I really wanted to do a story on "Living with a Pakistani Family"but the internet service goes up and down in Pakistan. Like Kenya the electrical power is not reliable. I hope to do that later.
After spending four nights at the Bangkok Institute of Theology I am now staying at the Christian Guest House in Bangkok. Here, I have to put a coin in every 10 minutes so I will need to find a better internet service.
I have spent almost every day since I arrived with Mike and Kay and the girls at the "Well"short for Women At the Well mission. Also Kay's brother Kong and wife have joined the staff. From the first day I have been attending Christmas parties at Center 2, that is Kay & Mike's and Center 1 which they left because they expanded and now Center 1 is devoted to teens.They have their own staff. I haven't seen Center 3 & 4 but since they started 3 1/2 years they expanded their program form one center to four. It simply amazes me.
Last Friday a group of 16 from a church in Atlanta,Georgia came. Kay was surprised to learn that they found their Center through another connection. The husband & wife team came to Bangkok last February and felt called to bring this team of 16 back to tell about the"True Christmas Story" They presented a very nice program including 3 testimonials. This was done at Center 1. Later in the afternoon they came to Center 2 to hear a testimonial of one of the girls from Center 2. They were deeply moved. They promised to support Fern who hopes to attend a YWAM mission school in Vietnam.
Besides a Beauty Shop the girls also make bead jewelry to support themselves. This day the group bought lots of jewelry to take back with them. The "Well" also have supporting churchesin the U.S. where they send the jewelry.
Today is 24th December and I felt I needed a break. Actually I left Karachi with the remains of a cold. I arrived at the Christian Guest House Saturday. Attended Sunday worship around the corner at Christ Church, an Episcopal church. It's pastor is Rev. Peter Cook of England. He reminds me so much of Rev. Jan Rudinoff,formally of St Michael's Episcopal of Lihue, Kauai.
I really enjoyed the service. It is called the Family service so they had some young adults do a puppet show from the pulpit about"What is Christmas" Earlier before lighting the Advent Candles they had a Question/Answer True or False session about Christmas. Frequently substiting words like Birmingham and car dealer,etc. for Bethlehem and carpenter.
After the service we were invited to join members and guest for lunch. There were many visitors from Nairobi, London, and elsewhere. I decided to purchase a ticket and join them.
It wasn't a Thai menu ...more English....but very very nice.
In the afternoon I learned to use the sky train and get myself to the "Well"and back. Kong had his Bible Study class put on a puppet show. I watched Kong make those paper puppets all week.
Simple, but very effective. They had another little Christmas party,fashion show, and games.
Tonight I plan to attend the 11pm Christmas Eve Service at Christ Church.
Before my time runs out I want to wish everyone a Beautiful Christmas.
May you feel the Love, Blessings and Peace of God through his son Jesus Christ.
Aloha Nui Loa, Joanne
s.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Less than a week in Karachi and so much has happened.
Sarwat and her parents met me at the airport on Wednesday Nov. 28. After meeting the rest of the family;older sister Zeenat (20)brother Ahmed (14)youngest sister Nuzhat (11)and a whole group of little children who come to be tutored at their house every afternoon,and after a brief rest,we started getting ready to go to a "3 days traditional wedding ceremony" Weddings here begin at 10 pm and last till 2 am. Wednesday was the first day. To get ready mother and three daughters and me covered our faces with stuff (herbal mask)so we would all look beautiful.
I was dressed in one of Sarwat's Pakistani dress and at 10pm all went down stairs to catch a small wagon with 30 plus relatives all squeased in,mostly women and children. We entered a huge tent with many round tables set for 10. The tent was divided for men and women/children.
It was beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. But what caught my eyes were the stunningly beautiful clothing and jewelry worn by the ladies and girls. The most beautiful were the bride and her ladies in waiting who escorted her in and sat with her throughout the evening.
The first night is called Mehndi to celebrate the painting"mehndi"of the hands and foot. The sisters of the groom and friends did several different dances. Some dances with sticks which is traditional.
Dinner was served toward the end of the night about 1 am.
The second night was Nikkah. The bride is escorted wearing a very special heavily beaded dress and jewelry. She sat all evening with her eyes lowered which is traditional. It must have taken hours for preparation. The bride entered the hall first then departed.
Before the groom enters the main hall a maulana,a Muslim Holy Man,prayed with the groom on the men's side. I was not able to witness this because I was on the women's side.
Then the groom was escorted by many men into the main hall. On this night only drinks and sweets were served. After this night groom and bride go to their new home.
At the end of the ceremony as the groom and bride leave the parents,relatives,and friends of the bride cry.
The third night the bride and groom go around the room greeting all the people present.
This night is called "Valima". This night an extra festive dinner is served which is paid for by the groom's father. The cost of the first two nights is shared by the bride and groom's families.
Like American weddings those who attended the wedding gave gifts either in the form of money or presents.
The weddings end each night about 2am the next morning so next day people sleep until noon except those who have to go to school or work.
This wedding started on Wednesday night and ended 2am next morning,Thursday. Because in Muslim countries Friday is a rest day for prayer Sarwat wanted us to visit her college and former school this Thursday. Fortunately the 2nd and 3rd day of the wedding started on Friday and Saturday nights.
Everyone slept until noon on Sunday except Ahmed who had a computer class and had to leave the house Sunday morning.
Sunday afternoon the whole family except Mr. Murtaza packed into a mini-Suzuki provided by the son of Mr. Murtaza's oldest brother and we went touring Karachi. We first went to the tomb of Pakistan's founder,Jinnah. I was told that this memorable grounds was financially supported by China. It is located in the heart of Karachi. It is covers many acres and landscaped with pools and waterfalls. The next stop was at a very large city park. I asked why we were going in the dark and was told that people went in the mornings and evenings. It then made sense. The mornings and evenings are the coolest times of the day. This was a very well manicured park with jogging track, a roller skating rink,well equipped playground for children(only 10yr and younger allowed)and a little restaurant where freshly squeezed juice,tea,ice cream,snacks could be bought. We all enjoyed Pakistani ice cream except Ahmed who preferred tea.
Most of the time conversation is held in Sindhi or Urdu,but I heard McDonald spoken. I offered to treat them to McDonalds and immediately a happy cheer went up. So later we gathered in a fairly large McDonalds. Being Sunday there were many many people. Although I suggested each choose, Sarwat and Ahmed decided it would be easier to order if they ordered the same thing for all 7. The Value meal cost 190 rupees each. The dollar is equal to 60 rupees.
I could tell this was a real treat for all. There is also a Kentucky Fried Chicken. Sarwat was never able to eat at McDonalds or Kentucky fried Chicken on Kauai because the meat and chicken were not halal.
Besides doing all these things there were many things I learned living in a Muslim home. I learned to sit on the floor to eat meals and use my fingers. Also to wear a scarf on my head and say "Bismilallah"which means before we eat we say thankyou to God.
I learned that Muslim families are very close. This family expresses themselves very freely between and among parents and children. At meals there is lots of exchange and laughter.
Mr.Murtaza has a great sense of humor and parents and children express lots of love for each other. Both Mr. & Mrs Murtaza come from very large families. On Mrs. side 3 sisters and 6 brothers;on Mr. side 4 sisters and 5 brothers.
In this apartment building there are three family members and their families living on different floors. When we went to the wedding ceremonies more than 25 relatives piled up in the vehicle.
Families are large and close.
Until next time, Aloha. Joanne
I was dressed in one of Sarwat's Pakistani dress and at 10pm all went down stairs to catch a small wagon with 30 plus relatives all squeased in,mostly women and children. We entered a huge tent with many round tables set for 10. The tent was divided for men and women/children.
It was beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. But what caught my eyes were the stunningly beautiful clothing and jewelry worn by the ladies and girls. The most beautiful were the bride and her ladies in waiting who escorted her in and sat with her throughout the evening.
The first night is called Mehndi to celebrate the painting"mehndi"of the hands and foot. The sisters of the groom and friends did several different dances. Some dances with sticks which is traditional.
Dinner was served toward the end of the night about 1 am.
The second night was Nikkah. The bride is escorted wearing a very special heavily beaded dress and jewelry. She sat all evening with her eyes lowered which is traditional. It must have taken hours for preparation. The bride entered the hall first then departed.
Before the groom enters the main hall a maulana,a Muslim Holy Man,prayed with the groom on the men's side. I was not able to witness this because I was on the women's side.
Then the groom was escorted by many men into the main hall. On this night only drinks and sweets were served. After this night groom and bride go to their new home.
At the end of the ceremony as the groom and bride leave the parents,relatives,and friends of the bride cry.
The third night the bride and groom go around the room greeting all the people present.
This night is called "Valima". This night an extra festive dinner is served which is paid for by the groom's father. The cost of the first two nights is shared by the bride and groom's families.
Like American weddings those who attended the wedding gave gifts either in the form of money or presents.
The weddings end each night about 2am the next morning so next day people sleep until noon except those who have to go to school or work.
This wedding started on Wednesday night and ended 2am next morning,Thursday. Because in Muslim countries Friday is a rest day for prayer Sarwat wanted us to visit her college and former school this Thursday. Fortunately the 2nd and 3rd day of the wedding started on Friday and Saturday nights.
Everyone slept until noon on Sunday except Ahmed who had a computer class and had to leave the house Sunday morning.
