Ben+K

Jan. 25th- Uganda Railroad:

Today I awoke to find that I was still on the train and heading rapidly upwards, towards my destination. The railway, not unlike the one during Wlliam B.'s expedition to Africa, speeded us past breathtaking sites. The early morning light gave me a chance to see the towering Cadalabria trees, and the many Mimosa trees which reminded me of days in the park in downtown Boston.

Red soil lines the track the whole way up, dotted with little shrubs, just as it did in 1923. It looks fertile and very good for farming. After we had breakfast of scrumptious curry and other delicacies we looked out the window to see the beautiful country roll by. The highlands were covered with trees except for some areas that were barren of almost everything, but the occasional shrub or small shack. Even though only 22% of Kenya is urbanized we also passed by large cities, filled with large skyscrapers and yellow taxis built on the same area as shacks and small houses that stould many years ago. It was wonderful to see how the whole continent of Africa was in different stages of development.

Then we saw the animals. They lined both sides of the track, grazing or sleeping in the heat of the afternoon sun, all the way to Tanzania (which was formerly the countries of Zanzibar and Tanganyika). This would become a common sight for the rest of the day. There were so many different kinds I couldn't keep track. I could hardly wait for the safari. The animals were most numerous during 8 a.m to 3p.m. There were zebras, lions, baboons, everything. They probably have lived since before Wiliam Bixby even got around to going on his safari. Just like the many different kinds of animals the people who live in Africa are of mixed cultures much like the U.S. Many of the tribes, or towns, have their own style of traditional clothing and styles, but the majority of Kenyans dress more or less Western style nowadays. Mostly the same standard laws apply to all the tribes, towns, and cities but some differentiate depending on certain factors, unlike in the time of William Bixby where almost alll tribes had separate laws as well as territories only for them.

Same Day Uganda station

At the station we saw many people dressed as we Americans would, though many women wore traditional bracelets made of some sort of galvanized metal from wrists to elbows, and also from ankles to knees. After exchanging my American dollars for African rupees (which have bee used for centuries) switched to a different train and headed for the Mara Serena Safari lodge in Masai Mara Kenya. As we left the city we spotted a pack of camels carrying various packages and bundles. They were being led by man in red robes also carrying many boxes. And then suddenly we were out of the city and into the country. All along the plateaus on either side of the newly redone railtracks animals stood. We watched them for as long as they stood there. Craning our necks to see a parade of ostritches, we ended up with soar necks and aching joints. Our conductor (much accustomed to tourists) pointed out the great Mt. Kilimanjaro towering up through the mist. We couldn't even see the top! I could tell it was a hot day outside because I could see heat waves rolling on the ground outside my car. Later in the day we passed another train station. As we went by I saw men who looked rather poor asking for handouts. This reminded me that no matter how many cities there are in one place and how well the country looks there is still poverty. Even so some people these days in Kenya have good clothing, as well as nice homes, and are rich. Along time ago it used to be that kids had to wear gunny sacks and some didn't even have clothing. As I was thinking I was suddenly interrupted by the trains loud speaker. "Good afternon everyone. I hope you have enjoyed your train ride. We will be arriving in about 20 minutes. The temperature outside is about 90 degrees and the weather is looking very sunny. Thank you!" I started to gather my belongings and looked outside and could see Nairobi in the distance. We arrived at the station at 3:25 in the afternoon.

Nairobi Sation

We got our things and found a bus to go on a two hour long ride to our hotel in Masai Mara Kenya.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge that night

After a BIG dinner in one of the hotels wonderful restaurants I sat on the balcony over looking the savanna and read. It was a beautiful night. The temperature had dropped and a small breeze rustled my hair. I also could see stars from a mile away in the inky black sky. I then took a hot shower thinking about Africa's wonderful climate then went to bed.

Jan 26. - Hotel

Today was the day for the big safari! But before we got going we had to get ready. I had my camera charging all night, so it was ready but I had to get a new pair of binoculars in the souveneir shop downstairs unlike Bixby who would have to got to many different shacks to get his equipment. I packed my backpack with everything I thought I might need. Camera, snacks, video camera, water, hat, sunscreen, etc... And then we were off. On the way there we saw many hydrodams and mines that replaced the corn fields and cattle of older days.

Same day Masai Mara Game Reserve Before we started we were told the rules. For example hunting, shooting, or killing of any animals is forbidden, not to mention illegal (not that I would kill). In William Bixby's time they actually encouraged you to go hunting (antelope meat was a favorite of some people). They didn't have as much respect for wildlife as we do today. After the rules we hopped into our jeep and drove off into the sahara. The great sahara held many different types of animals to surprise us with. We saw, lions lounging around on rocks, rhinos taking a mud bath, elephants getting a drink, and even a high speed chase between a cheetah and antelope. I got some great, pics and video footage and called the day an overall succes. But saddly the day has to end. We said goodbye to all the animals and headed back to the hotel.