Diani Beach--10 km of white sand!
We all rode camels on the beach!! RANDOM!
The pool at our "all inclusive resort."
Grant playing water polo for one of the "directed activities" of the day. He dominated!!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The coast: Diani Beach
After returning from the safari we: Grant, Claire, Heather and Louise, turned around the very next morning and flew to Mombasa to spend a week at Diani Beach on the Indian Ocean. This is the rainy season so prices were low and we were able to find some great deals. The first 4 nights we stayed at a self catering cottage right on the beach. We were able to buy fresh fish and shrimp from the fishermen and make wonderful dinners with them in the evening. On the 5th day one of the volunteers, Heather, traveled up to a remote Island called Lamu, so Claire, myself and Louise upgraded and spent the final days at an "All Inclusive Resort." We have very much been spoiled the last 4 days with great food, a swimming pool, amazing beach, crazy warm ocean water, snorckling, and directed activitities, like water polo and water aerobics! Oh, and did I mention that all the beer, spirits, and wine that we could want was also included in the price? Needless to say that Claire and I have returned to Nairobi more relaxed, tan, and full.
Diani Beach--10 km of white sand!
We all rode camels on the beach!! RANDOM!
The pool at our "all inclusive resort."
Grant playing water polo for one of the "directed activities" of the day. He dominated!!
Diani Beach--10 km of white sand!
We all rode camels on the beach!! RANDOM!
The pool at our "all inclusive resort."
Grant playing water polo for one of the "directed activities" of the day. He dominated!!
Masai Mara Part 2: Animal Pics
We spent Monday evening, all Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon in the park. While on our "game drive" on Monday evening we came across a pride of about 12 lions (3 males, 3 females, and about 6 cubs) feasting on a freshly killed African water buffalo. We were within 50 feet of where they were all eating it. The crazy thing is that the grass was so tall one of the male lions came up from behind us walking towards the kill and then laid down disappearing in the grass, even though he was no more than 30 feet away from us! It was very eery! Who knew what animals we were missing in the grass...no walking safari for me!
On Tuesday we went for a full day game drive starting at 8 in the morning. We went back to the place where the buffalo was killed and only 2 of the lions were left eating. However, all the scavengers were circling getting ready to get their share when the lions had finished. These included jackals, hyenas, vultures, and a stork. The first to move in were the jackals, tiny little fox-like animals. When the lions left, only a few minutes after we had arrived, the hyenas were quick to move in. There were 3 of them and they each ran in, grabbed a leg (hoof and all) and ran off (SEE PIC BELOW). The best part was that two of the hyenas were fighting over the first leg and were making that crazy “laughing/cackle” sound that you always hear about. We couldn't stop laughing! It was one of the major highlights of the trip!
We then traveled throughout the park finding more giraffes, lions, cheetahs (one of Claire's favorites), elephants, gazelles, impala, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, ostriches, and more.
The final moring we woke up before dawn so we could go see the animals at first light when they are most active. We went back to the spot where the buffalo was killed and the hyenas were mopping up. We drove right up to where the kill was and the only thing left was the skull and brains. There was a hyena crunching on the skull-- ICK!--They have foolishly strong jaws. We then continued driving around through the park and saw another cheetah, a pride of lions resting in a clump of bushes, and a second pride of lions who had just killed a zebra and were beginning to eat it. I guess it is not that easy to come across lions that have just killed so we were pretty lucky.
The famous lone Acacia Tree.
The male lion surveying the African Water buffalo kill before disappearing into the tall grass.
A female lion and cubs eating the water buffalo.
A spotted hyena with the leg and hoof of the water buffalo.
On Tuesday we went for a full day game drive starting at 8 in the morning. We went back to the place where the buffalo was killed and only 2 of the lions were left eating. However, all the scavengers were circling getting ready to get their share when the lions had finished. These included jackals, hyenas, vultures, and a stork. The first to move in were the jackals, tiny little fox-like animals. When the lions left, only a few minutes after we had arrived, the hyenas were quick to move in. There were 3 of them and they each ran in, grabbed a leg (hoof and all) and ran off (SEE PIC BELOW). The best part was that two of the hyenas were fighting over the first leg and were making that crazy “laughing/cackle” sound that you always hear about. We couldn't stop laughing! It was one of the major highlights of the trip!
We then traveled throughout the park finding more giraffes, lions, cheetahs (one of Claire's favorites), elephants, gazelles, impala, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, ostriches, and more.
The final moring we woke up before dawn so we could go see the animals at first light when they are most active. We went back to the spot where the buffalo was killed and the hyenas were mopping up. We drove right up to where the kill was and the only thing left was the skull and brains. There was a hyena crunching on the skull-- ICK!--They have foolishly strong jaws. We then continued driving around through the park and saw another cheetah, a pride of lions resting in a clump of bushes, and a second pride of lions who had just killed a zebra and were beginning to eat it. I guess it is not that easy to come across lions that have just killed so we were pretty lucky.
The famous lone Acacia Tree.
The male lion surveying the African Water buffalo kill before disappearing into the tall grass.
