KENYA

I remember walking into Thompsons in Horsforth Leeds in early February 2007. There I was a single guy planning where to go on holiday with no ideas at all. All I knew at the age of thirty five and now a none drinker, a new type of holiday was needed. No longer were the sun soaked beer filled holidays in Greece and the likes an option. The idea of stood on my own by a bar with a coke in my hand watching other people get more and more drunk in drink filled nights was not for me. I had done all this and at that time of my life enjoyed every minute of it, but now had come a time I wanted something different. I wanted a place so big I could hide in where the beauty hid me and I could fall into and lose myself. To see wildlife in its natural home and my pictures wouldn't have bars in them. So then it came to me and felt so right to me, I was going to book a safari in Kenya.

The girls in Thompsons were fun, helpful and a joy to plan my holiday with. I left booked for November for a whole sixteen days in Kenya. Even the coming months before planning it all were fun. Buying the right camera, memory cards, first aid kits, injections etc it was just so exciting. I used to go into supermarkets and check out the offers. End of range was great with top of the range toiletries for next to nothing before I knew it with everything I got I was kitted out for three holidays. My MP3 was filled with music and relaxing music. Before I knew the holiday had arrived and I was about to go.

The timing could not have been better as the weekend before I sat down for a three day meditation and first stage light and sound. This in itself was a life changing moment as the new found me was about to embark on a beautiful journey. Never before had I being on holiday on my own and the only person I had to think about was myself on this trip. Throughout this trip I collected animal carvings of Malachite a crystal I love very much. In telling of this trip to Kenya I will try and give you little insights into this beautiful crystal they call Malachite. Malachite is derived from the Greek word for its colour, malache meaning mallow. It could also come from the word in Greek meaning soft which is malakos meaning soft. Malachite is used widely in jewellery making and also ornament making. Recently I have also found Malachite used in certain brands of toiletries in their shower and bath products giving a lovely relaxing experience.

                     

                  

I remember leaving on Saturday the 3^rd November.  Now it was just me for the next sixteen days and the people I would meet on my safari, but for the first time I could go on holiday and do what I wanted. This whole day was planned where I didn't have to rush at all. There was plenty of time in between each connection allowing me to enjoy countless coffee and cake breaks. On my journey on the train from Leeds to Manchester I remember I felt that I was leaving behind all our concrete boxes we hide ourselves away in. As my night flight took off and I watched some fireworks below suddenly it hit me, I was flying free.

I arrived early morning on Sunday at Nairobi airport and greeted by a smiling rep who took me to what looked like a battered mini bus. This was my transport to the Holiday Inn for a night and it wasn't until I got in I realised I never checked for ID they could of being anyone. Anyway I felt completely safe and enjoyed the view. The hotel was lovely and I had a huge double bed to sink into for a couple of hours before the welcome meeting.

I met some of my fellow travellers and was offered a excursion list but I knew I had a busy filled couple of weeks ahead of me so went back to my room to sleep away the afternoon. I had my first taste of vegetarian food in Kenya and was not impressed but for the opportunity to see wonderful wildlife it was such a small price to pay. I wandered into the hotel casino as I had felt this was safer than the streets of Nairobi at night and had budgeted for this. Not fully understanding the Kenya shilling yet I was shocked when I got back to my room to find I had walked away with one hundred pound. Then it was back to my room into that lovely soft bed again as the first of many early starts laid before me in the morning.

MONDAY 5^TH NOVEMBER

After a wonderful breakfast of fresh pastries and fruit I went to board the vehicle which would be my transport for the next fourteen days. Well shocked I was to find it was of the same sort as picked me up for the airport. Six of us were in this four by four minibus plus our driver Christopher. We set off at 7.30 am, straight into the traffic of Nairobi. One long busy road leads everywhere, and then all of a sudden you hit the side roads. I say side roads, but dirt tracks are a complete understatement. You are bumped around everywhere with dust getting everywhere but this in itself is fun. It's amazing just looking out at the huts and buildings at the side of the road. We hit some road works that made us late reaching our lodge, which is to say road works is not the right term to use. One dirt track is closed and you're rerouted to an even worse one.

All this was worth it when I finally reached Tsavo West and the Kilaguni lodge. As we approached we were greeted by some giraffe just at the side of us. As I walked in I just stopped in awe as the restaurant overlooked a watering hole with four zebra, one of them a baby stopping for a drink. Birds of every colour were flying about as well as brightly coloured lizards darting around. Lunch was amazing as here I was miles from home in a complete new world. I was so at peace just eating and watching the animals drink from the watering hole.

We took an afternoon drive to Mzima Springs to see hippo, monkeys and a beautiful walk to lose all track of time and place. One of the mini buses broke down in our little convoy of three but the drivers quickly fixed it with the basic of tools.

