Jambo!!
AT and I have left the country!!! It felt like a minor miracle and after many canceled trips* I didn't think it would really happen until we were sitting on the plane. This is my first international trip since the Seychelles in February of 2020** and AT's first since January 2020. It took heavy research on what countries would have us, a bunch of covid tests, some re-routed flights, and lots of masks.
We flew from Atlanta to Istanbul to Addis Ababa to Nairobi with many hours in airports in between. Did you know that the Istanbul Airport has a museum?? Did you know that the Addis Ababa airport has an unmarked reconstruction zone that will now feature prominently in my nightmares? (not pictured, you're welcome.) You can see the excitement drain from our faces as the 36 hours of travel dragged on.
We did eventually make it to Nairobi, Kenya, and it was well worth the flight time!
We spent the first day in Nairobi touring the Karen area, named for the author Karen Blixen. We started at Kazuri Beads, a factory where the beads are made and designed in house and the factory provides jobs for over 300 single mothers.
***We also toured the home where Karen Blixen lived from 1917-1931 and learned about her life there. Hearing her story was fascinating--am I inspired to move to a foreign country and start a coffee farm after ditching my philandering husband? No, but thank you for widening my options. Am I inspired to really read "Out of Africa" for the first time? Yes, call the library. Am I inspired to watch the movie "Out of Africa" for the millionth time? A million times yes- pass the kleenex and cheers to Meryl.
The next day we headed for the animals! We started at the Giraffe Center where we got to feed the giraffes!!! They came straight to the people for treats and were so gentle. An added bonus, one was named Kelly!****
Two Kellys with similar posing styles. . .
We then did a Safari Walk at the Nairobi National Park. This was a good preview to our safari next week because we got to see some animals up close that we might not see on the drives. Check out that bonus giant spider with the lion!
There is a leopard***** in there . . . we promise.
Our next stop is Uganda where we'll be on the lookout for gorillas! More to come soon!
-KT
P.S. Shopping really took a turn in a random H&M-like store. Are we selling stalking now? How do you pay to stop the stalking? Please advise.
*RIP #Tokyo2020 but can't wait #Paris2024. Lvoe you, Ptarcie!!
**How fun that the biggest medical peril was stepping on coral!
***I bought one of these items as a gift. Will I give it away? Will I give it to you?? STAY TUNED.******
****Added bonus, she just turned 20. I am always on the hunt to find younger Kellys so I know my name hasn't gone the way of classic old fashioned ladies. I'm looking at you, Estelles, Ediths, and Agneses.
*****Only one, not a leap (the plural for leopard). Other plurals we learned: tower of giraffes, troop of baboons, harem of zebras, and cackle of hyenas
******Is this a Teacher Summer Giveaway Sweepstakes‽‽‽ Enter everyday to win! No purchase necessary.
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