Sorry, it's been awhile...

Well, here is the real sign that I have been in Africa: No internet for a week. Ok, quick run down. We went to QE Park for two nights, where we had a hippo wander through our camp site, right next to our tent. We went chimp treking (they are such amazing creatures). We then headed to Jinja where the White Nile begins its trip from Lake Victoria. We went Whitewater rafting which was amazing. A couple class 5 rapids, which you can't do in Canada because the water is too cold, but in the nile, that's not a worry. We flipped 3 and a half times. I will explain the whole and a half thing when I get home. Mom did awesome, although came out with a sprained finger. We each had to be rescued by the safety kayaks on different occasions. But it was a ton of fun. We went and helped at a local school the next day. Have to say though, kinda skeptical about a lot of this aid stuff now, but again, that discussion is for another time. Ok, so yesterday we were at the Masai Mara in Kenya for possibly the worst game drive of all time. Not even a zebra up close. Ah well, our drive from there to Nairobi today was much more successful, even if it was along the 'highway'. Sorry that this is so brief, but we are going out for our final dinner together and I have to go shower. Oh, got my hair braided again in Uganda, but don't know if it will make it home, driving me a little crazy now. Anyways, talk to you all soon

Gorillas in the Pouring Rain

Well, we've joined the tour. We had a day in Kampala, although that really wasn't all that exciting for me and mom as we had already spent a couple days there. Next day was a driving day to Lake Buyoni in Uganda. Next day a lovely boat ride across the lake where our driver and guide met us for the drive into Rwanda. Funny - our driver has spent three seasons skiing in Fernie, know a few of the same people. Anyways, possibly the bumpiest road I have ever been on until we got to the border and then - heaven - real roads. Rwanda is an absolutely beautiful country and it is so sad to think what took place here 13 years ago. We are staying in Ruhengeri in Northern Rwanda. Yesterday we went to visit a pygmie village. Although, they were barely shorter then your average person. They have a distinguishable facial structure and are extremely discriminated against. They are also the ones primarily responsible for gorilla poaching. It was a very eye opening experience. Interesting though - their chief is a woman. Elected by all adult members of the community running against a man from the community. Probably the first time I have seen a woman openly in charge of a community. We then went to visit the corrination site of the northern Rwandan kings and then to see how banana beer is made (doesn't taste great). I had a lazy afternoon while mom went and visited an orphanage.
Today was the big day. Off to Parc de volcanes Rwanda, one of the last refuges in the world for the mountain gorilla. Mom and I split off from the rest of the group, just to make numbers easier. We ended up with a Brit and an American who are on a tour. An American couple and their grand daughter (her graduation gift) and a Dutch woman. 8 people can visit each group each day, for one hour. We began our trek in. Definately interesting, and definately muddy. Lots of ducking down under branches and bamboo shoots and such. Fun though. We had to wait for a bit because the silver back of our group was having to deal with a lone male who was trying to take one of his females. So after an hour or so, we left our packs with the trackers and around the corner was 220kg of pure mountain gorilla. Our silver back is the oldest and largest of the entire park (8 family groups) and I have to say he did not disappoint. He was an impressive sight. He ever stood up and pounded his chest, although we all missed the photo op as it was quite startling. The group had 10 members (one of the smaller families) up until last night. The most recent baby passed away last night. It was interesting because they were quite docile I think partly because of the death as well as because of the rain. We ended up seeing only 4 of the family. The youngest female and 3 males. It was a pretty neat experience though, something I can't really even explain. The hour went by way too fast and then we had to trek through the mud some more. Pretty sure our guide was slightly lost on the way out, but we finally reached the rock wall at the edge of the park. It was a fantastic time and I can't wait to show you all the photos. Tomorrow we are heading into Kigali which should be quite an experience at the genocide memorial. Walking down the streets here though, you would never know of the terror that this place was in 1994. Anyways, Jim congrats on the amazing showing in Calgary, wish I could come cheer you on at the Pan Ams. I'm starting to get excited about coming home and showing everybody my pictures. Can't wait to see you all!

Seriously - 13.5 hours?

