Lake Nakuru NP pictorals

Lake Nakuru NP

YAY! So I finally made it to Nakuru National Park! I wasnt sure whether or not to go, but then decided it would have been criminal had I not, its too close to miss out on and its like Kenyas 2nd most visited park or something. So, not getting my hopes up, I was making calls to try and arrange something, and finally decided that there was no way I could go cheap so settled for the next best offer.

It was extremely hot today, totaly toasting in dry heat, but it was perfect! Once again though, we had car trouble, but at least it was at the START of the journey, and just one time :) It was making a horrendous noise and so we got it checked out and turns out it was dust, I cant believe dust can cause this type of damage! but we had it cleaned and were on our way :)

When we got the park, i was determined to get a discount, so psyched myself up to argue, but it was really easier than I thought, the guys looked willing to let me pay student rate, then of course, they had to confirm with a lady, and ladies are for some reason alot tougher, and she was so tough, she just didnt want to hear it.. so in the end, i had to pay the full 50.40 euros (exchange rate was BAD!) but anyway, after paying 10 euros in Masai Mara I wasnt too upset.

Driving in, all I can say is WOW, it was so beautiful. The lake was the first thing to view and you could already see it littered in pink from all the masses of flamingoes. Coming here was like completing my 'big five' list.. we saw here:

Flamingoes, buffaloes, pelicans, (tonnes more birds i cant name, Nakuru NP is famous for birds and is a bird watchers haven), zebras (yawn.. hahah just joking, we even saw brown ones!), gazelles, waterbucks, impalas, warthogs, ostriches (this time male AND female), baboons, those small monkeys, LIONS(!! yaaaaaaaaaay!), the hint of a leopard (it was really far away and we could just see the skin if you squinted and concentrated hard), rhinos (white AND black!!) and giraffes.

so i have now seen lions, rhinos, bufallos, a leopard (albeit very very unclearly in a tree) and elephants... I will call that 4.5/5 :) but im very very satisfied!

the thing i like about these places, once someone sees something thats hard t osee, they radio it to the main gate and it gets around, so you always know there is something good either when there is a HUGE convoy, or when you see vehicles zooming to get somewhere.

On top of the beautiful lake (it really is spectacular) we saw the Makalia falls which was not as big as Thompson falls, but still a cute area :)

then we went for lunch/dinner and i had a buffet, nice to get some good good food (mix of kenyan and western) but something is happening to me, i could only manage 2 plates ;)

PICTURES TO FOLLOW :)

Nairobi fly

gross... so there is this hard shelled bug that i have noticed alot recently (i didnt see them before) but they are red and black and they fly. And i noticed them alot on the ceiling and they just drop on you, its so gross... i tried to squish one (sorry) with my finger and it escaped because it has such a hard shell.
So i asked about it and its called the Nairobi fly, and they dont sting or bite, but if you kill them and get any of their juices on you then its a toxin which can dmamge the skin!

Apparently, its not good to squish them or to slap them when they are on your skin. anyway, just wanted to share this with you.. they freak me out!

Masai Mara

Ok, i am DEFINITELY coming back to Kenya! The Masai Mara was just so great, i loved it. So we left on Friday and in the day the staff at the college were having their elections for the new board of some committee members within the college. OK, chaos doesn’t even begin to describe it! They decided they needed someone who was neutral, ie. Not staff, so i was appointed as chairman. It was impossible to control them! Everyone has a strong opinion and everyone is talking at once. I was trying to come up with some kinda list that would be the rules that we would all agree on, it was ok making the list, but no one stuck to it, so then there were arguments amongst themselves and it went on for hours! But it was interesting. The Kenyans are all politicians and they all have a strong opinion. Here in the pictures you can see me "chairing" the chaos, and the new elected members, none of which were happy about it!

