really!
This afternoon I cleaned the cage out for the three baby monkeys, pooh everywhere, but hey better than an afternoon of de-snaring again which the others did. Andrew took Erica into the cage with the three monkeys and sat there with her for ages. The idea is maybe put her in with them for socialisation and to remind Erica she is actually a monkey and not a human. She has changed so much since I have been here, has really come out of her shell, doesn't need to be with us all the time and is now so playful. Jodie is her 'big' playmate and they have just been playing on sofa. We now have her climbing trees and mossie nets and anything else we can find for her to climb. It won't be long now before she will have to start being in the cage as she will become a real pain, cute pain, but a pain all the same.
I managed to get out of being on Erica 'sleeping' last night was Andrew's turn, I did have her the two previous nights. Nearly just killed Erica as she was bouncing around on the keyboard and managed to turn the computer off, thought I had lost this blog......
Tonight well we are staying in again, no doubt more early nights. The French girls are due back today but no sign of them yet. Tomorrow we are all going out for dinner to celebrate Eric's one month here, not baby Eric but Manager Eric. He is shouting us all dinner and we are paying for the drinks. There is a rumour that we are going to a local Kenyan club after which will be fun - we hope. At least we will be with all the Kenyan staff! Oh yes, hot gossip there is a little romance going on between one of the vols and a staff member.... not sure I should say anymore, but will keep you posted of any developments that are printable!
Anyway nothing else to say, this will be one of my last blogs, well only probably two or three more, so cherish this scribblings!
Talking about sun managed to get on the beach the last two afternoons as seriously need to make you guys envious of my tan when I return, so might reach for the cooking oil on Saturday - anyone for a fried egg! Didn't bother going for a swim the azure blue sea gets a bit boring after a while.
Am planning to go to Mombasa tomorrow as none of you have volunteered to go for me, as need to get my flight sorted and paid for then I can relax. Only got 4 whole days left, time to come home will miss this place but am missing home more now.
Well what have i been up to the last couple of days. Yesterday we went de-snaring in the forest, got a big scratch on my back thanks to a bush! Found one operational snare, correction, I found one operational snare more by luck than judgement. We were standing talking and I looked round and went whats that...... Found some string also, which was obviously a snare.
Then it was beach in the afternoon and chilling out and early nights last for all, it is so tiring working in the sun and whatever else.
Today went off to find the hybrid again, i managed to spy it, but by the time the others got to me it had disappeared into the neighbouring hotel. We followed it but lost it although we searched high and low.
Apparently tomorrow we are going to catch it to take blood samples, faecal samples, hair samples and hopefully semen samples. Not sure which one of us will be pleasuring him to get the semen samples - I vote not me! He is actually a really nice monkey I sat right by him and took about 15 minutes of video and there was no aggression, in actual fact he ignored me. Charming really!
This afternoon I cleaned the cage out for the three baby monkeys, pooh everywhere, but hey better than an afternoon of de-snaring again which the others did. Andrew took Erica into the cage with the three monkeys and sat there with her for ages. The idea is maybe put her in with them for socialisation and to remind Erica she is actually a monkey and not a human. She has changed so much since I have been here, has really come out of her shell, doesn't need to be with us all the time and is now so playful. Jodie is her 'big' playmate and they have just been playing on sofa. We now have her climbing trees and mossie nets and anything else we can find for her to climb. It won't be long now before she will have to start being in the cage as she will become a real pain, cute pain, but a pain all the same.
I managed to get out of being on Erica 'sleeping' last night was Andrew's turn, I did have her the two previous nights. Nearly just killed Erica as she was bouncing around on the keyboard and managed to turn the computer off, thought I had lost this blog......
Tonight well we are staying in again, no doubt more early nights. The French girls are due back today but no sign of them yet. Tomorrow we are all going out for dinner to celebrate Eric's one month here, not baby Eric but Manager Eric. He is shouting us all dinner and we are paying for the drinks. There is a rumour that we are going to a local Kenyan club after which will be fun - we hope. At least we will be with all the Kenyan staff! Oh yes, hot gossip there is a little romance going on between one of the vols and a staff member.... not sure I should say anymore, but will keep you posted of any developments that are printable!
Anyway nothing else to say, this will be one of my last blogs, well only probably two or three more, so cherish this scribblings!
Monday, 10 August 2009
CB Part 5
I have checked back and noticed that I had not mentioned No 7 before. The Troop of Sykes that we have in the garden were released here by the Trust after being brought in for one reason or another. They spent much time in the cage before they were released. No 6 was part of that Troop, No 7 was the other dominant female and No 6 and No 7 were always fighting. Anyway No 7 tail was badly damaged by No 6 in a fight and the tail looked broken. So days were spent trying to catch her which was impossible as she would not play ball - these monkeys are so stupid you are trying to help them but they just won't be helped.
Anyway finally last Thursday after another attempt at getting her she went into the garden next door and luckily I had already made friends with the Caretaker, so after a quick chat with him, I found out him and No 7 have a good relationship - he feeds her. So we duly gave him the net and some volunteers went in with him located her and all he simply did was put some fruit down, she came for it and then he netted her, easy peasy!
Then unfortunately No 7 had to be put under whilst the end of her tail was removed, I did not watch that particular gory part as I have a very delicate dispostion but I went in after and had a good look at her whilst she was still asleep of course! Anyway she is still in recovery and her tail is ok so it appears there is no need for further stitches or bandages at the moment. Ali (the Caretaker) came and visited her today but she didn't seem to recognise him or she has simply removed him from her Xmas Card list.
Reasonably quiet day today, been working on the computer for Hamisi doing his posters - must blow my own trumpet and say they look rather fab! Went out taking photos of trees for the posters......
Quiet evening tonight, updating the blog and reading. Went out for a run at about 5pm but the beach had disappeared with the high tide so had to run along the road which was a bit weird as lots of the locals were out on their way home. They probably had a good giggle at my expense.
Still got to muster up the va va vroom to go to Mombasa to sort out payment for change of flight, anyone fancy doing it for me!?
Anyway finally last Thursday after another attempt at getting her she went into the garden next door and luckily I had already made friends with the Caretaker, so after a quick chat with him, I found out him and No 7 have a good relationship - he feeds her. So we duly gave him the net and some volunteers went in with him located her and all he simply did was put some fruit down, she came for it and then he netted her, easy peasy!
Then unfortunately No 7 had to be put under whilst the end of her tail was removed, I did not watch that particular gory part as I have a very delicate dispostion but I went in after and had a good look at her whilst she was still asleep of course! Anyway she is still in recovery and her tail is ok so it appears there is no need for further stitches or bandages at the moment. Ali (the Caretaker) came and visited her today but she didn't seem to recognise him or she has simply removed him from her Xmas Card list.
Reasonably quiet day today, been working on the computer for Hamisi doing his posters - must blow my own trumpet and say they look rather fab! Went out taking photos of trees for the posters......
Quiet evening tonight, updating the blog and reading. Went out for a run at about 5pm but the beach had disappeared with the high tide so had to run along the road which was a bit weird as lots of the locals were out on their way home. They probably had a good giggle at my expense.
Still got to muster up the va va vroom to go to Mombasa to sort out payment for change of flight, anyone fancy doing it for me!?
Sunday, 9 August 2009
CB Part 4
Sunday evening and we are all exhausted. Friday was a reasonably quiet day we had the afternoon off and I just did some computer work for one of the staff. No 7 is doing quite well, not sure if I have mentioned her partial tail amputation, will check back and see if I have. The girls have been down tonight to feed her and apparently she has pulled off her bandage and pulled out her stitches so don't know what happens now......
Yesterday I got up late went for a run before breakfast, bad move I forgot to wear my cap and it was boiling, plus the beach was quite windy. I ended up going past the entrance to the Trust and had to turn round so was out for over an hour. So no sunbathing for me yesterday as I felt that maybe a little more would of pushed me over the edge. The afternoon was spent shopping with my fellow vols for pressies, I was helping them with the 'best prices' for their gifts.
We all went out for dinner at a local restaurant, well more like a local shack on the beach front. It was fantastic they had opened especially for us and we had a feast all for 780 ks each (approx 7 pounds). There was fresh fish, roast potatoes (yum yum), rice cakes, rice, coconut and tomato sauce and salad, beers and sodas and tea. Was absolutely gorgeous. Then off we trotted again to the Forty Thieves for partying and boy did we party. Three of us didn't get home till 5am, we danced, played pool and chatted. We have made some nice friends up at the Forties. So today we were all a bit exhausted, I got up very late and then went to the beach the others to the pool. Naps in the afternoon, huge bowls of pasta tonight and then it will be beddy byes time for all.
Sarah, Tom and Sam are leaving tomorrow off to join their other friends and then on to safari. The French girls are going up the North coast for for four days so it will just be Jodie, Claire and I will be really odd after having so many of us here.
Now I have been ordered to stop blogging and join in some video for the Le Claire and Annelore that they are doing for Uni. We have to dance in a strange way apparently, think they want to put it on You Tube, so will keep you posted.
Yesterday I got up late went for a run before breakfast, bad move I forgot to wear my cap and it was boiling, plus the beach was quite windy. I ended up going past the entrance to the Trust and had to turn round so was out for over an hour. So no sunbathing for me yesterday as I felt that maybe a little more would of pushed me over the edge. The afternoon was spent shopping with my fellow vols for pressies, I was helping them with the 'best prices' for their gifts.
We all went out for dinner at a local restaurant, well more like a local shack on the beach front. It was fantastic they had opened especially for us and we had a feast all for 780 ks each (approx 7 pounds). There was fresh fish, roast potatoes (yum yum), rice cakes, rice, coconut and tomato sauce and salad, beers and sodas and tea. Was absolutely gorgeous. Then off we trotted again to the Forty Thieves for partying and boy did we party. Three of us didn't get home till 5am, we danced, played pool and chatted. We have made some nice friends up at the Forties. So today we were all a bit exhausted, I got up very late and then went to the beach the others to the pool. Naps in the afternoon, huge bowls of pasta tonight and then it will be beddy byes time for all.
Sarah, Tom and Sam are leaving tomorrow off to join their other friends and then on to safari. The French girls are going up the North coast for for four days so it will just be Jodie, Claire and I will be really odd after having so many of us here.
Now I have been ordered to stop blogging and join in some video for the Le Claire and Annelore that they are doing for Uni. We have to dance in a strange way apparently, think they want to put it on You Tube, so will keep you posted.
Friday, 7 August 2009
Will I ever return to the UK?!
Well have yet again been on the phone to Kenyan Airlines - they must be getting bored of me by now.... Anyway changed my flight yet again, hooray I hear you say is it for another year? No sorry to disappoint I will be returning to the UK on Tuesday 18th of August and this date is for definite this time. Why is it definite I hear you say well for many reasons, but mainly because I need to sort out a frock for a certain wedding at the Dorchester...... Yes I am getting married to a beach boy - ok not really, but a very important event in my social calender, maybe just as an important event in the Bride and Bridegrooms' calender as well!!!!
I have negotiated a good deal on my last week's package here, plus I will not be working all the time so shall have time for beach, topping up my tan and sleeping - which we have all been seriously missing..... Plus the odd bit of partying. We are also thinking of going to Shimba Hills to see the animals, but are waiting to hear on the costs.
Have to go up to Mombasa next week to grease Kenyan Airlines palm with silver (pay for the change of flight again)!!!! I will be setting up the Mary's Benevolent Trust at this rate. Not looking forward to going back to Mombasa but needs must.
So there we are, we have another weeks blogging at least. Cannot believe how many posts myself and Jennifer have done over the last 5 weeks or so, cannot believe how long I have been away and that haven't really pined for home although am beginning to miss you lot now.
Anyway off to chill, no beach today as no sun, quite a lot of rain but hey ho.
I have negotiated a good deal on my last week's package here, plus I will not be working all the time so shall have time for beach, topping up my tan and sleeping - which we have all been seriously missing..... Plus the odd bit of partying. We are also thinking of going to Shimba Hills to see the animals, but are waiting to hear on the costs.
Have to go up to Mombasa next week to grease Kenyan Airlines palm with silver (pay for the change of flight again)!!!! I will be setting up the Mary's Benevolent Trust at this rate. Not looking forward to going back to Mombasa but needs must.
So there we are, we have another weeks blogging at least. Cannot believe how many posts myself and Jennifer have done over the last 5 weeks or so, cannot believe how long I have been away and that haven't really pined for home although am beginning to miss you lot now.
Anyway off to chill, no beach today as no sun, quite a lot of rain but hey ho.
Thursday, 6 August 2009
CB Instalment Part 3
Schmoozing for the evening over and done with and it is only 9pm. We were going to go out but there was a quick change of plan and tomorrow night is now designated as going out night! Wasn't going to go out tonight anyway as I am now covered in wee and was too tired, yes I know boring but I need my beauty sleep.
