Hippo Hunting on Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha

This weekend we went to lake Naivasha to stay at the house where Joy Adamson (Born Free) used to live. We had a great time but it was definitely the most surreal night time experience I have ever had. The first night I got up because I heard what sounded like an army marching past the window. Well you never know here and I was a little spooked at the fact that there was only glass between me and the outside world rather than my usual fort knox. I looked out the window and what should I see but a huge hippo happily munching grass. I had seen the watch out for wild animals at night sign but quickly dismissed it as being a bit over the top. I quickly woke everyone else up so they could see the hippo too. The second night as soon as I heard the earth begin shake I looked out again to see more hippos and this time we also saw a huge giraffe outside the window eating the acacia tree. It was hard to sleep what with the noise of the hippos and the desire to keep leaping out of bed to see what else was outside the window. Unfortunately I couldn’t take a picture so you will have to take my word for it.

In the morning the hippos had all disappeared back down to the lake so we took a boat out to see them in there natural habitat. We must have seen over a 100. We also saw the most amazing array of different bird including an African Fish eagle. I could almost get interested in birds here and it has even crossed my mind to by a bird book.

There were also two troops of monkeys at the house when we arrived and it was fun to watch them swinging through the trees.

Even staying in the house was strange. It has been left as it was with books, paintings, furniture and silverware as Joy had it. However, there is no sense that it is a museum and you are welcome to sit in the chairs by the fire and just relax. The house is not posh but it is in a stunning setting overlooking the lake, hence the hippos.

The best bit for the children was the satellite TV. What can you do!!! Don’t think that is original.

One of our favourite meat eaters.

The East African Rift Valley

Washing hands on the edge of the rift valley.

Bethany and her friend Natalie waiting for their goat.

Holidays

This week was the first week of the Easter School holiday. Unfortunately it doesn't coincide with the holidays of the other schools (American and Dutch) so we are by ourselves on the compound. So far we have played a 3 hour game of Monopoly: gone to a soft play area: gone out for chicken and chips; gone out to a coffee shop with a play area; gone to the dentist and bounced on our neighbours trampoline. There aren't really any parks here that you can play in, all the play areas are attached to eating places so you have to buy something to use the facilities.

Today after church we drove to the edge of the rift valley to eat lunch Masai style. The Masai have set up a sort of restaurant where you can buy a meal and enjoy the view of the rift valley. Well actually they have a herd of goats and a few chickens and the menu is, you guessed it, chicken or goat or both. The food takes rather a long time to come because with no refrigeration everything is freshly cooked. That sounds nice but what it actually means is that you can go and watched your meal being slaughtered before you eat it. Then a couple of hours later a pile of meat appears on a wooden board and that is lunch. No need to bother about plates, cutlery, side salad or vegetables. Needless to say that went down very well with certain members of the family!

(The photo was taken on the way back. The children thought we were back in Tanzania. They associate Kenya with City life and Tanzania with rural life.)