I was happy to leave there in the end. Our driver arrived at 3pm (was meant to be 2, but hey) and even though i told everyone we were leaving at 2pm, no one was ready! So in the end, i think we left Molo at 4pm. The drive was nice, i was sat at the front and there were 5 people in the back hehe! Surprisingly the weather everywhere was just hot, it was really unexpected. And we stopped in Kericho, the town famous for its tea, i love tea. Everywhere was really really green and tea everywhere with women in the fields picking leaves with children on their backs, just like in the books! We arrived at the place we would stay overnight, called Mulot which was close to Narok (the main town before the Masai Mara). But it turned out Mulot is actually closer so that was good news!

We were staying with the sister of one of the women who joined us, and it was a big complex for religious people or something, so it was huge and there were loads of rooms. I was extremely tired at this point, for some reason, being in a car in the heat and travelling for 3 hours makes you really exhausted! So we just sat and waited until dinner then after that went to bed. I shaared a room with the other woman who came with us and her daughter. I just couldn’t sleep! It was a mixture of excitement and fear from the sound of a mosquito circling around me, i couldn’t tell if it was in the net or outside of it, so i was spraying myself with mosquito spray excessively haha! And then i was kept awake by the sound of loud snoring from the lady... !!

The thing with this place was that there was no running water, it has been too long since i have been in a situation where the toilet has to be flushed using a bucket and water and also showering from a bucket too. It was really awkward to brush my teeth and wash my face.. i have been spoiled too much i think.

So anyway, after about 4 hours sleep we woke up at 5am because i really wanted to be there as early as possible. The drive was so great, the road was just not a road at all, so you are really vibrating and bouncing from side to side, it woke us up for sure! I think we werer on that road for about 2 hours! On the way, we passed so many of the Masai tribe people, they are really interesting. They are exactly how you see them on tv and in books, mostly they wear red shawls (men and women) and wear alot of jewellery, and the way you can spot a Masai man is from the fact that he is dark, very tall and very slim, i think i didn’t see one man who was different from that! And they have very very disciplined cattle, when we are crossing their path in the car they don’t even touch it! They are right next to it, but they know to stay away, its amazing!

So then we arrived at the gate, and this was the part i was fearing, because the $60 entrance fee (although worth it) for foreigners was a bit much for me, but i don’t know how, but they decided to charge me local fee, so i ended up paying 10 euros instead :) !!

So then the whole day w as spent driving (you aren’t allowed to come out of your car at all). Although in only saw 2 of the big 5 i was still very very satisfied! In all, we saw:

Thomsons gazelles, Gerenuks, Buffalos, Elephants, Zebras (i don’t ever want to see another! The place is saturated in them!), Hippos, Crocodiles, Velvet monkeys, Ostriches, Warthogs, Some sort of bright lizard, Mud fish, Mongoose, Jackals, A huge snake, Vultures (always circling areas!), And of course the wildebeest which were hard to miss! (the main reason i went was for the wildebeest migration, meant to be the 7th wonder of the world :) )

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The wildebeest were everywhere! Just close to us and far, at one point we were driving through and suddenly a whole load just ran infront of the car to the other side! Was so nice to see! And then in the distance you can always see the landscape is just covered in these black dots which are just hundreds and hundreds of wildebeest, its quite amazing to see!

Then it was time to leave (we were only to spend one day). So, along that crazy road we got a puncture so we stopped to change it, i tried to help but i have no muscle it seems! So i sat and basked in the sun :) then we were ok for a while until the indicator was showing that the water was low, so that needed topping up, a nice Masai man helped with that (he had those huge holes in his ears!). and then we went to drive more and then again noticed overheating, so this time when we stopped, some more Masai men helped the driver and they noticed that the fan wasn’t working, but these people are so resourceful, with a cigarette in his mouth the one just fixed the wiring! Using his teeth the break through the plastic of the wire and then connecting others, all with the cigarette in his mouth haha! But then that was fixed and he said it would last for the rest of the journey. SO then we were on our way again, then of course... more water is needed, at tthis point we are tired and frustrated with the car, so we head to Narok to get it looked at.

At narok we get some chips and snacks while the car is being looked at (overly priced snacks might i add!) and then i have to fork out a further 30 euros for fuel and tyre changing (in the end i spent the 40 euros that i saved from the entrance fee!).