Sunday afternoon the whole family except Mr. Murtaza packed into a mini-Suzuki provided by the son of Mr. Murtaza's oldest brother and we went touring Karachi. We first went to the tomb of Pakistan's founder,Jinnah. I was told that this memorable grounds was financially supported by China. It is located in the heart of Karachi. It is covers many acres and landscaped with pools and waterfalls. The next stop was at a very large city park. I asked why we were going in the dark and was told that people went in the mornings and evenings. It then made sense. The mornings and evenings are the coolest times of the day. This was a very well manicured park with jogging track, a roller skating rink,well equipped playground for children(only 10yr and younger allowed)and a little restaurant where freshly squeezed juice,tea,ice cream,snacks could be bought. We all enjoyed Pakistani ice cream except Ahmed who preferred tea.
Most of the time conversation is held in Sindhi or Urdu,but I heard McDonald spoken. I offered to treat them to McDonalds and immediately a happy cheer went up. So later we gathered in a fairly large McDonalds. Being Sunday there were many many people. Although I suggested each choose, Sarwat and Ahmed decided it would be easier to order if they ordered the same thing for all 7. The Value meal cost 190 rupees each. The dollar is equal to 60 rupees.
I could tell this was a real treat for all. There is also a Kentucky Fried Chicken. Sarwat was never able to eat at McDonalds or Kentucky fried Chicken on Kauai because the meat and chicken were not halal.
Besides doing all these things there were many things I learned living in a Muslim home. I learned to sit on the floor to eat meals and use my fingers. Also to wear a scarf on my head and say "Bismilallah"which means before we eat we say thankyou to God.
I learned that Muslim families are very close. This family expresses themselves very freely between and among parents and children. At meals there is lots of exchange and laughter.
Mr.Murtaza has a great sense of humor and parents and children express lots of love for each other. Both Mr. & Mrs Murtaza come from very large families. On Mrs. side 3 sisters and 6 brothers;on Mr. side 4 sisters and 5 brothers.
In this apartment building there are three family members and their families living on different floors. When we went to the wedding ceremonies more than 25 relatives piled up in the vehicle.
Families are large and close.
Until next time, Aloha. Joanne
Monday, November 26, 2007
Leaving Kenya after 6 weeks. To Karachi,Pakistan
I leave Nairobi tonight for Karachi, Pakistan where Sarwat promises to meet me at the airport tomorrow about 10am. My flight takes me to Dubai first where I have a 5 hour stopover.
Esther, a room mate at the Nairobi Youth Hostel,worked in Dubai for the last 2 years and shared a great deal about what Dubai is like. It is one of the fastest growing and riches places in the world.
The residence are extremely rich because no one can gain citizenship and anyone doing business there have to give a huge percentage of their profits to the citizens. Dubai is owned by Arabs. She is planning to join her husband who found a job in Qatar. She is Kenyan and he is Nigerian.
In Africa being of different African country or tribe in Kenyan has great significants; much more than the U.S. South,North,East, or West.
I also got lots of history about Rwanda from Peter who is a Rwandan. About the Ttutsi and Hutus and what has happened since the genicide.
I will probably see very little of Dubai.
Including the mainland U.S. Kenya is the ninth country of my round the world trip. I 've enjoyed every country visited and feel that God has given me some very unique experiences.
Lillian's aunty Josephine who we visited last weekend was very instrumental in creating a place for children who lost both parents and had no place to go. Many left abandoned. She helped obtain 23 acreas. It is walking distance from her home so we walked over to see the place called Jubilee. I was amazed that in 5 years they have accommodations for 123 children ages 3 -13 years and also a school for their education. Recently they had a group of doctors from the U.S. come to give the children medical and dental check ups. We saw workmen working on a medical clinic,a secondary school and eventually they plan to build a college on the grounds. A visitor center is half way built so volunteer groups can stay on the property while helping with the projects. Much of the grounds are planted with food crops like corn, potatoes,greens,tomatoes,etc.
Being a Sunday the children were not in school,but they were assembled to sing for us and inturn I taught them a short version of the hula "Hukilau" It was enjoyable visiting and hearing stories of individual children and how they came to be at this place.
Aunty Josephine has three teenage girls who lost their parents living at her home. One of the girls came to her seeking a job. When she saw how little she was asked her if she would like to be in school and put her in school and gave her a home.
One morning when we were in the kitchen with dirt floor and open fire with a huge pot of milk used to make tea at Lillian's folks place in the country and talking story with her moms and aunties....aunties on her father's side are called "moms"whoes role is to teach and instruct and aunties on the mom's side are called "aunties" whoes roles are to just be gentle and helpful so when you get into trouble you ran to them and they will help you make things right with your parents. Anyway going back to the kitchen,the "mom" Lillian is named after said to me in Kikuyu,which ofcourse had be translated to me, that I should plan to stay for a week so she can teach me many things like how they make tea as well as how they are able to lift pots off the fire with their bare hands. They cover their hands with soot. And by the end of the week I will be black just like them. We laughed and laughed. Later I joinned a whole bunch of ladies peeling potatoes and carrots. When work was done ten year David,Mary's son,and I danced the "Hukilau" and when I asked the ladies to sing and dance for me. They did several "rock & roll" native African numbers and I joinned them in dancing. We had a "rocking,swaying,fun"time.
Earlier I had attended a Sunday service with Mary near her home and they really can sing. No just standing still when you sing. They really move!!!
Something I would never want to do here is drive. And I can't go out without one of Mary's boys.
They have no rules here. The drivers or the pedestrians just do what they want. It is a mystery that more people don't get killed. Most of the cars and matatus and buses have dents on them.
In 6 weeks I have been able to see many sections of Kenya and have seen and heard much of the political scene. As much as I've enjoyed,seen,and learned about Kenya what keeps coming back to me is how lucky I am to live in Kauai and the United States of America. My appreciation of being an American citizen has increased tremendously. We are indeed greatly blessed to be American citizens.
Aloha, Joanne
Esther, a room mate at the Nairobi Youth Hostel,worked in Dubai for the last 2 years and shared a great deal about what Dubai is like. It is one of the fastest growing and riches places in the world.
The residence are extremely rich because no one can gain citizenship and anyone doing business there have to give a huge percentage of their profits to the citizens. Dubai is owned by Arabs. She is planning to join her husband who found a job in Qatar. She is Kenyan and he is Nigerian.
In Africa being of different African country or tribe in Kenyan has great significants; much more than the U.S. South,North,East, or West.
I also got lots of history about Rwanda from Peter who is a Rwandan. About the Ttutsi and Hutus and what has happened since the genicide.
I will probably see very little of Dubai.
Including the mainland U.S. Kenya is the ninth country of my round the world trip. I 've enjoyed every country visited and feel that God has given me some very unique experiences.
Lillian's aunty Josephine who we visited last weekend was very instrumental in creating a place for children who lost both parents and had no place to go. Many left abandoned. She helped obtain 23 acreas. It is walking distance from her home so we walked over to see the place called Jubilee. I was amazed that in 5 years they have accommodations for 123 children ages 3 -13 years and also a school for their education. Recently they had a group of doctors from the U.S. come to give the children medical and dental check ups. We saw workmen working on a medical clinic,a secondary school and eventually they plan to build a college on the grounds. A visitor center is half way built so volunteer groups can stay on the property while helping with the projects. Much of the grounds are planted with food crops like corn, potatoes,greens,tomatoes,etc.
Being a Sunday the children were not in school,but they were assembled to sing for us and inturn I taught them a short version of the hula "Hukilau" It was enjoyable visiting and hearing stories of individual children and how they came to be at this place.
Aunty Josephine has three teenage girls who lost their parents living at her home. One of the girls came to her seeking a job. When she saw how little she was asked her if she would like to be in school and put her in school and gave her a home.
One morning when we were in the kitchen with dirt floor and open fire with a huge pot of milk used to make tea at Lillian's folks place in the country and talking story with her moms and aunties....aunties on her father's side are called "moms"whoes role is to teach and instruct and aunties on the mom's side are called "aunties" whoes roles are to just be gentle and helpful so when you get into trouble you ran to them and they will help you make things right with your parents. Anyway going back to the kitchen,the "mom" Lillian is named after said to me in Kikuyu,which ofcourse had be translated to me, that I should plan to stay for a week so she can teach me many things like how they make tea as well as how they are able to lift pots off the fire with their bare hands. They cover their hands with soot. And by the end of the week I will be black just like them. We laughed and laughed. Later I joinned a whole bunch of ladies peeling potatoes and carrots. When work was done ten year David,Mary's son,and I danced the "Hukilau" and when I asked the ladies to sing and dance for me. They did several "rock & roll" native African numbers and I joinned them in dancing. We had a "rocking,swaying,fun"time.
Earlier I had attended a Sunday service with Mary near her home and they really can sing. No just standing still when you sing. They really move!!!
Something I would never want to do here is drive. And I can't go out without one of Mary's boys.
They have no rules here. The drivers or the pedestrians just do what they want. It is a mystery that more people don't get killed. Most of the cars and matatus and buses have dents on them.
In 6 weeks I have been able to see many sections of Kenya and have seen and heard much of the political scene. As much as I've enjoyed,seen,and learned about Kenya what keeps coming back to me is how lucky I am to live in Kauai and the United States of America. My appreciation of being an American citizen has increased tremendously. We are indeed greatly blessed to be American citizens.
Aloha, Joanne
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Weekend at Lillians parents - Up Country
Finally the long awaited arrival of Aunty Lillian came true. She was to arrive several weeks ago.
You can imagine the excitement her arrival created. Aunty Lillian left Kenya seven years ago and had never returned home once.
She was expected last December,but it didn't happen. Now,after much confusion she was to arrive on an early morning flight on Thursday the 15th November from Kekaha, Kauai, Hawaii.
She didn't overnight stop anywhere.
