Cindysafari's trip report-Kenya September 2006
Oct 11th, 2006, 06:54 AM
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Cindysafari's trip report-Kenya September 2006
I think going to Africa is like falling off the edge of the world, and landing in an amazing place nothing like where you¡¦ve come from.
Our trip was a wonderful one in so many ways. On our last day there was a terrible tragedy in our camp, and it made us forget, for a while, how good the rest of the trip was. But a little time has helped us to remember how much we loved the trip, up until then. Africa filled our hearts and minds with so many things: The smells, the sights, the sounds we experienced and will never forget¡K¡KWonderful hosts and great conversations, beautiful places to stay, elaborate meals, guides that we loved, time spent with our dear friends, and, of course, the reason we were there¡Kthe animals. This trip will be more memorable than any trip we¡¦ve ever taken, for so many reasons. So here I go¡K.get ready for a LONG report¡Kapologies in advance. ƒº
September 18, and the day is finally here! Two years of planning with 4 other friends and we are off for our first trip to Africa! This is something I have dreamed of since I was a girl, although the reality is when we finally get down to it, making arrangements to leave for any big trip is often such a hassle, we wonder why we¡¦re even going sometimes. We have a demanding business and a 17 year old son we¡¦re leaving behind for 15 days. As we¡¦re heading for the airport, my husband predicts that we will not have a business when we return, and that there will be nothing left of our house after the party our son will no doubt throw in our absence. He also informs me that he will not have the epiphany about Africa that I think he will¡K.
You may have figured out that I am dragging my husband to Africa. His dread about it never lessened¡K although he does try to be a good sport, buying new camera equipment that he spends hours familiarizing himself with before the trip. His reasoning: ¡§If I have to be drug to Africa, I might as well take some good pictures¡¨. He will tell you now, how glad he is that he had his great camera.
My husband¡¦s reluctance to go, though, put a lot of pressure on me, worrying that things along the way would not go smoothly. Thankfully, we used Tim LaPage/Safari Experts out of Utah to arrange our trip. He came highly recommended to us by friends who had used him for their African trip, and as they are world travelers, we figured their recommendation was something we could rely on. Tim was born and raised in Kenya, and still spends about 4 months every year there. Everyone we met on our trip seemed to know him well, and I think we got really good treatment because of it. We did a private safari, for the 6 of us, and it was a beautiful trip, without even a hint of a glitch, so we certainly made a good decision there.
We left on September 18 from LAX at 9:30 pm, and flew BA to London. We were prepared for heavy duty security checks and hassles, and were surprised at how easy it was. We patted ourselves on the back over and over for making the decision to upgrade to World Traveler Plus seats¡Kfor such a long journey (24 hours), it was really nice. Even though it wasn¡¦t Business or First Class, (which our friends flew), it was so worth the extra cost, we thought, to get the upgraded seats. The other important thing-AMBIEN! It truly is our friend. It really got us through our 24 hours of travel time.
We arrived in London for a 5 hour layover, and my husband had reserved a lounge for us to relax in¡Kthat was really great. We could stretch out, have drinks, and read the paper or whatever. Very glad he insisted on that.
The flight was smooth and easy, and we arrived in Nairobi on time, 7:30 Am., September 20. We already had our Visa¡¦s¡Kthat made it easy, because the line to get one went forever. We were able to walk up to the customs counter (no line) and go through quickly. So far, so good¡K.
Now my husband, as I have mentioned, not only had no desire to go to Africa, but also he was looking for disaster at every turn. Accordingly, he started saying ¡§There is no one to meet us¡K.there should have been someone here to meet us¡¨, even though we were only at the baggage carousel, waiting for our duffels. I told him I was sure they would be outside waiting, but I was secretly inside saying to myself ¡§Please be there, Oh God, please let our driver be there!¡¨ ƒº
Our trip was a wonderful one in so many ways. On our last day there was a terrible tragedy in our camp, and it made us forget, for a while, how good the rest of the trip was. But a little time has helped us to remember how much we loved the trip, up until then. Africa filled our hearts and minds with so many things: The smells, the sights, the sounds we experienced and will never forget¡K¡KWonderful hosts and great conversations, beautiful places to stay, elaborate meals, guides that we loved, time spent with our dear friends, and, of course, the reason we were there¡Kthe animals. This trip will be more memorable than any trip we¡¦ve ever taken, for so many reasons. So here I go¡K.get ready for a LONG report¡Kapologies in advance. ƒº
September 18, and the day is finally here! Two years of planning with 4 other friends and we are off for our first trip to Africa! This is something I have dreamed of since I was a girl, although the reality is when we finally get down to it, making arrangements to leave for any big trip is often such a hassle, we wonder why we¡¦re even going sometimes. We have a demanding business and a 17 year old son we¡¦re leaving behind for 15 days. As we¡¦re heading for the airport, my husband predicts that we will not have a business when we return, and that there will be nothing left of our house after the party our son will no doubt throw in our absence. He also informs me that he will not have the epiphany about Africa that I think he will¡K.
