Lee's Safari is over and all are back in California. It was hard to se them go, as I really enjoyed their company in Kenya an Tanzania. We, between all of us have thousands of photos of wildlife, hotels, people, and so many memories to look at when we are home

Some of the special things that stand out in my mind are; Michelle’s smiles where ever she was, so open to new people of different cultures, her photo taking, she has lots of video and stills

 The next thing for me was the visit in the north of Kenya in Samburu to the village, to see old friends, see new babies of the families, one is expecting in a month time. So when I come back again there will be a new baby to take photos of. Simon the spokes person for the village has said I have been back so many times they need to make a hut for me to stay in so I never have to go home to California again. Next was our visit to the Maasai village in Amboseli, the usual thing to expect is to be greeted outside their village gate, they welcome us with songs, they dance their traditional dance where the men take turns at jumping, some jump so high, then they offer a prayer for all, then we are allowed into the village. This time after the prayer was over they said we had to wait as they had a surprise for me, for ME! Six ladies from the village came forward, each had a bracelet in their hands they had made special for each of my clients and me, and with our names on them. Surprise I guess so, it took a week for each lady to make the beaded bracelets. What a wonderful gesture on their parts. I don’t know why I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends in a far away country, with different cultures, different life style. We were shown the living huts of the Amboseli Maasai, and then we went to their school, which I always try to bring special school books for the children to use when they are attending school. They are hoping to finish another school room so they can extend the number of children they teach. This is another worth while project for any who would care to help.

 

The visit to the Pre School in the village was again special. The land was donated to them, and most of the women are widows, or single mothers, they have worked very hard to start this as something special for them and the children of the village. It got a big boost thanks to so many wonderful people who listened to my plea of help for them. Thank you all. We were served a delicious lunch cooked by the ladies. Some of the other things we saw on the Eco Tour were the rock quarry, the sand harvesting, an organic farmer’s farm, a visit to a homestead, so it was a very full day. One thing for sure they are very hard working people the Kamba, mainly farmers, but they have a vision of helping them selves and their fellow neighbours. Water is always a thing of need, most have to walk three to five miles carrying cans to have clean drinking water for their homes.

The next very special thing for me was the night after we visited the village in Amboseli, Joel, Joseph and the Chief came to the hotel by our invitation, so they could finish their business with one client. When they got up to leave, the Chief as always gave me a big hug, then to my surprise, he removed one of his beaded necklaces that one of his wives had made for him and placed it over my head, I have to say as I am writing this I have a big lump in my throat as this is a big honor to have the Chief give this gift to me. I will cherish it always. So if you see me wearing this sometime in California, you will know just how special it is to me.

 

The wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania are spectacular! We saw prides of lions, cheetah families, elephants, Dik Dik’s, leopards, Topi’s, the two different kinds of zebra’s, the regular one and the one with the narrow stripes. If you want to come on safari, Kenya and Tanzania are where you want to go, and you will get to meet some of the most wonderful people that will greet you with beautiful smiles and warm handshakes.

I hope to return to my other home, Kenya in January 2008 bringing more people to see what I love so much, and to have memories of their own. Please contact me if you have any questions, or if you are worried about something someone has told you, I will tell you the facts, not the gossips.

Jambo,

Mamaafrica