Then we head away again and what happens? Of course, the water is gone again and there is overheating and there is clearly something wrong with the electrical connections because the indicator lights are uncontrollable, they are doing their own thing even when they are switched off! So we have to stop again, fill up, blah blah blah, same routine.. this happens now about 4 more times before we finally reach home! And at one of the stops i wanted a drink very badly so i thought i would take a shortcut to the shop but it was through barbed wire, so i get caught in it, and to make things worse, i step in some sort of thick black oil and my whole shoe (Tai’s walking shoe, sorry!) is covered in black so ihave to travel barefoot!

Then en route, twice the car just rolls to a standstill, just runs out of power, in the middle of the road.. not any road, these dangerous, potholed, dark dark roads where lorry driver carrying petrol speed in the centre of the road.. not good. And to top it off, there is heavy heavy rain and the brightest lightening i have ever seen! But somehow, we make it back safely, i was first to be dropped of (thank goodness!) so i could wash my hands of anything else that may happen!

When i got back i saw myself in the mirror, i was black from dirt! Seriously it was unreal! I thought i was having a skin problem then realised its dust and dirt from the road, but a sign of a good time :) i have to go back there, the lodges are also really beautiful (so i have to save up BIG time!)

Supper with Sisters, Students leaving and Menengai Crater

What a week! This was the last week of the students at the College weeks of exams and final preparations to leave. I decided to have a dinner with 2 of my favourite ladies here and the 2 nuns who have taken a liking to me. It was a nice night, we had SO much food and 2 cakes. Also, they heard the rumour that I am a fan of monkey nuts (i don tknow how we call them in English but in Filipino thats how they are known, and in Kenya they are known as ground nuts), so they especially made a whole load for me! And we finished off by roasting maize on the fire. It was so good!

The next day was the last day of the students and the Bishop was invited as a special guest. He was a very kind gentleman and invited me to sit with him at lunch to discuss the unfortunate demise of the Dutch team in the world cup (with no mention of the English team *ahem*).

the "escaping souls"

Saturday we went to Menengai crater, the second biggest in the world. The place has some stories behind it, some believe that it is haunted. Apparently people go there and go missing for days on end and return looking totally healthy but having no recollection of where they have been, and also there is this story that when it rains there is a floating umbrella which is said to protect the crater from rain, well.. it rained when i was there (ok, a very very minute amount which didn’t even touch my hair, but still!) and i didn’t see any umbrella (thank goodness!). Also there is alot of steam coming from some areas, and this is believed to be the spirits of the warriors who died there trying to escape to heaven!

Anyway, stories aside, it was SO beautiful when we got up there, really really wonderful. From the top you could see Lake Nakuru and as far as Lake Bogoria (though very very distant). I wanted to walk down to the bottom but was told that this was a whole day feat, so i was ok to just admire from the top J

And i still don’t understand, to these people I am white, and I am starting to get as dark as some of the lighter Kenyans here (trust me, thats not too light!). they call me “Muzungu” which is just “white person” in Swahili. At the crater, there were alot of “muzungus” there but somehow, the Kenyans who were there picked me out and were all asking to take pictures with me in them! So i had a queue of about 6 people wanting to be snapped with me. It was so funny (and bizarre!). i don’t like when i am in town and the locals are calling muzungu at me, somehow i feel it sounds a bit derogatory even though i am assured its not meant to be.

The crater wasn’t on my to-see list, but I am glad I decided to go anyway. Still waiting for the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Victoria (to eat fish all day long) and Lake Bogoria. I hope I can fit it in all in!

Malaria, bargaining and agriculture

This week I was feeling rather unwell and the people in the college advised I go for a malaria test. Even the Lonely Planet advised that any flu like symptoms should be assumed to malaria. I was reluctant at first (i didnt want to have blood taken from anywhere here) but after nearly passing out decided it was best to go. So the test showed positive (but very weak) and I was given a course of drugs to take (8 in on day PLUS 6 panadol, my poor liver!). How strange after hearing about Cheryl Cole and her malarial incident!






