Sidewalk

Lake Bogoria: Where the Flamigoes have gone to...

Author: Yellow Duckie

•14:34

Lake Nakuru is famousfor its massive population of Flamingo, however, lately most of them has migrated to Lake Bogoria which is slightly further up from Lake Nakuru. About 3 (plus) hours from Nairobi, this place is extremely worth the visit. When i was told that we will be heading to Lake Bogoria (as part of our trip to Lake Baringo), I was kind of expecting that it was just another lake. I was wrong and I am glad I was.

The pink shoreline was visible the moment we got closer to the shore of the lake and the amount of flaminoges found in this place was simply amazing! Honestly I have not seen that much when I was in Lake Nakuru last August.

The other highlight of Lake Bogoria is the geyser. Hot steaming water spurting out from the ground. The sight was amazing but the heat was quite untolerable. It would have been much more appreciated if it was in Nairobi (as it is getting colder nowadays at this time of the year).

On our way in, we spotted a Spa Resort in which out of curiousity we stopped by to check it out. The swimming pool of the resort is filled with the natural hot spring water which is coincidentally at body temperature. Apart from that , they do have daily morning trips to the hot springs for sauna. The place quite a nice place for a quiet and relaxing weekend.

Our trip to Lake Bogoria was part of our over night trip to Lake Baringo. You can spend a quick one night getaway to these two lakes. So if you want a "short" trip just over the weekend, you can consider these two destinations.

Local Honey: Can be found around this area. Buy atyour own risk. These local honey are stored in recycled alcohol bottles.

Kenya | comments (0)

Day Trip Escape: Crescent Island

Author: Yellow Duckie

•15:16

This tiny little gem is found at Lake Naivasha. The Crescent island is a preserved sanctuary for Wildlife. The most interesting part about this island is that you get to do your safari on foot. Yes, that means you'll get to walk among the animals instead of enjoying them from the car. Of course, you will never be too close as they will probably start avoiding you even when you are miles away.

To get to this place, you park your car at the Naivasha Country Club and get a boat ride from the country club. You can buy the ticket from the reception. Alternatively, you can also drive to island by passing through the "Horse Riding Complex" (keep right). Park fees will be charged.

Boat Docking at the shore of Crescent Island

Entrance into the Island

We were there on a beautiful sunny day, perfect for picture but I really wished we were in the car instead of walking as it was scorching hot!

For some reason, this island is really calm. If you are worried about your safety, fret not as there is a station right on top of the hill where a ranger sits and keep watch on the surroundings. He will alert you if there is danger. However, always remember, you are in the wild so DO NOT provoke the animals...

Kenya | comments (2)

Invasion of Grasshoppers

Author: Yellow Duckie

•09:44

As I was about to enter the bathroom this morning, i was greeted by the cleaner sweeping out a bunch of insects, Grasshoppers....green and brown in various sizes.

I am not sure what is the relation between the rain and these greenhoppers. Of late I have seen one or two at the bathroom but this morning was exceptional, it was all over the floor and the cubicles...as though they were in the midst of invading the earth (at least the bathroom).

I was told that it's the season and nothing unusual. Strange, could it be a warning of a great storm heading towards here? I wonder...

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In the Store

Author: Yellow Duckie

•13:52

What I find fascinating in a foreign country is the Supermarket. If you want to get a glimpse of the local life...supermarket would be the best place (apart from the local Market).

Madazi flour: Use to make those doughnut-like pastry which is usually taken for breakfast over a cup of Milk tea.

Ugali: Kenyan staple food (a replacement for rice). Made from Maize.

Kasuku: Refined vegetable fat. The kenyans use this to cook in replacement of oil which is more expensive and less healthy.

Wimbi Porridge: Sourish porridge which is made out of millet (a type of brown grain). To be eaten with anything you like, such as sugar, milk, etc.

Kenya | comments (0)

Day Trip Escape: Tree Trout Farm

Author: Yellow Duckie

•13:35

After you have settled in Kenya for slighlty more than a year and safaris no longer has the strong hold on you, a short day trip to the outskirts of Nairobi would be just the perfect

weekend plan.

