Crocodiles

Last night whilst chatting to a friend I told him that I was hoping to see a crocodile today. He seemed surprised that I hadn't yet seen one, and that despite many safaris and trips around Kenya I always seemed to miss out on spotting one. Well, today me and Slav went to the Mamba Village in Nairobi. I tried not to get too excited as often such trips are a bit of an anti climax here, but this one was amazing! For starters, there was a really sweet lake which you could boat on! We were very excited, but not dressed appropriately and decided it was best to come with men who would row or pedal for us, so we will return!

We went into the crocodile part and there were so many crocodiles!

They were so well camouflaged that we wouldn't always notice how many were in each section for quite a while. Some of them were so small and we kept calling them babies, yet apparently it can take until they are 30 to reach full size (our keeper kept correcting us, but we still exclaimed how cute the babies were, he was very patient though persistent at reminding us). Crocodiles don't have tongues so can't eat and swallow unless in the water. So weird looking in their mouths.

Brave Slav didn't have to be asked twice to hold a baby one, I dubiously touched it, but was urged (made to) hold it (those of you who have met Slav will understand!), although I made the keeper promise to not let go. He broke his promise and there were squeals when I realized that I was holding it alone, but it was cool! New brave Hannah! The skin was so soft.

Loving the Dame Edna sunnies! 

We had a lil wonder and saw a giraffe, ostrich and camels (brought back painful memories!). The location is so pretty. It was one of the best days I've had in Nairobi for a long time.

Water

Sometimes it really doesn't feel like Africa here at all, and that can be both refreshing (sometimes home comforts are well appreciated) and frustrating (I did move to Africa and want the experience). Well this week has definitely been an I am in Africa week; I have had no running water. I have never been without water for so long before, has been a challenge! Well, it has come back on twice, but then it has been all the more surprising when a few hours later it has gone again. My house girl filled every imaginable container with water on Tuesday which was quite a sight to come back to! I have been going round friend's houses for showers and learning new ways to conserve and re use water. Tomorrow is Water Day....apparently....heard it too many times before to get overly excited!

How to get a flight upgrade

It is always strange going home, wherever home is at a current point. I was excited about coming back to Nairobi, mainly because of the weather to be honest, but goodbyes are always so sad. This was the first time though that I didn’t cry, I did want to but decided to distract myself by playing David Guetta loud and watching a couple of videos that my sweet niece had made on my phone. It made me laugh so much!

The journey was tough and long. I got delayed in Bahrain, so when I finally got on the second flight I was pretty tired. I was sitting between two lovely men and we all got chatting and had a good giggle together. It was one of the most random flights I have ever been on. I managed to sleep for an hour or so but when I woke up I was so hot and couldn’t get my trusty Japanese socks off fast enough! Mick suggested we change seats so that I was in the aisle seat. I started shaking so Mick took me to the back of the plane but sadly I didn’t make it….woke up lying in the aisle with him holding my legs (so glad I was wearing trousers under my dress!) in the air and a flurry of air hostesses dabbing my head with cold towels and putting smelling salts in my face. So embarrassing! I did get bumped up to business class so there was a happy ending! I missed my two companions though so after a half hour I ventured back. They stayed with me and sorted my luggage which was a great help.

We landed about 5pm. It was so warm and light! When I got back to my home though we had a power cut, I am not sure why I was surprised as we getting them daily before I left. I unpacked by candlelight (by 7 it was pretty dark) and really felt that I was back in Kenya! My landlord couldn’t stop laughing; I didn’t find it that funny!

Amazingly, Vixy started first time! Well impressed, she is awesome. The guys here changed her tyre and managed to clean off a few scratches that had mysteriously appeared when I was in hospital (poor Vixy was abandoned at my friend’s hotel as I wasn’t expecting to get admitted) so all is sorted there.

Feeling loads better after some good sleep and excited about returning to work after way too long. 

Packing again

Just been packing to fly back (with help from my little brother, Jonnie, not sure how he is such a good packer, but I think he could rival Mum!) and am a little embarrassed by so many things that have not been used over the last 5 weeks either much, or at all! Feel the list could provide a few good pointers for New Year's resolutions!

1. Trainers and running gear - Hmm such good intentions and perhaps I did under estimate how long my recovery would take, but still. They have not been touched or really thought about, except when Jonnie was stuffing the trainers with make up and other small objects for packing and remarked how I really should buy new trainers! Not up for exercise yet but definitely getting closer. I do now walk at a usual speed though, woo! Not sure there will be any marathons run this year but determined to get my fitness back, slowly but surely.

2. Dental floss. Oh dear. My dear niece, Sophia and I did it once...at her suggestion!

3. Anti wrinkle cream. Another habit I must really get into! I had such high hopes of a relaxing 5 weeks getting into good skincare habits. The time has flown. I thought it was physically impossible to sleep as much as I have done. It has been crazy. I am feeling a lot better though, and am sure that the imminent return to sunshine will boost me further.

4. So many dresses, vests and jumpers that were popped in at the last min, just in case! How many times do I have to pack before I learn this lesson?!