In this Journal, I will attempt to strip away my protective veneer to view and communicate honestly what the truth is as I perceive it. My intent is to grow, for without an honest evaluation of the truth, how else can one fully absorb life's more difficult lessons and benefit by them. If I do this in secret, then I am still hiding behind a protective veneer, so it is being published online. If you find this Journal, you are welcome to read it and hopefully grow from it as well.



Monday, July 16, 2012

7/16/12: Kyle's Update On His Family African Trip

Once again, I have the pleasure of reading Kyle's description of his, Diane's and Keoni's African trip, one they are in the middle of as his piece is written. The piece is colorful as he describes what they are seeing, and as always with Kyle, it is funny and fun to read.

Dear Family,

The last few days (whose counting) were utterly fantastic!  We chose a wonderful tour company that is totally custom in that the Masai guide (William) who picked us up in JFK's car has been our (and only our) guy the entire time.  It is William and the 3 of us and we can see what we want when we want plus the camp has dealt with Mr. Finicky in a brilliant way including making 2 spinach juices per day.

We have seen lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hippos and many kind of antelope, etc...  There have been fresh kills by lions and hyenas and we've witnessed the predators literally take the meat off the bone of a zebra that was running moments ago.  From the eagles to the crocs there are animals everywhere.

The most interesting observation that I can share is that being out in untouched earth, you see how nature can be cruel, beautiful and efficient at the same time.  The rules and food chain are unemotional and the ecosystem runs brilliantly.  Diane has had concerns given that there are animals who would prove that we are beneath their lot in the food chain.  We are a few feet from a pride of lions feeding with their young and while our car is open air (no windows / no roof) they do not do anything but periodically stare at us.  It is certainly menacing when a lion 6 feet away stops it eating to look up and point its gaze at you.  We are in their world and those moments are a quick reminder.

The deadly snakes here are cobras, puff adders and black mambas and while all are very poisonous, a bite by a black mamba is almost certainly fatal.  This brings us to going on walks.  We have walked twice and both have been on large savannas near the camp.  They have a car and driver follow us while William walks with us.  On one of these walks just as we were discussing poisonous snakes, our driver spotted a black cobra.  He scooped us up so that we could see it and we witnessed a 5 footer scurrying along the brush at about a 5 mph clip for 100 yards.

Yes, after it went into its hole we resumed our walk although Diane was not enthusiastic.  We walked to a Masai village (photo on Facebook) and danced with the tribe who welcomed us in.  We were given a tour of one of their huts and noted how happy everyone was even though they didn't have the creature comforts (electricity and plumbing) to which we've become accustomed.  Jeffrey our guide was very accommodating and we made some purchases of their art and jewelry.

The English influence here is everywhere.  Because of this, I have come to the realization that my family are bloody savages.  Heretofore I have accepted uncouth American standards but no longer.  Prior to my dining, I will require a wash basin on a proper stand to be erected with a towel and soap so that I may wash up.  Only then will I choose from the buffet that has been set out before my meal can begin on a white linen covered table.  Even though I have yet to accept, I must continue to be offered a blanket and resting mat for a nap next to the river or on the mesa where I just dined.  This may all sound strange to you and know that you are all being assigned blame for it seeming odd to me only four short days ago.

Furthermore, I now celebrate my day by the kit of glasses and drinks being laid out for the "sundowner".  Luckily for all, I have original toasts on the ready.

Yesterday morning, we started the day for a sunrise balloon ride in the direction of the Serengeti.  It was very nice and truly peaceful until the pilot took us up to 3,000 feet.  Nothing like a strong wicker basket between you and a very long fall.  When we landed an hour later, the chase trucks met us on the savanna and within 15 minutes I had my prerequisite table along with a chef, omelet bar, fresh fruit and bread along with a bathroom all set-up.  

Lastly, the Worst Parents of the Year award goes to Keoni Kazan (Diane and I are no longer eligible since we abdicated our responsibility to Keoni).  He foolishly let himself drive a car at 12 (see attached photo).  He did an amazing job as the Land Rover is a manual transmission after the first shaking start. The next 2 were as smooth as can be done to our stunned amazement (we made him keep it in 1st gear although the vehicle goes faster than one would want while being navigated by a preteen).  He also kept us on the path and didn't hit any animals.  Guess what his favorite part of our trip has been?!?!

Sorry for the long update but we go, go, go all day (we did an 11 hour safari one day) and pass out after dinner and drinks back at the camp (or after a "bush dinner" overlooking the Mara River and the family of grunting hippos).

We just arrived at Sirikoi in Lewa and are about to go see some rhinos.

Best,

Father of Driving Ms. Diane

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

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