Tsavo

A few weeks ago a few friends and I went to Tsavo for the weekend. It's about halfway to Mombasa and famous for elephants, as well as the orangey soil.

Despite seeing crocodiles in January I have still been rather obsessed with them and still so keen to see them in the wild. So, got rather excited when saw this sign:

Hopefully!!

The park is beautiful. Very dry and hot, but there was a gorgeous oasis like area, called Mzima springs which really was stunning and in total contrast to the rest of the park.

It was here that I had my first croc in the wild sighting!! Woo!!! We saw one on the ground and another in the water. There were so many hippos around too, the water was rarely smooth and still!

There was a lil gazebo area set into the water which was quite cool. We went down into it and it was kinda like going snorkeling but without getting wet! 

Debs enjoying the fish who were obsessed with coming close to her window

It had been months since my last safari, so was fun to go and spot animals again, as well as enjoying sundowners and general safari fun! I did find the early game drives a bit much at times though as do still get quite tired. At one point I happily settled down for a snooze in the car and just asked to be woken up if anyone saw a leopard!

We had rented a house inside the park. It was lovely, very spacious, with gorgeous views. I took this photo late on Saturday afternoon from our veranda. About nine in the evening we were inside playing games when Becca noticed that there was a herd of elephants walking by! They came to about 15m from our veranda, it was such a beautiful sight. 

Roaming Lioness

For the last two months there have been lionesses on the loose near school. The school is opposite the National Park so animals do wander out quite often and seeing my Head teacher try to scare off a monkey or a baboon from outside his office is no rare sight! But lions tend to escape for a day or two before they are captured or killed by a speeding matatu. But these two lionesses are still alive and roaming! As time has gone on they have become more legendary and rumours and stories about them have increased, with them apparently eating humans (not true, the man in question simply changed his routine for a few days but is in fact alive and well!). They have eaten a few baby giraffe from the nearby giraffe centre and a couple of warthogs and people are concerned for their dogs as there have been definite signs of attempted catchings and eatings.

There have been various sightings-even some at the school gate, but somehow the lions have escaped capture. This pic is from a sign usually displaying the reg plates of speeding drivers around the corner from school:

They have now received international attention: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9161212/Lions-on-the-loose-in-Nairobi.html

I feel for the askaris (local security) who have to sit outside houses throughout the night. It must be terrifying! Security cameras have taken some incredible pictures in the middle of the night of them jumping over gates and roaming around. One of the girls in my class brought in some photos last week of the two lionesses outside her neighbour's garden at 3.30am. So glad I moved to the other side of town!

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?! 

Convalescence

Is it bad that I didn't really know what that word meant before this whole drama?!

I thought that the hardest part of this episode would be when I was in hospital. And yes, to choose one particular time, the day post operation was very hard and the bleakest individual point. I was so nauseous, tired and had staff coming to observe me and my changing colour chest at 60 minute intervals. I so wanted a family member with me, even if it was just to keep people out! The funniest visitor that day was the insurance rep. I had started crying when she walked in and asked, "How are you?" Sweet intention I am sure, but asking my name as she wrote me my get well soon card....I stayed lying down, smiled bleakly and explained that today was not the best day to visit.

As time went on though my skin returned to its mzungu shade and the recovery began. As well as beating the infection I like to think that I have also beaten my phobia of needles. Perhaps beaten is too strong a word, but I am sure I am less dramatic and a bit calmer!

It has now been over two weeks since I was discharged and I can honestly say they have been the toughest. After a disastrous attempt at a return to work I was released and advised to return to the UK for rest and TLC. These past few weeks have been so boring! It drives me crazy when people tell me to rest and take it easy, when that is all I do and have done for the last 37 days, yet am so bored and frustrated, I want to be active and busy! I have never been a massive TV or film watcher and realize now that personally I need to be around people in order to stay sane and that there are reasons why my lifestyle is as it is, i.e. busy. As I have felt better my waking hours have increased which is great, except that my friends here work full time so it has meant more conscious time alone. My energy levels are still increasing but definitely limited so a trip to the supermarket and a shower may be me done for the day. Time management and forward planning when it comes to utilizing energy quotas have really come into play. My best friend turning 30 and me wanting to  celebrate her birthday took careful planning, but I managed it. Even if it did lead to staying in bed till 8pm the next day as was shattered.

I am still not drinking. Starting to miss wine, but don't feel my body is quite up to it yet. My Dr suggested a glass or two the day I left hospital, but decided to not take that advice!

So now to fly home. Kenya is crazily wet at the moment so hoping that British weather won't be too much of a shocker. The rain is set to continue till January so at least I won't miss the sunshine. As time has gone on and boredom has set in I have become down. I miss working so much, and being out and about. A change of scenery will do me good and I hope that I will be returning to Kenya energetic and positive in January as I decide whether my African adventure will end in July or continue for a year or two more.

A major positive and something I am both amazed at and also deeply appreciative of is the support and love I have received here. Often it has come from quite unexpected people and made me realize how manners, warmth and genuine friendliness are vital and offer such great reward. Yes, being away from the UK during this has been hard, but so many people here have offered their homes, families, prayers, resources and time to aid and support me. I have been told off for not taking more people up on their offers and of being too polite to not say when I really am down and in need of company or whatever else. It has made me realize, and I know this is a major cliche, how we can influence and touch people without knowing. My close circle of friends have been phenomenal but the support from people I know much less well has really boosted me too in knowing that they also care.