Carol's In Uganda: REFRESH IN NAIROBI WITH MARIA

I left the Brothers following a warm send off to meet up with Maria at her hotel. It was a HUGE juxtaposition going from the slums of Nairobi to the big city. It was as if I walked into any large city in the USA. Though I was in great need of a rest, we sort of hit the ground running. Maria had plans to visit several sites in Nairobi including the elephant orphanage, the Karen Blixen house, the Kazuri bead factory, the Giraffe park and the animal orphanage. We hired a driver for the day and OFF WE WENT!

Birdis with feather on headus

magnus fuzzy earus

The first trip was to the animal orphanage which sits on the boundaires of the national park. They house injured, rescued or "socially impolite" animals (one's that eat people or livestock). The goal is rehabilitation if possible and education to the general population otherwise.

Whitus nosus

It was odd seeing housed monkeys on one hand and then wild ones from the park running around everywhere. The warden said that the one's in the cages had been injured. Park monkeys often come to visit the enclosed ones (see....even monkeys visit the sick!)

Stealus of foodus from bipeds

grooming his friend stuck on the inside

Leaving the park, I heard some really neat music and saw a group of Masai dancing and singing. Their clothing is of the most beautiful fabric and colors and their song and dance is mesmerizing! I walked up and they grabbed my hands and started singing and dancing...Maria managed a shot of this. How fun! I thanked them profusely and of course donated to their cause (Because with those skinny legs, it looks like they need to eat!)

Next we headed to the Karen Blixen house. She is the woman for whom the movie "Out of Africa" was made. I recognized it from the movie as soon as we drove up. Unfortunately, it was under construction (though you could still pay the same amount to tour even though every artifact and wall was covered. We said "No thank you" and left. Maria managed a few shots before they kindly escorted us off the property (unless we paid of course)

They did use the house in the movie

the only "artifacts" not covered

Next we headed off to see the Giraffe Park. THIS WAS AMAZING! I remembered having seen this in National Geographic but never thought I would actually be here! It was a slow day so we had plenty of time to visit the Giraffes, feed them and even pet them. They are the most beautiful and gentle creatures. They are everything in person that you see in pictures.

Last but not least was the Kazuri bead factory. OK...really really neat! This was originated by a British woman to help local single mothers make an income for their families. It is now a world wide business and still honors it's mission statement. Now, however, new husbands of the female workers are allowed to be employed there. They have full medical benefits and paid time off. Getting out of there without spending a fortune is a hard thing to do!!