On the whole not been the greatest last few days... We are all generally tired and a bit de-motivated, our Assistant Manager is not that popular with us for many reasons which it is probably not best to go into on a public site! We have a full moon here tonight so don't know if that has anything to do with the moon. Managed to get down to the beach today with Jody and Claire unfortunately the tide was in so no sun bathing, not that we had any time to sunbathe, and also the waves were just a bit too rough.
The morning was spent tree trimming. Three of us went out and Sarah and I (both scared of heights) managed to climb the ladder and chop off branches with a machete. We trim trees that are near the power lines to stop the monkeys getting themselves electrocuted. Tom was extremely brave going up double ladder length whereas we only went up single ladder length. Was funny whilst we were out as a Kenyan 'beach boy' came up to us with a wood carving that he wanted to sell, so I started to try and sell him the 'branches/wood' we had cut off the tree for his future carvings - don't think it understood or thought it was very funny. Anyway we got covered in scratches etc but was enjoyable and we felt that we had definetely made a difference. Back to for lunch a bit more painting, laminating etc.
Then this evening schmoozing with people having a couple of beers and forgetting to have any dinner so I am now tucking into some pop corn that I brought in the Supermarket. Also have little one on my lap again, done a wee down my top. She is so tired bless her. Will def get some more pictures posted up of her.
Have to change my flights tomorrow otherwise I am so going to be coming back on Monday!!!!
On the whole not been the greatest last few days... We are all generally tired and a bit de-motivated, our Assistant Manager is not that popular with us for many reasons which it is probably not best to go into on a public site! We have a full moon here tonight so don't know if that has anything to do with the moon. Managed to get down to the beach today with Jody and Claire unfortunately the tide was in so no sun bathing, not that we had any time to sunbathe, and also the waves were just a bit too rough.
The morning was spent tree trimming. Three of us went out and Sarah and I (both scared of heights) managed to climb the ladder and chop off branches with a machete. We trim trees that are near the power lines to stop the monkeys getting themselves electrocuted. Tom was extremely brave going up double ladder length whereas we only went up single ladder length. Was funny whilst we were out as a Kenyan 'beach boy' came up to us with a wood carving that he wanted to sell, so I started to try and sell him the 'branches/wood' we had cut off the tree for his future carvings - don't think it understood or thought it was very funny. Anyway we got covered in scratches etc but was enjoyable and we felt that we had definetely made a difference. Back to for lunch a bit more painting, laminating etc.
Then this evening schmoozing with people having a couple of beers and forgetting to have any dinner so I am now tucking into some pop corn that I brought in the Supermarket. Also have little one on my lap again, done a wee down my top. She is so tired bless her. Will def get some more pictures posted up of her.
Have to change my flights tomorrow otherwise I am so going to be coming back on Monday!!!!
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
An Extra Week
Forgot to say have definitely decided to stay a bit longer.... Haven't got a return date yet as need to change my flights, so will be blogging for that little bit longer....
CB Instalment Part 3
Well has been a few day since I updated this blog... Am disappointed that I have had only one comment on my new hair and that was non commital - thanks Jonathan.
So update on week. Monday Bob, Hamisi and I went off looking for the local troop of Colobus to update the adopters. Found seven of them, one seems to be missing, so it is either dead or been excluded from the troop. Monday afternoon was back to setting questions for the pub quiz and then a bit of something else that I cannot remember. Went to the beach late afternoon but the sun was hiding so it was a quick dip and then home. Monday was a quiet evening in for us all.
Tuesday got involved with updating the notice boards here as they looked a bit shabby so it was off to the paint shop to paint the boards and then today we have been laminating, blue tacking and designing. I left the designing to Sarah as I have lost all my creativity I think in bottles of white cap.
Quiz was interesting, I was co quiz master, unfortunately Andrew wasn't as 'anally' organised as I am so it was a tad higgledy piggledy when we got there. Plus we were supposed to be there for 7pm but Andrew didn't wake up till 7pm!
Anyway our team won, no it wasn't a fix, there was about 8 of them in the team..... had a few complaints from another 'anal' team but dealt with them with a bit of humour. My only recommendation is should you ever have to put together a pub quiz don't go willy nilly on the internet as I got questions that were obviously a few years old and the answers had changed. Anyway partying was done after the quiz as we won four bottles of wine, however that was shared between about 12 of us! So another late night.... I also took Eric last night and got wee'd and pooped on as expected but actually he was reasonably well behaved. He is fast asleep on my lap at the moment, he is so tired, doesn't get enough naps!
Today was more of sprucing the place up for the party tomorrow. Plus we did a tea party for Bob as he is leaving the Trust today to go back to Holland. Cucumber sandwiches and cake and tea!!!! Plus we gave him a bottle of Cane (which is the local brew and like a digestive and lethal!)
I had to go visit the doctor today as I have an inflamed and infected bite and it is causing me distress, so have loads of drugs too take. It is in the most inconvenient place - no more said about that.
Hopefully I will post some more photos in the next couple of days, Jodie has promised to help me. Her and Clare have been so busy over the last few days as we have a lot of monkeys with 'hurt tails' so they have been caught and administered too. The baby in the cage also has had treatment. No 7 desperately needs treatment but cannot be caught. We have had welfare calls to a baboon (huge and male) who has snare wire wrapped around his wrist but they went yesterdy could not find him, today they found him but could not catch him (apparently he is very scary) - so I won't be volunteering to help. There is a monkey in the clinic who was brought in this am with a wound on its paw so the girls stitched him up. He will be released in a few days. there is also another monkey out there very seriously injured but again he could not be caught - so they will try again tomorrow.
Anyway I am getting eaten alive by mossies so must sign off to get some repellent on.
So update on week. Monday Bob, Hamisi and I went off looking for the local troop of Colobus to update the adopters. Found seven of them, one seems to be missing, so it is either dead or been excluded from the troop. Monday afternoon was back to setting questions for the pub quiz and then a bit of something else that I cannot remember. Went to the beach late afternoon but the sun was hiding so it was a quick dip and then home. Monday was a quiet evening in for us all.
Tuesday got involved with updating the notice boards here as they looked a bit shabby so it was off to the paint shop to paint the boards and then today we have been laminating, blue tacking and designing. I left the designing to Sarah as I have lost all my creativity I think in bottles of white cap.
Quiz was interesting, I was co quiz master, unfortunately Andrew wasn't as 'anally' organised as I am so it was a tad higgledy piggledy when we got there. Plus we were supposed to be there for 7pm but Andrew didn't wake up till 7pm!
Anyway our team won, no it wasn't a fix, there was about 8 of them in the team..... had a few complaints from another 'anal' team but dealt with them with a bit of humour. My only recommendation is should you ever have to put together a pub quiz don't go willy nilly on the internet as I got questions that were obviously a few years old and the answers had changed. Anyway partying was done after the quiz as we won four bottles of wine, however that was shared between about 12 of us! So another late night.... I also took Eric last night and got wee'd and pooped on as expected but actually he was reasonably well behaved. He is fast asleep on my lap at the moment, he is so tired, doesn't get enough naps!
Today was more of sprucing the place up for the party tomorrow. Plus we did a tea party for Bob as he is leaving the Trust today to go back to Holland. Cucumber sandwiches and cake and tea!!!! Plus we gave him a bottle of Cane (which is the local brew and like a digestive and lethal!)
I had to go visit the doctor today as I have an inflamed and infected bite and it is causing me distress, so have loads of drugs too take. It is in the most inconvenient place - no more said about that.
Hopefully I will post some more photos in the next couple of days, Jodie has promised to help me. Her and Clare have been so busy over the last few days as we have a lot of monkeys with 'hurt tails' so they have been caught and administered too. The baby in the cage also has had treatment. No 7 desperately needs treatment but cannot be caught. We have had welfare calls to a baboon (huge and male) who has snare wire wrapped around his wrist but they went yesterdy could not find him, today they found him but could not catch him (apparently he is very scary) - so I won't be volunteering to help. There is a monkey in the clinic who was brought in this am with a wound on its paw so the girls stitched him up. He will be released in a few days. there is also another monkey out there very seriously injured but again he could not be caught - so they will try again tomorrow.
Anyway I am getting eaten alive by mossies so must sign off to get some repellent on.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
CB Weekend
Well fairly quiet weekend really. Early nights all round on Friday due to our fragility! Plus the French and Dutch were due a very early start on Sat am for a 2 day Safari. Got up lateish Sat am and pottered around.
Was busy eating my breakfast when I was hijacked by Esther (one of the staff) who wanted me to keep an eye on the Colobus in the Garden whilst she popped off to get some guests from a local hotel. So I duly sat outside on some stones eating my breaky and drinking tea. I then suddenly thought it was raining and looked up to the thatched roof above me and saw a colobus peeing straight into my mug of tea!!!!! Then they decided to move on a few trees so I had to start following them..... Luckily Esther got back before they moved on too far so the tourists managed to see them... and not doubt the Trust got a few extra shillings.
Rest of day was chilled, I went up to check whether I could change my flights, but the phones were down in Diani so came back. We had lunch outside surrounded by sticks and stones as the monkeys are quite keen on human food so we had too scare them off with a plethora of stones and banging sticks. We did you will be pleased to know hang onto all our food. Then it was off to the beach for a bit of tanning followed by a trip to the supermarket - just like being at home. Then dinner and another early night. I cannot believe that I am surrounded by young things, none of them wanted to go out last night to party. I have an excuse not going out as I am just a tad older...
Today, cooking this am. We had a kitchen raid by the vervets, bananas, crisps and avocado went. Then later Eric's bottle was swipped, I even managed to bash (not hard) the vervet on the head but he would not relinquish the bottle. Luckily Jodie found it later in the garden but the bottle was worse the wear. Then after feeding the caged monkeys it was beach time, topped up the tan had a swim and then back for showers. Showers isn't exactly a 'shower' as we know it... it is more like a dribble from something that resembles a shower. Still got problems with the tank, but slowly slowly as they say here, I am sure it will be fixed in the next week or so.
Then lunch at Forty Thieves, falafal burger and chips, feel so full now.... you know that sunday afternoon feeling after a big lunch and you just feel you could nod off.... Eric has nodded off in the shawl I have wrapped around my shoulder for him.
Anyway end of the weekend, back to work tomorrow..... More seedlings to plant no doubt and also we have to do checks on the hybrid monkeys... I still have to finish off the quiz for Tuesday evening and we are having some kind of soiree here on Thursday night, where we are all going to be representing the Trust and schmoozing locals and sampling the refreshment that will be provided...
Still no news on what I am doing whether I am staying or coming.....
Was busy eating my breakfast when I was hijacked by Esther (one of the staff) who wanted me to keep an eye on the Colobus in the Garden whilst she popped off to get some guests from a local hotel. So I duly sat outside on some stones eating my breaky and drinking tea. I then suddenly thought it was raining and looked up to the thatched roof above me and saw a colobus peeing straight into my mug of tea!!!!! Then they decided to move on a few trees so I had to start following them..... Luckily Esther got back before they moved on too far so the tourists managed to see them... and not doubt the Trust got a few extra shillings.
Rest of day was chilled, I went up to check whether I could change my flights, but the phones were down in Diani so came back. We had lunch outside surrounded by sticks and stones as the monkeys are quite keen on human food so we had too scare them off with a plethora of stones and banging sticks. We did you will be pleased to know hang onto all our food. Then it was off to the beach for a bit of tanning followed by a trip to the supermarket - just like being at home. Then dinner and another early night. I cannot believe that I am surrounded by young things, none of them wanted to go out last night to party. I have an excuse not going out as I am just a tad older...
Today, cooking this am. We had a kitchen raid by the vervets, bananas, crisps and avocado went. Then later Eric's bottle was swipped, I even managed to bash (not hard) the vervet on the head but he would not relinquish the bottle. Luckily Jodie found it later in the garden but the bottle was worse the wear. Then after feeding the caged monkeys it was beach time, topped up the tan had a swim and then back for showers. Showers isn't exactly a 'shower' as we know it... it is more like a dribble from something that resembles a shower. Still got problems with the tank, but slowly slowly as they say here, I am sure it will be fixed in the next week or so.
Then lunch at Forty Thieves, falafal burger and chips, feel so full now.... you know that sunday afternoon feeling after a big lunch and you just feel you could nod off.... Eric has nodded off in the shawl I have wrapped around my shoulder for him.
Anyway end of the weekend, back to work tomorrow..... More seedlings to plant no doubt and also we have to do checks on the hybrid monkeys... I still have to finish off the quiz for Tuesday evening and we are having some kind of soiree here on Thursday night, where we are all going to be representing the Trust and schmoozing locals and sampling the refreshment that will be provided...
Still no news on what I am doing whether I am staying or coming.....
Friday, 31 July 2009
CB 2nd Instalment Part 2
The next exciting news is that I have had my hair braided, it took forever... Four and half hours!!!! Then of course I looked in the mirror and hated it, however once I got some makeup on I felt a little better. According to the others I look a lot longer (no I haven't bribed them)! It is a bit weird sleeping on it and also having long hair it comes down to my shoulders, but at least now my hair looks half decent. Will try to upload a photo over the weekend, no laughing though. Was thinking Sara I shall have braided hair and traditional Kenyan Dress for your wedding.