We spent an evening at the lodge as the sun went down over a view of buffalo, giraffe, zebra and an elephant taking turns to drink. From our concrete jungle where we lock ourselves away with double glazing, here I was in this beautiful unspoilt part of the world. I can still picture the sights, sense the smells and hear the sounds. It was just the perfect first day on safari.

TUESDAY 6^TH NOVEMBER

Today we were on our way to Amboseli and the Ol Tukai Lodge for a two night stay. Drove through vast open spaces taking in the surroundings where we passed locals dressed brightly in all their splendour. Everywhere that we stopped people would appear from nowhere and carved animals would be thrust upon us through the open windows of our vehicle. Stopped on the volcano Suetani meaning Devils, from here you can see Mt Kilimanjaro. Onwards then to Amboseli with the roof down we saw hippos, wilder beast and zebra it was so amazing. We were just a speck in this vast open space and I lost myself in the moment. The lodge itself was lovely with each of the builds looking like huts overlooking the plains. After beautiful food and a rest we went out for an evening game drive.

The herds were vast with 100's of animals as far as the eyes could see. There was a herd of over a hundred elephants bathing and the first sight of a lioness basking away in the shade. The sun went down revealing a beautiful sunset and a peace settled over the plains of Kenya.

WEDNESDAY 7^TH NOVEMBER

Early up for a game drive at 6.30a.m, first sight was a lioness and two six month old cubs feeding on a zebra. As we drove onwards saw a male lion and to make it really special a three month old elephant stood at side of road looking at us swinging it little trunk at us. Arrived back at the lodge very happy and treated myself to a massage to ease my aching muscles from been bounced around the mini bus. It was sheer bliss as I lay there for a hour having my aches and pain removed. Then it was lunch and a few hours of relaxing time before our next game drive.

On the game drive we made our way to a viewing point to see Mt Kilimanjaro clouds covered the top of it, but the views were still stunning. On the way there one set a mother with her baby trying to feed looking really cute. We were all laughing and joking as we drove around getting used to each other and becoming a little family for this holiday. I remember thinking of all that I had already seen on this safari and I was only a third of the way through. Our vehicle suddenly sped up and as it was getting dark we all thought it was due to been late for lunch. As it was a family of spotted hyena had been seen so we rushed to see them. Spotted hyenas are the ones active during the day. They all looked so cute especially the little cubs but their teeth can break bones. Tomorrow is a trip of 420 km to Outspan, so bags packed again and finding it hard to sleep before midnight. Living of less than 6 hours sleep a night but it's all so worth it, I'm still in shock by it all.

THURSDAY 8^TH NOVEMBER

As we set of to Outspan we had a sighting of hyena feeding but didn't have time to watch them. We headed over the dry river bed as when the rains come this turns into a large river. Watched the farmers walking their herds of cows to new grazing before the rains, they walk for miles to do this. We past small villages and towns on the way stopping in shops full of carvings and gifts to buy. It was at these places I got my animal carvings of Malachite. Malachite used for carvings is bright banded green and so much cheaper over here. Malachite is also a copper ore and good for the formation of red blood cells and relieving the pain of arthritis. Malachite can be used for drawing out impurities in body and aura. Every time I entered one of these places my first words as the owners descended on me was "do you have any Malachite?" if they did I would shop closely examining each carved piece as a lot were damaged. If they didn't have any Malachite I would sit back with a cold drink and enjoy the rest.

As we continued our journey we reached Nairobi which is just one huge jam of cars to make our way through. To make matters worse on a roundabout our clutch went. Lucky for us there were police nearby that stayed with us making us laugh and helping us out. Another vehicle was brought to take us to a posh restaurant while our vehicle was been fixed. It was a very posh place and the meal was lovely but it all lacked atmosphere and none of us had come for that more the animals.

We arrived at Outspan at 5.30pm and the room I was given was huge to say the least. Had a lovely relaxing bath then onto dinner with some of our party. Went back to my room to rest and enjoy the thought of a lay in as don't have to set of till 8.30am pure bliss. Spent some time having a little meditated before curling up in a nice big bed to drift happily off to sleep.

FRIDAY 9^TH NOVEMBER

Started out on the 110 mile trip to Samburu and after about 25 miles we stopped off at the equator and another set of shops. Had a demonstration of the difference in the magnetic field making the water drain in different directions. As you head north it is clockwise and when you head south it is anticlockwise and on the equator the water drains straight down. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to sit on the equator and meditate and see how it would feel. No chance of trying here as dragged from shop to shop by each shop keeper. Managed to get a couple more pieces of Malachite so left there feeling very happy.

Another aspect in life that Malachite is good for is the protection from negative energies. I feel when I carry Malachite very safe, protected and also feel this crystal brings me a lot of luck in life. It brings a lovely warm feeling to the heart allowing your physical and emotional love to shine through. Malachite allows your true self to be shown to others and access the same to be shown by them.

