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.