Welcome to Camp

Jambo friends. . . Well it is day 4 here at the Kilimanjaro Bush Camp. This is one of those experiences I feel quite confident that I will never have the opportunity to have again. I awake each morning in my banda (a glorified hut), crawl out of my mosquito net & walk outside to be faced with Mt. Kilimanjaro staring back. There is a quiet here that is unfamiliar, yet extremely welcoming, just like the people. Working within the Maasai population, we have unprecedented access to a very private & fascinating group of people. The first day we journeyed to the market in the nearby town of Kimana. The curiosity on both sides, they to us, and us to them, was certainly high. An adventure seems to find us around every corner, elephants sneaking into our camp is a constant reality, & I think my own reactions are surprising. Being invited into this world is such a privilege & just opening your capacity & your mind to this life has been so moving already. T.I.A. friends, T.I.A. 

Afreeka or Bust

After landing in Cairo, I had just a short time to play with Heba, and see some of Egypt. On sensory overload, we trekked to the pyramids. It is truly unlike any other place I have ever been. The traffic alone is much to behold. Pyramids, obviously amazing. On our tour, after the camel rides, I tried the view from the horses. The guide, who was stellar, allowed me to take the horse out and gallop all around, and even challenged me to a race. It was one of those moments you record in your mind. After a lovely dinner on the Nile, it was time to depart. This city has so much to offer, I hope that I can return during the conclusion of this summer. 

I arrived in Nairobi, again in the middle of the night, heightens the creepy factor certainly. After breakfast with a friend, I was bound all things Nairobi. The drivers are so helpful and informative. I visited the Karen Blixen Museum, (aka "Out of Africa"), which for all of you who know is particularly important in my world, went to the Girafffe compound, which was amazing and the Animal Orphanage of the Kenya National Park. Delightful day. When I returned, Alli was just arriving. Concluding the day with our first Kenyan supper, I leave at dawn for the Kili Bush Camp for 5 weeks. Solar panels for electricity, little to no plumbing but an unprecedented opportunity to work with the Masai. We shall see how I do . . . . 

A day in Germany & Cairo

En route to Kenya, I found myself with a lovely little layover in Frankfurt, Germany. A delight of a German town, I navigated my way into the city. There was plenty to do & be seen. All things German~ rode a bike through the city center, took in the river walk that runs through the base of Frankfurt, ate proper German cuisine & of course participated in beer garden festivities. The markets, Cathedral & Opera House were particularly charming, & a wonderful introduction to my first European city. Auf Wiedersehen!

London Bridge is falling down???

The trek has officially begun. After a hectic, but delightful departure from Boston, I am officially on my way. A quick trip to San Diego, then onto Savannah, a wedding in Florida, then farewells to my Savannah homeland, I was bound for Cairo, or so I thought. 

Landing in New York in style (many thanks to my travel angels Erin & Lippitt), Cairo plans were delayed, which afforded me the lovely opportunity to take in a day in the city. Currently on a short stop in London, and enough of a layover in Germany to have a proper brew, then onto Cairo for a little shy of 24 hours and final destination in Nairobi, and then the true work begins. I write with eager anticipation for the adventures ahead . . .