Pastor Olaf of Waimea UCC told me of a native Kenyan living right in Kekaha before I left for my round the world trip. Lillian, I discovered,had a gift shop/Western Union/travel agency in the old Kekaha Plantation Building. The same building I often went to for our West Kauai Community Coalition meetings. So one day I stopped by and introduced myself. After that we had fregrent visits. Lillian introduced me by email to her sister Mary who invited me to stay with her and her husband and three boys while in Nairobi. Lillian needed to return to Kenya to take a workshop which would upgrade her certification from the government to continue to sell and promote tourism in Kenya.
Lillian brought gifts for Mary and her family and other members of her family and friends who came streaming to the house all day long until wee hours of the night. After all no other member of her family had gone aboard and returned. While still on Kauai Lillian who is very proud to be a Kenyan and who has a rich family background and tradition...her grandfather was chief of the village..up country...which is a valley deep below Mt. Kenya. It is cool and rains often so the valley is very lush. Coffee, banana,potato both sweet and white,pumpkin,casava, arrow root(taro)and even purple Kauai lilikoi grows well there.
So early Friday morning we packed up a rented station wagon with clothes and food(lillian said she sent extra money for food to her parents,but still didn't feel right not taking more food)and two of her sisters one with a baby and David,Mary's 10 year old and Danson,12 year old grandson of Lillian's oldest sister Jane,Kevin,Mary's oldest son (22 yrs.)and I all squeezed in the station wagaon. The roads in Kenya have full of potholes. Lillian who had become used to driving on Kauai had to remember that in Kenya you drive on the opposite side of the road. Not an easy task. The rest of the family and relatives would arrive later on their own.
The drive would take us over two hours. Once we left the main highway it was all dirt roads.
We got suck in the mud several times and had to get help to push the car back on the road.
Midway we slowed down and were bombarded by venders selling bananas,tomatoes,etc. But we had not taken time to eat breakfast so we were happy to get the sweet bananas to relieve our hungry stomachs. In Kenya it is very common to be surrounded by sellers where ever you are.
When we got to the farm many many relatives...from mother's side. and grandmother (around 100 yrs no records to know exactly)..9 sisters..and neighbors were at the house helping to prepare food. First thing Lillian did was to find her mom and dad. The long "lost child"had returned.
Because she was talking"non stop"all throughout the weekend she began losing her voice and had to get something from the doctor.
The next few days were filled with unforgetable experiences which I know that I would never have had except for the hospitality and generousity of Lillian. I feel very blessed by God.
It was like going back in time. I will need to elaborate more for you to get a taste of what I experienced. And Lillian having experienced being a stranger when she first arrived in Canada was super sensitive to possible difficulties I might experience. She was and is an excellent host.
There are some funny human interest stories I would like to relate,but I think I should do in my next blog post.
Until next time Aloha.
You can imagine the excitement her arrival created. Aunty Lillian left Kenya seven years ago and had never returned home once.
She was expected last December,but it didn't happen. Now,after much confusion she was to arrive on an early morning flight on Thursday the 15th November from Kekaha, Kauai, Hawaii.
She didn't overnight stop anywhere.
Pastor Olaf of Waimea UCC told me of a native Kenyan living right in Kekaha before I left for my round the world trip. Lillian, I discovered,had a gift shop/Western Union/travel agency in the old Kekaha Plantation Building. The same building I often went to for our West Kauai Community Coalition meetings. So one day I stopped by and introduced myself. After that we had fregrent visits. Lillian introduced me by email to her sister Mary who invited me to stay with her and her husband and three boys while in Nairobi. Lillian needed to return to Kenya to take a workshop which would upgrade her certification from the government to continue to sell and promote tourism in Kenya.
Lillian brought gifts for Mary and her family and other members of her family and friends who came streaming to the house all day long until wee hours of the night. After all no other member of her family had gone aboard and returned. While still on Kauai Lillian who is very proud to be a Kenyan and who has a rich family background and tradition...her grandfather was chief of the village..up country...which is a valley deep below Mt. Kenya. It is cool and rains often so the valley is very lush. Coffee, banana,potato both sweet and white,pumpkin,casava, arrow root(taro)and even purple Kauai lilikoi grows well there.
So early Friday morning we packed up a rented station wagon with clothes and food(lillian said she sent extra money for food to her parents,but still didn't feel right not taking more food)and two of her sisters one with a baby and David,Mary's 10 year old and Danson,12 year old grandson of Lillian's oldest sister Jane,Kevin,Mary's oldest son (22 yrs.)and I all squeezed in the station wagaon. The roads in Kenya have full of potholes. Lillian who had become used to driving on Kauai had to remember that in Kenya you drive on the opposite side of the road. Not an easy task. The rest of the family and relatives would arrive later on their own.
The drive would take us over two hours. Once we left the main highway it was all dirt roads.
We got suck in the mud several times and had to get help to push the car back on the road.
Midway we slowed down and were bombarded by venders selling bananas,tomatoes,etc. But we had not taken time to eat breakfast so we were happy to get the sweet bananas to relieve our hungry stomachs. In Kenya it is very common to be surrounded by sellers where ever you are.
When we got to the farm many many relatives...from mother's side. and grandmother (around 100 yrs no records to know exactly)..9 sisters..and neighbors were at the house helping to prepare food. First thing Lillian did was to find her mom and dad. The long "lost child"had returned.
Because she was talking"non stop"all throughout the weekend she began losing her voice and had to get something from the doctor.
The next few days were filled with unforgetable experiences which I know that I would never have had except for the hospitality and generousity of Lillian. I feel very blessed by God.
It was like going back in time. I will need to elaborate more for you to get a taste of what I experienced. And Lillian having experienced being a stranger when she first arrived in Canada was super sensitive to possible difficulties I might experience. She was and is an excellent host.
There are some funny human interest stories I would like to relate,but I think I should do in my next blog post.
Until next time Aloha.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Looking for help for this deserving father
My main mission is to help teenagers where I can.
Odhis,our driver and guide for the African safari I went on recently, has a daughter 14 years old who wants to be a doctor. Odhis used to be a mechanic and now a tour guide and driver for now about 15 years. He is an exceptional person. He feels financially he would not be able to help her fullfill her dream of becoming a doctor. I offered no promises but said that I would like to help him by reaching out to my friends and looking at possibilities. I have seen miracles. My trip itself is a miracle. I never dreamed that I would be in Africa. It was an impossible dream to me.
Two years ago when Rakhat was staying with me he and I went to a College Fair. I remember that at that fair there was a college in the U.S. that especially wanted students from foreign countries to attend. I think they offered scholarships. The pictures on their brochure included students who might have com from Africa.
I can't remember the name of the college but if anyone knows colleges who especially want to help African students of good scholastic standing and character,but do not have the financial means to come to a U.S. college please send the information to me so I can forward them to Odhis.
I really would like to help Odhis; he is a man of intelligence,compassion,honesty, and integrity. The 14 year old is his oldest child.
So if anyone has any information to share it will be greatly appreciated.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Joanne
Odhis,our driver and guide for the African safari I went on recently, has a daughter 14 years old who wants to be a doctor. Odhis used to be a mechanic and now a tour guide and driver for now about 15 years. He is an exceptional person. He feels financially he would not be able to help her fullfill her dream of becoming a doctor. I offered no promises but said that I would like to help him by reaching out to my friends and looking at possibilities. I have seen miracles. My trip itself is a miracle. I never dreamed that I would be in Africa. It was an impossible dream to me.
Two years ago when Rakhat was staying with me he and I went to a College Fair. I remember that at that fair there was a college in the U.S. that especially wanted students from foreign countries to attend. I think they offered scholarships. The pictures on their brochure included students who might have com from Africa.
I can't remember the name of the college but if anyone knows colleges who especially want to help African students of good scholastic standing and character,but do not have the financial means to come to a U.S. college please send the information to me so I can forward them to Odhis.
I really would like to help Odhis; he is a man of intelligence,compassion,honesty, and integrity. The 14 year old is his oldest child.
So if anyone has any information to share it will be greatly appreciated.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Joanne
Monday, November 12, 2007
Lake Nakuru,Samburu,Mt.Kenya/back to Nairobi
After camping it was really nice to spend one night in a hotel in Nakuru.
The next few days we spent time in two very different type of game preserves.
Lake Nakuru National Preserve is green covered with cacacia trees, and a large lake with millions of pink flamingoes,pelicans,sea gulls,stocks,connant and other sea birds. It is completely different from Masaai Mara,which was very dry and dusty. It is smaller and very lush and green. The animals were like in an outdoor Zoo. Even the rhinos and buffalos were calm and relaxed.
Here there were no "wildbreasts" but all the animals we saw before plus a different breed of zebras(narrow stripes and white belly)giraffes with a litle different pattern skin,and a few other animals we didn't see before like the hyena.
On our way to Sanburu National Preserve we crossed the Equator. An interesting demonstration showed us how 20 feet on either side of the equator how when water is poured into a container it twills in the opposite direction.
The boys from Holland who joinned us for this portion of the safari really enjoyed Samburu because our camp was inside the Preserve. These two boys spent 12 weeks in Kenya working for a company for their Master in civil engineering. Olaf,yes Pastor Olaf another Olaf, was blue eyed blond Dutch and E.K. was a Chinese Dutch. His parents moved to Holland from Hong Kong in the 70's so all the children were born in Holland.
We really roughed it,more than the camp at Masaai Mara, but we were camped right next to the river so many animals came by the camp. And the monkeyes and baboons,and all kinds of birds came to steal our food and block us from using the outdoor shower and toilet. We had to make sure we kept our tents tightly close to make sure they didn't get in and steal everything.
