Friday, November 28, 2008
Ngorogoro and Serengeti
Absolutely bloody amazing!
So that's three, it's my blog...
Very long days to get to the Serengeti via the crater but well worth it. The plains were full of the wildebeest migration that we saw crossing the Mara river in Masai Mara, over a million plus 400,000 zebras and uncounted flies and dung heaps.
The camp site was a bit scary. There was a buffalo contending for the kitchen and we weren't allowed to toilet as there were hyena, elephant and lions roaming the site. Buffalo and Hyena did wander through on the night, plus nearby lion was calling (hey - juicy tourists, over here!) which made travellers diarrhea a bit of an ordeal.
We did see a intact leopard from far away so Sharon happy, plus baboons, lions and zebra shagging. Must be spring. Also a Zebra giving birth very slowly.
Ngorogoro was amazing, much bigger than I had expected and absolutely stunning. We saw 2 black rhino rounding out the big 5 in two days so very very lucky. Also had to fight red kites for breakfast and lunch (campsite much safer so easier to dash to squat toilet).
Now back in Arusha and very tired. Dar es Salaam tomorrow, then ferry to Zanzibar for three days - wish us luck. Still have most of the luggage.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Start of next stage
This should be exciting and we are both looking forwards but also sad at leaving Kenya.
Currently in Nairobi in a semi-broken internet cafe so excuse the brevity.
Friday, November 21, 2008
So Mark's safe return was a trifle optimistic in it's phrasing
Mark is now doing well and managing cheese burgers and the London tubes so should be considered recovered, if slightly deranged.
I believe that our fractures are healing well, Sharon's splinted finger is now freed and has changed to a much healthier colour (and smell!).
We are, STILL, in Mombasa and currently enjoying:
- dealing with insurance companies -- they do have a heart, it's locked safely in a bank deposit box, not sure who the original owner is...
- rapid fluid based pore cleansing...
On a cautionary note I would like to warn all readers to beware of dangerous African jumping crocodiles!
Monday, November 17, 2008
In Mombasa and it's HOT!
We are not made for this weather, I can see Sharon visibly melting as the sun beats down.
The road in is interesting, pretty good by African standards but LOTS of big trucks barrelling through between Nairobi and the port at Mombasa,. This wouldn't be too bad except for the speed variations; some are doing 20kph, some are doing 80kph ... thundering along as they bear down on you as you attempt to overtake a slower truck whilst all involved are dodging potholes and stray live stock. Entertaining!
Mark has safely returned to London and now gets to play with his 20GB of photo's, this may take a while. Don't forget to do some work!
Friday, November 14, 2008
The road to recovery, and a longer winding route towards Kenyan justice
arm so typing is a little slower than usual. That also means I can't
reply to many emails and, currently, travel insurance gromits take
precedence (sadly).
We have been discharged from the hospital (on 5th Nov) and since have
recovered a huge amount (except for Sharon's random hair cut, Tony's
reverse monks tonsure has gone - woohoo!). All the stitches are out
and we have finished our respective pill regimes. All concerned are
unrecognizable from two weeks ago, which is a good thing!
Since then we have spent the time:
* Three days with Rae around Lewa - absolutely amazing, including a
trip in a biplane that I probably shouldn't have done. Many thanks to
Rae, Chris, Ross, Hartley, and Ansom for showing us a very pleasant
alternative side to Kenya and apologies to Rossano for the
indecision... and 7 white rhino and a very congenial Klip-springer
* Three days in Samburu during the short rains. Some amazing game
hiding in the lush vegetation including leopard paws, tails and flanks
(but few entire felines to Sharon's displeasure).
* A day in Nanyuki court testifying against muppet #1, who despite
being found with Marks atm receipts and cash stuffed in his grundies
pled "not guilty". The trial was very different to anything I have
ever experienced, surprisingly so.
* Two days in Nakuru, marvelling at the flamingos and hordes of white
rhinos plus baby leopard tail (yes, again not entire, Sharon spitting
tacks).
* Now back in Nairobi - Mark flies out tomorrow and we carry on to
Mombasa to continue the recuperation.
Apologies I can't reply to your emails but rest assured we are ok and
I will reply when we can get internet access plus more time.