You may have figured out that I am dragging my husband to Africa. His dread about it never lessened¡K although he does try to be a good sport, buying new camera equipment that he spends hours familiarizing himself with before the trip. His reasoning: ¡§If I have to be drug to Africa, I might as well take some good pictures¡¨. He will tell you now, how glad he is that he had his great camera.
My husband¡¦s reluctance to go, though, put a lot of pressure on me, worrying that things along the way would not go smoothly. Thankfully, we used Tim LaPage/Safari Experts out of Utah to arrange our trip. He came highly recommended to us by friends who had used him for their African trip, and as they are world travelers, we figured their recommendation was something we could rely on. Tim was born and raised in Kenya, and still spends about 4 months every year there. Everyone we met on our trip seemed to know him well, and I think we got really good treatment because of it. We did a private safari, for the 6 of us, and it was a beautiful trip, without even a hint of a glitch, so we certainly made a good decision there.
We left on September 18 from LAX at 9:30 pm, and flew BA to London. We were prepared for heavy duty security checks and hassles, and were surprised at how easy it was. We patted ourselves on the back over and over for making the decision to upgrade to World Traveler Plus seats¡Kfor such a long journey (24 hours), it was really nice. Even though it wasn¡¦t Business or First Class, (which our friends flew), it was so worth the extra cost, we thought, to get the upgraded seats. The other important thing-AMBIEN! It truly is our friend. It really got us through our 24 hours of travel time.
We arrived in London for a 5 hour layover, and my husband had reserved a lounge for us to relax in¡Kthat was really great. We could stretch out, have drinks, and read the paper or whatever. Very glad he insisted on that.
The flight was smooth and easy, and we arrived in Nairobi on time, 7:30 Am., September 20. We already had our Visa¡¦s¡Kthat made it easy, because the line to get one went forever. We were able to walk up to the customs counter (no line) and go through quickly. So far, so good¡K.
Now my husband, as I have mentioned, not only had no desire to go to Africa, but also he was looking for disaster at every turn. Accordingly, he started saying ¡§There is no one to meet us¡K.there should have been someone here to meet us¡¨, even though we were only at the baggage carousel, waiting for our duffels. I told him I was sure they would be outside waiting, but I was secretly inside saying to myself ¡§Please be there, Oh God, please let our driver be there!¡¨ ƒº
Oct 11th, 2006, 08:30 AM
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I am looking forward to this report Cindy. And I know it is hard to do. Thank you for sharing so far.
<font color="green"> My husband's reluctance to go, though, put a lot of pressure on me, worrying that things along the way would not go smoothly.</font>
And yes, it is hard to have that kind of pressure on you during a trip.
<font color="green"> My husband's reluctance to go, though, put a lot of pressure on me, worrying that things along the way would not go smoothly.</font>
And yes, it is hard to have that kind of pressure on you during a trip.
Oct 11th, 2006, 12:23 PM
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A great start Cindy, I am looking forward to more. I had no idea you could rent a lounge at Heathrow! Could you let me know how to go about getting info on that for our next trip through? I'd really apprecaite that! Is it a lounge just for you guys, or are there others as well? Is it expensive?
Oct 11th, 2006, 01:09 PM
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Great report so far, Cindy. Look forward to reading more.
I love this "His reasoning: If I have to be drug to Africa, I might as well take some good pictures". Your husband sounds like a better sport than mine - so mine stays home.
Cindy
I love this "His reasoning: If I have to be drug to Africa, I might as well take some good pictures". Your husband sounds like a better sport than mine - so mine stays home.
Cindy
Oct 12th, 2006, 06:28 AM
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Yes, Wayne, I think my husband may win the prize for the most reluctant traveler to Africa in the history of Africa! 
He actually would tell people "I just can't wait until this trip is behind me"
LyndaS-The lounge was great...there are 4 of them, so you just check which Terminal you are leaving from, and you book the lounge in that Terminal. I think it was about $60.00 for the 2 of us...just log onto Heathrow's main page, and you'll see a heading, "Booking a Lounge". It's great for those of us not flying First or Business, especially if you have a long layover, like we did.
Thanks for all of your kind comments...Part 2 is coming soon!
Cindy
He actually would tell people "I just can't wait until this trip is behind me" LyndaS-The lounge was great...there are 4 of them, so you just check which Terminal you are leaving from, and you book the lounge in that Terminal. I think it was about $60.00 for the 2 of us...just log onto Heathrow's main page, and you'll see a heading, "Booking a Lounge". It's great for those of us not flying First or Business, especially if you have a long layover, like we did.
