Out of Africa
Today when we left most of us were in tears. We began this trip wanting to learn about the animals and after all Africa has been about its people. The tears began when we spotted our guards, Vincent and James, dressed up in their best attire for our group photo.
Driving from Nanyuki to Nairobi today has been a blur of walking Kenyans carrying water, wood and crops on their backs. Everywhere the landscape is dotted with broken, old, run-down materials seen from our bouncing, rattling
minibus careening down the bumpy, patched highway.
The remaining eight of us had lunch together at the beautiful Fairview Hotel. Some of us tried to walk around the neighborhood but the broken sidewalks, rocky paths and wild traffic soon sent us back to the hotel.
This has been a once in a lifetime experience that was very moving and thought provoking. How lucky we are with our lives when we do not question lights, water, food and safety and how can we assist Africans so they can also take these things for granted?
posted by Arla @ 8:49 AM
3 Comments:
Dear, dear Arla,
What a transformation? By the second day she said when being informed their was a zebra near the research center, "hurumph, I'm not getting out of this chair just to see a zebra." How quickly one becomes immune to the spectacle of these magnificent beasts. It is only when one sees the reclusive rhinos and hyena or lions, leopard or aardvark that we are excited.
It is hard to decide who was the most entertaining of volunteers, Alra or her research partner Shizou. Of course Arla immediately became his mother, arranging for romantic partners, as she did for Jasmin.
Judy and I separated from the team as we left the center to go to Meru. When we went over to say goodbye to Shizou, the absolutely charming 24-year old, he began crying uncontrollably. These expeditions have an enormous impact on one's psyche.
Hey Arla, next year in South Africa with meerkats or hyena??
Possibly one of the most memorable moments of the trip (there were many) was when I asked Arla as she exited the van after her first morning in the field how she liked it. She burst into tears and said how wonderful it was to be there among the animals and the great people who care for them. She got it...Africa gets your soul!
Hi Arla! Next trip has to be to Tanzania. It is like Kenya's more beautiful, friendly and brilliant sister. Plus, you can meet all our family, including our new niece Linda.
Also, it will cost you about 10% of whatever you paid for this adventure.
Love, Sara and Julius
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