A female lion and cubs eating the water buffalo.
A spotted hyena with the leg and hoof of the water buffalo.
Masai Mara Part 1: Masai Village
It has been a wild couple of weeks: going on a 3 day safari in the Maasi Mara and then spending 8 days on the coast at Diani Beach. Claire and I are safely back at Nyumbani and will be here for almost one week before our last excursion to Tanzania and then flying to the UK. I am hoping to use this week to relax and study for the Praxis test I have to take in London on the 12th of June while Claire will be volunteering at Nyumbani with the nurse and maybe the Shamba Man (the gardener!)
Last week Claire and I went with two other volunteers (Heather and Louise) to the Masai Mara Game reserve which is Kenya's most popular safari destination. It is about a 5 hour drive from Nairobi. We stayed in a tented camp, Kimata Tented Camp, just at the gate to the park. It is by far the fanciest "camping" I will ever do. There were hot showers, flushing toilets, queen size beds, and great food.
On the first day before heading out on the game drive we stopped by a Masai Village (SEE PICS BELOW) where (for a small fee) the young warriors of the village showed us around, explained how they lived, demonstrated their singing and dancing, and then showed us to their market where we could buy the traditional beadwork that they are known for. They are a very interesting culture, traditional cattle herdsmen who still practice polygomy-- their riches consist of both cattle and wives-- and it was fun to see them living very similar to how their ancestors have lived for the past few hundred years.
Grant wearing the lion's head that the Masai warrior, on the right, killed (a tradition that is completed for a boy to become a man/warrior at the age 15.)
Jumping competition
Traditional Masai woman
It is a tradition for the men and women to gage their ears.
Read the next blog that will have pics of the animals we saw on the safari.
Last week Claire and I went with two other volunteers (Heather and Louise) to the Masai Mara Game reserve which is Kenya's most popular safari destination. It is about a 5 hour drive from Nairobi. We stayed in a tented camp, Kimata Tented Camp, just at the gate to the park. It is by far the fanciest "camping" I will ever do. There were hot showers, flushing toilets, queen size beds, and great food.
On the first day before heading out on the game drive we stopped by a Masai Village (SEE PICS BELOW) where (for a small fee) the young warriors of the village showed us around, explained how they lived, demonstrated their singing and dancing, and then showed us to their market where we could buy the traditional beadwork that they are known for. They are a very interesting culture, traditional cattle herdsmen who still practice polygomy-- their riches consist of both cattle and wives-- and it was fun to see them living very similar to how their ancestors have lived for the past few hundred years.
Grant wearing the lion's head that the Masai warrior, on the right, killed (a tradition that is completed for a boy to become a man/warrior at the age 15.)
Jumping competition
Traditional Masai woman
It is a tradition for the men and women to gage their ears.
Read the next blog that will have pics of the animals we saw on the safari.
Final Nyumbani pics (take 2)
Here are the pictures of the final week of our April Holiday program that didn't show up the first time. ENJOY!!
Now that we finished teaching at Nyumbani for the April Holiday Program, Grant, myself, and two of the other volunteers (Louise and Heather) are going to the Masai Mara for a safari in southwestern part of Kenya for 3 days leaving tomorrow, Monday May 3rd. The day after we return from the safari, the 4 of us are going to fly to Mombosa and stay of the coast for 7 days in a small cabin. We will keep you updated of our travels. I pray that everyone is doing well. We love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Claire and Grant
Innocent posing for the camera!
Umbertus and Grant posing:)
Mark, Amal, and Faith teaching Grant how to dance.
Anthony, age 3, in Claire's arms crying after getting picked on by the older boys. He tends to cry a lot!!
Now that we finished teaching at Nyumbani for the April Holiday Program, Grant, myself, and two of the other volunteers (Louise and Heather) are going to the Masai Mara for a safari in southwestern part of Kenya for 3 days leaving tomorrow, Monday May 3rd. The day after we return from the safari, the 4 of us are going to fly to Mombosa and stay of the coast for 7 days in a small cabin. We will keep you updated of our travels. I pray that everyone is doing well. We love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Claire and Grant
Innocent posing for the camera!
Umbertus and Grant posing:)
Mark, Amal, and Faith teaching Grant how to dance.
Anthony, age 3, in Claire's arms crying after getting picked on by the older boys. He tends to cry a lot!!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Nyumbani Olympics pics
FRIDAY: Nyumbani Olympics
Here are scooter pics from the Olympics. I think this event was the greatest hit for the kids. A couple of kids fell (one ran into a tree) but no one cried or got any cuts!! It was pretty intense!
Phenny on the scooter.
Anthony, age 3, even participated. He fell off the scooter, but never cried, which is a miracle b/c I swear he is always crying!!
At the end of the Olympics, one of Kenya's famous rappers, Jua Cali, came and performed for the kids. You can see that he invited some of the smaller kids to dance behind him...I think that was the most entertaining part of the concert!
Here are scooter pics from the Olympics. I think this event was the greatest hit for the kids. A couple of kids fell (one ran into a tree) but no one cried or got any cuts!! It was pretty intense!
Phenny on the scooter.