Oh Happy Birthday Daddy for yesterday!
Eric has just done something really sweet for Jodie, she got off her shoulder to do her bodily functions, only wish she had done that this am when she wee'd all over my top and the wrap I was carrying her in! Obviously I am not her favourite 'surrogate' mother.
Am having dilemmas about whether to extend my stay again!!!!! Will not make any enquiries until after the weekend, it is just that the setting of this place is so perfect and we are all having a great laugh. The mad American, French and Dutch had a mud fight yesterday when they should of be filling tree bags with soil then the hosepipe came out you can imagine the rest..... Annlore then went round hugging us all, so we were equally as dirty... Us English sat around drinking tea but unfortunatley no cake, can someone send me an easy recipe so I can make one please, or better still courier me a cake.
Any off to check on dinner.....
Oh Happy Birthday Daddy for yesterday!
Eric has just done something really sweet for Jodie, she got off her shoulder to do her bodily functions, only wish she had done that this am when she wee'd all over my top and the wrap I was carrying her in! Obviously I am not her favourite 'surrogate' mother.
Am having dilemmas about whether to extend my stay again!!!!! Will not make any enquiries until after the weekend, it is just that the setting of this place is so perfect and we are all having a great laugh. The mad American, French and Dutch had a mud fight yesterday when they should of be filling tree bags with soil then the hosepipe came out you can imagine the rest..... Annlore then went round hugging us all, so we were equally as dirty... Us English sat around drinking tea but unfortunatley no cake, can someone send me an easy recipe so I can make one please, or better still courier me a cake.
Any off to check on dinner.....
Colobus Trust 2nd Instalment
Well things have really been happening here. Firstly I managed to damage my toe last night. It is black and blue and could possibly be broken. No point in going to the hospital as they will just say rest it, bandage it etc which we have done. So I am hobbling about the place and can use it as a good excuse not to go into the forest as I cannot get my boots on hooray.
We were in the forest all of yesterday morning, it was boiling hot and most of us are covered in scratches from the trees and bushes. We were looking for snares set by locals, as primates often get caught in them. The aim is to remove the snares. CB also does re-education with the local community on this issue.
Yesterday afternoon we helped dig a trench for a hose pipe so that we can wash our feet after the beach and before coming into the house. Felt a little like Bob the Builder, digging and carrying stones and slabs in the wheelbarrow. We all went for a swim before lunch yesterday as we were hot, sweaty and dirty. No water for 24 hours the pump broke initially and then the electricity company had the electric off all day for maintenance.
Went out partying last night, thus the damaged toe. One of my fellow vols managed to step on it, they will remain nameless! Forty Thieves it was, not so busy, played a couple of games of pool and then danced. Went for a walk along the beach and a paddle and of course we all drank! The local cane juice was tried by most, I only had a sip very potent stuff... Bit of bopping and them carriages at about1.30, so obviously we are all a bit fragile today.
Everyone went out this am to do a colobus check, which essentially means walking around the local area, hotels etc and counting colobus. I did a deal (washing up tonight) to stay here. Did a blog for the Colobus Website (yet to be published) and am working on questions for a Colobus Pub Quiz on Tuesday, so yes, back to the Forty Thieves again. I am going to be co - quiz master! We are having a Colobus Team, so am having to keep the questions top secret, although I think leaking a few is ok so that we have a better chance of winning!
Had a snooze this afternoon feel better after that, others have gone out for takeaway pizza the rest of us are having rice and something that resembles chickpeas in sauce. Food is actually nice here, although some vols were, a little hot after eating the chili in the veggie curry the other day. Breakfast is a bit lacking, mainly because we all get up so late and are lazy, time to get the porridge out otherwise it is bread and jam every morning.
Weekend off, looking forward to chilling out. Jodie and I are going to check out the shops and then do some serious sunbathing. We are in competition, Jodie wants to get as brown as me and I want to get as brown as Andrew, however Andrew is half white and half afro carribean so no chance there.
Not sure about Sunday maybe a tad more sunbathing....
We were in the forest all of yesterday morning, it was boiling hot and most of us are covered in scratches from the trees and bushes. We were looking for snares set by locals, as primates often get caught in them. The aim is to remove the snares. CB also does re-education with the local community on this issue.
Yesterday afternoon we helped dig a trench for a hose pipe so that we can wash our feet after the beach and before coming into the house. Felt a little like Bob the Builder, digging and carrying stones and slabs in the wheelbarrow. We all went for a swim before lunch yesterday as we were hot, sweaty and dirty. No water for 24 hours the pump broke initially and then the electricity company had the electric off all day for maintenance.
Went out partying last night, thus the damaged toe. One of my fellow vols managed to step on it, they will remain nameless! Forty Thieves it was, not so busy, played a couple of games of pool and then danced. Went for a walk along the beach and a paddle and of course we all drank! The local cane juice was tried by most, I only had a sip very potent stuff... Bit of bopping and them carriages at about1.30, so obviously we are all a bit fragile today.
Everyone went out this am to do a colobus check, which essentially means walking around the local area, hotels etc and counting colobus. I did a deal (washing up tonight) to stay here. Did a blog for the Colobus Website (yet to be published) and am working on questions for a Colobus Pub Quiz on Tuesday, so yes, back to the Forty Thieves again. I am going to be co - quiz master! We are having a Colobus Team, so am having to keep the questions top secret, although I think leaking a few is ok so that we have a better chance of winning!
Had a snooze this afternoon feel better after that, others have gone out for takeaway pizza the rest of us are having rice and something that resembles chickpeas in sauce. Food is actually nice here, although some vols were, a little hot after eating the chili in the veggie curry the other day. Breakfast is a bit lacking, mainly because we all get up so late and are lazy, time to get the porridge out otherwise it is bread and jam every morning.
Weekend off, looking forward to chilling out. Jodie and I are going to check out the shops and then do some serious sunbathing. We are in competition, Jodie wants to get as brown as me and I want to get as brown as Andrew, however Andrew is half white and half afro carribean so no chance there.
Not sure about Sunday maybe a tad more sunbathing....
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Wow Photos
I just realised we have some new photos on our blog, THANKS Jennifer.... I've just been called by the other volunteers to go down to the beach to have a beer, am erming as I promised myself that I would go running this evening oh decision decisions.......
Also need to make a decision on my hair, now no freaking Minnie (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MINNIE) her birthday today, only 44. I am so fed up looking boffish that I am thinking of having braids put in, so I will be just like Jordan in the Jungle. My boob job is booked for a couple of days.
Off to make my decision re the run and beers......
Also need to make a decision on my hair, now no freaking Minnie (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MINNIE) her birthday today, only 44. I am so fed up looking boffish that I am thinking of having braids put in, so I will be just like Jordan in the Jungle. My boob job is booked for a couple of days.
Off to make my decision re the run and beers......
Colobus Trust Official First Instalment
Having read back my previous scribbling on Colobus Trust (which will now be CB for short) I realise that I had not explained No 6 and No 7. The CB does not just look after Colobus but will deal with Vervets, Sykes and Baboons as well. There are seven vervets who were recently released into this area. These vervets had been kept in captivity by humans as pets. One by one they were rescued and put into the rehabilitation cage, they are taught to be scared of humans and then can be released when they are ready. They are not given names or spoken to so are identified by number, thus number 6 and 7. 6 and 7 are have not become that scared of humans and therefore kept popping into the house and frightening the life out of some of us. The others pop in but are very easily scared off but No 6 especially is not scared and especially not of females so a few times we have barricaded outself into a room whilst she roams free around the house.
It has now been decided that she must leave us as she is now dangerous, so she has left! So I can get up and make tea in the morning without Jodie as an escort!!!!
We had a troop of baboons in the garden yesterday, boy was the alpha male was huge and we saw him being serviced by one of the ladies, felatio wise that is. We did see full intercourse later whilst we were in the forest but don't think I can really go into details on a public site!
Last evening after work we all went down to the beach for a swim, the weather was gorgeous and the sea was azure. Then Jodie and I popped to the supermarket for a few provisions (more beer) plus a few other bits and got side tracked by a lovely bar on the way home.
Our duties so far have been varied and some are more popular than others. This afternoon we have been planting seedlings that we picked this morning. CB believe in helping the community to plant seedling trees which will encourage the monkeys to move into these areas when the trees are grown. These trees are the fodder for the monkeys. We also have been filling up the planting bags with soil for the seedlings. This am a group of us went out looking for the old troop of colobus. Some of these Colobus are adopted by CB Members and we are trying to update the adoptees on their monkeys. However we only saw 3 colobus and we reckon they are not part of the old troop. Was fab seeing them in situ though. Also Bob and Jodie saw a black and orange stripped snake, I missed it as was too busy looking up rather than down. Apparently this kind of colour snake is not one you would like to get bitten by!
Yesterday afternoon we went on a forage for seedlings, I kept pulling up weeds by mistake.... I don't do gardening very well, am in desperate need of a manicure..... Someone please book me in for my return! Also yesterday we helped clean the clinic ready for any injured monkeys! Two of the boys this morning cleaned out the big big cages and got very wet in the process but at least their shoes got cleaned too. Talking about shoes am very grateful I brought my boots and long trousers. Bob found some ticks on his leg today whilst we were out in the 'jungle'.
We haven't had any call outs for injured monkeys since I've been here, apparently they normally get 1-3 call outs a week but none yet.
It has now been decided that she must leave us as she is now dangerous, so she has left! So I can get up and make tea in the morning without Jodie as an escort!!!!
We had a troop of baboons in the garden yesterday, boy was the alpha male was huge and we saw him being serviced by one of the ladies, felatio wise that is. We did see full intercourse later whilst we were in the forest but don't think I can really go into details on a public site!
Last evening after work we all went down to the beach for a swim, the weather was gorgeous and the sea was azure. Then Jodie and I popped to the supermarket for a few provisions (more beer) plus a few other bits and got side tracked by a lovely bar on the way home.
Our duties so far have been varied and some are more popular than others. This afternoon we have been planting seedlings that we picked this morning. CB believe in helping the community to plant seedling trees which will encourage the monkeys to move into these areas when the trees are grown. These trees are the fodder for the monkeys. We also have been filling up the planting bags with soil for the seedlings. This am a group of us went out looking for the old troop of colobus. Some of these Colobus are adopted by CB Members and we are trying to update the adoptees on their monkeys. However we only saw 3 colobus and we reckon they are not part of the old troop. Was fab seeing them in situ though. Also Bob and Jodie saw a black and orange stripped snake, I missed it as was too busy looking up rather than down. Apparently this kind of colour snake is not one you would like to get bitten by!
Yesterday afternoon we went on a forage for seedlings, I kept pulling up weeds by mistake.... I don't do gardening very well, am in desperate need of a manicure..... Someone please book me in for my return! Also yesterday we helped clean the clinic ready for any injured monkeys! Two of the boys this morning cleaned out the big big cages and got very wet in the process but at least their shoes got cleaned too. Talking about shoes am very grateful I brought my boots and long trousers. Bob found some ticks on his leg today whilst we were out in the 'jungle'.
We haven't had any call outs for injured monkeys since I've been here, apparently they normally get 1-3 call outs a week but none yet.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Colobus Trust - I've arrived!
Tuesday evening nearly 10pm our time and on third tusker. Some of my fellow volunteers are playing Trivial Pursuit on the sofa next too me and are getting mildly cross with me for keeping butting in with some of the answers, yes I know a bit of a miracle me answering T.P. questions must be the climate.
Anyway this is my third night here and very much enjoying myself apart from being petrified on N0 6 and No 7 Vervet, more to come on that.
Arrived in one piece from Mombasa thanks to Ken (thank you Ken) and was very agreeably welcomed by Andrew (Assistant Manager), Bob - Dutch Vol, Claire and Anna - French vols. Also I was welcomed by Eric, now Eric it must be said isn't quite human more Sykes (monkey that is) so therefore his name Eric Sykes, hopefully you British will get this pun.... Anyway Eric is only 4 weeks old and is so cute, not to Andrew that is as he is Eric's 24 hour Mummy and Eric screeches when he is left by Andrew.
Eric wears a little nappy to bed and drinks from a bottle, well used to until No 6 nicked the teat and he now has to drink milk via a syringe. Bed being Andrew - apparently he lays on his neck all night apart from when he wakes up demanding feeding. Eric is very fickle, won't come to you then suddenly when there is a threat from Vervets or Baboons he is straight on your shoulder!
We had new volunteers arrive from the UK on the Monday Morning four in total, Sarah, Jodie, Sam and Tom. They are all Uni Students, three zoologists and one Vetinarian, they are an average age of 21. So we now have a full house, 8 volunteers.