Thanks for all of your kind comments...Part 2 is coming soon!
Cindy
Oct 13th, 2006, 08:33 AM
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Trip Report cont.
September20- Good news! As we open the airport doors, standing right in front of us is a smiling, pleasant man holding a sign with our name on it. "Chewie" seems genuinely delighted to see us. He warmly welcomes us to Kenya, and loads us into a pretty nice Land Rover. Well, this is good...Ha! I look at my husband in triumph. See? Nothing to worry about...we will be well taken care of!
We soon learn, though, that driving on a regular street with traffic is NOT for Chewie. He much prefers mud puddles and sidewalks beside a street to drive on, if possible. If there are neither of those, he takes whatever is on the side of the road...even if it's crowded with people. Driving on the wrong side of the road is fine with him, too. Space Mountain at Disneyland is sissy stuff, compared to riding with Chewie. After several near misses with pedestrians or cars, or both, I realise my jaw is aching...I'm clenching it so hard in nervous tension. My husband is holding on for dear life and he has a grim look on his face. I give him a weak smile, and he manages one back. I try to be really positive.."Hey, what an adventure, huh?" Fun!!!! Meanwhile I'm thinking, "Where the heck is Wilson Airport????"
September20- Good news! As we open the airport doors, standing right in front of us is a smiling, pleasant man holding a sign with our name on it. "Chewie" seems genuinely delighted to see us. He warmly welcomes us to Kenya, and loads us into a pretty nice Land Rover. Well, this is good...Ha! I look at my husband in triumph. See? Nothing to worry about...we will be well taken care of!
We soon learn, though, that driving on a regular street with traffic is NOT for Chewie. He much prefers mud puddles and sidewalks beside a street to drive on, if possible. If there are neither of those, he takes whatever is on the side of the road...even if it's crowded with people. Driving on the wrong side of the road is fine with him, too. Space Mountain at Disneyland is sissy stuff, compared to riding with Chewie. After several near misses with pedestrians or cars, or both, I realise my jaw is aching...I'm clenching it so hard in nervous tension. My husband is holding on for dear life and he has a grim look on his face. I give him a weak smile, and he manages one back. I try to be really positive.."Hey, what an adventure, huh?" Fun!!!! Meanwhile I'm thinking, "Where the heck is Wilson Airport????"
Oct 14th, 2006, 04:03 PM
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Oh Cindy, I know that reluctant Hubby syndrome well. Our first trip to Africa was 4 years ago on our honeymoon and talk about using my persuasive powers to get DH there! It was a 'compromise' trip with Victoria Falls (no safari), Sun City (casino's for him) and 3 days safari then Cape Town. Thankfully, he was bitten by the bug and we returned to Africa this year 
- Hope (and think!) this was your hubbys reaction too 
You had me giggling with the 'chewie' driving description, by the sounds of things we're in for one heck of a report!!
Imelda
- Hope (and think!) this was your hubbys reaction too You had me giggling with the 'chewie' driving description, by the sounds of things we're in for one heck of a report!!
Imelda
Oct 16th, 2006, 02:19 AM
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Well…
HUSBANDS . . .
Have been defined, eons ago by the omnipotent Moms, as just an extra kid
Though somewhat more massive, with a lower toned voice, IT is basically a kid
If & when approached, addressed, treated & caressed like one, it may change its mood as quickly as a young sibling
After all, they are not to be blamed, having all this burden (plus consequences) of the Y-CHROMOSOME … …
HUSBANDS . . .
Have been defined, eons ago by the omnipotent Moms, as just an extra kid
Though somewhat more massive, with a lower toned voice, IT is basically a kid
If & when approached, addressed, treated & caressed like one, it may change its mood as quickly as a young sibling
After all, they are not to be blamed, having all this burden (plus consequences) of the Y-CHROMOSOME … …
Oct 17th, 2006, 10:29 AM
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Hi Cindy. This is our first time joining into a forum like this. really enjoying your story. my husband and i are leaving on nov. 29th, through the OAT (overseas adventure travel) company, to Tanzania for 2 weeks. Going on a safari has been something I've wanted to do for a very long time and the occasion of my upcoming 60th birthday made me really act on it. But unlike you, I didn't plan it in advance, for lots of reasons and decided somewhat quickly. I do have a friend who used OAT to go on a different trip to Africa (South Africa) as well as to India and was very happy with the trip. So now that I have the opportunity to read people's opinions, reactions, I'm curious about so many things that I didn't think about. May I ask how much your trip cost...or a ballpark figure...anyway, I'm excited to continue to hear the rest of your wonderful travelogue.
