The adventure starts!
Trip Start
Aug 26, 2011
1
2
56
Trip End
Oct 27, 2011
Nakuru, Kenya
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Well it has been a packed first trip day. Met the group I'm travelling with, there's four others in the group that are heading all the way to Cape Town with me and they're lovely. A couple from Oz in their 60's, but behave like they're in their 20's, and another couple (oz and Scottish) who are on their honeymoon wanting to do most extras as me, including diving and the hot air ballooning.
First on the agenda was Saidi Children's Home – 'Dodge' & Robert were a set of twins aged 11 who befriended me and showed me around their home - they're the ones in the red tops in my photos. Think my camera inspired Dodge somewhat, running around taking as many photos as he could. Such fantastic children who are now full of life having been rescued from such depths of despair - each of their stories are truly moving. They still don't have much, but now have a stable upbringing with education and real life opportunities afforded to them through the work of the home. The staff served up a delicious meal and the kids did a 'thank you' dance routine for us which was really quite humbling.
I gave the colouring pencils to the staff to hand out to the children and they were reakky made up; thanks Pam.
I was amazed at the love and care they all showed each other, the young ones taking care of the babies in the home they are one big family unit.
I plan to keep in touch with the manager of the home and send back a regular contribution, what is very little to us, means so very much to them and really goes a long way.
I've promised Dodge and his brother I will send them a photo each and then we said our goodbye before heading off into Nakuru, a bustling town full of street traders and local convenience stores. Having to deal with Kenyan Shilling and US Dollars has taken some getting used to.
Picked up a handmade wristband for equivalent of £1 and spotted some small animal woodcarvings which I think I'll get on the way back to Nairobi.
A short drive then to the campsite – set on a large farm adjacent to the National Park. Beautiful open fire, lovely food and gorgeous farm dogs to keep the pesky monkeys away. Very basic though, drop toilets and no hot water....just finished putting up the tent and it didn't stop raining all night...
Comments
I hope they didn't let you drive near them gorgeous farm dogs...knowing what your speed is like in the UK I dread to think what you would be like there lol xx