Kenya Trip Journal
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Although it pains me to say this, and I am sure there are many out there who would feel the same, there are times when Andy is right. In order to write this journal of the recent trip to Kenya and to start with such an opening sentence means that I have to do the trip in reverse, but I thought I might as well get this out in the open straight away to put me out of my misery!
Andy came back from a trip to Kenya last year and told me of a wonderful place at which he and his family had stayed and how there was a marvellous project with which we could get involved. He was right on both counts. Being used to staying in places that do not always have the highest level of facilities (for a variety of reasons and not to do with the quality of hospitality, the previous place we stayed at we were using kerosene lamps as light), staying at Ol Malo was an absolute treat and more importantly from the charity's perspective, there is a lot of positive work we can do here.
Ol Malo is situated in Laikipia District of Norther Kenya on the border with Samburuland. Samburuland is home to a nomadic tribe called the Samburu, whose way of life has not changed for generations – that is with the exception of the now eratic rains and extended droughts. They are a proud people. Young warriors carry clubs and 'machete' type blades as protection and many miles from where we were a mini-war is going on with the neighbouring tribe. This is a harsh life.