Tuonane Tena

I figured I have a lot of time to write a post now, as I have a 5 hour layover in Paris. No kidding. 5 hours. What does one do with 5 hours? I've already used up the 5 euro note I'd been keeping in my wallet since my trip to Amsterdam 4 years ago. I knew I'd be able to use it some day. I bought myself a little cappuccino and have made myself comfortable enough to update my blog. The Paris Charles de Gaulle airport is HUGE, so once I decide to walk around, I might get lost. That doesn't matter because I have over 3 hours left before I have to board my plane. I met a young woman from Amsterdam on my flight from Nairobi. She was very sweet and we chatted about our adventures. I wish I knew more French, but I neglected my studies. No worry though because everyone speaks english. It's funny how the airport security will initially greet me in French but stop the second I open my mouth. I hope it's just my accent that gives me away and not my over all appearance.

Back the the real message of this post. Over the past week I've been saying my goodbyes and trying to get closure with Kenya. We took one final trip to Lake Nakuru before wrapping up my trip. It was absolutely the best way to end my four months. We stayed at a lodge tucked waaaay into the bush. There were animals everywhere. On the drive in alone I saw a hippo and a wild cat of some sort, I can't remember the name oops. We went on various game drives, including an early morning drive, on which I felt the coldest I've ever felt in Kenya. The abundance of animals and beautiful landscape was worth the lack of heat. We saw Rhinos grazing and a herd of giraffes peeking through the trees. We saw flamingos out the hoohoo. (Nakuru is famous for it's flamingo population) On the second day we traveled up to a place called baboon lookout. The name does not deceive.  We became perfect victims, along with the Kenyan school children on holiday, for the viscous baboons. They are ruthless, stealing garbage, shoes, really anything. There were security guards walking around with big sticks to try and deter the baboons from getting into any real trouble.

Later that evening we relocated to a lodge called the Sleeping Warrior lodge. It's named such because of a large rock formation, crater I think, that form a certain angle looks like a great warrior sleeping on its side. We made the climb up to a neighboring mountain side to our resort. Though there weren't many animals to see, the view was spectacular. We weren't sure if we would make it to the top of the hill in our friends little rental car, but once we did, we were blown away overlooking the lake and the valley below us. And my god, the stars were spectacular. Ilikuwa maradadi sana! It was very beautiful. We got the best of both worlds on that trip. The first location held plenty of animals for us to gander at, the second location held a jaw-dropping view for us to once again gander at. Even drive to and form with the view overlooking the rift valley isn't unpleasant.

That is exactly how I want to remember Kenya. Yes I had my fare share of headaches, but the over all experience was a positive one. In my last few days in Nairobi I went to visit the Nest, and meet up with some friends. My last DAY in Kenya was a bit stressful, but I got everything done that I had set out to do. Saying goodbye to Kenya was important to me, and I think I was able to close on a high note. It's funny that I should put so much importance into once day out of so many days, but I wanted to leave with a good taste in my mouth. It seems a bit neurotic now to think how I tried to shape the way that I'll view this trip, because in all reality, this trip is what it is, I can't control anything about it now. How I remember in the future is all up to the direction my life takes now. At home I'll be met with all sorts of new challenges in college, job, family, relationships, and some unknown challenges. Who knows if I'll be able to use any of the skills I've learned since being here. Who knows if I'll have to haggle for a good price or speak swahili to prove I'm not just a random american. (I hope I'll get more chances to speak swahili) Those opportunities will show themselves with time. I wish I had a good way to wrap up my adventure, but to be honest, it doesn't feel like it's over. Gilbert asked me yesterday if I could write up a summary of my trip to Kenya for his website. I was honored that he asked me, but I am a bit at a loss of where to begin. How can one summarize an experience when the experience isn't over yet. I'll give it time so I can absorb the past few months. Who knows, I may have a complete different view on coming home. Or, maybe, I'll just go on with my life and all this existential hogwash won't matter. I do, however, seriously doubt the latter. It's hard to say good bye, but I left a few ends untied. All the more reason to come back. Which I will.
Peace out Kenya. Tuonane tena.