More Girls

Serengetti and the crater

We also saw some lions nose to nose  (ooow - just managed to upload - see below). Seriously exciting being so close. The leopard was also super cool, hanging from the tree above this shot was a disembodied head of a gazel staring down at us.

I will also add that I was pretty terrified going to the loo at night..... Got some bush camping coming up in a few nights so that should be equally as fun......

Stone Town - Zanzibar

Hi All,
I'm in the Stone Town - stunning labyrinth like, narrow streets, carved wooden doors and white washed buildings. Very easy to wander round a few corners and wind up lost (or just 'exploring' for longer than you'd planned). Will try to upload some photos - but connections are super slow and have taken lots on someone I've met's camera.

Last night I went to a night fish market where all the fish (Marlin, king fish, shark fin,tuna, lobster, scallop, prawn, etc) cooked in front of you - with garlic/ coconut naan's and chapattis (sp?), falaffel and samosas - all served with salad and chili sauce. I ate until I was stuffed for $3USD (approx).Again I have amazing photos on friends camera - will upload connection permitting.

I also explored the old slave market site and sat in the underground chamber where they waited before being sold. It's was too shallow to stand and people would die of suffocation there. Zanzibar was the slave trade hub for the East of Africa until 1873 (when Livingstone was successful in shutting it down). Now a Christian Church stands on the site - and the high alter is where the whipping post was. Very moving. Am finding this trip has really inspired my faith.

Today I'm heading up to the north of the island for a 'half' full moon party - and some relaxation. The camping is getting pretty wearing - so a good shower and a proper room for a few nights will be amazing.

A few nights ago I upgraded with a friend to a little shack on a beach near Dar and swam in the Indian ocean - it was honestly warmer than any shower I've had since I've been away.

sorry for long one again.....

x

The Girls

Texts from Africa

Hi all! This is Andrew (Annabel's brother) - she's asked me to relay some texts to the blog, so here goes...

9th Jan

First night camping, rained. Had to pack a day pack for the next 2 nights. Going to the crater now & Serengeti tomorrow. Can't load photos for a while. Everyone on the trip is brilliant.

10th Jan

 Literally just sat a metre from a young lion pride. Breath taking. There are no words for it. Up at 4:30am camping in Serengeti tonight. Amazing. Very wet. Amazing. X

11th Jan

Coming out of the wilderness. Serengeti and crater - the most amazing experience. Saw all the big 5 almost nose to nose. Spectacular, amazing rush. Scared to go to the loo in the night tho. Everyone with me are very cool. Lots of storms and mud and not washed in a long while. Loving it. x

In Nairobi Central

Hi All,

I'm in a silly plush hotel for the next 2 nights before I start camping.... Going to explore Nairobi tomorrow. Very excited. Also think I'll treat myself to my first beer of 2011 tonight. There are full length mirrors here, I hadn't realised but I hadn't seen my reflection for days....

I am struggling to reaclimatise myself having left the orphanage. I think I've picked up a Kenyan accent/ intonation. I say 'ayyy' a lot when something bad happens - i.e. bad driving. I've also started saying 'Wow' a lot (they say it in such a nice way for when something is really good), and the following phrases: 'Won't you take [supper/ food/ tea]?', 'I want all that is good for you' and lots of 'God bless you'/ 'god be with you'.

All my love and 'God Bless'
x