Malaria Testing

Yep I know; I'm kind of a science nerd. But did you really think I was going to get a malaria test and not take a picture of it.....oh and no worries it was negative.

Yes I realize I got this test done almost a year ago now but hey at least I posted it

Impala Park

Last Sunday Josh and I decided to head down to Impala Park which is the only national park in Kisumu.  Normally we avoid this small park because after you've seen the animals in the Mara or Tsavo roaming free its a little disheartening to see them penned up (I'm never going to be able to go to a zoo again.).

He was cute and let Josh pet him.  Think Buddy wants a new friend?

We went with the goal of petting the cheetahs and getting our picture taken doing so.  Since being able to pet the cheetahs is a very unique thing to this park and to where we currently live, we thought it would be a neat way to send a save the date for the wedding.  It turned out to be a slightly eventful endeavor.  After being led, somewhat sneakingly, into the pen we bent down to pet the male cheetah.  He loved Josh petting his head but did not appreciate me scratching his belly.  He swatted my hand away with his paw.  For all my family out there who are now cringing, there were three armed guards in there with us and he was de-clawed. 

The female cheetah, Alice, was much friendlier than her male counterpart, Festus, allowing both Josh and I to pet her.  Unfortunately though we didn't get any great pictures with her because of the weird angle she was laying at.  Guess Festus will have to be the star of our save the dates! 

The cheetahs we got to pet

Along with the cheetahs we saw lions, a cervial cat, baboons, monkeys, buffalo, and a leopard.  The park recently acquired a rhino but they are currently in the process of constructing a pen for the animal thus viewing is not allowed.  After touring the park we headed to the newly build eco-lodge for lunch.  It was a great treat with good food and a beautiful view of the lake.  I'm not sure we'd pay what we did for it again but I do realize that now and again its nice to splurge. 

A lioness sunbathing in a tree

Overall it was a fun afternoon touring this small gem in our backyard.  Its definitely something we don't do often but was a great way to spend a Sunday morning.

Monkey Rock...again

So I recall saying climbing Monkey rock was one experience I didn't want to have anytime in the near future.  BUT well Josh promised we'd take the actual trail this time so I couldn't really say no.

A month ago (yes I know I'm behind but I honestly forgot about this little trip) we headed up to monkey rock to try to make it to the top.  If you don't remember our first attempt you can read a little more about it here: http://kenyadreamit.blogspot.com/2011/09/monkey-rockan-adventure-im-not-sure-i.html 

This time we marked the trail head and found a guide willing to take us up to the top.  I don't know much else to say about the trip other than it was a long and difficult hike.  The climb was mostly uphill with many large steps carved out of the mountain side.  It was embarrassing to get passed by little kids scrambling easily over the large rocks. 

The kids beat us

We were greeted to amazing views of Kisumu and got to enjoy some wonderful small waterfalls.  At the top Josh tried his hand at a little grappling and actually got to the top of monkey rock.  With the difficulty of the climb and the little fact of no safety net I decided I was better off on the ground. 

Encountering a little road block along the way

Overall it was a good day.  We got to do a little hiking (not to mention exercising) while enjoying the views from the top.  Again I'm not sure I would do the hike again.  Although nice it was very long and difficult and I'm not sure I could find my way up to the top again.  BUT I did say never again before and look where that got me :)

Josh at the top of Monkey Rock

Rusinga Island

Last weekend Josh and I decided to get out of town and enjoy some quiet time on Rusinga Island.  Rusinga Island is a small island on the southern side of Lake Victoria.  To get there you can drive about an hour and a half north and take the ferry across to the town of Mbita.  From Mbita its a short 30 minute to the hotel over a man-made causeway. 

Our beautiful room

The Rusinga Island Lodge is a beautiful compound with 8 bandas sitting right on the lake.  We were immediately welcomed with a beautiful lunch of nile perch.  After lunch we headed to the tallest point on the island to get a bird's eye view of the area.  We could see across the lake to Mfangano Island and the beautiful Gwasi Hills to the left.  After taking a few pictures we headed back down for a boat ride to Mfangano.

On top of the look out point

Josh has been to Mfangano many times but I had never see the rock art the island is so famous for.  After a very bumpy and windy boat ride we landed on the island.  The trail was a little steep and there were a few downed trees along the way but we made it to the site even in our flip flops!  The rock art is said to have been used by the Suba people to bring rain and drought to the other tribes living on the island.  They would travel to a neighboring island to sacrifice an animal and worship their ancestors.  Afterwards they would travel back to Mfangano to make the appropriate circles in the cave: red for rain, white for drought.  It was interesting to learn about the history of the island but the cave art wasn't very impressive.

Rock art on Mfangano Island

The boat ride back to the lodge was beautiful as we timed it to coincide with the sunset.  I've seen a lot of sunsets here in Kenya, especially on Lake Victoria, but this one was just breathtaking.  The clouds mixed with the colors made for a breathtaking site. 

The beautiful sunset

Dinner was delicious lamb chops and we spent the rest of the night relaxing and chatting.  The next day we got up a little early in hopes of doing some fishing.  Unfortunately fishing was not included in the price of the room so we decided to do some water sports instead.  Not a bad deal if I say so myself!  I didn't get into the water as I was still recovering from being sick but Josh had a great time water skiing, knee boarding, and slaloming.  I got some great pictures and even a few videos. 


After another amazing meal, we headed back to Kisumu about mid-afternoon.  It was a short trip but definitely worth it.  The lodge was amazing and I hope we will be able to get back there.  Next time I'd like to try my hand at water skiing!

Another Baking Adventure...

So Josh and I are headed to the Aberdares next weekend so I thought I would try baking some bagels for breakfast for us.  I've never made bagels before so it was a new experience.  They were relatively easy to make but it was a long process from start to finish.  I made (as usual) one savory bagel and one sweet.  I love the seasame/garlic ones and have yet to try to the blueberry ones.  Overall they taste delicous but the texture is a bit off.  They are a little flat but I guess thats for next time!

Christmas a little early...

For the last few months a few students from George Washington University in Washington D.C. have been studying here in Kisumu.  Its been a blast having them here in town and we've loved getting to know them.  It was really sad to see them leave but alas that is the ebb and flow of folks around here. 

I was shocked and really excited when the girls asked if they could leave a few things with me when they left.  "Sure," I said.  "We'd take anything!"  Little did I know the bounty they would leave at our house. 

We got granola bars, craisins, shampoo, Chrystal light, pistachios, biscotti, clothes, band aids, sunscreen, bug repellent, Clorox wipes, medicine, nail polish and even a luffa!  I mean the list goes on and on.  I can't tell you how excited I was.  Definitely Christmas a little early this year and a HUGE thanks to Jenny and Sarah for the amazing gift.  We love it!

A bit of the loot!