On Sunday night, we went for pizza and beer and then an earlish night. Was actually quite a novelty going out for a meal and seeing a 'full' restaurant. Tourists are here, which is something we haven't really seen since we have been here.
Monday was pretty much taken up with orientation and education about our 'monkeys', environment and the area. We didn't do much work or in actual fact no work apart from the obligatory going down to the white sandy beach and the azure sea....
Anyway more to follow later as am going to join in on the Trivial Pursuits rather than shouting from the sidelines.
Anyway this is my third night here and very much enjoying myself apart from being petrified on N0 6 and No 7 Vervet, more to come on that.
Arrived in one piece from Mombasa thanks to Ken (thank you Ken) and was very agreeably welcomed by Andrew (Assistant Manager), Bob - Dutch Vol, Claire and Anna - French vols. Also I was welcomed by Eric, now Eric it must be said isn't quite human more Sykes (monkey that is) so therefore his name Eric Sykes, hopefully you British will get this pun.... Anyway Eric is only 4 weeks old and is so cute, not to Andrew that is as he is Eric's 24 hour Mummy and Eric screeches when he is left by Andrew.
Eric wears a little nappy to bed and drinks from a bottle, well used to until No 6 nicked the teat and he now has to drink milk via a syringe. Bed being Andrew - apparently he lays on his neck all night apart from when he wakes up demanding feeding. Eric is very fickle, won't come to you then suddenly when there is a threat from Vervets or Baboons he is straight on your shoulder!
We had new volunteers arrive from the UK on the Monday Morning four in total, Sarah, Jodie, Sam and Tom. They are all Uni Students, three zoologists and one Vetinarian, they are an average age of 21. So we now have a full house, 8 volunteers.
On Sunday night, we went for pizza and beer and then an earlish night. Was actually quite a novelty going out for a meal and seeing a 'full' restaurant. Tourists are here, which is something we haven't really seen since we have been here.
Monday was pretty much taken up with orientation and education about our 'monkeys', environment and the area. We didn't do much work or in actual fact no work apart from the obligatory going down to the white sandy beach and the azure sea....
Anyway more to follow later as am going to join in on the Trivial Pursuits rather than shouting from the sidelines.
Monday, 27 July 2009
Mombasa Again
So reluctantly we left Watamu both agreeing that we would of liked to spend a few more days there, but planes and monkeys awaited us both. Was bucketing down with rain when we left so that made us feel a tad better.
Non eventful matatu journey to Mombasa. Weird jolt back to civilisation, we immediately noticed the absolute poverty in Mombasa, which we hadn't seen in the rural areas as even those are poor rurally but they have the land to feed off and green spaces to use and play in. None of that in Mombasa, children glu sniffing because it keeps there hunger pangs away and gives them an altered state which to be quite honest I would need if I lived like them.
Jennifer checked into her hotel, erm, would she recommend it.... Well it was very reasonably priced, cleanish and looked like it had been used for the filming of Prisoner Cell Block H or some similar drama!! I will not be staying there when I leave, I shall plump for somewhere else so thank you Jennifer for being my Guinea Pig. Perhaps you could pop back and check out the Palm Tree Hotel for me!?
Off for a bit of cyber surfing then lunch, which I didn't keep for long as had taken a new anti histamine on an empty stomach, my stomach objected and well you can guess the rest. Was fine after that though.
Said bye bye to Jennifer, was pretty emotional, tears stinging the eyes, but was a big brave girl and away we whisked in Ken's car to Diani. Didn't soak too many hankies, I am sure Jennifer rushed straight off to the nearest bar to celebrate with a swift one.... Was weird for both of us, having spent so much time together and having started our adventures together was odd not to finish them together.
So now our blog will just be about my experiences, now no tuning out now.... Have loads to tell you so I shall leave you a little taster... Very nearly got attacked by No 7 Monkey today...... You will have to wait for the next exciting episode.
Non eventful matatu journey to Mombasa. Weird jolt back to civilisation, we immediately noticed the absolute poverty in Mombasa, which we hadn't seen in the rural areas as even those are poor rurally but they have the land to feed off and green spaces to use and play in. None of that in Mombasa, children glu sniffing because it keeps there hunger pangs away and gives them an altered state which to be quite honest I would need if I lived like them.
Jennifer checked into her hotel, erm, would she recommend it.... Well it was very reasonably priced, cleanish and looked like it had been used for the filming of Prisoner Cell Block H or some similar drama!! I will not be staying there when I leave, I shall plump for somewhere else so thank you Jennifer for being my Guinea Pig. Perhaps you could pop back and check out the Palm Tree Hotel for me!?
Off for a bit of cyber surfing then lunch, which I didn't keep for long as had taken a new anti histamine on an empty stomach, my stomach objected and well you can guess the rest. Was fine after that though.
Said bye bye to Jennifer, was pretty emotional, tears stinging the eyes, but was a big brave girl and away we whisked in Ken's car to Diani. Didn't soak too many hankies, I am sure Jennifer rushed straight off to the nearest bar to celebrate with a swift one.... Was weird for both of us, having spent so much time together and having started our adventures together was odd not to finish them together.
So now our blog will just be about my experiences, now no tuning out now.... Have loads to tell you so I shall leave you a little taster... Very nearly got attacked by No 7 Monkey today...... You will have to wait for the next exciting episode.
Watamu
Well the rest of the week was fine, quich trip into Malindi on Wednesday and managed to leave my photo cable behind in the cyber cafe but it was still there on Fri am.
Left the Orphanage, think I may already of written about that and joined Jennifer in Watamu. Very nice guest house, we had a huge balcony - only down side was that we had to share a double, well it was more like a King but Jennifer still managed to steal the top sheet off me!!!!
Really liked Watamu, small sprawly village very Kenyan and people were generally nice and friendly. Did some pressie shopping, still for those selected few!!! Got loads of Tusker from Mamma Lucy's (supermarket) and managed to get in a bit of sunbathing - hooray.
The beach in Watamu is fab, but you have to go to the right beach as there are three. Just in case you ever go we recommend Watamu Bay, you can walk all the way to Malindi from there and it only takes 6 hours (so of course we popped down to Malindi and then popped back) missing the tides which make the beach disappear completely. You can easily get cut off with the tides over here, so we always carry a rubber blow up boat with us whenever we go on the beach!
Were very decadent and had dinner in our room on the first night - well it was veggie curry with Chapati and rice but we were tired and too lazy to go out. Next night it was Pizza and I was extremely Italian and had Campari Soda and Limoncello!!!!
Talking about the Italians, the ones that come to Kenya are a little bit odd shall we say..... This coastline is very atttactive to the Italians, mainly we think for the younger Kenyan Women who work for a living by entertaining White Men and also for the younger and in some circumstances very young Kenyan men/boys who also seem to be popular with the Italian men. Have heard rumours about illegal trafficking of Kenyan boys into Italy for the pornography industry but not sure how true that is.
Anyway I digress, Watamu we would seriously recommend. However ideally it would be beneficial to have spent a few days in Kenya before going to Watamu so that you understand the culture and know how to behave. Jennifer and I are willing to give lessons for a small fee of course.
Left the Orphanage, think I may already of written about that and joined Jennifer in Watamu. Very nice guest house, we had a huge balcony - only down side was that we had to share a double, well it was more like a King but Jennifer still managed to steal the top sheet off me!!!!
Really liked Watamu, small sprawly village very Kenyan and people were generally nice and friendly. Did some pressie shopping, still for those selected few!!! Got loads of Tusker from Mamma Lucy's (supermarket) and managed to get in a bit of sunbathing - hooray.
The beach in Watamu is fab, but you have to go to the right beach as there are three. Just in case you ever go we recommend Watamu Bay, you can walk all the way to Malindi from there and it only takes 6 hours (so of course we popped down to Malindi and then popped back) missing the tides which make the beach disappear completely. You can easily get cut off with the tides over here, so we always carry a rubber blow up boat with us whenever we go on the beach!
Were very decadent and had dinner in our room on the first night - well it was veggie curry with Chapati and rice but we were tired and too lazy to go out. Next night it was Pizza and I was extremely Italian and had Campari Soda and Limoncello!!!!
Talking about the Italians, the ones that come to Kenya are a little bit odd shall we say..... This coastline is very atttactive to the Italians, mainly we think for the younger Kenyan Women who work for a living by entertaining White Men and also for the younger and in some circumstances very young Kenyan men/boys who also seem to be popular with the Italian men. Have heard rumours about illegal trafficking of Kenyan boys into Italy for the pornography industry but not sure how true that is.
Anyway I digress, Watamu we would seriously recommend. However ideally it would be beneficial to have spent a few days in Kenya before going to Watamu so that you understand the culture and know how to behave. Jennifer and I are willing to give lessons for a small fee of course.
Mida Creek (YAWN) Part 2
Well not only has lunched past but dinner, breakfast and lunch again since part 1 of this thrilling blog....
What else can I say about Mida Creek, lots of mangroves, lots of sand, crabs, flying winged things called birds, a bridge made of wood that reminded us "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here" - which was pretty much what we felt like a good half an hour into our trip. Would of been a great trip if we were at all interested in what was beneath the sand that the birds ate, how many different species of mangroves, how their roots were etc etc. Felt like we were on a Geography Trip at 14 again....
We ate maize with the locals on the Island and they duly attempted to rip us off - 500 ks for a bit of maize which you can get for 5 ks on the roadside. Then we canoed round the island a bit and actually (stand by your beds - not moaning on this bit) we had lunch which was fab; fresh snapper, rice, tomato salad and fruits for desert and of course Tusker! Then the tide came in which was just as well cos we were all desperate to leave and I think probably would of resorted to swimming back to the mainland at this point...
So would I recommend Mida Creek - well yes if you are into bird watching, a botanist, or interested in little things in the sand otherwise stay well clear and spend you 2,600 ks on a slap up meal or plenty of tuskers.
What else can I say about Mida Creek, lots of mangroves, lots of sand, crabs, flying winged things called birds, a bridge made of wood that reminded us "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here" - which was pretty much what we felt like a good half an hour into our trip. Would of been a great trip if we were at all interested in what was beneath the sand that the birds ate, how many different species of mangroves, how their roots were etc etc. Felt like we were on a Geography Trip at 14 again....
We ate maize with the locals on the Island and they duly attempted to rip us off - 500 ks for a bit of maize which you can get for 5 ks on the roadside. Then we canoed round the island a bit and actually (stand by your beds - not moaning on this bit) we had lunch which was fab; fresh snapper, rice, tomato salad and fruits for desert and of course Tusker! Then the tide came in which was just as well cos we were all desperate to leave and I think probably would of resorted to swimming back to the mainland at this point...
So would I recommend Mida Creek - well yes if you are into bird watching, a botanist, or interested in little things in the sand otherwise stay well clear and spend you 2,600 ks on a slap up meal or plenty of tuskers.
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Mida Creek
Well this will be a short one as I am bored already of Mida Creek... Don't know what Belinda Carlisle sang about it, would be fascinated to see the words of her song.... maybe she had a more sintilating time than we did.
First bat it was raining, typical, we chose a day off and it rained..... The three of us set off (Kathleen, Jennifer and myself). Got to the Eco Lodge after a ten mins walk down a dirt track and was met my a French Volunteer. After a quick coffee we set off....
Oops must go for lunch now, so this boring monologue will have to finished later or shall I leave it as it is - mangroves, water, canoe, rain, food, islanders....
First bat it was raining, typical, we chose a day off and it rained..... The three of us set off (Kathleen, Jennifer and myself). Got to the Eco Lodge after a ten mins walk down a dirt track and was met my a French Volunteer. After a quick coffee we set off....
Oops must go for lunch now, so this boring monologue will have to finished later or shall I leave it as it is - mangroves, water, canoe, rain, food, islanders....
Friday, 24 July 2009
CRS Instalment No 4 or is it 5?
Well after recovering from the day at the beach we duly started work again at the school... I have taught a couple of English classes this week and I must say my ability as a teacher was actually 'pants'. I think I confused the kids more than they were originally! I blame it on the fact I was not sure whether they had done their past, present and future tenses.... anyway had to go and fess up to Madam Miriam!
Have also ran a couple of reading classes which were fine, I recruited Madam Kathleen one day and then recruited Madam Jennifer and Mr Jamie as well as Madam Kathleen yesterday. However in my excitement at having some help I also suggested to the Teacher that we take both classes for reading, only a total of about 80 students! However it was a fairly successful hour, we each took a group and did reading with them. Madam Jennifer had problems with discplining her group, they were the naughtier ones, so I pitched in and actually sent one boy back to class and made him apologise to Jennifer for his misbehaviour. It was quite fun as we all sat outside on the grass and played a game at the end.... I will teach you all the Kenyan kiddies games - Goose Goose Duck and "I want"!
Jennifer and I decided to fill some balloons up with water earlier this week and caused quite a big stir with the kids from the Orphanage and the School. Was excellent fun, although the balloons were reluctant to burst when we threw them..... So people got drenched when they shouldn't have and vice a versa. I tried ambushing Jennifer but the kids, bless them, are so into us ambushing each other they stand and stare giving away your location!!!!
