Sunday June 21st
Back on the road again! Headed to Northern Kenya. Friday, we spent the day inside the gates of BIOGI relaxing most of the day and preparing food for a feast. It was interesting to learn about how to gut chickens and goat. The food was delicious! I even enjoyed the goat. It was a long day but an easy drive to Lakipia Permaculture center. I sat next to Remus. I haven’t talked to them much so it was really nice to chat. I also spent some time talking with the group of people I generally talk to in the back of the bus. We don’t normally have very deep conversations about each of us as individuals. We normally get to know each other while having fun and sharing stories but it was a fun change of pace.
We arrive as the sun was setting so we settled in quickly, enjoyed a meal, and shared wine. This site was the first to have warm water and a toilet that flushes. Personally, I don’t think it made much of a difference for my comfort. I was just as comfortable popping in a hole and showering with a bucket. The only thing I miss is being able to wash my hair properly. Oh yeah I also left my shampoo, conditioner, and soap at BIOGI. I am now using my 13-in-1 laundry soap as its intended. My hair is definitely feeling a bit crusty.
The first night in Lakipia Lily, Olivia, and I slept inside on the couches. It was nice to have some quite time to chat with them. We discussed friendships. I feel myself at ease. There have been few moments that I have felt unsettled. I can’t recall one now off the top of my head.
The next morning, Sunday, Riley and I went out for a run as the sun rose over mount Kenya. The elevation made it a bit challenging but it was worth every stride. After a warm shower, I joined Massimo and Gracie watching the sun creep up in the sky. When breakfast was served, Luc, Emily, and I went to the patio to watch the mountains while we chatted about past travels. I feel so grateful to be surrounded by kind, curious people.
As soon as everyone was ready we loaded up the safari buses. Ours had four tiers! I set with Olivia, Hannah, Holly, and Indigo. Our driver was a badass Masai women. She was beautiful! Covered in jewelry and fabric draped across her shoulders. The Masai try to resemble butterfly. She also had a pair of sunglasses and long nails for a modern touch.
I felt so lucky driving through barren landscape. We saw Rinos grazing, gazelle trotting, hippo sun bathing along the river shore, warthogs running with their head held high so they wouldn’t fall on their heaving heads, giraffes munching on low hanging branches, and elephants. Some elephants were drinking at the water front taking sips of the muddy water in unison. Others were with their young tucked between there long legs. At lunch, I sat in the sun with Gracie watching blue balls, a little white monkey with bright blue balls. In the evening, we got an introduction to LPC. The leader was fascinating! He was a working to empower women in his community which is generally not encouraged. The other Kenyan students said that it is likely he received death threats for his work. Before dinner Savanah and I enjoyed took a stroll and had a chat. It’s been a while since we’d been able to talk alone. Dinner and sherads was a fun way to end the night. Blaise would act out phrases we provided. Olivia and I slept inside again.
Wired to Wonder 