I was quite reluctant initially when I was asked to join my friends for lunch at the Tree Trout Restaurant somewhere near the Nanyuki airstrip. The journey takes about 2.5 hours from Nairobi city center and the thought of a 5-hour return journey just for lunch was not that inviting. However, I did enjoyed my lunch and the serenity of the environment.

The restaurant is situated 100m off the main Kiganjo -Nanyuki Road on the Burguret River. Look out for the huge fish bone signboard.

The interesting part of this restaurant is that, it is actually built around the huge sacred fig tree (which is more like top of the tree) and fresh grilled trout from the trout ponds beneath the tree will be served for lunch.

After lunch you could move up to the patio and enjoyed the environment over a cup of coffee or tea which I find it extremely relaxing.

There you go...another pole-pole (slow) relaxing weekend...

Kenya | comments (66)

Ghana: The Ghana features...

Author: Yellow Duckie

•17:59

Second time in Ghana, I finally get to notice some of the unique things which I find only in Ghana (as I have not travelled th entire world yet...)

Water are sold in plastic bags. When I first saw this, I literally had no idea how to drink it. I was later taught to bite off a small corner of the bag and drink out of the bag, Then my dilemma was whether to hold my drink and eat at the same time or? It was then I was showed to put the packet and balance it on the table with whatever you can find on the table to hold it... I must admit I have only tasted it once and have no intention to try it another time as the water has go chemical taste.

On the table, there are also dish detergent, I was not too sure what it was for but apparently for your hand... i didn't bother finding out how to use it.

The common minibus in Ghana

Ghana "matatu"

One of the impressive sight that caught my attention one day was at the roundbout near The Golden Tulip Hotel where there are a couple of trees which is infested with BATS. Yes, bats... you can see them hung all over those couple of trees around the corner looking pretty much like the fruit of the tree...really LOTS of them...

Ghana | comments (2)

Cape Town..Stunning!

Author: Yellow Duckie

•20:41

Since I am currently staying in one of the Africa Continent, I guess I cannot give Cape Town a miss. I wasn’t going to allow myself to be drown in the disappointment of the over rated positive comment I heard about this place so I tried not to put in too much expectation but obviously it was impossible. Even so,I was thrown out of proportion when I got to Cape Town. It was STUNNING. It’s a town where one can really stand and be amazed.

Waterfront with Table Mountain at the Background

Although the Famous V&A Waterfront reminds me a lot of the pier at San Francisco but with the Table Mountain as the back drop, that was something! Being told to stick to Ocean's Basket a the waterfront to enjoy good seafood at reasonable prie, we did just that and really enjoyed the food. Of course, we did enjoy our dinner is some of the restaurant for great steak where the prices is far more reasonable than in Kenya's.

Queen prawns and chips at the Waterfront

We were lucky to be able to witness the street party that was on going when the World Cup draw was on in Cape Town during our visit. However, it was so packed that they had to close off the road to avoid more people from participating...closed street party, truly the first time I heard a street party can be "closed".

View of Cape of Good Hope from the Cape Point

I must admit that the thrill of self drive along the coast towards the infamous Garden Route was more than being at the Cape Point itself. We didn't have sufficient time to hit the garden route so we just took a route as close as we can get, from Cape Town to Hermanaus. e took the inland road towards Hermanus and took the coastal route when we return to town.

It was hard to believe the sceneries that you'll see. From the winelands, farmyards,lakes to the costal line with white sandy beach and torquoise sea water along side. It was unbelievable. Almost like having Switzerland and the Maldives compacted together separated by only a road in between. I am captivated. Indeed, Cape town is beautiful.

Hermanaus Town

Coastal Road...heading back to Cape Town

I am so hoping to return to Cape Town and hit the Garden Route....

South Africa | comments (2)

Brief overview of Lagos

Author: Yellow Duckie

•11:21

When I blogged about being escorted in a convoy from the airport when in Nigeria, I was wrong. It is not a myth. Just that I didn't notice the security car which is following closely behind our bus (guess that's why I didn't notice it). This morning when I went to the airport, I took the trouble to give my neck a twist and saw, Lo and Behold, the security car tailing closely to ours.