It was a busy week in Nakuru and for Baraka as it was the agricultural show. Agriculture is very important here in Kenya and these shows are hosted all over the country at different times (I am definitely starting to turn into a farmer ;) Tai, I will be able to advise you on your "garden"). It ran over 5 days and there were stalls, music, food, dancing, food, shows and food. It was quite enjoyable! I spent the whole day Saturday there, from 8am to 5pm. My word it was LONG and very very hot there but time went fast surprisingly as there was alot to do and see (and eat!). The president was there on Friday as well!

<-- here I am enjoying some much needed sparkling fruit drink in the intense heat :)







<-- this is the local peanut butter machine! it looks so complex.







And i have been told by the Kenyans in a few stores that I "bargain harder than any Kenyan!" which I am very proud of :) even the people here are surprised when I tell them how much I have paid for things!

When we got back that night we had a party with the students which was nice, they know how to move!! This was going on while the Germans beat the Uruguayians.. good times!

Cheese in Eldoret!

I am in HEAVEN! Its only been 2 weeks and I was already missing cheese..

There was a teaching seminar here and I met a nice dutch lady who is married to a Kenyan guy. I was already planning a trip to Eldoret so that I could get some cheese and it just so happened that she lives there! So on Friday we went together to her home. The drive was only about 2 hours and on the way we stopped for some nice grilled maize from the side of the road and got hassled like noones business by people selling potatoes, carrots and other vegetables. It started to get quite physical in fact with people trying to open the car doors and putting their hands through the windows so we made a quick exit.

Eldoret.. what can I say... the Lonely Planet wasnt lying when it said there was nothing to do other than visit the cheese factory! But I had so much fun there, I sampled pretty much all the cheeses they make and ended up buying a 500g block of cheddar (its very nice even if its not rreal cheddar) and blue cheese (at least when this goes mouldy I wont notice! hah!) and something called highland red which was GREAT! Also they are known for their icecream so I couldnt resist, I had a small tub of banana flavour which was yummy :)





And we had lunch in a nice cafe, and I was SO happy to get a nice big mug of mocha, it was my highlight! While in the cafe we met some nice American guys who were doing some work with orphans in Kenya and was tickled to hear how much they liked "Africa" even though they had only been in Kenya ;) they were nice though and were excited to be informed about the chees factory!

That evening we watched the football while eating home made pizza, I was so happy to eat pizza, its amazing what 3 weeks of Kenyan food makes you miss. But the pizza was most welcome but we missed the Holland game so we were a bit upset but still very happy with the result non-the-less..

The journey back to Nakuru was a nightmare! Basically I was lied to by the guy who was selling tickets on the mutatus. He was telling me it was leaving NOW so I paid and then the bus left. Basically he said that so that I would pay and fill up the next mini bus. So after much arguing and cursing from me (not swearing, actual cursing ;) ) i got on the bus happy to see that at least it was half full so we wouldnt have to wait too long until we leave. Only to find out later that these peoeple were just sat there so that it LOOKED full, as more people were paying to get on, these people were leaving. In total I was waiting an hour before it was full! I was NOT happy, and especially with the sales guy, everytime he walked past I was giving him evils. Then a woman sat next to me and i noticed that she paid 350 (i paid 300) so i assumed she was going further than me.. But due to my bad mood with this guy at this point i thought i would ask her anyway where she was going and it turned out the same place as me! So i started yet another big kerfuffle and insisted he paid her the money back and he started shouting at me telling me not to get involved, at which point I shouted so that everyone could hear not to pay more than 300 for my destination :D then the authority or whoever came by the check everyones reciept and the woman was given her refund.. when it was time to leave the sales guy muttered something under his breath at me but I just stared and smirked at him.

Then on the way back wee passed 2 overturned lorries and I was incredibly uncomfortable and hot.. i was so glad to be in Nakuru.. and the ncie part was that I had a nice vehicle to Molo and again to Baraka, so things got much better!

Today its raining so hard and the power has been out for over 2 hours now.. i hope it comes back soon! But I am happy and occupied enough, i have full netbook battery and a new mobile internet device so at least I can browse (albeit slowly!).

Time is really going fast!