After a very long train journey from Genoa to Verona, then to a bus to get to the airport I was fortunate enough to have 5 hours in the Verona Airport. Let's change the fortunate to unfortunate. I had to leave so much time because trains in Italy are never dependable, mine was one hour late... but I was actually hoping for more!
The airport was small, loud and everything pretty much closed at 11 pm with my flight being at 1 am. None the less, after a very cramped flight (slept the entire way- even through the Zanzibar landing, fuel recharge and take-off) I made it to Kenya! What a wonderful arrival! Upon leaving the airport to find the African Safari representatives, they found me! He knew exactly who I was... I still wonder how?! It was quite refreshing because I had the nastiest flight attendant in the world... how can you be nasty to someone who slept the entire time? Like I was supposed to know I have to unbuckle my seat belt during re-fuel time... it's still a mystery to me, why on earth would you have to? If it is that dangerous deboard us!
Wow. Kenya gets a huge rating thus far on my travels. Perhaps a number two at this point but could soon jump ahead. I am staying at a 5 star hotel, remember this is a 3rd world country though... so think 3 1/2 stars by harsh US standards. The grounds are incredible and the place looks like a bigger version of my dads old hotel. I swear, when sitting pool side one would think they are the same. There are huge palm trees all over, thieving monkeys that come poolside and the friendliest staff. It is situated on Shanzu beach and I have been fortunate enough to receive a sea and pool (the pool is beautiful) view!
I should mention on the drive over to the hotel I saw a lot of the locals. They seem to be craftsmen in wooden furniture, it again reminds me so much of Costa Rica. There are women that actually balance sacks on their heads, dressed in beautiful traditional clothing and a lot of pineapple and sugar cane vendors.
The food is so-so at the place, but it is getting better. They have had amazing fish at every meal, fresh as could be... so I just stick to that. Against advisement I have been eating raw vegetables... but I have been fine. The bread pudding with custard sauce (I allowed myself one tasting) was top notch, not that I am an expert, but I love the stuff!
On day one I took a walk on the beach. I have been warned about the "beach boys", they basically try and sell you excursions and as my friend Chris suggested they want to get in your panties as well. I met a nice beach boy, a rasta man as he called himself and he invited himself on my walk. I actually didn't mind the company as he was extremely informative on the different creepy crawlies in the sea and about Kenya's liberation (it was in 1962 or 1963- he changed the date, I wonder how credible he is?!). We saw many sea urchins,which he has never tried... crazy! A sea worm which is the ugliest thing I have ever seen and some other common crustaceans.
Day 2- mostly poolside and a late wake up. My air con was broken and a nice maintenance man named James fixed it for me. He offered to take me to Lamu and to traditional villages... but I fear I have brought on a stalker... staying away from him and the beach boy. I promised Zia Silvana no falling in love with the pool boy and I think they both fall into this category!
Day 3- I managed to wake up in time for coffee, so I didn't have to pay an insane 2 euros for an espresso! I quickly went poolside and relaxed for a minute when I realized water aerobics was starting! I joined right in- it was a good laugh. I felt like Dirty Dancing... you know with all the goofy activities at the resort... now where is my Patrick Swazey, nah I want the one from Havana Nights ;)
The amazing thing about Kenya is the weather- or at least for this time of year. The sun is insanely hot, but the temperature is not scorching. Above all the constant breeze is spectacular! It has made sitting by the pool even easier... is that possible?! Also, the clouds drift by very quickly, one minute it looks like complete over cast and the next a clear blue sky!
As this is a resort, there are mostly couples here. I have spent the whole time by my lonesome and I am loving it! It is the first time this entire trip that I have spent more than 1 day alone- that is 10 months of constant attachment. I love it! I will say that I take an hour or more to get ready for dinner, and I dress to the nines! It has been really fun, putting myself together perfume and all, and enjoying my own company! I think people are a little curious about me as I have gotten some stares from different couples... but it makes the below even funnier...
As I was sitting outside the restaurant after dinner, enjoying the breeze a cat (there are tons of stray cats) sat next to me... then another came, and another. I was not only alone, now I am the crazy cat lady. Brent and P you get 'spinster' out of your heads this instant!
I have one more day here till I head out on safari... can't Wait to tell you all about it! Oh and I am taking malaria pills... Chris also scared the daylights out of me with his malaria warnings. But I am on daily ones which are not as strong as the weekly ones I was on before... so no crazy dreams so far!