I must say living among the animals day and night was more exciting. One day a huge elephant came by. He had only one tusk. The story one of the workers told us as the reason this happened is that he was in a fight with another elephant for a female elephant and the other elephant knocked his tusk completely off.
One of the animals we did not see at the other two preserves was the leopard. Here we saw the lepard twice. Once on a tree and another time lying quietly on the ground only 15 feet away. He was beautiful.
Samburu is dry but no huge praire land. It is covered with small bushes. Here we saw a different kind of Ostrich and many many colorful birds. We also saw monitor lizzard which are about 14 feet long. Here we saw many Digdigs a very small type of gazelle and Ornyx which looks like gazelles but have long sharp horns;look like over two feet long. According to our guide lions have a hard time killing these because they can pierce the lions with them.
After a long drive we dropped Olaf and E.K. who had signed up to do the 3 days hike over Mt. Kenya.
I really enjoyed the company of these two boys. There were two other groups of Europeans at the same camp.
We lost Diana of Germany and Peter of Rwanda after four days when there places were replaced with Olaf and E.K. Kate who was very sick the first half recovered enought to enjoy Nakuru and Samburu,but became very sick on the way back to Nairobi. I was told that Malaria does that; it comes back. Both Tim and Kevin got sick in Nakura. The old lady,me, was the only one who didn't of the original group.
After returning from the safari, I have been staying at the Nairobi Youth Hostel. I have been staying in the dorm where I have meeting many many interesting people. It seems many who stay at the hostel are people who have come to Kenya with a mission to help Kenyans. They stay in remote villages or visit government schools which lack supplies and equipment and raise money for them. I've met groups from Canada and Holland who are doing this. There have been about 12 who have been living in the girls dorm. Many are Kenyans from the country who are staying here and attending colleges in Nairobi.
Especially interesting to me was the story told me by this Masaai girl,22 years,whoes mother ran away from her Masaai husband and seeked refuge at a Catholic Church. The Belgium priest raise her like his own and gave her education so that she was able to find a job as a receptionist and secretary. She remarried but her husband died three years later leaving her with Yamayan..Masaai for Blessing...and two other children all one year apart. Blessing or Yamayan was raised by her Masaai grandmother until she was 12 years old when her mom took her back. Her grandfather now 85years old worked for the colonist and learned to read. He named his four daughters and sons from words he chose from the Atlas....like Geneva,Cleveland,McMillan,etc.
Blessing said he was given an opportunity to continue his education in England but he refused because he did not want to leave his cattle. To a Masaai his cattle is valued very highly. He had four wives which is common even today among the Masaais.
Blessing is very thankful she has experience the old ways and the new modern ways. She is serious about completing her college education in Business Administration. Two of her mothers sisters also left their Masaai husbands and have learned to earn a living on their own. The youngest sister who has four small children has remained with her husband. Blessing said that Massai men beat their wives because their custom says they should. According to her the life of a Masaai woman is very very hard. Each wife must build her own house. It takes about three months. The other wives may not help her. She has to get water from the stream somethimes miles away and cook and take care of the children while the man lays around and plays games.
This post has gotten extra long. I won't have easy access to the internet once I leave the hostel. I return to Mary's place soon. Lillian,Mary's sister from Kehaka, Kauai will be arriving this Thursday. I learned that Lillian has been away from Kenya for 6 years. Her return will be a big affair. Lillian has said she will like to take me "Up Country" to meet her parnets. That should be interesting.
I have also met with Rev. Phyllis Byrd who I was able to connect with throught Carolyn Winston who connected me to Sandra Gourdet of Global Ministries of the Christian Churches,Disciples of Christ. That was another very interesting encounter. Rev. Byrd is from New York. She met her Kenyan husband while he was studying in a New York university. She lives in a beautiful home in Nairobi. I have been able to see the many sides of Kenyans.
The next few days we spent time in two very different type of game preserves.
Lake Nakuru National Preserve is green covered with cacacia trees, and a large lake with millions of pink flamingoes,pelicans,sea gulls,stocks,connant and other sea birds. It is completely different from Masaai Mara,which was very dry and dusty. It is smaller and very lush and green. The animals were like in an outdoor Zoo. Even the rhinos and buffalos were calm and relaxed.
Here there were no "wildbreasts" but all the animals we saw before plus a different breed of zebras(narrow stripes and white belly)giraffes with a litle different pattern skin,and a few other animals we didn't see before like the hyena.
On our way to Sanburu National Preserve we crossed the Equator. An interesting demonstration showed us how 20 feet on either side of the equator how when water is poured into a container it twills in the opposite direction.
The boys from Holland who joinned us for this portion of the safari really enjoyed Samburu because our camp was inside the Preserve. These two boys spent 12 weeks in Kenya working for a company for their Master in civil engineering. Olaf,yes Pastor Olaf another Olaf, was blue eyed blond Dutch and E.K. was a Chinese Dutch. His parents moved to Holland from Hong Kong in the 70's so all the children were born in Holland.
We really roughed it,more than the camp at Masaai Mara, but we were camped right next to the river so many animals came by the camp. And the monkeyes and baboons,and all kinds of birds came to steal our food and block us from using the outdoor shower and toilet. We had to make sure we kept our tents tightly close to make sure they didn't get in and steal everything.
I must say living among the animals day and night was more exciting. One day a huge elephant came by. He had only one tusk. The story one of the workers told us as the reason this happened is that he was in a fight with another elephant for a female elephant and the other elephant knocked his tusk completely off.
One of the animals we did not see at the other two preserves was the leopard. Here we saw the lepard twice. Once on a tree and another time lying quietly on the ground only 15 feet away. He was beautiful.
Samburu is dry but no huge praire land. It is covered with small bushes. Here we saw a different kind of Ostrich and many many colorful birds. We also saw monitor lizzard which are about 14 feet long. Here we saw many Digdigs a very small type of gazelle and Ornyx which looks like gazelles but have long sharp horns;look like over two feet long. According to our guide lions have a hard time killing these because they can pierce the lions with them.
After a long drive we dropped Olaf and E.K. who had signed up to do the 3 days hike over Mt. Kenya.
I really enjoyed the company of these two boys. There were two other groups of Europeans at the same camp.
We lost Diana of Germany and Peter of Rwanda after four days when there places were replaced with Olaf and E.K. Kate who was very sick the first half recovered enought to enjoy Nakuru and Samburu,but became very sick on the way back to Nairobi. I was told that Malaria does that; it comes back. Both Tim and Kevin got sick in Nakura. The old lady,me, was the only one who didn't of the original group.
After returning from the safari, I have been staying at the Nairobi Youth Hostel. I have been staying in the dorm where I have meeting many many interesting people. It seems many who stay at the hostel are people who have come to Kenya with a mission to help Kenyans. They stay in remote villages or visit government schools which lack supplies and equipment and raise money for them. I've met groups from Canada and Holland who are doing this. There have been about 12 who have been living in the girls dorm. Many are Kenyans from the country who are staying here and attending colleges in Nairobi.
Especially interesting to me was the story told me by this Masaai girl,22 years,whoes mother ran away from her Masaai husband and seeked refuge at a Catholic Church. The Belgium priest raise her like his own and gave her education so that she was able to find a job as a receptionist and secretary. She remarried but her husband died three years later leaving her with Yamayan..Masaai for Blessing...and two other children all one year apart. Blessing or Yamayan was raised by her Masaai grandmother until she was 12 years old when her mom took her back. Her grandfather now 85years old worked for the colonist and learned to read. He named his four daughters and sons from words he chose from the Atlas....like Geneva,Cleveland,McMillan,etc.
Blessing said he was given an opportunity to continue his education in England but he refused because he did not want to leave his cattle. To a Masaai his cattle is valued very highly. He had four wives which is common even today among the Masaais.
Blessing is very thankful she has experience the old ways and the new modern ways. She is serious about completing her college education in Business Administration. Two of her mothers sisters also left their Masaai husbands and have learned to earn a living on their own. The youngest sister who has four small children has remained with her husband. Blessing said that Massai men beat their wives because their custom says they should. According to her the life of a Masaai woman is very very hard. Each wife must build her own house. It takes about three months. The other wives may not help her. She has to get water from the stream somethimes miles away and cook and take care of the children while the man lays around and plays games.
This post has gotten extra long. I won't have easy access to the internet once I leave the hostel. I return to Mary's place soon. Lillian,Mary's sister from Kehaka, Kauai will be arriving this Thursday. I learned that Lillian has been away from Kenya for 6 years. Her return will be a big affair. Lillian has said she will like to take me "Up Country" to meet her parnets. That should be interesting.
I have also met with Rev. Phyllis Byrd who I was able to connect with throught Carolyn Winston who connected me to Sandra Gourdet of Global Ministries of the Christian Churches,Disciples of Christ. That was another very interesting encounter. Rev. Byrd is from New York. She met her Kenyan husband while he was studying in a New York university. She lives in a beautiful home in Nairobi. I have been able to see the many sides of Kenyans.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Third Day visit to a traditional Masaai village
Today a game drive all morning and a visit to a traditional Masaai village in the afternoon.
We didnit see as many animals as we did yesterday,but we were witness to a very very rare event.
According Odhis not often does one get to witness the mating of a male and female lions.
The male lion was a very mature lion about 15years old. They were lying down on the grass.
We were about 15-20 feet away. I was able to get a nice photo of the male lion with his big beautiful mane as he sat up. Odhis said the mating takes about a week. During this time neither one eats any food so at the end the female hunts and brings the food to the male. The male ejaculates 72 times a day. In the beginning the intervals are close like 1 to 2 minutes. The intervals becoming longer. I felt a bit uncomfortable watching. Odhis read my mind. He explained that lions are not like humans. They do everything by instinct and do not mind being watched. We observed for close to 45minutes. The intervals were about 15minutes apart.