Hey, so we are now in Kampala after quite a day yesterday. We caught the bus at 7:00 in the morning. We were expecting a 10 hour drive. Well, apparently East African roads aren't up for that. We travelled 500 km in 13.5 hours. If you would like to do the calculations, we were travelling at an average speed of around 40 km an hour on a primary hiway. Are you kidding me? To say the least, at 8:30 that night I was a little short tempered. We arrived at our hostel around 9, got something to eat and then off to bed. Mom got her first glimpse into the world of overlanding - as there were two other overland trucks already there. I am excited becasue tomorrow is the end of us having to plan things. Somebody else will now be responsible for our travel arrangements and getting guides. Should be nice.
This morning we headed to the Kasubi Tombs which was actually quite interesting. A little history on the Buganda people and their kings. Anyways, it's raining right now, so it will probably be a pretty relaxed afternoon. Happy Father's Day Dad!!!!

PS Both pictures are from Nairobi.

Mom's here! and lots more

Hey everybody, sorry I haven't written in awhile, it's been busy. After hanging out in Arusha for a few days and being adopted by a group of American profs, Mom arrived last Sunday. So good to get to tell her about the trip so far in person, rather then email and blog. We just did some wandering, she was still getting adjusted to the African ways of doing things. We had an amazing dinner at our hotel (the Jacaranda). Ad, the chef, is amazing. We met a woman from Seattle that is working for the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation here. Her mom was visiting and they had just come back from the Gorilla trek in Rwanda, so they swapped some advice. Next day it was a geeky poli sci day as we trundled off the international tribunal for Rwanda. Very educational. And an interesting look into the field that I am starting in a couple months. Anyways, next day we were off on safari to the Ngorongoro. I was excited for mom to see this amazing place. We saw 4 of the Big 5 (missed the rhino), but it wasn't the best game viewing day. Although it was nice to finally have a guide who knew his stuff. We were then dropped off at what I would consider paradise. Gibb's Farm may be one of the most beautiful places on earth and any of you who can, should go. Quick reasons why it was so good - 1)the best outdoor shower on earth 2)the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen 3)amazing food - I even ate spinach 4)the very fresh food - everything comes from their farm 5)the wonderful staff and mom would add 6)the best coffee she had ever had. I will gush more when I talk to you all face to face.Yesterday (after two nights) we left Gibb's Farm sadly and headed for Nairobi. Horrific roads, horrible traffic and a very uneasy feeling sum up the trip to Nairobi. Once in Nairobi, a lost reservation made it for a bit of a frantic night. But we are safe and sound. And if you heard about a bombing that took place here on Monday, no sweat, we are safe and sound and far from that area of Nairobi. Today was a neat day out in the area called Karen (after Karen Blixen - from Out of Africa). We went to an elephant orphanage where they rehabilitate baby elephants to return to the wild. Very cool and definately worth the visit. Mom and I both enjoyed ourselves so much and learned a ton. Then we headed to the Karen Blixen museum, also good - I am starting to read Out of Africa. And finally to the Rothschild Giraffe center where we got to feed giraffes and I got kissed by one. Did you know Giraffes have prehensile tongues? it is crazy. So tonight is getting everything sorted for the long trip tomorrow. One more border to cross I guess. Although crossing these borders, you realise what a bonus it is to have a Canadian passport. Anyways, talk to you all soon.

I did it!!!

