Blogs from Kenya, Africa - page 236

pics from our drive from Nairobi to Kisumu... read more

Op 2 juni zijn we dan eindelijk begonnen aan onze droomreis door Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar. Onze vlucht met KLM naar Nairobi verliep vlekkeloos. Na een overnachting in de stad die ook wel Nairobery wordt genoemd vertrokken we op 3 juni voor een lang en vooral hobbelig ritje naar Masai Mara NP. We hadden ons al voorbereid op niet al te beste wegen maar niets was minder waar...... de wegen in Kenya zijn echt slecht! Dit mocht de pret uiteraard niet drukken en onder leiding van onze gids Harison Hinga kwamen we aan het begin van de middag aan in de Masai Mara Sopa lodge. Deze lodge ligt aan de rand van het park dicht bij het Oloolaimutia gate (Oostkant van het park). Tot onze grote verrassing vroeg Hinga (zo noemde alle andere Kenyanen onze ... read more

Greetings from Mombasa where the fish is fresh and life runs on island- time. Mombasa is a vibrant mix of influences and flavours and laid-back-ness- a stark contrast from the rough bustle of Nairobi. Life is good in the company of friends, with the night sky, the sea breeze and the kindness of strangers, Our new friend and tour guide, Sultan, loves his ganja, and as a result a lot of time is spent sitting in circles with the diverse locals discussing the state of the world and the concept of "one love". Today was a great day. In the morning, Meg and I went to the shipyard and negotiated our passage aboard a cargo ship that will take us from Mombasa to Zanzibar Island at the crack of dawn tomorrow. We had to write a ... read more

Dear Elizabeth When my dad died of cancer, I was told it was a painless death- in the palliative care ward of a top-of-the- line treatment care facility. I was 19. Surrounded by my closest friends and family, I was left with his joyful wisdom in my heart and the world at my fingertips. I had no responsibilities- I was born into money. When your dad dies of cancer (in a matter of weeks), it will be a slow and excruciatingly painful death. Unlike my dad's case, there are drugs available to treat your dad's type of cancer, but, hey, you cant afford them. You are 9. You are aware that after your dad passes away, you will be left to care for your 4 younger siblings (and probably leave school). Your mum will be working ... read more

We just spent a week in rural Ugenya, chilling as only villagers know how to chill. Meg and I were placed in the village of Ukwala (along with Mike, a cool guy from the Netherlands). We were being hosted by Chris ( co-ordinator of the Matibabu Foundation, a partner organization with Community Support Group) and his family. The Matibabu Foundation is a Kenyan development initiative that tackles everything from mosquito net distribution, to a reigonal HIV treatment facility to a youth centre- with astonishing grace. The funny thing about blogs, im discovering, is that you cant see peoples expressions in response to them, so i have no idea if im being ridiculously dull or incomprehensible or redundant or whatever. Also, I hope that this blog is construed less as self- promotion and more as 'knowledge' transfer. ... read more