Right now I type this under stars that shine so bright they act as glitter to a sky of black. The only noise I could ever hear this night are the chirps of crickets singing in the African grass. I finally have made it to Kenya.
First of all I want to say to Claire and Kellen that Paris wouldn't have been the same without you guys. I love you so much. My laughter is endless when I'm around you. Im looking forward to that movie you're going to make me on Facebook soon. Don't comment about this... all I'll say... NO PAULA COLE OR SARAH M. Kellen- your musical taste goes beyond that... Claire- keep a close eye on this.
Anyway, My flight to Kenya was very nice. It was the easiest out of them all so far. Right when I walked out of the terminal I felt like was in a foreign land. Righfully so because I was but just breathing the airport air it seemed very very different. I was so excited by this that I lost my breath. I bought my visa and retrieved my luggage before I was very happily greeted by Kate and Philip. My smile stretched from ear to ear. I was so happy to see them again. It had been too long. I hugged both of them twice before we hopped in a taxi. Our taxi drove us to a gas station where Kate and Philips actual car was parked. There I met Moi. Moi is hired help incase the car breaks down and Philip needs a hand at repairing. Our car is a white pickup truck with a canvas hood covering the bed. As full as the back of the truck was, Moi managed to fit my luggage and himself in the back before we drove away. I sat in the cab of the car inbetween Kate and Philip.
The drive took about three hours starting at 10 o'clock. The road was very dark so I didnt get a great oppurtunity to see the landscape but once we got farther away from the city I managed to see one hyena, a handful of cattle and one feasting giraffe. Yes... the giraffe was rad. Kate and Philips drive way is about a 45 minute long drive up the side of the mountain where they live. The beginning of the drive is very jungle-like with viney trees drapping over the road and rivers for the manual transmissioned car to cross. The road was a bit bumpy and I couldn't help but think of Indian Jones. Thats the best way I can describe it. We finally made it to camp and the four of us (including Moi) were kindly greeted by three of the Maasai men. One of which was Bonaface. He helps around the house and cooks for us. He speaks perfect english and is so incredibly nice. The other two went off to help Philip with things and I will have to meet them later. Kate showed me around very briefly before going to bed. My tent is very secluded as the camp site is very expansive. The paths are made of rose quartz gravel that guide us to different parts of camp and the birds and insects are always singing. For the first time in my life I can finally say that I am so excited to camp.
Sure I'm camping under the stars in the middle of Kenya but it is actually very comfortable and cozy. Kate and Philip have created a world worth living in out here. The only running water is loacted down toward the bottom of the mountain which means the hired men bring up supplies of water twice a day. Other than that there is no running water. Everything is stored in pitchers and is stratigically and conservatively used. My shower is located right up the path from my tent and is only covered by a spiral straw fence made for privacy. There isn't a roof which allows me to admire the acacia-like trees when I shower. Its so liberating. The toilet has a name here and that is 'long drop.' Self explanatory. The kitchen is very elaborate, however. It is made up of your typical appliances (ie. fridge, stove, cupboards, etc) and connects to a lounge area. There are no walls which allows for a breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley. You can see forever in the daytime and once the night falls the stars really do sparkle. I've seen one shooting star so far. The wish was pretty dang good. All I'll say.
Well, I could go on forever about this place but enough is enough...whatever that means. I do, however, want to say that I met Mr. Flops today and he is very cute. He is the zebra that lives on the property and lets people get amazingly close. All day it is easy to hear his hooves walk around on the gravel while he munches on the grass. His ears are floppier than other zebras so when he bats away the flys you can hear them flop loudly. It is so cute.
This is a long blog so I will get going and find time to write another one later. I hope all is well and of coarse I love you guys... ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS!!!
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