Hey everybody! So great news, two days ago at 5:53 am, I was standing on the top of Africa. Now for those of you who pay attention to dates, you may realise that was a day earlier than planned. When John and I arrived in Moshi, we found out that John had not booked the extra acclimatisation day that I had. We would start the trek together but split up after the second day. So that was going to be fine. Our first day went pretty well, up through the rainforest to the first set of huts at 2700m. We had some monkey's go a little crazt above our hut that night. Monkeys make a horrible racket when they are fighting. Anyways, second day was up through the Moorland which is kinda like what we would call alpine meadow. 6 hours and we reached Horombo Huts at 3720m. It was here that our guide Milton sat down with me to discuss summiting. He basically said that if I wasn't having any altitude issues, he thought that I could probably push on instead of waiting around at Horombo an extra day. Then if I had issues at the next huts, I would stay there an extra day. If not, I would summit a day early and come down with John. He said that he was 90% sure I would be able to make it on the earlier summit. But, weather permitting, I would make it no problem the next day. Well I took this all into account and decided that instead of being freezing cold waiting at Horombo, I would push on to Kibl. So, the next day was through a saddle and the true alpine desert. It was pretty similar to the moonscape on the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand, although the weather was much more threatening. After reaching Kibo Huts (4700m), we were sent straight to bed, awoken for dinner and then sent back to bed. At 11 pm, we were woken up and we had some snacks, at midnight, we bundled up, put our head torches on and headed up for the summit. The first portion was all volcanic ash, scree slope. Absolutely miserable. Every second step you took, you would slide a little bit down the mountain. Luckly, we had great weather, cold and clear, with an almost full moon. At the mid point of the ash, you reach Hans Meyer Cave where we had a quick break, but I had to keep going cause my hands and feet were getting cold. So more ash, and then into the boulder field. Well I tell you, my legs have never been so tired. A couple times, Milton had to pull me up cause me legs were too short to make the big steps (again, the problem with hiking/climbing with tall men). I definately hit my breaking point in the boulders and was pretty close to saying I had had enough and wanted to turn around, but Milton and Ngowi (our assistant guide), kept pushing us. I had to stop for a quick break, and then maybe 15 steps later, we were at Gilman's Point, the entrance to the crater. I was so happy to see that sign. It was also our first glimpse of the actual summit point of Uhuru Peak. We had a quick cup of tea there. John and I were both starting to get headaches, so we each popped an IBprofune. John was feeling really good, I one the other hand wasn't feeling quite so good and didn't want to eat or drink anything cause it just made me feel worse. After a few minutes rest we headed on along the side of the crater past Stella's Point, where we past the first summiter of the day (he was coming from Machame route). We had a little break at Stella's and headed on. I started to feel quite unwell just past Stella's, luckly Ngowi held my hair back as I threw up on the snow. I tell you though, I don't think vomiting has ever felt so good. After that I was ready to go. Well, 15 minutes after throwing up, we came to the sign welcoming us to the highest point in African (5895m). Unfortunately at 5:53, it was still dark. We were just getting the orange line on the horizon. My coldness started to not matter though and we stuck around for a bit until the sun came up enough to take some photos. It was super cold, but I think I got some good photos of Andre (the monkey) and I at the 'Roof of Africa'. We were the second summiters of the day, the first from Marangu route. We then turned around and boot skied down a bit of the glacier, John had a big fall that made me laugh so hard I cried. Then we passed Jemma and Mike (to Brits) on their way up to the summit. We were on such a high still that it didn't matter that we were super tired or cold. It was absolutely amazing. Such a beautiful place. The hike down to Kibo was one of the most physically exhausting things I have ever had to do. Especially after being on such an emotional high. We had a nap and some soup at Kibo and then headed down to Horombo where we stayed the night and yesterday made the final descent to the Marangu park gates. It was a pretty exciting thing to do, but already it feels like forever ago, especially because today it is quite hot in Moshi. Anyways, I have a few days to hang out in Moshi and Arusha and then Mom arrives in 4 days. I can't wait to see her. OK, notes for different people. Katie - congrats again, I am so happy for you and Dustin and can't wait to see your handsome son in person. Thane - I need you to send me your address. Robin - I finally got your postal code, so there are some post cards on there way (at least I sent them from overseas, even if I have been hauling them around for a month). Dad - I was hoping to talk to you yesterday morning, but Tanzania's phone company doesn't always like calling Canada. I talked to Mom and hope she passed on my birthday wishes. I will try calling tomorrow, but if not Happy Birthday! Love you tons and make sure Robin gives you my card that I left with her. Uncle Norm - thanks for the Kili advice and encouraging words, I appreciate it so much and can't wait to show you the photos. OK, I think that's it everybody. Talk to you all soon!

