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Published: November 28th 2009
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It has been awhile! Africa has been keeping me busy busy busy.
My trip to kruger national park was fantastic and eventful. It was about a three hour drive in the safari vehicle we took. We stopped about halfway in Hoedspruit to get food for the two braai(bbq as we would say). So I got some chicken. Excited to get some protein after being a little protein deprived. After being lucky on our first drive getting to see a hyena (spotted by me I am proud to say!). We saw all the basics the first day as well (zebra, giraffe, rhino, elephant etc) We made it to our first camp just before nightfall. After Emile (our tour guide) lit the fire it was going to be about a 40 minute wait so I decided to take a bath...true luxury here! So I grabbed a couple wine cooler...(turning out not to be twist off so using the little edge of the round metal part of the tub that drains water if the tub is too full...so artfully became my bottle opener) and decided it would be a good oppertunity to finally get to shave brought all my bath stuff and sinfully
enjoying myself! It was quite a hike back to the tent (true tents though...they had four proper beds, windows, and a patio...more like a canvas house). I made it three-fourths of the way there when I felt an intense pain on my foot and my flip flop went flying about 15 feet up the path (automatic response to hopfully get whatever was causing the pain away) Two things crossed my mind (1. I could not comprehend the amount of pain in my foot and leg and all I could do was yell and 2. I was going to die!) ok so a little dramatic but when I had no idea what had bit me and I was a little out of it and running a fever. All that could go through my head was all the stories af the really dangerous bugs, snakes, and spiders that people love to tell...anyways to make a long story short a half an hour later I was on my way to a hospital in the middle of the night in the back of a truck with two of the girls I was traveling with. Still feverish and feeling sick to my stomach as well
I was in store for an hour ride to the closest hospital. I was sure my little trip to the hospital was going to break my bank. After examination of the puncture wound the doctor told me I was stung by a scorpion. The most posinous scorpion in South Africa...parabuthus transvaalicus. All I wanted by this time is my mom and dad and my bed. After the epidemic of stomach virus throughout the foundation (90% of the people were ill with vomiting and severe stomach cramps...another trip to the hospital...) you learn quickly all shots are given in you bum. He told me I needed three shots...no idea what anymore...I wanted to just get it over with. He gave me all three shots at once and it only felt like one. It was a pretty nifty trick and knocked me out for the car ride home and a good portion of the next day...I was back in action and ready to go back annd face the South African wilderness(and trust me its no freaking night in France) and only 700 rand poorer...about 90 dollars(very inexpensive considering the doctor had to be called in and the injections and everything).
The
rest of the trip was really great! We saw a lot of nice things and even a cheetah! There are less then 200 cheetahs in the entire park. One of the highlights too was getting to see a croc and some lions argue over a giraffe carcus. Also something I was really lucky to witness. I also got a rare shot of a leopard on our sunset drive. Being in kruger was like being in a dream. Literally it is like stepping into the lion king. The animals are massive and they are so beautiful. I finally had the reality check that I am in Africa. It is one of the most beautiful places I have seen.
Baby season is in full swing. We have gotten two orphaned monkeys. The names of the two babies are precious (girl) and Mamba(boy). They are the most amazing little babies in the world. Since we have gotten the orphans in we all are on call 24 hours a day. Each shift with the babies is about 4 hours and you can trust that you will get some serious poo and pee covering you. Other then that the time is really great. The
Giraffe...
So huge in person! night shift is from 7:30 pm to 6 am. It is just like a human baby. They wake up in the middle of the night at least several times and you have to feed them or do whatever it is that they want before you and the baby can go back to sleep. I am really excited that I get to watch them grow up.
My life here has been going rather well. I was very homesick for awhile but am starting to put things in better perspective. I still miss my family and friends but I am no longer struggling with the sad feelings that come with missing my family and friends. I really am coming to love and cherish all the things I am experiencing. I now know that the good and the bad, all the happy times and all the sad times, will become a huge part of who I am. I am coming up on 7 weeks being here and 23 people have come and gone. People I love. Its very hard to connect with all these people and then have to say goodbye. I am very happy to make all the international friends
I am. I now have friends all over the world and invites to come stay with people from several different countries. Every person I have made friends with and had to say goodbye to will always hold a special place in my heart.
I miss all of you and love hearing from you all!
What a wonderful world....
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Mom
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Kruger Park
I am so thrilled you got to see so many animals and that you have such incredible photos. I can't wait to have you put them to a CD and some music when you get home. And, I am also very thankful that you survived your bit wound (and shot in the bum)! Love Mom