Has been quite a good week on the whole, apart from quite a boring day trip to Mida Creek - seperate blog for that to come.
Yesterday was great, Jennifer played hangman with her students and was Queen of Sweeties. I made lemon water for the second time this week and gave out football stickers. We also blew up the last of the balloons in the afternoon.
Then we had to make a speech to the kids at the Home and Jennifer and I made one girl (Bhati) cry as we gave her 300 KS to clean the house we have been staying in. Would normally have only been 100 ks but she is such a fab, lovely 15 year old and works so hard but has serious difficulties in reading. Kathleen reckons she has a processing disorder, I have been trying to help her this week with her reading and Kathleen is going to be working with her after we have left. She is definitely my favourite girl and bless her she wrote me such a lovely note (with the help of one of the Aunties) saying that I had enabled her to read, so then i cried too....
More tears to come when I get back to the Orphanage in a bit to collect my bags.... Am in Malindi at the moment blogging and had to go to the bank to finally get some money, don't go there on the banks and ATMs let just say I shall be having stern words with my bank when I get home...
For those of you wondering about Jennifers departure, she left the Orphanage when I left to come in to Malindi, a little emotional. She is probably now chilling out in the Hotel with a Tusker in hand, thinking how lucky she is to have got rid of me for a few hours.... Don't relax too much Jennifer I am on my way!
Have also ran a couple of reading classes which were fine, I recruited Madam Kathleen one day and then recruited Madam Jennifer and Mr Jamie as well as Madam Kathleen yesterday. However in my excitement at having some help I also suggested to the Teacher that we take both classes for reading, only a total of about 80 students! However it was a fairly successful hour, we each took a group and did reading with them. Madam Jennifer had problems with discplining her group, they were the naughtier ones, so I pitched in and actually sent one boy back to class and made him apologise to Jennifer for his misbehaviour. It was quite fun as we all sat outside on the grass and played a game at the end.... I will teach you all the Kenyan kiddies games - Goose Goose Duck and "I want"!
Jennifer and I decided to fill some balloons up with water earlier this week and caused quite a big stir with the kids from the Orphanage and the School. Was excellent fun, although the balloons were reluctant to burst when we threw them..... So people got drenched when they shouldn't have and vice a versa. I tried ambushing Jennifer but the kids, bless them, are so into us ambushing each other they stand and stare giving away your location!!!!
Has been quite a good week on the whole, apart from quite a boring day trip to Mida Creek - seperate blog for that to come.
Yesterday was great, Jennifer played hangman with her students and was Queen of Sweeties. I made lemon water for the second time this week and gave out football stickers. We also blew up the last of the balloons in the afternoon.
Then we had to make a speech to the kids at the Home and Jennifer and I made one girl (Bhati) cry as we gave her 300 KS to clean the house we have been staying in. Would normally have only been 100 ks but she is such a fab, lovely 15 year old and works so hard but has serious difficulties in reading. Kathleen reckons she has a processing disorder, I have been trying to help her this week with her reading and Kathleen is going to be working with her after we have left. She is definitely my favourite girl and bless her she wrote me such a lovely note (with the help of one of the Aunties) saying that I had enabled her to read, so then i cried too....
More tears to come when I get back to the Orphanage in a bit to collect my bags.... Am in Malindi at the moment blogging and had to go to the bank to finally get some money, don't go there on the banks and ATMs let just say I shall be having stern words with my bank when I get home...
For those of you wondering about Jennifers departure, she left the Orphanage when I left to come in to Malindi, a little emotional. She is probably now chilling out in the Hotel with a Tusker in hand, thinking how lucky she is to have got rid of me for a few hours.... Don't relax too much Jennifer I am on my way!
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Coming Home
Jennifer is coming home on Monday, so please make sure you don't sneeze over her as she already has had a cold and doesn't want piggy flu on top of it!
I have also decided to come home, but not on Monday. Am coming back on 10th August. So Jennifer and I are both leaving the Orphanage on Friday, there will be tears.... the children's of course not us hard cows!
Jennifer has still to confirm to me what she would like to do for her last weekend, so I have stopped holding my breathe and am just chilling....
I have also decided to come home, but not on Monday. Am coming back on 10th August. So Jennifer and I are both leaving the Orphanage on Friday, there will be tears.... the children's of course not us hard cows!
Jennifer has still to confirm to me what she would like to do for her last weekend, so I have stopped holding my breathe and am just chilling....
The Beach
No am not now in Thailand or with Leonardo Di Caprico thought it was time to update you all on our day trip to the beach last Sunday with the children.
What a fabulous day, well maybe not weatherwise, although the weather will be forgiven this once.
The children were very excited, but this was contained as they had their morning chores to do and then off to Church before lunch. The Matatues started to arrived at 1310 very Kenyan time, the last one didn't arrive till gone 1330 at which time I was having a few 'panic attacks'.
However soon we were all in transit, about 73 of us - youngest 3/4 ish and oldest, well that was probably me but I def didn't look the oldest - Jennifer did!!!!! The skies were pretty overcast all morning and Auntie Hannah was talking about calling off the trip as it would be too cold! Then 3 boys were extremely naughty in the morning so Auntie Hannah wanted to leave them behind, but we persuaded her to let them come, but they were banned from having biscuits and squash on the beach.
Now to you 'rich whities' biscuits and squash might not seem a big deal, but believe me, here for the children it is a massive deal. It is like giving them champagne and lobster.... I made lemon water for them all the other night and anyone would of thought I was giving out 100 pound notes, with the amount of pushing and shoving to get a cup!
So off to the beach we were in convoy, singing from the back with the kids squished and squashed into the mini bus. They didn't mind they very rarely get out of the Orphange and even more rarely get to travel on transport.
We arrived at the beach and much to our 'secret' dismay the tide was in so there was only a couple of metres of sand and also it was drizzling..... However I bravely lead the way by going for a paddle and then soon after the drizzle had subsided most were on the beach with the ball and the few braver ones in the water (not me then).
The sun came out and that was it fun fun fun for 3 hours. The sea was full of us, the beach was full of us and the branches of the trees were full of our wet clothes. Jennifer and I nearly lost our lives on a number of occasions as the kids felt the need to cling around our necks as the waves came (was a tad rough, therefore quite wavy). So with one kid holding each hand and a third clinging to your neck, this does cause a mild balance problem whilst trying to stay upright whilst being buffetted by a fierceish wave. However you will be pleased to know we all survived.
We had to coax a few of the younger ones out into the water, but as long as they were with us they felt safe(fools!) and played about. The sun shone for the rest of the afternoon, the tide went out and the sea calmed down. Was just the best best day, exhausting but so much fun and so worth the money. We only wished we had arranged another trip t0 the beach, but then money is always the issue.
We all got home safe and sound and then lived happily ever after.
What a fabulous day, well maybe not weatherwise, although the weather will be forgiven this once.
The children were very excited, but this was contained as they had their morning chores to do and then off to Church before lunch. The Matatues started to arrived at 1310 very Kenyan time, the last one didn't arrive till gone 1330 at which time I was having a few 'panic attacks'.
However soon we were all in transit, about 73 of us - youngest 3/4 ish and oldest, well that was probably me but I def didn't look the oldest - Jennifer did!!!!! The skies were pretty overcast all morning and Auntie Hannah was talking about calling off the trip as it would be too cold! Then 3 boys were extremely naughty in the morning so Auntie Hannah wanted to leave them behind, but we persuaded her to let them come, but they were banned from having biscuits and squash on the beach.
Now to you 'rich whities' biscuits and squash might not seem a big deal, but believe me, here for the children it is a massive deal. It is like giving them champagne and lobster.... I made lemon water for them all the other night and anyone would of thought I was giving out 100 pound notes, with the amount of pushing and shoving to get a cup!
So off to the beach we were in convoy, singing from the back with the kids squished and squashed into the mini bus. They didn't mind they very rarely get out of the Orphange and even more rarely get to travel on transport.
We arrived at the beach and much to our 'secret' dismay the tide was in so there was only a couple of metres of sand and also it was drizzling..... However I bravely lead the way by going for a paddle and then soon after the drizzle had subsided most were on the beach with the ball and the few braver ones in the water (not me then).
The sun came out and that was it fun fun fun for 3 hours. The sea was full of us, the beach was full of us and the branches of the trees were full of our wet clothes. Jennifer and I nearly lost our lives on a number of occasions as the kids felt the need to cling around our necks as the waves came (was a tad rough, therefore quite wavy). So with one kid holding each hand and a third clinging to your neck, this does cause a mild balance problem whilst trying to stay upright whilst being buffetted by a fierceish wave. However you will be pleased to know we all survived.
We had to coax a few of the younger ones out into the water, but as long as they were with us they felt safe(fools!) and played about. The sun shone for the rest of the afternoon, the tide went out and the sea calmed down. Was just the best best day, exhausting but so much fun and so worth the money. We only wished we had arranged another trip t0 the beach, but then money is always the issue.
We all got home safe and sound and then lived happily ever after.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
CRS Instalment No 4
Well how the days fly by..... or at least the mossies but unfortunately they don't just keep on going they stop for a nibble.
Now Saturday, been back from Lamu since Tuesday. Jennifer was going to grace us with her presence by doing today's blog but she has seriously fallen out with the computer and is now 'sulking' so you will have to put up with me again!
Not done that much since Tuesday, just been hanging out at the Oprhanage, sleeping, snuffling eating ugali and beans - yum. Don't get jealous we will teach you all how to cook Ugali and beans when we get home. Anyone for a dinner party at mine?!
Jennifer has been doing a bit of teaching and exam marking - don't ask, do not dare, do not go there if you value your life and your ears!!!! Seriously we tried to work out the answers to an exam together and we had great difficulty completing it - no not Swahali but ENGLISH... The kids had no chance and surprise surprise they all failed and apparently will now suffer the cane. Kathleen did make the comment that maybe the teachers should be caned rather than the children.
Had a new addition in the way of a volunteer, Jamie, from Putney 17 years of age. Great hit with the boys, so we have lost half our fan club. Seeked our revenge yesterday by producing balloons full of water, which drew such a huge crowd and Jamie was left all by himself..... Seriously very nice boy and allowed us to pelt him with the balloons.
Tomorrow is d-day, beach day, 67 seven children, off to buy squash and biscuits for me and Jennifer to eat on the beach, custard creams please however Jennifer is being difficult again and demanding kit kats - in this heat!!!!
We are looking at what to do next weekend as Jennifer is leaving a week on Monday. So we are searching for a lovely white beach with bars and local restaurants and somewhere to rest our head!
Not sure when I am returning, thinking through a few scenarios before decisions are made. Must get on and change my flights though, as booked to return with Jennifer.
Thats all for now. We have managed to upload two photos in the space of 1 hour, so you might have to wait for the bulk until we get home.
Now Saturday, been back from Lamu since Tuesday. Jennifer was going to grace us with her presence by doing today's blog but she has seriously fallen out with the computer and is now 'sulking' so you will have to put up with me again!
Not done that much since Tuesday, just been hanging out at the Oprhanage, sleeping, snuffling eating ugali and beans - yum. Don't get jealous we will teach you all how to cook Ugali and beans when we get home. Anyone for a dinner party at mine?!
Jennifer has been doing a bit of teaching and exam marking - don't ask, do not dare, do not go there if you value your life and your ears!!!! Seriously we tried to work out the answers to an exam together and we had great difficulty completing it - no not Swahali but ENGLISH... The kids had no chance and surprise surprise they all failed and apparently will now suffer the cane. Kathleen did make the comment that maybe the teachers should be caned rather than the children.
Had a new addition in the way of a volunteer, Jamie, from Putney 17 years of age. Great hit with the boys, so we have lost half our fan club. Seeked our revenge yesterday by producing balloons full of water, which drew such a huge crowd and Jamie was left all by himself..... Seriously very nice boy and allowed us to pelt him with the balloons.
Tomorrow is d-day, beach day, 67 seven children, off to buy squash and biscuits for me and Jennifer to eat on the beach, custard creams please however Jennifer is being difficult again and demanding kit kats - in this heat!!!!
We are looking at what to do next weekend as Jennifer is leaving a week on Monday. So we are searching for a lovely white beach with bars and local restaurants and somewhere to rest our head!
Not sure when I am returning, thinking through a few scenarios before decisions are made. Must get on and change my flights though, as booked to return with Jennifer.
Thats all for now. We have managed to upload two photos in the space of 1 hour, so you might have to wait for the bulk until we get home.
Lamu
PHOTO - trying to up load some, just the system is so slow. This is a picture of a baby elephant (just in case you couldn't work it out)! at the David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary in Nairobi.Well Lamu. Lovely, very relaxing place to be. We could definitely see ourselves staying there for a few months chilling out, growing beards, walking around bare foot and drinking beer and maybe the odd spliff!