The Real Africa

Well, it's been a fantastic couple of days. We took off to the Ngorongoro Crater a few days ago and I have to say it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. It is so impressive. We went for an afternoon game drive where we saw a ton of Zebra, Buffalo, lions, even 3 rhinos (although far away). I finally got my warthog picture. Apparently there warthogs aren't scared of people. We then set up for our coldest camp of the entire trip on the rim of the crater. It was very cool looking accross to the crater, but it also meant some interesting visitors through the night, like the buffalo who walked right past the loo as I was in there (ahh!!!). But it was pretty unreal. The morning was miserable and I was quite dreading the rest of the day, but as soon as we got off the crater rim, it was beautiful and we all started stripping layers. We then headed to one of the most important sites for human kind - the Olduvai Gorge, which is actually supposed to be the Oldupai Gorge, but suffers from years of mispronunciation. It was cool to see where so much of human history is found. Beyond what has been found there archeology wise, it is quite an impressive site on its own. From there we made our way to the Serengetti and went on another game drive. At some level, I am getting tired of game drives which seems absolutely retarded, but ah well. We saw a cheetah, a leopard and an astonishing number of wildabeast, as we caught the end of the migration. Siobhan and I couldn't help but sing some more Lion King, much to the annoyance of some of our truck mates. Anyways, that night camping was also crazy. We were out in the wild amongst the wildabeast and zebra, which means one thing - lions. Luckly I had a good nights sleep with no incidents. Another game drive in the morning, and a long drive back to Arusha. Last night was a bit of a party as it was our last night as a group. We had a lot of fun. This morning was pretty tough for me as I had to say good bye to all but one of my group. There were a few tears shed. I am now in Moshi, where I start the trek up Kili tomorrow. Wish me luck. Hopefully next post will read "I made it!"

Not much new...

Ok, so we had a really long drive yesterday and are now in Arusha. We drove past Kili and my goodness, I am in for quite a climb. John (the 18 year old Englishman that I am climbing with), looked like he was going to vomit when we finally saw the mountain. Although I have to say mt. Meru looks much bigger and more intimidating. It's cooled down quite a bit now that we are further inland and further north. I actually slept in my sleeping bag last night (although as many of you would guess, my feet were still hanging out the end). Today we go on a Massi village walk. Then tomorrow it is off to the Ngorongoro Crater and then to the Serengetti. I'm excited to see some animals again as we haven't really seen anything since Zambia.
Anyways, Thane, sorry about the lack of photos, but I don't have the patience to deal with the internet speed over here, you'll have to wait till I get home to see the photos. Holly - the food has actually been really good, although I don't know if you would call what we are eating African as one of the guys on tour is an Aussie chef, so Tristan pretty much cooks everything for us. We have had a few dinners in villages, and I have to say, I could not eat that on a regular basis. I was expecting to loose so weight on this trip, but with Tristan's cooking, I have definately put a little on (lack of excercise doesn't help either). Katie - I hope the baby comes soon, I know you must be going crazy. I keep wanting to check my email, waiting for the email from Dustin. One of the girls on our trip is a nurse and her recommendation was to do a lot more of what got you in this spot in the first place and you never know. But can't wait to hear the news and see the pictures. I've been trying to figure out if the baby will look more like a Stringer or a Vermast. Anyways everybody! I should get going. Have some laundry to do. Talk to you all before I head up Kili. Good luck Katie and Go Sens Go (pretend the picture has a Sens sweater instead)!

