Kenya Morning Report – November 19
Written by Phil Handrahan, a member of the Mikinduri Children of Hope Tour Group, November 2006
After leaving Lake Nakura, we traveled to Nyahururu where we had the chance to spend some time at an Internet café. Following our brief stop, we went to Thompson’s Falls which is a popular tourism spot. In addition to the Falls, there were many entrepreneurs seeking to sell a nd provide goods and services to all visitors. Many of our travelers had the opportunity to pose for a picture with the people of Kikuryu in traditional tribal dress. This is dress during special occasions and not typically worn day to day. Obviously given the number of tourists stopping here, they have made it part of their tourism program. After posing for a picture, there would be a small fee expected. Others were walking along the pathway and had a chameleon placed on their shoulder / arm which some found enjoyable but others were pleased to see it removed.
We enjoyed a picnic lunch at the Falls in what is considered a “safe area” where the entrepreneurs respect your privacy. Once outside the “safe area” you were fair game and quickly approached and coerced to visit their booth where they sought you to “Promote” (buy) their products. They are professional and aggressive. Not being a shopper (sorry Frankie), I toured the market and observed how our group was doing. Some were very experienced and met the match of the locals and walked away with a number of purchases at very reasonable prices. Some brought food from our picnic as a peace offering only to find out later she paid 5 to 10 times more than others had. Despite paying more than she bargained, she was pleased to get back to our van unharmed. Others brought “muscle” along just in case things got rough. It was fun and everyone enjoyed the experience, but some did not like the aggressive selling tactics. We were surprised that you purchased something in one shop but were then escorted along to the next shop to obtain wrapping or a bag, only then to be cornered by the next shopkeeper.
We then left Thompson falls and continued our drive to Naro Maro, approximately two hours. The roads continue to be rough, but we are happy to have great drivers with us who also pass along some great information and stories of their country. I was surprised to see the red soil in the Rift valley area, which is very similar to home. Paul, our driver described the soil as being very fertile and excellent for their coffee and tea plantations. As we left the Rift Valley area we entered the Central Highlands, which was once owned primarily by the British who had huge farming areas. Unfortunately as we approached Naro Moru, we were unable to see the peaks of Mt Kenya due to the rain and cloud cover. The weather to date has been a combination of heavy showers, clearing, warm, showers again. Just like home, if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes and it will change.
We reached the Naro Maro Resort and traveled some very slick mud roads. Naro Maro is a resort that is often the camp base for people climbing Mt. Kenya. Once again, we enjoyed a very nice facility with excellent food buffets for dinner, breakfast and lunch.
After breakfast on Sunday, several people went to church where we received a very warm welcome and were invited to the front o f the church to individually offer a word of welcome to the congregation. Again the children continue to warm our hearts with their friendliness and warm smiles. The congregation was very engaged throughout mass and very active singers and dancers as part of the mass.
After mass we are back to the resort, lunch, check out and back in the van for a two-hour drive to Meru. In addition, I have asked everyone to provide his or her comment to include which are noted below;
Joan – “I saw giraffes!” I will see Helen & family today, and if all goes well I may get my luggage. Love you all.
Jane – Wonderful scenery, flowers, birds, … songs of doves. Bargaining a lot like old Barbados. Every thing is going well.
Cindy – I am in love with Africa. I miss you especially Hal, Madeline, and Ginger! Still don’t have my luggage but everything is great. I love you.
Suzanne – Hi family! I’m having a wonderful time in Africa. The people are so nice! I’ve bought many souvenirs! I love you! I miss puffin!!!
Maureen – I miss my Roo, oh and Mom, Christine and Nick. I have mastered the art of cutting and eating passion fruit. I love Africa, and may not come home… just kidding miss you. Hakuna Mattata!!
Phil – Hi guys, miss you lots. Frankie, you would love Africa, especially the Safaria. Christine, you’d love the shops in the airport, no traffic jams in Africa but the drving is just like Barbados and Jamaica. Nick you should add Mt. Kenya to your list of places to climb. We’re having a great time but I look forward to a second set of clothing…whew!. Loved watching Maureen bargain with the locals.
Aldo – Wish you were here …back in Africa. Definitely like to make more trips with the kids. Hello Esme and Marika
Karen and Greg – Hi! We are having an awesome time! We send our love to everyone! How re my dogs? Jess and Sarah…please phone some of the family and relay this.
Marilyn – The land and people are lovely and I’m having a grand time. It’s great to be traveling with our smaller PEI group.