The journey was interesting, express Matatu to the ferry. Express 'pants' to express, more like lets stop everywhere and let people on and off and put stuff on the roof. Then when we turned off the main road to a very long dirt track (at least an two hours worth of dirt track) we were joined by two army guys fully equipped with guns, not little guns but big guns. Do like a man in uniform but that funny khaki green colour of their garments didn't really do it. Apparently 'naughty people' used to come in from Somalia and rape and pillage tourists on Matatu's so thus the armed presence.
Jennifer saw a dead hippo on the way, I was too busy snoozing to see it. Looks like it might of had a fight with a vehicle and come off worse. Once arriving at the ferry stop, tiny little local port, we boarded a local boat and sailed (well with a motor) off to Lamu. It rained on the way there. Luckily I had my KiKoy to hand (thanks J&S) so we were kept nice and dry.
We had a huge amount of trepedation at arriving at Lamu as the Guide Books had been warning about the amount of 'touts' at the docking point, but we sailed through without any hassle and disposited ourselves into the nearest cafe for juice and food. Weirdly enough we got accomodation in this cafe as well, not before having checked out about 3/4 hotels recommended by the guide books which were just not up to our exacting standards!
Our accomodation, which was a lovely room with sea views and ensuite (I say ensuite loosely) was only 1450 Shillings per night, so essentially 14 pounds (7 squids each). Bargain more money for beers.
Lamu was quite expensive in comparision to where we have been so far, however we were on hols so it was Lobster and champagne all the way.... Actually more like local fish and beer, although I did check out the price of a bottle of Moet et Chandon as I had just that day got my exam results but it was being sold at approx 140 pounds, so just a tad expensive, maybe if it was 138 pounds I would of brought it!
Off to the beach we went on Saturday, via speed boat, good negotiation on our part so really cheap price. So for the first time we were at the beach, in our swimwear and swimming in the ocean and NO rain... Was fab, apart from the odd annoying local trying to sell us camel rides, samosas or sodas.
The beach was quite windy being exposed to the Indian Ocean but it was very hot, but being sensible grown ups we didn't get burn't just lightly toasted.
The rest of our time in Lamu was spent on the beach or in cafes or simply wondering around the streets looking in shops and have a good nose. Went for a few beers one night, but no serious partying. Was a lovely rest and considered staying for an additional day or so but our work ethic got in the way and we returned back to the Orphanage on the agreed day. Luckily the express Matutu was a little more express on the way back!
Friday, 17 July 2009
Flu & Mosquito's
Cyber silence for a couple of days... now running out of credit on the Orphanage's computer so this will be a short one.
Jennifer and I have both had colds/flu and both got a little paranoid that we might have a touch of malaria! Told you hypercondriacs on tour! I spent all of yesterday in bed sleeping with a fever, but feel better today. Jennifer still has a cough but otherwise mended.
Mosquitos are the most loving of creatures, they are showing their love to us, especially me, by leaving lovely red blotchy itchy blobs on my skin. I would like to thank my Father for giving me such a reaction to mosquitos and will be bringing home a variety of mosquitos for you Pops!!!!
We are as you probably guess back from Lamu, had a lovely time....... Full details hopefully tomorrow as we are going into Malindi for shopping, lunch and maybe a spot of beach relaxation.
Little on the warm side here at the moment, hope it isn't too chilly with you guys.....
Jennifer and I have both had colds/flu and both got a little paranoid that we might have a touch of malaria! Told you hypercondriacs on tour! I spent all of yesterday in bed sleeping with a fever, but feel better today. Jennifer still has a cough but otherwise mended.
Mosquitos are the most loving of creatures, they are showing their love to us, especially me, by leaving lovely red blotchy itchy blobs on my skin. I would like to thank my Father for giving me such a reaction to mosquitos and will be bringing home a variety of mosquitos for you Pops!!!!
We are as you probably guess back from Lamu, had a lovely time....... Full details hopefully tomorrow as we are going into Malindi for shopping, lunch and maybe a spot of beach relaxation.
Little on the warm side here at the moment, hope it isn't too chilly with you guys.....
Monday, 13 July 2009
STOP PRESS - EXAM RESULTS
Important interuption to our holiday in Lamu. Mary has her 'unoffical' exam results... Although you will not necessarily understand the subjects I think you will understand the marks!
Crime Law and Criminal Justce - 63 percent
Criminology - 61 percent
English Legal System - 67 percent
Don't think they are used to a Muzungo (whitey) shedding a couple of tears of joy in an internet cafe in Lamu but hey ho first time for everything... Will wait for offical notification, but looks like I will be extending my hols.......
Back to normal blogging when we are back on the mainland.
love
Mary now with a very big head!
Crime Law and Criminal Justce - 63 percent
Criminology - 61 percent
English Legal System - 67 percent
Don't think they are used to a Muzungo (whitey) shedding a couple of tears of joy in an internet cafe in Lamu but hey ho first time for everything... Will wait for offical notification, but looks like I will be extending my hols.......
Back to normal blogging when we are back on the mainland.
love
Mary now with a very big head!
Friday, 10 July 2009
CRS Instalement No 3
Hi - us again, did you miss us?! Right quick update of the last week or so. We have been busy helping the kids with their homework in the evenings, which has proved quite a challenge as their arithmetic formulas are very different from ours. Thank goodness that Jennifer has a mathmatical brain (she says well kind of) otherwise the kids would be going back to school with the wrong answers or a blank page if left to me.
Have been trying to help out at the school - which has been a little frustrating and involved a visit to the Education Officer in Malindi which was eye-opening and has since allowed a few small dwarf size doors to open. Jennifer is now teaching year 8 for an hour or so again. Year 8 which is the final year of Kenyan Primary and I am doing reading with Year 5. Obviously the Head Teacher Madame La Toya (not one of the Jacksons) thought Jennifer was more responsible than me as I have been allocated the younger ones... should I be flattered or insulted I ask? My remit is just to listen to the kids read and help with words they don't understand. However it is quite difficult to do in half an hour when you have at least 40 kids in the classroom.....
The kids are so well behaved when you enter the classroom, we are now called Madam Jennifer and Madam Mary so please don't forget that is our new names. The cane will be used if you do not. Also if your nails are too long the cane will have to come out again. The children get rapped on the hands for long nails.
We play with the kids in the afternoons, that is the little ones from 3.5 upwards, we have developed quite a fan base. Even Michael Jackson would of been jealous of the number of fans we have and such an avid and persistant following. We have to hide under the covers whilst the kids are literally beating down the door shouting for us. Just so difficult having such magnetic personalities. However we are being used regularly as climbing frames, skipping partners, baseball catchers and general ball catchers. Not to forget the drawing and colouring activites which we provide.
I am a little suspicious of one boy who does not live here, think we mentioned him in a previous blog. Jennifer is convinced he has a crush on me and in actual fact I first thought she had had too much sun, but on second thoughts I think the boy has, as she is definitely right. He is 11, now we know I like a younger man but.... Although i am marrying myself off to Kelvin who is not even 2 yet!!!! Jennifer has a slightly older admirer, he is 12!
We have been to Malindi a couple of times and it is growing on us. Although that might be due to the beers we have been consuming there.
We are sorry to disappoint our public but we must warn you that we are currently experiencing technical difficulties uploading photos. We are hoping normal service will be resumed at some point but cannot advise how long this will take.
Off to Lamu tomorrow for a well deserved holiday, so see you when we get back. Wish you were here Mary and Jennifer.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
CRS Instalement No 2
Me again, just popped to the room for a drink of water.... As mentioned in my previous post, have been here a week or so. Behind on the blog so you will just have to do with a summary of the past week, no moaning now please. I know you were hoping for a blow by blow account, but just been too busy.
So anyway we have been accepted by most of the children, some are still a bit prickly. Understandable considering their circumstances and also that they are used to volunteers coming and then going. Most of the children are well, only 3 with HIV. HIV treatment is now free in Kenya so those with the virus are managed well on anti-retroviral drugs. You definitely would not be able identify two of the children that have the illness. We have one boy here, John who has broken his foot so it is wrapped up in plaster, I started the English tradition of signing his cast and now it has a lot more drawings on it. The cast is due off on Friday, myself and Kathleen (American Volunteer who was here last year as well) are taking him to the hospital and then going to do lunch. The kids don't get out of the Orphanage, as there is no spare money. So trips away are looked forward too especially if they get some yummy food and pop.
We have plans to take all the kids (67 plus Aunties) to the beach in a couple of Sunday's time. Costs about 100 english pounds for the transport as it is a 15 minute bus ride from here. The last time they went was last year when Kathleen came and paid for it. The three of us are funding this trip and I think us adults are probably more excited that the kids. Although that will change on the day of the trip. We cannot wait to see their faces, hopefully it won't rain. The rain is easing off, days are getting hotter, luckily CRS is shaded with many trees. So our white bodies don't get too much sun each day.
So what have we been up to? Well Wednesday morning we were put to work doing the laundry, wow that was fun. The Aunties have to do the washing for the younger kids. There is a huge pile each morning and it is all done by hand in big outdoor sinks and then hung of the line. The instruments used are soap powder and a scrubbing brush. Oh the joy of washing machines. Whilst washing Mr Marine turned up one of the trustees of the board for the Orphanage. He is responsible for getting the money to keep the place running. He is a fairly nice man, slightly arrogant, but hey you can forgive that when he keeps these kids with a roof over their head. Anyway he didn't want us washing, and took us away from the sinks to 'have a chat' he did most of the talking.
So phew we got out of doing all the washing and have only had to do our own since, with the scrubbing brush of course.
Food now that is interesting. For breakfast it is a piece of bread and Kenyan Tea (milk, tea and sugar boiled together). Lunch and dinner are similar, rice or ugali (bit like mash potato but bland) and beans or veg. On Monday's there is a boiled egg for breakfast as well and on Sunday's the kids have meat - goat to be precise. The goats are home grown and slaughtered on site. Poor Jennifer had a bit of a shock when she looked up and saw a goats head at the sink. We have of course declined the delicacy of goat being non meat eaters.
We have escaped the Orphange for two meals and a couple of beers. But mainly we are here eating with the kids and eating exactly the same food. Oh how we miss pepper and salad and everything else we don't get here...
We are escaping again tomorrow as we need to book our tickets for Lamu (going on Saturday for 3 days). So we shall be having lunch and a couple of cheeky beers before we come back.
We have been invited to formerly visit a local family on Friday, need to be there for 2pm, I don't know if that is English 2pm or Kenyan 2pm. Have already managed to insult them by saying no thank you to chicken. Apparently it is traditional to slaughter a chicken for guests the first time. Have said yes to maize though, boy I yearn from maize (Corn on the cob to you philistines)! The family are parents and relations of Michael who goes to the school. Michael and I have seriously bonded and we all play ball etc after school. I have been helping or more like hindering him in getting the cows and goat in from grazing this evening. They have three cows, they look like miniture versions of our cows. Got to go shopping tomorrow to buy a gift, been suggested that we get sugar or maize flour or something of the like.
Must blog off now as bed time - will continue tomorrow hopefully and even more hopefully will be able to upload some photos.
So anyway we have been accepted by most of the children, some are still a bit prickly. Understandable considering their circumstances and also that they are used to volunteers coming and then going. Most of the children are well, only 3 with HIV. HIV treatment is now free in Kenya so those with the virus are managed well on anti-retroviral drugs. You definitely would not be able identify two of the children that have the illness. We have one boy here, John who has broken his foot so it is wrapped up in plaster, I started the English tradition of signing his cast and now it has a lot more drawings on it. The cast is due off on Friday, myself and Kathleen (American Volunteer who was here last year as well) are taking him to the hospital and then going to do lunch. The kids don't get out of the Orphanage, as there is no spare money. So trips away are looked forward too especially if they get some yummy food and pop.
We have plans to take all the kids (67 plus Aunties) to the beach in a couple of Sunday's time. Costs about 100 english pounds for the transport as it is a 15 minute bus ride from here. The last time they went was last year when Kathleen came and paid for it. The three of us are funding this trip and I think us adults are probably more excited that the kids. Although that will change on the day of the trip. We cannot wait to see their faces, hopefully it won't rain. The rain is easing off, days are getting hotter, luckily CRS is shaded with many trees. So our white bodies don't get too much sun each day.
So what have we been up to? Well Wednesday morning we were put to work doing the laundry, wow that was fun. The Aunties have to do the washing for the younger kids. There is a huge pile each morning and it is all done by hand in big outdoor sinks and then hung of the line. The instruments used are soap powder and a scrubbing brush. Oh the joy of washing machines. Whilst washing Mr Marine turned up one of the trustees of the board for the Orphanage. He is responsible for getting the money to keep the place running. He is a fairly nice man, slightly arrogant, but hey you can forgive that when he keeps these kids with a roof over their head. Anyway he didn't want us washing, and took us away from the sinks to 'have a chat' he did most of the talking.