A trip back in time and then some beach time

So we arrived in Zanzibar two days ago to pouring rain. We were running through the very narrow streets of Stone town to get to our hostel in ankle deep water. Thank goodness for flip flops. Anyways, we explored Stone Town once the sun re-emerged. We had lunch at the old fort and ended up doing a fair amount of shopping. I've ended up with some beautiful paintings. Just now I have to carry them around for the next month and a half. Anyways. After paying some guy to show us back to the hostel (the most confusing place I have ever been and I am good with directions), we headed to Mercury's for dinner (named after Freddie Mercury of Queen - born in Zanzibar). The sunset may have been one of the most wonderful I have ever seen. We had a great night that night. Unfortunately another group staying at our hostel wasn't so fortunate. One of their girls got grabbed coming back from a night out. They grabbed her bag, but then one of their guys jumped in and his stuff ended up getting stolen instead. Poor guy. Anyways, everyone is ok, he just has to go through the whole issue of getting a new passport and such. Now, don't everybody worry. They did make some dumb moves that set them out as targets, so. Anyways, yesterday we headed for a spice tour which was amazing. Although I got absolutely eaten alive by mozzi's even with heavy duty spray on. It was really cool to see all the different spices and fruits and such. We finally got to the beach around 3. And I will tell you, it is perfect. White sand beaches, turquiose water, a beach side bar. It is great. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the water - great relief for all my bites. This morning our whole group (minus one), headed out snorkelling. Now, once I got comfortable, it was great. Although all the Northern aussies were a little disappointed, didn't hold up against the great barrier reef. I enjoyed it. We were in pretty open water so, you had to be careful about getting pulled away, but the fish were very cool. Even saw a clown fish. We then sailed back in for lunch and here I am avoiding the sun for a little bit. It is beautiful here, would love to come back to spend more time. Only a week left on this tour and then I have to haul by butt up Mount Kili. Talk to you all soon!

Travelling through Tanzania

Hey everybody. So I have no made it to Tanzania. We left Malawi two days ago and have been travelling across southern Tanzania for the past two days. We are now in Dar on the coast and will be heading to Zanzibar tomorrow. I can't believe I have been gone almost a month. This nezxt 3 weeks is pretty exciting; Zanzibar, Serengetti, Kili, Mom gets here. Unfortunately I don't really have that much to tell over the past couple of days. Two days ago we went into a local market and each had to pick out outfits for eachother. We called it the fancy dress party. I ended up with a lovely gold number. All of the boys ended up in women's clothing. It was a lot of fun. Lots of laughs. The process of getting the clothes was fun too. Bartering in the local market. Everybody trying to sell you their stuff. Anyways, I don't have much else to tell you. Just have to say Go Sens Go! I can't believe they make it to the final the year I am away and can't be there to cheer them on, or gloat. Anyways, talk to you all soon!

Paradise on Lake Malawi

Well, we've been in Malawi for a few days now. We are staying at a place called Kande beach. It is quite beautiful, although you can't swim cause of a parasite in the water (well, you could, but if you get the parasite it will eat your intestines). Anyways, there are hammocks all over the place and it is pretty relaxing. Yesterday I got my hair braided. It took three men (yes men) 2 1/2 hours. The other girls had one person each and were done in 1 hour. Oh, the joys of massive amounts of hair. Anyways, a few have fallen out, so I have to go back and get them fixed today. We went on a tour of the town today, although everywhere we went they asked for money, which is getting a bit annoying. At the primary school (grade 1-8), we were invited into the classes and such. I walked into what turned out to be a grade 8 class (96 students), and asked what class they were in, then I looked on the board and there was the female reproductive system. Well, I was like 'oh, never mind, I know what that is' and then blushed slightly, which they thought was really funny. I got laughed out of a grade 8 sex ed class. Anyways, the teacher then came and was trying to tell me what they were learning about, so I got to then sit in on the class, it was pretty funny. This afternoon we are just hanging out and then we are having dinner in the village which should be interesting. We have 2 more nights in Malawi and then off to Tanzania. Robin - you are welcome to my closet, just make sure it's clean when I get back. You can even borrow the rust jacket. Kevan and Brayden - I picked out gifts for you today. Mouna - I am glad you miss me on the starbucks runs, I had a dream about an 'Ali Special' a few nights ago. Talk to you all soon.

