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I can't believe we are finally here. It is amazing. We are having such a great time. I suppose that I'll start from the beginning...
We arrived at 8.30pm on Wednesday. The flight was 8hrs but didn't seem that long. As we were going over we were able to see the Alps and the Sahara as we came into Africa. It was beautiful. Then we landed and had to get visas... it took no time at all. Luggage picked up and then off to meet our program folks. We were told prior to arrival that we will see our names on a sheet of paper someone would be holding up. So we saw Moody (alan's last name) and it had party of two written on it. So we went over and the woman dropped us to a desk. The woman at the desk asked which safari company we were with... after a long and confusing conversation we realized that there was another Moody arriving in Nairobi that night. Finally we found the right folks. We drove to our host family's house after that and we welcomed by a wonderful family. James 60ish, Sally 24, Zuriel 23. They were great and so welcoming. We talked to them until the early hours and finally went to bed only to get up again at 6am.
On Thursday we were told that we would be picked up at 8am. So, after a quick wash with the baby wipes we brought (we hadn't figured out the shower yet) we were downstairs for a breakfast of hot milk, bread and butter, and bannana juice. As we were eating we saw our first monkey run across the fence outside. It was a mom and baby. So cool. We then had our first brush with the concept of Africa time because an hour later than they said they would be there our van was ready to pick us up. We went to pick up other volunteers on the way to the orientation and had kids bombard the bus as we were going. That is what the video clip is that I am going to try to put on here. We were off for a morning of meetings and orientation. We found out that we were going to be placed at a really rural place in Maasailand called Saikeri... no electricity, running water and such. At 3pm we went for a late lunch at Karen Blixen's estate. Really great and posh food. Then back to our homestays place. We ate a dinner of spinach, fresh pineapple and other amazing dishes. So good. Then loads of conversation with the family and then Zuriel took us into downtown Nairobi and we had a couple of pints. Very relaxed and so much fun. Then we were home for bed and up again at 7am to be ready for the 8am pick up they told us about.
In the morning I ventured in to figure out the shower system... cold water filled in a bucket and poured over me... freezing... it was hard to breathe. As I was getting out Sally came up and asked if I was going to bathe and asked if I wanted how water... she would boil it. I said that I was already finished... so she said she would do it for Al. I so wanted to say... no... don't worry. Because I wanted him to suffer as much as I did. Twenty minutes later he came out of his shower and his glasses were even steamed. Then we were packed and off downstairs for breakfast. This was a little after 8 because we knew that the bus wouldn't be there on time. Sure enough... as the clock struck 10 we were on the bus and on our way. We went to the animal orphanage and pet a cheetah and saw loads of super cool animals. Alan saw a peice of string on the ground and jumped ten feet into the air because he thought that it was a snake. I laughed so hard... I felt that we were even then with the shower and all. Then to lunch downtown and now here we are in the internet cafe preparing to go into Maasailand.
It is so beautiful here. It feels like we are on a movie set. The Kenyans we've met are so welcoming and kind. We feel so lucky. The city is sureal to drive through and we are looking forward to seeing the rural areas tonight. I'll try to upload videos and pictures and will write more later this weekend. Things are great. The internet is slow and I can't get to answer any emails or messages that folks have said but I can read them and will try to reply as soon as I have more time. I love getting them, though. So keep 'em coming. I hope everyone is doing great and I can't wait to tell you about the rest of our trip. We did get a cell phone here and incoming calls are free so call if you want... there is coverage everywhere here. the number you need to dial is the country code to get out of your home country (in the states it's 00 i think. if that dosen't work try 011 i think.) then 254733283265.
Much love,
Brooke
hey there
,just a quick note from me to say i am also here and alive..it has been a great time so far, i am really happy. i hope you are all well and please stay updated with our travel. as above to call or txt from ireland. so call or txt 00 254 733283265.
we'll be in touch, much love alan
p.s. tried to get photos and video uploaded... can't do it. will try later this weekend. much love.
brooke::
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Mom & Dad
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glad you arrived safely
The shower sounds really cool. Can't wait to hear more about your adventures. If there is half a chance, bring me back a baby monkey. The host family is very young and sounds very nice. Once you two get more involved, I'm sure we'll have more questions. Stay safe, we love you both. xxxooo Mom and Dad:)