So phew we got out of doing all the washing and have only had to do our own since, with the scrubbing brush of course.
Food now that is interesting. For breakfast it is a piece of bread and Kenyan Tea (milk, tea and sugar boiled together). Lunch and dinner are similar, rice or ugali (bit like mash potato but bland) and beans or veg. On Monday's there is a boiled egg for breakfast as well and on Sunday's the kids have meat - goat to be precise. The goats are home grown and slaughtered on site. Poor Jennifer had a bit of a shock when she looked up and saw a goats head at the sink. We have of course declined the delicacy of goat being non meat eaters.
We have escaped the Orphange for two meals and a couple of beers. But mainly we are here eating with the kids and eating exactly the same food. Oh how we miss pepper and salad and everything else we don't get here...
We are escaping again tomorrow as we need to book our tickets for Lamu (going on Saturday for 3 days). So we shall be having lunch and a couple of cheeky beers before we come back.
We have been invited to formerly visit a local family on Friday, need to be there for 2pm, I don't know if that is English 2pm or Kenyan 2pm. Have already managed to insult them by saying no thank you to chicken. Apparently it is traditional to slaughter a chicken for guests the first time. Have said yes to maize though, boy I yearn from maize (Corn on the cob to you philistines)! The family are parents and relations of Michael who goes to the school. Michael and I have seriously bonded and we all play ball etc after school. I have been helping or more like hindering him in getting the cows and goat in from grazing this evening. They have three cows, they look like miniture versions of our cows. Got to go shopping tomorrow to buy a gift, been suggested that we get sugar or maize flour or something of the like.
Must blog off now as bed time - will continue tomorrow hopefully and even more hopefully will be able to upload some photos.
Orphanage 1st Instalement
Been here at the Children of the Rising Sun (CRS) for a week and a day - seems like a month and a week. That is not in a bad way, but the place feels like home and we have a new family, somewhat on the large side (67 children) and 'Aunties' and other staff members. Anyway more about the 'Aunties' and staff later. Sure you want to hear about what we have been up to and any other dramas - you may be disappointed on that score, think we are drama'd out!
Well we finally arrived after our unexpected hospital visit and a 1 and half hour bus journey, crammed into what we would call a mini bus but they call a matutu. It was raining, yet again, when we left Mombasa and raining much of the way. Oh yes, drama coming up - be prepared! We arrived at the entry road to CRS and disembarked from the matutu and stood waiting for the driver to get our bags out of the boot. We waiting, I lit a cigarette, another passenger lit a cigarette, we smoked, put it out and still no bags out of the boot. Boot was well and truely stuck - 2/3 Kenyan men trying to get it open why they didn't ask a woman I have no idea. So then they tried to get it out over the back seats, on one minor problem with that idea is that there are bars behind the back seats! So then they tried to get it out of a small side window, only problem with that was the window was a tad small for our luggage. However the window did work in a way as with the tugging of the first rucksack the boot popped open. So hooray, luggage reached freedom.
Then we had a short walk up to the Orphanage, with me and my wheelie suitcase trying to drag it through the sand, not the easiest of tasks. No we weren't near the beach, alot of the side roads (tracks really) are covered with sand. Then at the gates of the CRS we were, not before we had been stared at many times by the children coming out from school for their lunch break and intrigued by the 'Muzungo's (not sure of the spelling) white people with silly bags!
We were warmly met by 'Auntie' Hannah who is in charge hear and shown to our quarters - much more luxurious than we expected. Hannah has kindly given up her living quarters for Jennifer and I. So we have a front room with basic kitchen facilites - well a sink, tap and a cooker that does not work. A bedroom with a double and a single - I of course plumped for the double using my back as a decent excuse! And a bathroom - shower, loo, sink etc. However I have gone off the shower completely today. It is not the cold showers (no hot here) I can cope with them. But when you have gone for a 40 minute jog in this heat and then jump in the shower, washing your hair and soaping and then for the water to stop and not restart for over an hour or so - you too would not be the biggest fan of the shower!!! In actual fact I had to do a DIY shower in the end with the trickle of water from the bathroom sink. Of course now I don't need a shower it is working perfectly.
Anyway, I digress back to day 1 at the Orphanage, so after we unpacked (you know what I am like)! We had a tour of CRS and met the staff, Leonard the Chef (who has a thing for our American volunteer, but it is a secret so don't tell anyone!), the Aunties, who are the staff that look after the children and thus the reason for their title. There are alot of Aunties about 5 on at each time. They live here with the children in their rooms whilst on duty and go home for their day off.
Then we popped into the school to say hi. The school is on the same land essentially as CRS, our house is on the school grounds. There are over 900 children at the school, it is a primary school. However it is not like our primary school as they have students who are up to about 18 years of age. After primary students go onto secondary. Yes, I do hear you asking, how can an 18 year old go to Primary school. Well over here a lot of parents could not afford education, but now the Government has made it free at Primary level for all children they come to school with varying ages. Some don't start school until they are 12 -14, so they are starting very late in comparison to our schools. So you do get a mix of ages in each year. It is good for us though as helping with homework isn't too taxing, well English isn't, struggling with maths but as you know never been my favourite subject!
Anyway shall sign of this post and start instalement No 2.
Well we finally arrived after our unexpected hospital visit and a 1 and half hour bus journey, crammed into what we would call a mini bus but they call a matutu. It was raining, yet again, when we left Mombasa and raining much of the way. Oh yes, drama coming up - be prepared! We arrived at the entry road to CRS and disembarked from the matutu and stood waiting for the driver to get our bags out of the boot. We waiting, I lit a cigarette, another passenger lit a cigarette, we smoked, put it out and still no bags out of the boot. Boot was well and truely stuck - 2/3 Kenyan men trying to get it open why they didn't ask a woman I have no idea. So then they tried to get it out over the back seats, on one minor problem with that idea is that there are bars behind the back seats! So then they tried to get it out of a small side window, only problem with that was the window was a tad small for our luggage. However the window did work in a way as with the tugging of the first rucksack the boot popped open. So hooray, luggage reached freedom.
Then we had a short walk up to the Orphanage, with me and my wheelie suitcase trying to drag it through the sand, not the easiest of tasks. No we weren't near the beach, alot of the side roads (tracks really) are covered with sand. Then at the gates of the CRS we were, not before we had been stared at many times by the children coming out from school for their lunch break and intrigued by the 'Muzungo's (not sure of the spelling) white people with silly bags!
We were warmly met by 'Auntie' Hannah who is in charge hear and shown to our quarters - much more luxurious than we expected. Hannah has kindly given up her living quarters for Jennifer and I. So we have a front room with basic kitchen facilites - well a sink, tap and a cooker that does not work. A bedroom with a double and a single - I of course plumped for the double using my back as a decent excuse! And a bathroom - shower, loo, sink etc. However I have gone off the shower completely today. It is not the cold showers (no hot here) I can cope with them. But when you have gone for a 40 minute jog in this heat and then jump in the shower, washing your hair and soaping and then for the water to stop and not restart for over an hour or so - you too would not be the biggest fan of the shower!!! In actual fact I had to do a DIY shower in the end with the trickle of water from the bathroom sink. Of course now I don't need a shower it is working perfectly.
Anyway, I digress back to day 1 at the Orphanage, so after we unpacked (you know what I am like)! We had a tour of CRS and met the staff, Leonard the Chef (who has a thing for our American volunteer, but it is a secret so don't tell anyone!), the Aunties, who are the staff that look after the children and thus the reason for their title. There are alot of Aunties about 5 on at each time. They live here with the children in their rooms whilst on duty and go home for their day off.
Then we popped into the school to say hi. The school is on the same land essentially as CRS, our house is on the school grounds. There are over 900 children at the school, it is a primary school. However it is not like our primary school as they have students who are up to about 18 years of age. After primary students go onto secondary. Yes, I do hear you asking, how can an 18 year old go to Primary school. Well over here a lot of parents could not afford education, but now the Government has made it free at Primary level for all children they come to school with varying ages. Some don't start school until they are 12 -14, so they are starting very late in comparison to our schools. So you do get a mix of ages in each year. It is good for us though as helping with homework isn't too taxing, well English isn't, struggling with maths but as you know never been my favourite subject!
Anyway shall sign of this post and start instalement No 2.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Monday July 6th
Well hi again folks - seems ages since I last blogged actually only a few days. Sara from the way the blog works at this end the last entry is always the first that comes up on the screen - must be your funny scottish computer! Jonathan am working on the photos, have some all marked to upload but forgot to bring my cable into Malindi today.
Will make this a short blog and hopefully now I have a Telecom card will be able to spend time at the Orphanage on their computer fully updating my blog and uploading some 'gorgeous' photos of ME!!!!!
So a little more patience, more like Kenyan patience rather than British patience please!
Will make this a short blog and hopefully now I have a Telecom card will be able to spend time at the Orphanage on their computer fully updating my blog and uploading some 'gorgeous' photos of ME!!!!!
So a little more patience, more like Kenyan patience rather than British patience please!
Friday, 3 July 2009
Friday 3 July
Hooray its not raining - but planning to go to beach tomorrow so have umbrellas ready! Feel back in civilisation being able to use the internet, weird one thing i didnt think we would miss. However one does feel isolated without being able to access the net - ooh my goodness - yet another addiction to add to my list.
Talking about addicitions, you will laugh, kind of got mugged on Monday night for my cigarette! Some boy asked me for a cig and I didn't give him one because you get hassled so much and could end up giving your liver away - not that anyone would want mine. Anyway he ran back and tried to grab it out of my hand, but I was hanging on tight - no one but no one gets my cigs! All that happened was he ended up burning his fingers and ran off, was really surreal, we has a bit of a giggle but then even more surreal he came back to apologise and beg forgiveness, appeared really earnest. So being the benevelent person I am I forgave him and of course gave him a lecture about smoking being bad for you (actually I didnt but in hindsight seemed like a good idea).
Anyway we did not have to wait long for our next bizarre occurence. Tuesday am all packed and waiting for Serah in the hotel's reception ready to get on the bus to Home of the Children of the Rising Sun when Serah turns up and in a very laid back kind of way - tells us that we cannot go to the Orphanage due to the Piggy Flu that that silly silly Student brought into Kenya! The Orphanage was worried that we would turn up with noses like snouts and infect all staff and children.
To be able to come to the Orphanage we would need to see a Doctor and possibly have tests. At which point Jennifer all but fainted at the thought of having a needle stuck in her arm! She was talking about flying home rather than going thru the needle ordeal. So off the three of us went to the local private hospital and thanks to Serah got to see a Doctor pretty much immediately but of course even in Africa there are Government procedures to follow, so after discussions with his Boss the gorgeous (possibly eligible African Doctor) informed us that we would need to go to the Government Hospital to get a letter from the Doctor there. At which point Jennifer revived herself from her near faint realising that needles were no longer required!
No consultation fee required by the Dr, partly due I think to three visions of beauty in front of him and also me mentioning we were poor, children, Orphanage, volunteering etc!
Just left hospital to trek off to the next, (maybe we should call ourself hypocondriacs on tour) we had a call from the Orphanage to say was ok - come down! Think the panic had subsided at their end after probably locally debating the pandemic that we may of brought with us.....
Anyway must dash now, hopefully will be able to fully update the blog tomorrow or Sunday.
Talking about addicitions, you will laugh, kind of got mugged on Monday night for my cigarette! Some boy asked me for a cig and I didn't give him one because you get hassled so much and could end up giving your liver away - not that anyone would want mine. Anyway he ran back and tried to grab it out of my hand, but I was hanging on tight - no one but no one gets my cigs! All that happened was he ended up burning his fingers and ran off, was really surreal, we has a bit of a giggle but then even more surreal he came back to apologise and beg forgiveness, appeared really earnest. So being the benevelent person I am I forgave him and of course gave him a lecture about smoking being bad for you (actually I didnt but in hindsight seemed like a good idea).
Anyway we did not have to wait long for our next bizarre occurence. Tuesday am all packed and waiting for Serah in the hotel's reception ready to get on the bus to Home of the Children of the Rising Sun when Serah turns up and in a very laid back kind of way - tells us that we cannot go to the Orphanage due to the Piggy Flu that that silly silly Student brought into Kenya! The Orphanage was worried that we would turn up with noses like snouts and infect all staff and children.
To be able to come to the Orphanage we would need to see a Doctor and possibly have tests. At which point Jennifer all but fainted at the thought of having a needle stuck in her arm! She was talking about flying home rather than going thru the needle ordeal. So off the three of us went to the local private hospital and thanks to Serah got to see a Doctor pretty much immediately but of course even in Africa there are Government procedures to follow, so after discussions with his Boss the gorgeous (possibly eligible African Doctor) informed us that we would need to go to the Government Hospital to get a letter from the Doctor there. At which point Jennifer revived herself from her near faint realising that needles were no longer required!
No consultation fee required by the Dr, partly due I think to three visions of beauty in front of him and also me mentioning we were poor, children, Orphanage, volunteering etc!