Elephants, Rhinos and School Kids

Well, it has been quite a couple of days in Livingstone. Two days ago, I went on an elephant ride. I got Madunda (the misbehaving elephant). He was pretty funny, never listened to the guide, always eating and taking his own trails. There was two babies, one 2 years old, one 4 weeks old. It was pretty cool. Yesterday morning, 8 of us headed over to one of the local preschools. Kids were 4-7. It was so much fun. They sang for us (I knew most of the songs, or versions of them), and we played games and then they asked us to sing (little did they know what they were asking for). Anyways, it was fantastic. The kids were so wonderful. I also went on a walking rhino safari. I was a little freaked out as I was just waiting for one of my slithery friends to appear, but there weren't any, so that was good. We got to within 2 m of the two rhinos. Apparently they really don't care if we are there because they have no predators. Then we kept walking to see other animals, although Aaron (from Oz) and I were kinda over it once we had seen the rhinos. It's funny how common an elephant seems now, let alone giraffes and zebras. I am still working on a picture of the ever elusive warthog though. They are quick little buggers. Then last night a bunch of us went to this African restaurant where they drummed and danced and then they got all of us up dancing. It's funny to see how little beat some people have. My West African dance did come in handy cause I have some idea how to shimmy (well I know how it's supposed to work). Anyways, a lazy day in Livingstone today, then off to Lusaka tomorrow. Oh, trying to keep up on the hockey (Go Sens Go!!!!). Happy Mother's Day Mom, Love you lots! Oh, one other thing. You all will be glad to know, we have had two trips to the hospital and neither of them have been me. One was a burnt hand cause one of the guys fell in the fire and the other was a dislocated ankle and broken tibia from a game of cricket. But I was not involved in either and remain healthy (thank goodness). Talk to you all soon!

A week in Africa...

Ok, Halina, you were right. It's not that I can't get internet here, it is just so ridiculously slow that I loose my patience. Anyways. I have been in Africa just over a week now. And it has been spectacular. I have seen the big 5 - rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and water buffalo, as well as giraffes, hippos and lots of monkeys. I have seen one snake, bit fortunately it was squished with its guts everywhere in the middle of the road. Our first night in Kruger National Park (South Africa), we went for a night game drive and was it ever amazing. A leopard and her two cubs definately the highlight. We've been on a full day game drive where we could spot the entire cast from the Lion King and have found a kindred spirit in Siobhan (for those of you who don't know Celtic spellings, thats Shivon) who also knows all the words to all the songs in the Lion King and has no problem singing with me, to the horror of her brother and the rest of our crew mates. Our group, until today where we split off, was mostly Aussies, with two Kiwis, 3 Danes and girl from N. Ireland and me, the token North American. Our Guides Danie and Dzingi, where absolutely great. Today we switch to our new guides, of the original 18, 9 of us are carrying on North to Nairobi. So, we've been in South Africa, Botswana and are currently at Livingstone in Zambia where the Victoria Falls are. Yesterday I went micro-lighting, which was more then I could have imagined. It was so impressive to see the Falls from that view point. Aaron (from Oz) went bungy jumping yesterday, the rest of us went and cheered him on. In a couple of hours I will be off on my elephant ride with two sisters, Marrin and Jenny (more Aussies). We are here in Zambia for 2 more nights and then off to Malawi. I will hopefully be able to get some pictures up, if not I will just have to share them when I get home. But I am having a wonderful time, enjoying every bit of it. Hope to update you again soon.

Sand Everywhere!