Another very special event was coming to only a few feet from a huge Bull elephant.
On the way back we stopped at plush Lodge in the game preserve for a toilet stop. However, we learned that there was a hippo pool in the back so we went to investigate. We found lots more.
Besides some hippos, we saw a huge..looked about 16'"tall grey owl in a tree. It looked just like the kind shown in pictures at Halloween. It had huge eyes. We saw a green tree snake and several baboons and many monkeys. Three of them had little baby monkeys clinging to the underside of their mothers. On the way out of the preserve we saw more impalas like the name given to a car and gazelles,and herds of wild breasts and zebras.
Around 3:30-4pm some of us went on a nature walk which turned out to be a strenuous climb up a mountain and two of us chose to visit a traditional Masaai village. I chose to visit the village. It was the right choice for me. It wouldn't been good for my knees to climb a mountain and I needed some walking. To get to the village we had to walk a little over a mile both directions.
Daniel the camp Masaai was our guide. Daniel did a good job of explaining the whys and hows.
The son of the chief was very tall and handsome. A group of young warriors danced for us. The Masaais are well known for their ability to jump high from a standing position. Daniel joinned them when they danced but would not jump. They should us how they made fire by friction like I've seen the boys scouts do. One young warrior don a head dress of a lion's mane and a story was told about that. A group of Masaai women also danced for us. Later we were told how the houses were made and were allowed to go into a house. A Masaai can have many wives. Each wife must build her own house of sticks,twigs,grass and cow dung. It takes about 3 months to build.
The village has four opennings or gates. Later only one will be accessible. Any visitor must announce his coming with a special call then identify himself. If he is invited to stay the night he must introduce himself to each individual in the village. The fence made around the village is made from torny branches. Also a watchman must stay up all night to watch that no leopards from the mountain come into the village.
Those who climbed the mountain said they didn't come across any leopards, but they encountered more baboons than they could count.
All in all it was a most interesting day.
We didnit see as many animals as we did yesterday,but we were witness to a very very rare event.
According Odhis not often does one get to witness the mating of a male and female lions.
The male lion was a very mature lion about 15years old. They were lying down on the grass.
We were about 15-20 feet away. I was able to get a nice photo of the male lion with his big beautiful mane as he sat up. Odhis said the mating takes about a week. During this time neither one eats any food so at the end the female hunts and brings the food to the male. The male ejaculates 72 times a day. In the beginning the intervals are close like 1 to 2 minutes. The intervals becoming longer. I felt a bit uncomfortable watching. Odhis read my mind. He explained that lions are not like humans. They do everything by instinct and do not mind being watched. We observed for close to 45minutes. The intervals were about 15minutes apart.
Another very special event was coming to only a few feet from a huge Bull elephant.
On the way back we stopped at plush Lodge in the game preserve for a toilet stop. However, we learned that there was a hippo pool in the back so we went to investigate. We found lots more.
Besides some hippos, we saw a huge..looked about 16'"tall grey owl in a tree. It looked just like the kind shown in pictures at Halloween. It had huge eyes. We saw a green tree snake and several baboons and many monkeys. Three of them had little baby monkeys clinging to the underside of their mothers. On the way out of the preserve we saw more impalas like the name given to a car and gazelles,and herds of wild breasts and zebras.
Around 3:30-4pm some of us went on a nature walk which turned out to be a strenuous climb up a mountain and two of us chose to visit a traditional Masaai village. I chose to visit the village. It was the right choice for me. It wouldn't been good for my knees to climb a mountain and I needed some walking. To get to the village we had to walk a little over a mile both directions.
Daniel the camp Masaai was our guide. Daniel did a good job of explaining the whys and hows.
The son of the chief was very tall and handsome. A group of young warriors danced for us. The Masaais are well known for their ability to jump high from a standing position. Daniel joinned them when they danced but would not jump. They should us how they made fire by friction like I've seen the boys scouts do. One young warrior don a head dress of a lion's mane and a story was told about that. A group of Masaai women also danced for us. Later we were told how the houses were made and were allowed to go into a house. A Masaai can have many wives. Each wife must build her own house of sticks,twigs,grass and cow dung. It takes about 3 months to build.
The village has four opennings or gates. Later only one will be accessible. Any visitor must announce his coming with a special call then identify himself. If he is invited to stay the night he must introduce himself to each individual in the village. The fence made around the village is made from torny branches. Also a watchman must stay up all night to watch that no leopards from the mountain come into the village.
Those who climbed the mountain said they didn't come across any leopards, but they encountered more baboons than they could count.
All in all it was a most interesting day.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Day two at Massaai Mara
We started at 7:30am the second day. Early morning is a good time for a game drive. The wide sky above was light blue with many beautiful puffy white clouds scattered all over. A beautiful morning. A very good time for a game drive. Many many animals are enjoying the fresh morning air and having breakfast.
Today we would be heading toward the Massai Mara River where we will see hippos and crocodiles. Every drive we would see droves of wildbreasts and zebras in the plains. Some asked to see the Big Five. What are the Big Five? Odhis, our driver and guide, said are the beasts early hunters feared because they were ferocious and charged after them. These are the lion,the African elephant,African buffalo,rhino, and leopard. Unlike the Indian elephant, the African elephant cannot be domesticated. Their ears are much largerand grow much larger than the Indian elephant. Also like the African elephant the African buffalo cannot be domesticated either like the Indian water buffalo. However, in the game preserves, they have become so used to seeing many vans with people gawking at them they do not attack but just sit or walk away. With the exception of the rhino and buffalo, they are very shy and will run away when approached. However, when we saw them at Nakuru National Park, they were as calm and placid as the other Big Five.
Diana's wish was to see a leopard. Today we did not see a leopard,but we did see a mother cheetah and her cub lying lazily under a shady bush. They were beautiful together;their coats so bright with the rings around the mother's tail so distinct and beautiful.
We saw elephants,giraffes,and many types of gazelles,entelopes,and three females lions lying on the grass together. Later one decided to hunt a wildbeast. We followed it slowly head for a herd.
However, a zebra got wind of it and alerted the wildbreast and the whole herd took off. This was not to be a successful hunt. There is something wonderful about seeing these animals in their natural envirnment. And I was also very surprised to see that many of shrubs and plants were the same ones that grow on Kauai. On this game preserve everything was dry. But I learned some animals prefer dry grass to fresh grass. The two other game preserves we would visit wer totally different.
We travelled miles before we got to the river,but we were rewarded with many hippos. We had to work harder to find the crocodiles.
We had a picinic lunch under some shady trees before seeing more animals on our way out of the game preserve and back to our camp site.
In the evening we ate with many from other safari groups. It was fun meeting with them and sharing our experiences. I also got a chance to talk story with the Masaais who served the camp.
I asked Daniel and Moses how they got their Christian names. Both were influenced by missionaries. Moses was especially interested in locating Hawaii on a world map which they had tacked on to a 3'x4' bulletin board. I was told that of all the large tribes the Massaais stuck firmly to their life style and traditions. So I was surprised at Moses's answer when I asked him
what was his dream,desire or want for himself. He quickly answered,I want to become a teacher to teach the little children of his village. I asked why? Because if they don't have an education they will be stuck taking care of the herd. Those with education can get better jobs with the government and hotels and earn more money. I later learned from Daniel that the Masaai council made up of the elders at first only allowed children who were poor at watching the herd to go to school. Now that they have seen what has happened to those "educated"children they are raising money to build a new school.
Today we would be heading toward the Massai Mara River where we will see hippos and crocodiles. Every drive we would see droves of wildbreasts and zebras in the plains. Some asked to see the Big Five. What are the Big Five? Odhis, our driver and guide, said are the beasts early hunters feared because they were ferocious and charged after them. These are the lion,the African elephant,African buffalo,rhino, and leopard. Unlike the Indian elephant, the African elephant cannot be domesticated. Their ears are much largerand grow much larger than the Indian elephant. Also like the African elephant the African buffalo cannot be domesticated either like the Indian water buffalo. However, in the game preserves, they have become so used to seeing many vans with people gawking at them they do not attack but just sit or walk away. With the exception of the rhino and buffalo, they are very shy and will run away when approached. However, when we saw them at Nakuru National Park, they were as calm and placid as the other Big Five.
Diana's wish was to see a leopard. Today we did not see a leopard,but we did see a mother cheetah and her cub lying lazily under a shady bush. They were beautiful together;their coats so bright with the rings around the mother's tail so distinct and beautiful.
We saw elephants,giraffes,and many types of gazelles,entelopes,and three females lions lying on the grass together. Later one decided to hunt a wildbeast. We followed it slowly head for a herd.
However, a zebra got wind of it and alerted the wildbreast and the whole herd took off. This was not to be a successful hunt. There is something wonderful about seeing these animals in their natural envirnment. And I was also very surprised to see that many of shrubs and plants were the same ones that grow on Kauai. On this game preserve everything was dry. But I learned some animals prefer dry grass to fresh grass. The two other game preserves we would visit wer totally different.
We travelled miles before we got to the river,but we were rewarded with many hippos. We had to work harder to find the crocodiles.
We had a picinic lunch under some shady trees before seeing more animals on our way out of the game preserve and back to our camp site.
In the evening we ate with many from other safari groups. It was fun meeting with them and sharing our experiences. I also got a chance to talk story with the Masaais who served the camp.