Near here we stopped off to admire Mt Kenya with its snow covered tops. The last 50km we travelled turned into quite a journey with very bumpy roads to add another couple of bruises to my battered but happy body. As we entered the park we saw a lone zebra with absolutely beautiful markings as this was a grevy zebra. Grevy zebra don't stay in herds like the common zebra do tending to be alone or small groups. It started to rain as we neared the lodge and Christopher our driver informed us that our game drive later on might not be too good as in the rain animals are harder to find. The lodges here are wonderful and look over what is called the dirty river which is brown clay like colour. As I looked out from the balcony of my room saw a crocodile swimming down the river which made me smile so far removed from back home in Leeds.

So off on another game drive and straight away were greeted by a wonderful looking reticulated giraffe, then a leopard tortoise which turned into a bit of an omen for later on. We gazed upon elephants turned brown by the dirty river they bathe in then over the radio came a call that there had been a leopard sighting. Suddenly Christopher put his foot down to get us to the Leopard before it moved on as it's a rare sight viewing a leopard. We laughed as we were thrown about the vehicle all stood up looking over the animals as we rushed to the leopard. Back home we would have been told to sit down, belt up and close the windows. That would off removed a big part of the fun and the moment in were in. The moment I saw it there in the tree with its tail hanging down quite happy with itself will stay with me forever. There it was surrounded by vehicles with so many people taking pictures, but all it did was yawn and look around just laying there without a care in the world. My camera joined the others clicking away taking pictures of this beautiful animal. As we drove away and another vehicle took our place it started to rain and a twin rainbow appeared. I had booked a leopard safari and had been lucky enough to see one turning this into a really special trip, I felt so happy and so alive. As we got back to the lodge the crocs were on the bank cooling off resting, with only a thin barbed wire fence separating us. As I went back to my room I switched of the fan and listened to the sound of the river rushing by and closed my eyes letting it wash over me and send me to sleep.

SATURDAY 10^TH NOVEMBER

Woke up early to chill for 30 minutes before game drive, leaving my pet deko running around my room. Was a quiet game drive seeing crocodiles on the banks, a mongoose on a termite hill and in the distance a cheetahs head? Went to a village to see the local nomads and hear about their life. All seemed a bit stage really and none of us enjoyed it and could not wait to leave with our money still in our pockets. On the way back to the lodge we were rewarded by a cheetah speeding off to catch a hare and bringing it back with a younger cheetah by her side. Went for another game drive later seeing herds of elephants and giraffes before going to a view point overlooking the Sambura game park. It was nice to relax before having an early night (11.15) with my deko as company

SUNDAY 11^TH NOVEMBER

Set off after breakfast to Treetops and on the way there had a lovely surprise of a mum and young adult cheetah. Got really close to them and watched the young one rolling around playing before speeding off. So continued on to Treetops something under our vehicle broke and we had to squeeze into the other two vehicles and Christopher followed us slowly with the luggage. We stopped off at a couple of places and got some more Malachite.

It was lovely getting time to play and enjoy the crystal Malachite and learn more of its properties. As you work with Malachite you feel it working on the solar-plexus. Allows you to move forward in life clearing the doubt that may be holding you back, malachite allows to live life been you.

Treetops is a big wooden structure that allows viewing up close of elephants and some other animals that may be passing to drink at the waterhole. Each room is very small and you leave your main luggage at Outspan and take just a small overnight bag. After all the hype about Treetops it was a huge let down as felt cramped and hard to see anything. We did hire a driver and 4x4 for a game drive which was a bit of fun. Saw lots of monkeys, warthogs and a hyena trying to catch a baby warthog. Watched elephants then went for dinner which was served on a long table with a trolley in the middle that you pulled up and down. Went back to room and next thing woke up at eleven so tired just fell asleep so got up had little look around. Saw a black rhino in the distance but too dark really to see so went back to bed to have a really good sleep.

MONDAY 12^TH NOVEMBER

Travelled over 5 ½ hrs to Lake Bogoria Hotel and on the way stopped of Thompsons waterfall which wasn't too impressive. This was low part of the holiday as were put in a rundown hotel with nothing to do. Worst was had two nights here, but played cards had a laugh and made the most of it. Allowed me to rest up for couple of days and have time for meditation.

TUESDAY 13^TH NOVEMBER

Today went to Lake Bogoria where we saw flamingos, pelicans and the hot springs. Was really relaxing walking around the lake and enjoying the peace and quiet, the stillness was amazing. Another quiet day back at the hotel with only a bird walk to keep us entertained, was supposed to last 2 hours got bored after 20 minutes and made my escape and one by one others followed. Miss the daily game drives and the excitement of what I would see on them. Played cards and relaxed before another early night. Settled in to use this time again to have a meditation and reach an inner stillness.