So quite an adventure yesterday afternoon. After having lunch with Uncle Bob at possibly the nicest hotel I have ever seen ("The one and only Marriot" I think), Barb and I were off on another adventure. Nelson picked us up at the house in his Lexus SUV and we headed out to the desert. We stopped at this place on the side of the road, where I swear there were at least 50 SUVs, all white, mostly Land Rovers. Everybody was out for a ride in the dunes. Now Robin, I know what you think of mud-bogging, but I tell you, this was fantastic. So we were off to the big dunes, no small dunes for Nelson (well actually it was Barb that insisted on the big dunes. I was sure we were going to fall over the side of one of them, but Nelson was a fantastic driver. He was funny too, his daughter just graduated from Med school in the Philipines and you can tell he is one proud dad. Anyways, we stopped a few times for pictures and to watch some of the tour companies adventures (one guy got stuck). Then we pull up to the edge of another dune and Nelson announces we are going sand boarding. Well I tell you, this ski girl is terrified of the thought of any type of boarding, be it on snow, water or sand. I just can't do it. Well, we soon found out, I am actually quite good at sand boarding (key is you don't turn, just go straight down). So Barb and I both had a go at it. I fell on my first run, more out of fear then anything. Barb had a good bail at the very end of her first run. She had sand everywhere. The hike back up was horrific (every step you sink in and down), but I still went three times, although the last one, Nelson met us at the bottom with the truck. Then we were off to the camel farm. When we got there, people were everywhere, but because they were all with tour companies, they were on a much more strict time line. So Barb (who loves camels), and I were right in there.
Apparently camels are a lot like dogs, they really like having their ears scratched and under their chins. So that was great, then everybody left and Nelson talked to the guy who took care of the camels and he said we could go in the pens with them. Nelson apparently knows everyone and everyone really likes him. So in we went. There were baby camels (but we couldn't go very close to them). But the other camels were right up with us, fighting for our attention and ear scratches (just like Ginny and Peggy). So yes, it was fantastic. I tell you, camels are making their way up my favourite animals list. Then we were off again, but Nelson made Barb drive. I was a little nervous, but he had her on the small dunes and she was pretty good. Finally after one hell of an afternoon/evening we were back home and had burgers for dinner. A very good day indeed.
For those of you who are a little concerned that I kissed a camel, don't worry, it's an illusion, I was actually up near its ear and a couple inches away, ah the glory of photography!

A Mosque, A ton of Gold and A Whirling Dervish

Well it was a busy day yesterday. Barb and I had some running around to do. While Barb was at the dentist, I walk down to the Jumeirah Grand Mosque, very impressive. Anyways, after some more running around Barb and I went to see the Burj, you know the hotel Duabi is famous for? The one with tons of gold (real gold everywhere) and all that? It was very impressive. Don't worry Julie, we didn't have to pay the $50 to get in. We went up to the lounge where you could see all of Dubai. You could see the edge of the Palm leaves on the development that is shaped like a plam tree. It was very cool. The washrooms had Hermes hand lotion in them (wow). It was beautiful, but almost to the point of being gaudy. Anyways, when we got back to the house, we all got changed and headed out to this place called the Bab Al Shams, which is a very touisty, but very well done Arabian night. We entered what they had set up as a market (a huge buffet). We had great seats right at the front where there was a band playing Arabic music. We had an Arabian 'salad' which was really Lebanese dishes like fresh pita and all kinds of dips and veggies. Then this lady came out and sang with these 5 girls dancing (although they weren't very good). Then we went for the buffet. Well because goat is one of the staples here, I tried it, but I think I am done eating goat now for awhile. I just couldn't get the picture of a little goat out of my head (Beacon Hill park in the spring with all the baby goats). After eating Barb and I went and rode a camel (haha). It was great. I can't belive how high up you are. Them standing and getting back down was a little nerve racking though, it's quite a dip. I also got to hold a falcon. Falconning is still very popular here. Birds make me nervous, so I was a little shaky, but I did it. Then the whirling dervish came on stage. Very impressive. I would have been so dizzy. Then the most amazing belly dancer I have ever seen. She could issolate better then anybody I have ever seen dance before. I was very jealous as I have been trying to learn to shimmy (unsuccessfully) in African dance since January. So, it was an awesome night, very touristy, but still a lot of fun. Anyways, we are going sand duning later today, so that should be interesting (not recommended for those who get car sick). PS. Katie I hope you have that baby soon!