I asked Daniel and Moses how they got their Christian names. Both were influenced by missionaries. Moses was especially interested in locating Hawaii on a world map which they had tacked on to a 3'x4' bulletin board. I was told that of all the large tribes the Massaais stuck firmly to their life style and traditions. So I was surprised at Moses's answer when I asked him
what was his dream,desire or want for himself. He quickly answered,I want to become a teacher to teach the little children of his village. I asked why? Because if they don't have an education they will be stuck taking care of the herd. Those with education can get better jobs with the government and hotels and earn more money. I later learned from Daniel that the Masaai council made up of the elders at first only allowed children who were poor at watching the herd to go to school. Now that they have seen what has happened to those "educated"children they are raising money to build a new school.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Seven Day Camping Safari to Three Preserves.
Seeing the wild animals in the wild is a unique experience. But having a really good guide/driver and enthusiastic "game drive" companions was just as important. And I had all of them.
Another benefit of going on a camping safari with African Home Adventure Ltd. which is the safari sponsored by Kenya Youth Hostel Association is they follow the youth hostel philosophy which is providing people experiences with nature at a low reasonable cost. I signed up with this safari because I like the youth hostel philosophy. But several in our group said that they had done extensive research (I learned that there are many many groups who offer safari trips)and said that this offered the best.
The game preserves are huge and many miles apart so some days we are traveling for 8-9 hours. The highways in many parts are terrible,(lots of repair work)but I was able to see a great deal of the countryside that I would never had had the chance to see.
Tuesday Oct. 30th we started at 7:30am. After picking up supplies,we were on the road all morning. In our van were was a young man of 28years from Rwanda named Peter. He later shared his life story which was fasinating.Kathy a 22 year girl from Strutgard(spl)she had spent 4 weeks volunteering in the northern part of Kenya helping to count elephants with other volunteers from Canada and England. We had a couple from Australia who came to Kenya to participate in a major run. Tim and Kate were from Melbourne. Tim is director of An Athletic Association. Kate participated in the run but did not do well. She acquired Malaria and stomach infection. Actually she was so sick she had to remain in the tent the first 3-4 days. Kevin (22years), my hosts oldest son,myself and Odhis,driver and guide, made up our team. Later both Kevin and Tim would be affected with stomach disorder. This old lady was the only one who didn't go down. I better keep my fingers crossed.
Our first exciting event was stopping at the view point of theGreat Rift Valley. I had never heard of the Rift Valley. The more I learned about it the more excited I got. Looking at this vast valley which stretches 9600 Km from Israel all the way to Mozambique running through Jordon the Red Sea(where I went snorkling)Egypt,Etiopia, Sudan and Somolia,Kenya,andTanzania. The valley looked so arid. Then I discovered we were driving in the bottom of this valley....we were traveling in the Great Rift valley to get to our camp and Game Preserve. We travelled for miles and miles in dusty arid land. We saw sheep and goats and herdmen and I wondered how anyone could live in this desolute land. The scenery does change as we continue to speed along. Some places stretches in miles and miles of dry grass land. About 4:00pm we arrive at out campsite. There were quite a few other vans there already.
The campsite is owned by Kenya Youth Hostel but leased and operated by the Masaai Community. The Massai tribe own the all the land around this area. Other safari companies who have no camp site also use this campsite. Besides other campers there was a large (28)group of Germans. At dinner I met others from Ireland and Sweden and Holland.
The first shock was seeing these tall Masaai men dressed in red with hanging ear lobes and beads coming to help us with our baggage and leading up to our tents. I was a bit frightened by them at first but soon holding conversations with them I began seeing them as people.
After 30minutes to get settled we jumped into our van for our first "game drive" The top of the van was lifted so we could stand up and look outside for a clearer view. No one is allowed to get out of the van once we are in the game preserve.
This day I saw on the way to the preserve two very shaggy hair baboons on the road. In the preserve thousands of "wild beasts" that is what they are called because they have the features of so many beasts...horns like the buffalo,face like a cricket,tail like a horse, and legs like the hyena. That is what the guide said.
Also a tall giraffe,two ostriches...a dark black male and a gray female. They are big birds.
Antelopes and Thompson gazelles,they are very small. At the Samburu game preserve which we went later we saw the Digdigs which were even smaller gazalles.
We came across three female lions laying in the grass. One began to go starking so we just watched. She slowly creeped toward a herd of "wildbreasts" However, the zebras alerted them and they all began to run away. The lioness slowly retreated back to where the other two lioness were. One of those unsuccessful hunts. The game preserve stretch miles and miles. Some parts remind me of Kokee. There are lentanas,haole koa,kiawe trees,and many familiar shrubs,they are a bit dried up. However, we don't the vast grasslands that seem to stretch for miles. "Home on the Range" kept planying in my ears. Leaving the preserve we were blessed with a beautiful sunset.
To be continued later.
Another benefit of going on a camping safari with African Home Adventure Ltd. which is the safari sponsored by Kenya Youth Hostel Association is they follow the youth hostel philosophy which is providing people experiences with nature at a low reasonable cost. I signed up with this safari because I like the youth hostel philosophy. But several in our group said that they had done extensive research (I learned that there are many many groups who offer safari trips)and said that this offered the best.
The game preserves are huge and many miles apart so some days we are traveling for 8-9 hours. The highways in many parts are terrible,(lots of repair work)but I was able to see a great deal of the countryside that I would never had had the chance to see.
Tuesday Oct. 30th we started at 7:30am. After picking up supplies,we were on the road all morning. In our van were was a young man of 28years from Rwanda named Peter. He later shared his life story which was fasinating.Kathy a 22 year girl from Strutgard(spl)she had spent 4 weeks volunteering in the northern part of Kenya helping to count elephants with other volunteers from Canada and England. We had a couple from Australia who came to Kenya to participate in a major run. Tim and Kate were from Melbourne. Tim is director of An Athletic Association. Kate participated in the run but did not do well. She acquired Malaria and stomach infection. Actually she was so sick she had to remain in the tent the first 3-4 days. Kevin (22years), my hosts oldest son,myself and Odhis,driver and guide, made up our team. Later both Kevin and Tim would be affected with stomach disorder. This old lady was the only one who didn't go down. I better keep my fingers crossed.
Our first exciting event was stopping at the view point of theGreat Rift Valley. I had never heard of the Rift Valley. The more I learned about it the more excited I got. Looking at this vast valley which stretches 9600 Km from Israel all the way to Mozambique running through Jordon the Red Sea(where I went snorkling)Egypt,Etiopia, Sudan and Somolia,Kenya,andTanzania. The valley looked so arid. Then I discovered we were driving in the bottom of this valley....we were traveling in the Great Rift valley to get to our camp and Game Preserve. We travelled for miles and miles in dusty arid land. We saw sheep and goats and herdmen and I wondered how anyone could live in this desolute land. The scenery does change as we continue to speed along. Some places stretches in miles and miles of dry grass land. About 4:00pm we arrive at out campsite. There were quite a few other vans there already.
The campsite is owned by Kenya Youth Hostel but leased and operated by the Masaai Community. The Massai tribe own the all the land around this area. Other safari companies who have no camp site also use this campsite. Besides other campers there was a large (28)group of Germans. At dinner I met others from Ireland and Sweden and Holland.
The first shock was seeing these tall Masaai men dressed in red with hanging ear lobes and beads coming to help us with our baggage and leading up to our tents. I was a bit frightened by them at first but soon holding conversations with them I began seeing them as people.
After 30minutes to get settled we jumped into our van for our first "game drive" The top of the van was lifted so we could stand up and look outside for a clearer view. No one is allowed to get out of the van once we are in the game preserve.
This day I saw on the way to the preserve two very shaggy hair baboons on the road. In the preserve thousands of "wild beasts" that is what they are called because they have the features of so many beasts...horns like the buffalo,face like a cricket,tail like a horse, and legs like the hyena. That is what the guide said.
Also a tall giraffe,two ostriches...a dark black male and a gray female. They are big birds.
Antelopes and Thompson gazelles,they are very small. At the Samburu game preserve which we went later we saw the Digdigs which were even smaller gazalles.
We came across three female lions laying in the grass. One began to go starking so we just watched. She slowly creeped toward a herd of "wildbreasts" However, the zebras alerted them and they all began to run away. The lioness slowly retreated back to where the other two lioness were. One of those unsuccessful hunts. The game preserve stretch miles and miles. Some parts remind me of Kokee. There are lentanas,haole koa,kiawe trees,and many familiar shrubs,they are a bit dried up. However, we don't the vast grasslands that seem to stretch for miles. "Home on the Range" kept planying in my ears. Leaving the preserve we were blessed with a beautiful sunset.
To be continued later.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Mombasa
I like Mombasa much better than Nairobi,Kenya. On Sunday Oct.21 I got on the Coast Hwy Bus at 8:30am. My seat partner was Rama,a 63 year old Indian woman who runs a school with her sisters in Mombasa. Her brother who is married to a chinese woman owns a restaurant in Nairobi. She spent 4 days with them because the father of her brother's wife was very sick.
Rama's father came to Mombasa in 1926 when the Kenya railroad was being built. He raised a family of 9 girls and 1 boy. Six unmarried sisters live in Mombasa in the family house which is a huge house built by a German. It is called 12 steps because it is 12 steps from the Indian Ocean. She turned the house into a school when she retired from working for the government.
I was very thankful God gave me this Indian woman for a seating partner. I enjoyed her company. Having been born and raised in Mombasa she shared a lot of information about Mombasa.
I was so happy to see Martin Odhiambo waiting for me when the bus arrived in Mombasa.
Martin is with Compassion International and assigned to help with the Visitation program.