Just left hospital to trek off to the next, (maybe we should call ourself hypocondriacs on tour) we had a call from the Orphanage to say was ok - come down! Think the panic had subsided at their end after probably locally debating the pandemic that we may of brought with us.....
Anyway must dash now, hopefully will be able to fully update the blog tomorrow or Sunday.
Monday, 29 June 2009
COMMENTS/FOLLOWERS!
We have been graced with two comments on our blog pages so far- so those who thought you couldn't comment you can! However I have absolutely no no idea how, but it must be easy as Jonathan has done it!!!! Also I think you can show that you are following the blog - would be interesting for me to know whether your are, if not i might as well just e-mail Jonathan directly with a regular up date!!!!!
Saturday 27thth June Part 2
Well we survived the train journey, only 15 hours long! Got into Mombasa at 9.40 am. Weird journey - quirky and old fashioned, train was a little on the shabby side. Was an experience and we are both very glad we did it!
Children begging on the side of the railway tracks pretty much most of the way from 7am till we got into Mombasa. These children are obviously well used to this begging and in actual fact some were very demanding - one older boy demanded I gave him my watch - fat chance!
Talking about giving things, whilst walking to the van bus from the beach today, we were munching a very 'expensive' large packet of crisps and three kids walked by. We called them back to ask if they wanted a crisp - one of them grabbed the packet in a nice way! I was too hungry to let them have the whole packet - so we filled their tiny hands with crisps so they were happy and we were happy!
Anyway after digressing from Saturday's adventures I shall return to them. Having nearly got ripped off by the cab driver from the Station - saved by Jennifer's knowledge and experience of these things and a slap round the head for me due to my naviety we arrived at the hotel. Very nice hotel, very old colonial building on one of the main streets - Moi Avenue. Named after one of the Presidents, in actual fact many of the main streets seem to be named after Presidents.
Seems that we have made us a friend with the Hotel Receptionist he e-mailed us his mobile number, but our social diaries have been to full to fit him in!
After a lovely lovely shower, no showers on the train - long drop communal toilets (you can only imagine my face when I first found out - Jennifer had to coax me to use the loo otherwise I would still have my legs crossed now!) we sat down for a lovely 'cuppa' well I did in the hotel's lovely bar and waited for Serah and her lovely friend Eva. Not that Serah isn't fab too of course. They took us to a local cafe so we could fill our stomachs and we talked a bit about Mombasa's dos and don'ts etc etc. Then off to a supermarket by van/bus for supplies and back by the four of us squeezing into the back of a tuttut! We did have a bit of a giggle, in actual fact when ever Serah's around we do tend to have a bit of a giggle! Someone who finally gets my sense of humour!
Then Jennifer and I went out to a local restaurant/bar for a bit of dinner - that was an experience which I probably won't go into now. Lets just say everything we tended to ask for they didn't have, what they did have came about 1 hour and half later and the fish was, delicious but shall we say a tad over cooked!
Have reminded Jennifer how to play backgammon, huge huge mistake on my part, haven't won one game yet (blame it on my teacher - Darlene)!!!!! So I am banning backgammon and moving onto chess, in the hope I have more success there!
Did a tour of Mombasa with the help of our guide book yesterday, so have seen the sights ranging from Fort Jesus some old relic (no comments please) to the very back streets of the Old Town which is hugely Muslim and very busy and full of locals, only two other tourists that we could spot.
Tried a bit of haggling on a kaftan but brought it anyway as it was incredibly cheap and more expensive in other 'shops'. Jennifer was busy doing her photography, but finally put the camera away - piece of advice if going on holiday with a photographer, negotiate time with them re photos or hide their camera batteries!
Back to the hotel for a spot of lunch, cake for Jennifer salad for me and then off we went to Diani.
Children begging on the side of the railway tracks pretty much most of the way from 7am till we got into Mombasa. These children are obviously well used to this begging and in actual fact some were very demanding - one older boy demanded I gave him my watch - fat chance!
Talking about giving things, whilst walking to the van bus from the beach today, we were munching a very 'expensive' large packet of crisps and three kids walked by. We called them back to ask if they wanted a crisp - one of them grabbed the packet in a nice way! I was too hungry to let them have the whole packet - so we filled their tiny hands with crisps so they were happy and we were happy!
Anyway after digressing from Saturday's adventures I shall return to them. Having nearly got ripped off by the cab driver from the Station - saved by Jennifer's knowledge and experience of these things and a slap round the head for me due to my naviety we arrived at the hotel. Very nice hotel, very old colonial building on one of the main streets - Moi Avenue. Named after one of the Presidents, in actual fact many of the main streets seem to be named after Presidents.
Seems that we have made us a friend with the Hotel Receptionist he e-mailed us his mobile number, but our social diaries have been to full to fit him in!
After a lovely lovely shower, no showers on the train - long drop communal toilets (you can only imagine my face when I first found out - Jennifer had to coax me to use the loo otherwise I would still have my legs crossed now!) we sat down for a lovely 'cuppa' well I did in the hotel's lovely bar and waited for Serah and her lovely friend Eva. Not that Serah isn't fab too of course. They took us to a local cafe so we could fill our stomachs and we talked a bit about Mombasa's dos and don'ts etc etc. Then off to a supermarket by van/bus for supplies and back by the four of us squeezing into the back of a tuttut! We did have a bit of a giggle, in actual fact when ever Serah's around we do tend to have a bit of a giggle! Someone who finally gets my sense of humour!
Then Jennifer and I went out to a local restaurant/bar for a bit of dinner - that was an experience which I probably won't go into now. Lets just say everything we tended to ask for they didn't have, what they did have came about 1 hour and half later and the fish was, delicious but shall we say a tad over cooked!
Have reminded Jennifer how to play backgammon, huge huge mistake on my part, haven't won one game yet (blame it on my teacher - Darlene)!!!!! So I am banning backgammon and moving onto chess, in the hope I have more success there!
Did a tour of Mombasa with the help of our guide book yesterday, so have seen the sights ranging from Fort Jesus some old relic (no comments please) to the very back streets of the Old Town which is hugely Muslim and very busy and full of locals, only two other tourists that we could spot.
Tried a bit of haggling on a kaftan but brought it anyway as it was incredibly cheap and more expensive in other 'shops'. Jennifer was busy doing her photography, but finally put the camera away - piece of advice if going on holiday with a photographer, negotiate time with them re photos or hide their camera batteries!
Back to the hotel for a spot of lunch, cake for Jennifer salad for me and then off we went to Diani.
Mombasa 29th June
Well Mombasa is well Mombasa! Hot, humid and very busy. Van buses and tututs everywhere, people, beggars, and traffic! Very much a business type city, on the harbour but no beaches that near by, well not in walking or spitting distance.
However being the intrepid travellers that Jennifer and I are we have visited two beaches so far. Yesterday Diani which is to the South of Mombasa, our travelling was not that intrepid though as we went with Serah (from the Charity) and her friend's husband by car! We did have to get the ferry across to the south area, so that could be considered intrepid. The beach was absolutely gorgeous, perfect white sand and lovely lovely warm sea. Great bar on the beach, only one slight problem was raining!!!!! No swimming yesterday!
So today we thought off to North Coast, Nyali. Intrepid we were, off on a local bus, then onto another local bus and then a short walk. Ready for a day of being pestered by the 'beach boys' and burning our white bits. You've guessed it, was raining agan today! So still whites bits not burnt. Had a nice time though chilling, drinking coffee and becoming knowledgeable about Kenya's history.
Now Jennifer is off doing her David Bailey stuff in the Old Town of Mombasa and I am sitting here in an internet cafe catching up on e-mails, doing my blog and getting frustrated because my Uni results still are not posted.
Off to Malindi tomorrow with Serah by local bus to get settled in at the Orphanage and start work! Been buying flip flops for the children as they are so cheap - but luggage now getting so heavy no more shopping. Looking forward to the Orphanage, apparently cold showers only, so you will be hearing me scream every morning back in London!
Doing these posts backwards, so will post Saturday's next.
However being the intrepid travellers that Jennifer and I are we have visited two beaches so far. Yesterday Diani which is to the South of Mombasa, our travelling was not that intrepid though as we went with Serah (from the Charity) and her friend's husband by car! We did have to get the ferry across to the south area, so that could be considered intrepid. The beach was absolutely gorgeous, perfect white sand and lovely lovely warm sea. Great bar on the beach, only one slight problem was raining!!!!! No swimming yesterday!
So today we thought off to North Coast, Nyali. Intrepid we were, off on a local bus, then onto another local bus and then a short walk. Ready for a day of being pestered by the 'beach boys' and burning our white bits. You've guessed it, was raining agan today! So still whites bits not burnt. Had a nice time though chilling, drinking coffee and becoming knowledgeable about Kenya's history.
Now Jennifer is off doing her David Bailey stuff in the Old Town of Mombasa and I am sitting here in an internet cafe catching up on e-mails, doing my blog and getting frustrated because my Uni results still are not posted.
Off to Malindi tomorrow with Serah by local bus to get settled in at the Orphanage and start work! Been buying flip flops for the children as they are so cheap - but luggage now getting so heavy no more shopping. Looking forward to the Orphanage, apparently cold showers only, so you will be hearing me scream every morning back in London!
Doing these posts backwards, so will post Saturday's next.
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Nairobi
Well we made it to Nairobi. Flights were on time and uneventful, although on the flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi we managed to get seats with extra leg room and two on there own - so we were very happy. Flight was packed, but luckily with a little help from some 'medication' we managed to snooze most of the time.
Nairobi airport was interesting, a bit higgle de piggeldy - got our visa's no problems with a little help from 'girlie chat'. Was pitch dark in Nairobi at 7.30 pm when arrived. Picked up no problems, nearly lost our lives on the way to our Host's house due to chinese road works. Our hosts were fabulous and we had a brilliant but ever so short stay.
Very busy day yesterday (Friday) meet Maasi - Jennifer stole one of their puppies (to remind her of Samba) and it is now'peeing' in her luggage! I stole one of the baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Trust (Sara) he is on his way to you by airmail..... Get his pen ready.
Jennifer and I got very friendly, snogging friendly with the locals - Giraffes that is! Then off on mini safari adventure (Mary found the experience a little tedious - cos it aint like wat it is on telly)! We did spot however lions, zebra, giraffes, baboons and various four legged deer types. Does anyone want a husband we have an eligible Tour/Safari Guide!
Off to the train station for our 'Out of Africa Experience' - food more reminisent of SCHOOL DINNERS!
Nairobi airport was interesting, a bit higgle de piggeldy - got our visa's no problems with a little help from 'girlie chat'. Was pitch dark in Nairobi at 7.30 pm when arrived. Picked up no problems, nearly lost our lives on the way to our Host's house due to chinese road works. Our hosts were fabulous and we had a brilliant but ever so short stay.
Very busy day yesterday (Friday) meet Maasi - Jennifer stole one of their puppies (to remind her of Samba) and it is now'peeing' in her luggage! I stole one of the baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Trust (Sara) he is on his way to you by airmail..... Get his pen ready.
Jennifer and I got very friendly, snogging friendly with the locals - Giraffes that is! Then off on mini safari adventure (Mary found the experience a little tedious - cos it aint like wat it is on telly)! We did spot however lions, zebra, giraffes, baboons and various four legged deer types. Does anyone want a husband we have an eligible Tour/Safari Guide!
Off to the train station for our 'Out of Africa Experience' - food more reminisent of SCHOOL DINNERS!
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Tuesday 23rd
Well nearly done all my packing and have done really well. Big rucksack (thank you Jay) full with goodies for the kiddies (whose idea was it too buy four footballs - oh mine of course!) and smaller suitcase full of my stuff. So have been very frugal with my packing and limited it too four pairs of shoes - unbelieveable for me, being away for 7 weeks. Normally need a pair for each day!
First anti malarial tablet for Jennifer and I tonight - yum. Bad news it will be raining in Nairobi when we arrive and is due to be raining in Mombasa when we get there on Saturday. It will be hot though, so not such a bad thing. We shall be walking in the rain - who sang that! Enough for today off to cook dinner for a friend.
First anti malarial tablet for Jennifer and I tonight - yum. Bad news it will be raining in Nairobi when we arrive and is due to be raining in Mombasa when we get there on Saturday. It will be hot though, so not such a bad thing. We shall be walking in the rain - who sang that! Enough for today off to cook dinner for a friend.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Sunday 21st June
Hi,
Just received some news from the charity we are volunteering with that the Orphanage we were hoping to go to is not happening now! However they have found us a new Orphanage just down the road, so waiting to hear a little more.
Getting very excited only 3 full days to go before we fly!!!!!!
Just received some news from the charity we are volunteering with that the Orphanage we were hoping to go to is not happening now! However they have found us a new Orphanage just down the road, so waiting to hear a little more.
Getting very excited only 3 full days to go before we fly!!!!!!
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