A day in old Dubai and off to the other Emirates

Well, the past two days have been quite the experience. Now that my sleeping patterns are finally sorted, things have been really good. Yesterday, Uncle Bob and I went down to old Dubai to see the Dhows that ship stuff (everything from cars to plastic lawn furniture) everywhere, from India to East Africa. It was pretty cool. I have no idea how they keep it all sorted, but they do. Then we went into the market place. Now, since it was Friday (the Holy day), the market wasn't open until 4 (everything is usually open from 10-1, 4-8), but on Fridays it opens at 4. So most shops were just starting to open. We walked by the spice market (beautiful smells), past all kinds of carpet shops (tons of those here) and past the gold market (very sparkly). Now the really strange part for me, was the fact that I was the only woman on most of the streets. Rather strange for me. Anyways, it was quite an experience, very different from what most people think of as Dubai. Today we headed out to Raz Al Khaimah, one of the 7 Emirates. A new golf course open out there last week and Bob wanted to see it. I also got to see a lot more of the UAE then just Dubai. I quite enjoy the camels roaming around. Then we headed back towards Dubai and stopped in Al Sharjah (another Emirate). We stopped at the Central Souq (like a market). I'm on the look out for some carpets for Sandy back home, and we soon found out this was the place to be. We ended up in this one shop, where the owner offered us mint tea (and I drank it), we sat and he showed us tons of different carpets. Well, instead of buying one for Sandy (although we found a few for her too), I ended up with my first real 'piece' for my theoretical house. It is beautiful and something that I should have for a very long time. Anyways, now we are all back at the house relaxing after a long day of travelling and shopping, but it is all very worth it.

Dubai - A City of Construction

Hey everybody. So I made it to Dubai safe and sound and am trying my hardest to deal with the jet lag. I tell you, waking up at 4 in the morning and being wide awake is really frustrating. 10 hrs. difference really screws up the system. Anyways. I arrived two nights ago. Bob and Barb picked me up at the airport. It was 1:30 am and 31 degrees out. Yikes. Anyways, we got back to their house and Sam (the chocolate lab) greeted us at the door. I was sound asleep within a seconds of hitting the pillow. Yesterday. Barb and I went to the Mall of the Emirates to look around. We stopped to look at the indoor ski hill. There is something very strange about learning to snow plow inside. Although the tubing looked like a lot of fun. It was kinda crazy. Then we met Bob for lunch at the Madinat Jumeirah which is a really beautiful resort on the beach. After lunch we wandered around the canals a bit (you have to take little water taxis to get to some of the rooms) and went down to the beach. What a beautiful beach too. Views of the Burj Al Arab (the hotel that is supposed to look like a sail). Anyways, Bob then took me on a bit of a tour of Dubai. We went past the Knowledge center which has satelite campuses from tons of different unis (soon UofC). Then past the Dubai marina. I swear there must be more cranes here then anywhere else in the world. Construction is everywhere (although right now it is centered around the marina). Anyways, then we headed back to the house for a relaxing evening of reading and tv. It's funny, my mom's family is so similar to each other, no matter whose house you are at, you are sure to find the golf channel as being a favourite. Barb is in a golf tournament today (see they are all the same), but it is like 37 degrees outside (crazy to be golfing). So we'll see what uncle Bob and I get up to. Welcome to my trip!

Good-bye Canada

Ok, so my count down is finally coming to an end. I leave in a couple days for the next big adventure. I finished work yesterday which was pretty exciting. We went out for a really nice lunch and were only missing one person from the office (pretty impressive). I can't say I will miss the monkey jokes, but I will miss the people at Triumph. Last night was also tough cause I had to say goodbye to my second family. In a year you become pretty close to the people you live with. I'm definately going to miss my cousins, Brayden and Kevan, and my aunt and uncle, and even the neurotic cats, Marleau and Megs. And I am going to say Happy Birthday to Brayden now cause I don't know I will get the chance on Monday, so happy 10th birthday Brayden. Anyways, I will give a quick run down of the plans. 1st stop: 1 week in Dubai with Uncle Bob, then South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania (Mom will join me the second week of June after Kili), then Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and finally the UK. I will be back in Canada July 8 and then straight to Cold Lake for Amanda's wedding. Should be pretty exciting. Hopefully I can update this regularly, if not, sorry, but I will try. Anyways, talk to you all soon

A Visit to Nelson (BC that is)

So I am a month away from my trip to Africa. Pretty exciting. I haven't posted in a long time. So last month I took a 4 day weekend and headed down to Nelson to see Melanie. It was so good to get a visit in. We skied and played games (sorry Ben, but you cheat at Cranium), went for a hike and to the hot springs. It was an awesome visit, although definately too short. Anyways, here are Melanie and I at the top of Pulpit rock. It was a little slippery, but we made it. Anyways, I leave for Dubai on April 24 (32 days and counting). So check back in soon!