He arranged for me to stay in a local hotel while I staying in Mombasa.
Monday proved to be a very interesting and wonderful day. Martin helped me get a soccer ball for Alex Muga, the 13 year old boy I had come to meet. Then we went to a supermarket to purchase a box fill of food for the family.
We than drove to Changamwe Child Development Center where I was able to meet the staff and Alex and his sister Florence who he lives with along with 7 others in a two bedroom government housing unit walking distance from the Changamwe Church and Center. I really like the members of the staff. There was a good feeling between and among us. After coffee/tea and a briefing about the Center and it's program I was given a tour of the grounds and school and later a visit in the home. We did a lot of praying at each place. When at the end Alex was asked if he had any questions for me he surprised me by asking about my grandson Zion. In our correspondence throughout the six years I must have written to him about my grandchildren.
Before I left I taught the 6 grade class "Hukilau"which I promised to do when I visited the classroom. We danced for everyone under the huge mango tree. The kids had fun with the staff and little children watching. I learned that Moses, the project director is also a Scout Master.
I really liked Moses, a slim,tall, humble man with a calm voice. I emailed Teri Sakai saying perhaps Waimea Boys Scouts might like to correspond with the boyscouts here.
I saved Tuesday to rest. I spent the morning at the Blue Room Cyber cafe and took Elizabeth,Paula's friend out for lunch. Elizabeth is a tall 5'9" attractive girl. We spoke on the phone but this was our first meeting. We were getting together to plan our trip to visit Paula,Jean and Boyd's friend, in the next district,Ukunda. I had Elizabeth choose a native dish for me. A big dish came with multicolored rice and skinned chicken covered in a delicious sauce.
It was good but I couldn't eat it all. We also had some nice fresh juices.
Since Paula mentioned bandgages we went to the wholesalers to purchase some to take with us.
Next day Elizabeth arrived with a nice white Toyota we rented for the 2and 1/2 hour trip to Paula's place. Mombasa is much greener than Nairobi. On the bus over there were many long stretches of arid land and so as we got closer it made me feel so much better to see green fields, and lots of coconut,mango,Kumanu and banana trees; all the same kinds of plants we find in Hawaii.
It was wonderful visiting with Paula and hearing about her story and meeting her 11 girls and 11 boys and visitng their quarters. I think that I will need another time to tell you more. I think the story behind is most interesting.
It is almost 12 noon and Elizabeth and I are having lunch together again. Elizabeth is another interesting story.
So until next time,
Alooooha. Joanne
Rama's father came to Mombasa in 1926 when the Kenya railroad was being built. He raised a family of 9 girls and 1 boy. Six unmarried sisters live in Mombasa in the family house which is a huge house built by a German. It is called 12 steps because it is 12 steps from the Indian Ocean. She turned the house into a school when she retired from working for the government.
I was very thankful God gave me this Indian woman for a seating partner. I enjoyed her company. Having been born and raised in Mombasa she shared a lot of information about Mombasa.
I was so happy to see Martin Odhiambo waiting for me when the bus arrived in Mombasa.
Martin is with Compassion International and assigned to help with the Visitation program.
He arranged for me to stay in a local hotel while I staying in Mombasa.
Monday proved to be a very interesting and wonderful day. Martin helped me get a soccer ball for Alex Muga, the 13 year old boy I had come to meet. Then we went to a supermarket to purchase a box fill of food for the family.
We than drove to Changamwe Child Development Center where I was able to meet the staff and Alex and his sister Florence who he lives with along with 7 others in a two bedroom government housing unit walking distance from the Changamwe Church and Center. I really like the members of the staff. There was a good feeling between and among us. After coffee/tea and a briefing about the Center and it's program I was given a tour of the grounds and school and later a visit in the home. We did a lot of praying at each place. When at the end Alex was asked if he had any questions for me he surprised me by asking about my grandson Zion. In our correspondence throughout the six years I must have written to him about my grandchildren.
Before I left I taught the 6 grade class "Hukilau"which I promised to do when I visited the classroom. We danced for everyone under the huge mango tree. The kids had fun with the staff and little children watching. I learned that Moses, the project director is also a Scout Master.
I really liked Moses, a slim,tall, humble man with a calm voice. I emailed Teri Sakai saying perhaps Waimea Boys Scouts might like to correspond with the boyscouts here.
I saved Tuesday to rest. I spent the morning at the Blue Room Cyber cafe and took Elizabeth,Paula's friend out for lunch. Elizabeth is a tall 5'9" attractive girl. We spoke on the phone but this was our first meeting. We were getting together to plan our trip to visit Paula,Jean and Boyd's friend, in the next district,Ukunda. I had Elizabeth choose a native dish for me. A big dish came with multicolored rice and skinned chicken covered in a delicious sauce.
It was good but I couldn't eat it all. We also had some nice fresh juices.
Since Paula mentioned bandgages we went to the wholesalers to purchase some to take with us.
Next day Elizabeth arrived with a nice white Toyota we rented for the 2and 1/2 hour trip to Paula's place. Mombasa is much greener than Nairobi. On the bus over there were many long stretches of arid land and so as we got closer it made me feel so much better to see green fields, and lots of coconut,mango,Kumanu and banana trees; all the same kinds of plants we find in Hawaii.
It was wonderful visiting with Paula and hearing about her story and meeting her 11 girls and 11 boys and visitng their quarters. I think that I will need another time to tell you more. I think the story behind is most interesting.
It is almost 12 noon and Elizabeth and I are having lunch together again. Elizabeth is another interesting story.
So until next time,
Alooooha. Joanne
Friday, October 19, 2007
Made it to Nairobi, Kenya
I did have a bit of a scare when I arrived because Mary, Lillian's sister was nowhere to be seen.
After waiting for a while, I decided I need to phone her,but wasn't sure how to use the pay phone here. Again God sent someone to recue me. A kind gentleman offered to use his cell phone.
She was at the airport,but in another place. Finally at a little after 5am we departed for the city where she lives. I forgot to mention that Mary's sister Lillian lives in Kekaha,Kauai. It was Pastor Olaf who told me about her. We got to know each other and then she offered to introduce me to her sister,Mary through email. Mary invited me to stay with her and her family in Nairobi. Her husband and her brother -in-law who drives a taxi came with Mary.
I was warmly welcomed. Mary has three boys,Kevin who celebrated his 23th birthday yesterday,John,19 years, and little David age 10 years.
It was still dark when we arrived at the home so I couldn't see much. Later I found a beautiful bouque of roses and a card welcoming me. It seems like I have been here a month,when infact I have been here only 5 days.
I was instructed to contact Compassion International immediately on arrival so my first day was spent at Compassion Int'l's office. I had to take a taxi to get there. It is located quite near the University of Nairobi,and the hospital. It is in a very nice section of the city.
I was very impressed with the office and Susan Ropio,my contact person. All the staff were Kenyans. A plan was discussed for my visit with Alex Muga who lives in Mombassa.
This Sunday Oct. 21, I am taking the Coast Hwy bus leaving at 8:30am which should arrive about 5pm in Mombassa. A Martin from the Compassion field office there will meet me and help arrange accommodations for my stay there as well as supervise the day with Alex and his family.
I have also spoken to Paula who I met through Jeanne Thompson from our church in Waimea.
After my meeting with Alex Muga I will be visiting Paula in Ukunda.
Paula connected me to her good friend Elizabeth who lives in Mombassa. We are hiring a car as they say here and driving to the bush country where Paula has her medical clinic and cares for 20+ children. Paula says no one has visited her except her oldest son.
Since Paula asked about bandages,I thought I would get her some,but I soon learned she really meant bandgages from America because bandgage here are not of the same quality. Just as pens here do not last long like American or foreign made pens.
Anyway I am looking forward to meeting Paula and her clinic so I can report back to Jean and Boyd when I return.
I visited the Kenyan Youth Hostel yesterday. It is very nice. I was considering staying there for a little while but they don't advise my using the public transportation. They recommend taxi.
Taxis are ten times more expensive.
Lillian will not be arriving in Nairobi until middle of November so I have decided to do a 7 days Safari sponsored by Kenya Youth Hostle. I will do this after I return from Mombassa.
Mary's oldest son Kevin has been taking me around because it is too difficult to travel alone.
I am planning to take him with me on the Safari.
Must close in a few minutes. The traffic is horrible here in the city of Naroibi.
Today John Mary's second son is escorting around town.
Until next time, Aloha
Joanne
After waiting for a while, I decided I need to phone her,but wasn't sure how to use the pay phone here. Again God sent someone to recue me. A kind gentleman offered to use his cell phone.
She was at the airport,but in another place. Finally at a little after 5am we departed for the city where she lives. I forgot to mention that Mary's sister Lillian lives in Kekaha,Kauai. It was Pastor Olaf who told me about her. We got to know each other and then she offered to introduce me to her sister,Mary through email. Mary invited me to stay with her and her family in Nairobi. Her husband and her brother -in-law who drives a taxi came with Mary.
I was warmly welcomed. Mary has three boys,Kevin who celebrated his 23th birthday yesterday,John,19 years, and little David age 10 years.
It was still dark when we arrived at the home so I couldn't see much. Later I found a beautiful bouque of roses and a card welcoming me. It seems like I have been here a month,when infact I have been here only 5 days.
I was instructed to contact Compassion International immediately on arrival so my first day was spent at Compassion Int'l's office. I had to take a taxi to get there. It is located quite near the University of Nairobi,and the hospital. It is in a very nice section of the city.
I was very impressed with the office and Susan Ropio,my contact person. All the staff were Kenyans. A plan was discussed for my visit with Alex Muga who lives in Mombassa.