My observation thus far. The "slump area" (not too sure if they are slumps area but they certainly looks like it from the unorganized and cramped space each houses has) is better than those in Nairobi,from the infrastructure point of view. Instead of zinc roofs and wooden walls, they are actually cement or brick walls and most has got a satellite dish attached to their roofs. Not too sure if they have the basic amenities like running tap water or electricity but judging from the existence of the satellite dish, they probably have electricity.

View from the roof top. Ikoyi Area

Similarities to Nairobi (through my brief stay's observation) are the Electricity supply and the Traffic!

Electricity supply is just like Nairobi's. Lights blinking on and off throughout the day with almost no occasion where one can have a smooth flow of electricity all day long. The traffic, is horrendous. Touching down Lagos at 9 pm, I could see from the plane on the congestion of some area...pretty terrifying I would say.

The line....

Nigeria | comments (0)

A glimpse of daily living in Nigeria

Author: Yellow Duckie

•00:20

EXPENSIVE.

I thought Kenya was expensive until I made my way to Lagos. My friend has decided ahead to take me out for a sushi dinner on the Friday when I am here and told me that the dinner with cost between the range of 8000 to 10,000 Naira (Nigerian Currency). I almost fainted when I did the conversion to USD. The dinner could cost up to 75 USD.

For a normal meal, it usually cost about 2000 to 2500 Naira. A walk down the aisle of Goodies (Supermarket which the driver took me to) give me quite a good view on the cost of living here.

Shopping list:
200gm of Turkey ham 1,287 Naira (~ 9.70 USD)
100 gm of Cheddar cheese 85 Naira (~ 0.60 usd)
Four Burger Bread 400 Naira (~ 3 usd)
A can of Soda 250 Naira (~1.90 usd)
Imported Sardine 490 Naira (~3.70 USD)

The story I heard about being escorted in a convoy from the airport seems to be a myth now as this cease to be the case. The street is busy with cars and I simply can't imagine if any hijack can happen under such circumstances. I don't doubt that the crime rate is still high but I simply can't imagine. Like a colleague of mine said, Lagos is almost similar to Jakarta (minus the modern shopping malls that spring up like mushroom in Jakarta). Where I am now, is far from what the news channel broadcasted. No AK 47, no rowdy soldiers and no violent crowd.

Nigeria | comments (3)

That's Nigeria for you

Author: Yellow Duckie

•13:24

After a 5 hours flight from Nairobi to Lagos, the last thing I want is being held up at the passport control at the airport upon arrival. I was relieved when I saw the line at the passport control was reasonably short but to my dismay, they ran out of the entry form. Thinking that they will eventually bring us some, I was wrong.

I was so surprised when one of the passanger asked for it and was blatantly told that they should have obtained it on the air plane. The officer then instruct those we does not have the entry form to go back to the air plane we came with and asked for it (you can imagine the look on our faces)

I was dumbstrucked. They refused to process those who does not have the card and carried on with those who has it, which not many managed to hold of the entry form. When I caught sight of one of the officer roaming freely, I was putting up my hand and hailing him frantically to asked for it. He then realised that it has ran out at the counter and drew out a few copies which caused a slight chaos amongst those who could reach it.

When the officer who handed out the last few copies to us went to the officer at the counter (the one who told us to get it from the airplane) to enquire about the shortage, the poor guy was scolded for not doing his job as it was his task.

In my heavy frequency of travelling, this is really the first i encounter such an amusing incident. I guess, that's Nigeria for you...

Nigeria | comments (0)

Exam...one will do anything to pass the grade..

Author: Yellow Duckie

•15:03

Exam cheats arrested as fake papers on sale Students turn to "Smart Drugs' for better grades Five Candidates held as knee steps war on exam cheats Six seized over killing of exam official

Kenya | comments (1)

Beautiful Jacaranda

Author: Yellow Duckie

•15:30

I recall the first time I stepped onto the Kenyan soil in July last year, the first tree that caught my attention was the beautiful Jacaranda trees. When in full bloom the entire tree is purple. Not a single green was found on the tree. It was like a purple torch that lights up the streets of Nairobi.

This year, perhaps it's due to the weather change, the bloom came only in late September early October (or at least this is when I noticed them).