Anthony, age 3, even participated. He fell off the scooter, but never cried, which is a miracle b/c I swear he is always crying!!
At the end of the Olympics, one of Kenya's famous rappers, Jua Cali, came and performed for the kids. You can see that he invited some of the smaller kids to dance behind him...I think that was the most entertaining part of the concert!
Treasure Hunt
We have had a packed week full of fun activities as this was our last week of teaching for the April Holiday Program at Nyumbani. This is what our week conisited of:
Tuesday: Us 5 volunteers put on a treasure hunt for all the kids. There were four groups consisting of about 10-15 kids. We created clues that would take them to different places in Nyumbani, which would each have their own "challenge." These included: bobbing for passion fruit, obstacle course at the playground, penalty soccer shoot-out trying to score on Grant, spin the bat (but with a stick), and passing a ball from chin to chin. (See the pictures below.) The final treasure was ice cream sandwhiches for all the kids. It was so much fun watching the kids laugh and run with excitement. This was a highlight for Grant and I this week!
Wednesday: We took all the kids back to SPLASH, the waterslides in the afternoon. I think this was the only day it didn't rain all week! Once again I, Claire, was lucky enough to place ear-plugs into the kids ears!
Thursday: After teaching in the morning, the kids put on "Nyumbani's Got Talent." The children had a chance to dance, sing, memorize Bible verses, and act. In the mornings during the Holiday Program, some of the high schoolers were helping teach dances to the younger kids. These kids have moves!! Grant and I performed in the Talent Show with a high school girl named Grace. She sang the song "Think of Me" from the Phantom of the Opera (she chose the song!) and Grant played the guitar, I played the key board. I will post pictures on the next blog.
Friday: Today was Nyumbani Olympics! Grant and I helped put on the Olympics witha few highschool boys. Events included: Soccer penalty shoot-out, basketball shoot-out, scooter race around the court-yard, juggling the soccerball for 30 sec, coke-bottle toss (it was 1/2 filled with water), and steal the flag. We had one injury in the coke bottle toss-- George (a high schooler) was hit in the lip with the bottle and required stiches. The Olympics ended after that (having to forgo the last few relay races we had planned). All in all, the kids had a fun time. All the 1st and 2nd place winners received medals!
Paul and Kevin successful in bobbing for passion fruit!
Phenny bobbing for passion fruit.
Trying to balance all the kids on the sea-saw in the playground.
Passing the ball from chin to chin. There was quite a lot of giggling in this "challenge!"
Tuesday: Us 5 volunteers put on a treasure hunt for all the kids. There were four groups consisting of about 10-15 kids. We created clues that would take them to different places in Nyumbani, which would each have their own "challenge." These included: bobbing for passion fruit, obstacle course at the playground, penalty soccer shoot-out trying to score on Grant, spin the bat (but with a stick), and passing a ball from chin to chin. (See the pictures below.) The final treasure was ice cream sandwhiches for all the kids. It was so much fun watching the kids laugh and run with excitement. This was a highlight for Grant and I this week!
Wednesday: We took all the kids back to SPLASH, the waterslides in the afternoon. I think this was the only day it didn't rain all week! Once again I, Claire, was lucky enough to place ear-plugs into the kids ears!
Thursday: After teaching in the morning, the kids put on "Nyumbani's Got Talent." The children had a chance to dance, sing, memorize Bible verses, and act. In the mornings during the Holiday Program, some of the high schoolers were helping teach dances to the younger kids. These kids have moves!! Grant and I performed in the Talent Show with a high school girl named Grace. She sang the song "Think of Me" from the Phantom of the Opera (she chose the song!) and Grant played the guitar, I played the key board. I will post pictures on the next blog.
Friday: Today was Nyumbani Olympics! Grant and I helped put on the Olympics witha few highschool boys. Events included: Soccer penalty shoot-out, basketball shoot-out, scooter race around the court-yard, juggling the soccerball for 30 sec, coke-bottle toss (it was 1/2 filled with water), and steal the flag. We had one injury in the coke bottle toss-- George (a high schooler) was hit in the lip with the bottle and required stiches. The Olympics ended after that (having to forgo the last few relay races we had planned). All in all, the kids had a fun time. All the 1st and 2nd place winners received medals!
Paul and Kevin successful in bobbing for passion fruit!
Phenny bobbing for passion fruit.
Trying to balance all the kids on the sea-saw in the playground.
Passing the ball from chin to chin. There was quite a lot of giggling in this "challenge!"
Nyumbani's Got Talent Pics
Here are the pictures of Nyumbani's Got Talent!
Standard 1,2,3 doing a dance.
Standard 4,5,6 doing a dance
Standard 2 boys: Mark and Umbertus
Grace, a high schooler, singing the last song in Nyumbani's Got Talent.
I will post pics on the next blog for the Olympics!
Standard 1,2,3 doing a dance.
Standard 4,5,6 doing a dance
Standard 2 boys: Mark and Umbertus
Grace, a high schooler, singing the last song in Nyumbani's Got Talent.
I will post pics on the next blog for the Olympics!
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