WEDNESDAY 14^TH NOVEMBER

Today was so much better and back to what safari is all about seeing animals. Travelled 120 miles to Lake Nakuru National Park which is famous for its flamingos and now I know why. As you look over the lake you see thousands upon thousands upon thousands of these beautiful birds. The water is just covered in pink and at one point a hyena came running into the water and caught one. It is such a nicer lake than the one we saw before it has the feeling of life about it. Saw the Rothschild giraffe today so now have seen all of the three types of giraffe. We went to view the whole of the lake from above, on the way saw white rhino sleeping under a tree and as we travelled further on saw one walking towards us. It walked towards us very slowly and came so close to us you could almost touch it; it was amazing to have an animal that powerful next to me. We then travelled onto our accommodation the Lake Naivasha Country Club which is a stunning place. Our group went on a bout trip paddled by a guide it was so peaceful and calming will lovely views, animals and all set under a beautiful sunset. In the lake we saw a mother hippo with a three week old baby on her back, a perfect way to end the evening.

 In the shop here I was delighted to find a piece of Malachite carved into a bear, the shop keeper was surprised why it was there but I was very happy it was.

THURSDAY 15^TH NOVEMBER

Today travelled to Keekorok Lodge which was a 153 mile trip with some stop offs on the way which I took full advantage to buy more Malachite carvings. When we arrived at this lodge was filled with happiness as it was truly wonderful. A hippo viewing point was in its ground and got really good close up views of them. We had a rest went out on the Masai Mari game reserve which is full of game animals and cheetah in the grass then 3 of them walking through the trees. Saw a pack of lions sleeping under a tree then further on saw one hunting a gazelle. The lion used our vehicle as cover to hunt the gazelle but it already knew it was there and kept looking back at it so the lion gave up. Saw another lion further on also watching a gazelle but as it was watching it a group of warthogs passed so chased them instead. I think it was only playing as chased them half heartedly and so was funny watching the surprised warthogs run off very quickly.

FRIDAY 16^TH NOVEMBER

Awoke at 5a.m to set out for a balloon ride over the Masai Mari game reserve, it was a lovely way to start last day of game drives. Two balloons went up each filled with 16 passengers but you would not really know still felt I was floating along alone. Calmly we drifted along with just the roar of the jet flame keeping us in the air with birds gracefully flying beside lost myself in the moment a couple of times. As we flew up high above the other balloon beneath us I felt so alive and free at this moment. If you ever get the chance go on a balloon trip it's a wonderful way at looking at the earth below. We floated over the land for over an hour, travelling over 20km with giraffe, elephants and other animals running from the shadow of our balloon. We landed and vehicles appeared to take us to our bush breakfast and on the way had a little game drive and got up close to a pride of lions before we settled down to breakfast. It was wonderful sat out in the open of the wide at one with nature; it was surreal eating breakfast with wilder beast looking on at us. As we headed back to our lodge we stopped off to look at more lions and elephants.

When I got back to the lodge we headed straight out to go view crocodiles and hippos in a lovely setting. Rest full afternoon before we went out for our final game drive of my safari holiday and I wanted to feel fresh for the final drive. The only one of the big game we hadn't seen was a black rhino up close and this was the first animal we came across. It's an amazing sight looking at a black rhino and I was so glad I didn't leave Kenya without seeing one, felt so blessed to see one. Saw a few more lions then a lioness on her own stalking a group of gazelles so we parked up to watch this beautiful sight. It was a wonderful way to spend the last moments of our last game drive.

So as we drove back I breathed in every last moment, every last sight and every feeling I felt from the whole of this holiday. We had a last meal together reliving all that we had seen and done over this trip before I went back to my room for a meditation. The meditations I have had in Kenya have shown some wonderful insights and greatly improved my meditation skills. Often when I want to relax into a meditation I think of moments from this trip.

SATURDAY 17^TH NOVEMBER

Travelled back the 185 miles to Nairobi to where my travels in Kenya had begun, over a thousand miles I have travelled through Kenya and would love to do a thousand more. We stopped off at some more little shops to top of my Malachite collection before arriving back at the hotel to be greeted by a lovely room with two double beds. Had a cat nap in one of them before going to join the others for dinner and a night in the casino where I won £50. I left the rest to it as wanted some time to myself on this last night in Kenya and a last meditation of this trip

SUNDAY 18^TH NOVEMBER

Put my luggage in storage as not leaving until late tonight, so a few of us decided to go to elephant sanctuary and Rothschild's giraffe place where you can feed the giraffes. It was a nice way to spend the last remaining hours and I spent my winnings from the night before on a large Malachite elephant. So as the coach pulled up that evening I said goodbye to Kenya and hello to about 24hrs of travelling ahead of me.

 It took be a good few months and many a meditation to bring me back to Leeds as Kenya kept a piece of my heart.

copyright © crystal bear 2008