Kenya | comments (2)

All about the shoe

Author: Yellow Duckie

•23:29

Apart from being known as well dressed, the Kenyans are quite particular about the apparence of their shoes. Regardless of what job they are working as, they will definitely be well dressed in suits (which I sometimes think it's a little overdressed) and the sight of them either sitting on the bench by the road side having their shoes polished or them bending down wiping their shoes off the dirt. I find this quite amusing as most of them walk on dirt roads and yet taking the trouble to have them clean up and dirtied again within the next 5 seconds...

Kenya | comments (0)

Journey to the Coast of Kenya

Author: Yellow Duckie

•11:18

We left the bustling city of Nairobi early in the morning headed off straight to our first stop, Tsavo before hitting the well known coastal town of kenya, Mombasa. The line up highlights of this trip (according to my wonderful plan) is to see the Chyulu hills National Park, Shetani Lavaflow and the old town of Mombasa. However, it turns out that what was not in my highlight list was better :)

Tsavo

The guest house which I reserved through the KWS turns out to be incredibly cheap and unbelievably clean. I was informed that there is no electricity and was prepared to spend the night with oil lamps. The condition of the guest house was well kept and the beddings and furnitures are new and clean that despite the lack of electricity, we spent a comfortable night there. For only 5000 KSH , this "banda" comfortably fit 7 guests!

Mzima Springs was quite an interesting spot to visit in Tsavo West. The spring is known to supply water to Mombasa and it was indeed a strange sight to seem a hippo dipping in a crystal clear pool and crocodiles resting by the lake bank as they are usually found in muddy areas (My dad thinks that someone has placed these animals here as it is impossible for the hippo and croc be upstream). An interesting hut was built in such a way that when you sit into the hut, it is submerged into the water and the view of the window shows the clear view of the bottom of the lake. The only strange thing that we failed to comprehend is that this place is guarded with armed guards, perhaps it is to protect us from the wild animals as it is not gated.

Mzima Springs

Shetani Lava flow was impressive. Until today one can still see the hardened lava from the tip of the mountain flowing out to a great distance beyond the eyes can behold. Although I must admit there is nothing much to it except the trail of hardened lava rocks.

Shetani Lava Flow

My greatest fascination about Tsavo is the Baobab trees (which is also known as the upside down tree) that lines the journey from our guest house to the national park entrance and the cheap souvenirs ( Starting price of wood cravings here are already half the price in Nairobi!)

Baobab Tree

Mombasa (Best stopover between Tsavo and Mombasa is at Voi)

I was a little disappointed with Mombasa as I was kind of expecting it to be more like Lamu, the arabic coastal town. Unfortunately it is far from it, no wonder they named Lamu as the UNESCO Heritage site. Didn't really get to see the beautiful side of Mombasa, around Diani beach so I guess I can't comment much about Mombasa.

Enjoyed dinner at Tamarind :) Quite worth the while as the seafood is fresh and abudant, plus the view is AMAZING!

Ariel view from Fort Jesus. A fort left by the Portuguese. Basically similar to the one the left behind in Malaysia but this one was more impressive as the structure i basically still preserved with a touch of the Ottaman reign.

My biggest fascination in Mombasa, the giant tortoise! I guess the picture explains it all.

Kenya | comments (0)

The Great Migration

Author: Yellow Duckie

•15:12

When it comes to the month of August, tourist and locals alike will flock the great Masai Mara to witness one of "National Geographic Event" : The Great Wildbeest Migration.

Although I have to admit that I am beginning to get tired of sitting for hours in the car hunting to catch a glimpse of the wild animals, I am glad that this trip truly did not disappointed me.

My countdown of the list of exciting "encounters" during this particular Safari trips are:

The great Migration (Of course)
I must admit that the amount of safari jeep surrounding the viewing site was quite intimidating. It was at the same time quite exhilirating as we were not allowed to drive close to the river bank until the wildbeest starts crossing (this can be a few minutes to a couple of hours wait), once they started crossing the river, all the jeeps fights for a space as they inch closer to the river bank for a good view.

While the crossing was carried out, one tiny crocodile glided from upstream towards the wildbeest. We were thinking that this could be our lucky day to witness the crocodile eating the wildbeest but instead, it got trampled over by the wildbeest and escape unhurt.

The Leopard playing "Cat and Mice chase" with the Hare

Just inches away from our jeep, a leopard was preying on a hare, who seems to be quite oblivion to its surrounding. Though hare may seems to be oblivion that the Leopard had its eyes fixed on it, the Leopard eventually did not manage to get hold of the hare regardless of the countless tactics it has tried. I guess the Hare ws quite aware that it was on danger ground all along.

Crocodiles had its lunch by the riverbank full of wildbeest

This was quite unexpected (again there is nothing "expected" when it comes to safari). We were enjoying the view of a huge group of wildbeest lowering their heads by the river bank for a drink when out of a sudden, a huge crocodile jumps up from the river and grab hold of one of the unlucky wildbeest. The crocodile pulls the wildbeest into the water, drowning it while being joined by a few another crocodiles as they devour their lunch. Indeed, it is our lucky day :) (Perhaps not fo that poor wildbeest)

Good shot of a masai man (our tour guide)

I would recommend the guide from Riverside Camp. Thus far, my friends and I never got disappointed using their service. They really know their stuffs.

Kenya | comments (1)

Short Weekend Getaway: Lake Naivasha

Author: Yellow Duckie

•13:41

What I really like most about Kenya is the easy access for a perfect weekend gateaway. Away from the hustle bustle of city life into the peaceful relaxing weekend spot. I found mine at Lake Naivasha. With just barely 2 hours car ride, you'll find yourself embraced by the beauty of God's creation.

Our choice was Sopa Lodge at Lake Naivasha and it was truly unbeatable. Once you entered the gates, you left all your worries behind. The lodge is well hidden by the lakeside and each room is a little two storey cottage which contains four rooms (two on the ground floor and two above). The rooms on the ground floor open up to the green field leading to the lake. Giraffes and other animals can be easily spotted here. Hippos do get close to the hotel compound in the dark as well.

With the full board service , complimentary use of the swimming pool, gym and steam room, one could not ask for more.

Kenya | comments (0)

Rwanda : Land of Banana trees, sorgum and Gorillas

Author: Yellow Duckie

•11:33

Struggling to fight against my sleepiness, I was struck in awe when the plane glided gracefully among the hills and landed on one of them. First thought that came to my mind was : Awesome...Rwanda is beautiful.

Armed with the knowledge that Rwanda is known as the country of thousand hills still did not prepare me for the magnificent sight which I must admit is very different from the African cities which I have been too. It was nothing but hills in Rwanda..endless hills.

The city of Kigali is extremely clean and the condition of the road is superb! Coming from a country where bumpy rides is often encountered, this is real comfort! In this short visit of mine, I only have 2 items in my "To-Do" list in Rwanda : Visit the Gorillas and the church where the genocide happened where upon completion I would say that I have officially visited Rwanda.

Mountain Gorillas

Everyone who knows a little more about the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, will be informed about getting a place to see the Susa group. They are indeed the biggest group of gorilla and we were thrilled that we were able to be part of the team to see them.

As you might have already known, one day, only 56 permits are issued to see these beautiful creatures and the price of the permit is EXORBITANT (even though I think that the experience was awesome but still it is too expensive), 500 USD per person excluding transport to the park.

Excited as I was being able to get a place to see the Susa group but the hike up to where they were was pure torture to my limbs and lungs. The altitude itself makes it difficult for the hike and plus the fact that we hardly exercise makes it even more difficult.

However difficult the hike was, i must admit that the trail was quite nice as we passes through the villages on the slope, passing through their farms but the last 20 minutes hike in the forest was not too pleasant as we were practically diving among the scrubs.

The feeling of the gorillas being only a mere 3m away from you (not caged) was simply stunning. The heavy mist around us made it felt as though we were in a dream...

Church
Situated only 25 KM away from the city of Kigali, this place can be visited within a couple of hours. Not that I am anticipating to experience the eerie feeling of visiting the genocide site but I Pre-empted myself before arrival at the site. However, it was not the case for me, the site was peaceful. So peaceful that it was hard to imagine that a genocide happened on the very ground we were standing on.