This Sunday Oct. 21, I am taking the Coast Hwy bus leaving at 8:30am which should arrive about 5pm in Mombassa. A Martin from the Compassion field office there will meet me and help arrange accommodations for my stay there as well as supervise the day with Alex and his family.
I have also spoken to Paula who I met through Jeanne Thompson from our church in Waimea.
After my meeting with Alex Muga I will be visiting Paula in Ukunda.
Paula connected me to her good friend Elizabeth who lives in Mombassa. We are hiring a car as they say here and driving to the bush country where Paula has her medical clinic and cares for 20+ children. Paula says no one has visited her except her oldest son.
Since Paula asked about bandages,I thought I would get her some,but I soon learned she really meant bandgages from America because bandgage here are not of the same quality. Just as pens here do not last long like American or foreign made pens.
Anyway I am looking forward to meeting Paula and her clinic so I can report back to Jean and Boyd when I return.
I visited the Kenyan Youth Hostel yesterday. It is very nice. I was considering staying there for a little while but they don't advise my using the public transportation. They recommend taxi.
Taxis are ten times more expensive.
Lillian will not be arriving in Nairobi until middle of November so I have decided to do a 7 days Safari sponsored by Kenya Youth Hostle. I will do this after I return from Mombassa.
Mary's oldest son Kevin has been taking me around because it is too difficult to travel alone.
I am planning to take him with me on the Safari.
Must close in a few minutes. The traffic is horrible here in the city of Naroibi.
Today John Mary's second son is escorting around town.
Until next time, Aloha
Joanne
Sunday, October 14, 2007
High Lights of Egypt
Yesterday we were taken to Garbage City. Yes, Garbage City where 30-40 thousand Egyptians live. There is a church there which we were told was very different,but we were blown away by what we saw and the story behind it. A modern day miracle.
Olaf, the girl guide, told us this story. I may not have it exactly right,but here goes.
This is a story between a Muslim leader and a Christian. Christian leader wanted to build a church in Garbage City. The Muslim leader said that he didn't believe the Christian religion was real,and that he would give the Christian leader 3 days to prove that his Christian faith was real.
The Christian did nothing for 3 days but pray. On the 3 third day there was a huge earthquake which caused the mountain which is made from limestome to collaspe. This made the Muslim leader believe that the Christian faith was real. There is a huge limestone overhang(ceiling)creating a huge hole or cave. The church looks like a collosium with seats for 5,000 I think I was told. It is very impressive and everyone is welcomed,Muslims,Christians,etc and it is right in Garbage City. The first miracle is this church and how it came about and the second is that a picture of the Virgin Mary appeared in the ceiling of the cave and is there today. About 10 years ago a Polish artist has been creating murals on the walls of the church.
The church is impressive.
Intrepid Travel supports the people of Garbage City by supporting a company which recycles the plastics collected and creating new things for them to sell.
I can't remember if I told you about sailing down the Nile on a felucca. A felucca I was told was the type of boat used from way way back. It has to sails and has tol zig zak to catch the wind. We ate and slept on it for two nights. A wonderful way to relax.
Sitting and swimming in the Red Sea was real special. Watching the sunrise and sunsets,and realizing that the lights across you are from Jordon and Saudi Arabia.
What was more special was snorkling in the Red Sea. The reefs are pristine. I never saw coral reefs like this as well as many colorful fishes.
Yes, it has been a most delightful and amazing tour of Egypt and more wonderful to have wonderful companions and tour guide. Esam's wish is to have peace in the world. He wears his T-shirt which expresses his belief. Act locally, and Think Globally. He was thrilled to learn that Al Gore received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Must go now. Aloha. Joanne
Olaf, the girl guide, told us this story. I may not have it exactly right,but here goes.
This is a story between a Muslim leader and a Christian. Christian leader wanted to build a church in Garbage City. The Muslim leader said that he didn't believe the Christian religion was real,and that he would give the Christian leader 3 days to prove that his Christian faith was real.
The Christian did nothing for 3 days but pray. On the 3 third day there was a huge earthquake which caused the mountain which is made from limestome to collaspe. This made the Muslim leader believe that the Christian faith was real. There is a huge limestone overhang(ceiling)creating a huge hole or cave. The church looks like a collosium with seats for 5,000 I think I was told. It is very impressive and everyone is welcomed,Muslims,Christians,etc and it is right in Garbage City. The first miracle is this church and how it came about and the second is that a picture of the Virgin Mary appeared in the ceiling of the cave and is there today. About 10 years ago a Polish artist has been creating murals on the walls of the church.
The church is impressive.
Intrepid Travel supports the people of Garbage City by supporting a company which recycles the plastics collected and creating new things for them to sell.
I can't remember if I told you about sailing down the Nile on a felucca. A felucca I was told was the type of boat used from way way back. It has to sails and has tol zig zak to catch the wind. We ate and slept on it for two nights. A wonderful way to relax.
Sitting and swimming in the Red Sea was real special. Watching the sunrise and sunsets,and realizing that the lights across you are from Jordon and Saudi Arabia.
What was more special was snorkling in the Red Sea. The reefs are pristine. I never saw coral reefs like this as well as many colorful fishes.
Yes, it has been a most delightful and amazing tour of Egypt and more wonderful to have wonderful companions and tour guide. Esam's wish is to have peace in the world. He wears his T-shirt which expresses his belief. Act locally, and Think Globally. He was thrilled to learn that Al Gore received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Must go now. Aloha. Joanne
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Leaving Egypt for Nairobi,Kenya today
This has been a fantastic tour. I really like Intrepid. I sent in my evaluation via internet and already I got a reply from Darrel Wade,Intrepid's CEO. Esam's T-shirt say: Act Locally,Think Globally. There tours reflect their belief. They use only hotels owned locally,include in their tours many opportunities to meet local people which encourages interaction in a sensitive,respectfull way,the groups are small so you get to know the members of the tour quite well. We get to enjoy meals in the home of local people. Intrepid supports the Recycle program here which is managed by the Coptic Christians. I didn't know who the Coptic Christians were.
Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting and talking to a Coptic Christian whoes family became Christians when Apostle Mark came to Alexandria, Egypt. Today his wife will come for me at the Victoria Hotel at 9:15am and we will walk to the church they attend. It is her husband Dr. Albert Isteerio who traces his family line to Alexandria and Apostle Mark. Jean,his wife, is from New England. She says that her church helps refuges. That is their main project.
I need to close now but will continue later. There is so much to tell.
I will have my breakfast and then wait for Jean. It should be another interesting day.
My knees are better and I am looking forward to just taking it easy in Nairobi.
Pastor Olaf, Mary,the sister of Lillian who you told me about and I met in Kekaha, is meeting me at the airport in Nairobi. I will also be staying with her. Lillian will also be in Nairobi at the end of October.
Aloha& Malama Pono, Joanne
Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting and talking to a Coptic Christian whoes family became Christians when Apostle Mark came to Alexandria, Egypt. Today his wife will come for me at the Victoria Hotel at 9:15am and we will walk to the church they attend. It is her husband Dr. Albert Isteerio who traces his family line to Alexandria and Apostle Mark. Jean,his wife, is from New England. She says that her church helps refuges. That is their main project.
I need to close now but will continue later. There is so much to tell.
I will have my breakfast and then wait for Jean. It should be another interesting day.
My knees are better and I am looking forward to just taking it easy in Nairobi.
Pastor Olaf, Mary,the sister of Lillian who you told me about and I met in Kekaha, is meeting me at the airport in Nairobi. I will also be staying with her. Lillian will also be in Nairobi at the end of October.
Aloha& Malama Pono, Joanne
Sunday, October 7, 2007
The Wonders and Mystery of Egypt
On the 4th day of our tour we left the hotel at 3:30am in the morning. To get to Abu Simbel and Plilae Temples we had to join a convey. That was an experience. Police everywhere and huge buses and vans like ours all lined up for it seems miles. I was told we are near the Sudan border and this is why we need clearance and police escorts. We didn't get to Abu Simbel until near 7am. It was a good thing we got there early before the crowds and heat.
The going was fascinating. Sand,sand, sand, piles of sand,mountains of sand,miles and miles of sand in every direction. I believe we did past one green spot. It must have been an oasis. Now I know what a desert is. I live in Kekaha, Kauai which we call desert, but this is very different.
When I got there I stood in Awe. To think that these huge statues and temples were built when there were no modern equippment is unbelieveable. We also got see the Nasser lake and the hight dam.
We also experienced some drama at the time of departure. One person was missing and we needed to join the convoy. The mom would not leave without her son(I thought he was a teenager but later learned he was 22 years old.) The bus driver was in a dilnma. If we missed the first convoy we had to wait for the next convoy. The daughter said that she was very sorry and we could leave the mom to look for her son,that she had money and could find a way back later. Ofcourse many on the bus were becoming impatient. A group of Japanese tourist said that they had a train to catch at 5pm. The ride back takes 4 hours. However, the bus driver was concerned for the woman and her son. After one hour the son was found and we were finally able to leave. I must admit that I was one who felt it was unfair to hold up the whole group when we were clearly told in the beginning to be at the bus at certain time. But later I was glad that the bus driver did what he did. The family,mom,daughter, and son were from Australia, but migrated there from Taiwan. We later got an opportunity to know them better.
I will stop here to get to breakfast and we leave at 8am today.
Until next time..........Aloha.
The going was fascinating. Sand,sand, sand, piles of sand,mountains of sand,miles and miles of sand in every direction. I believe we did past one green spot. It must have been an oasis. Now I know what a desert is. I live in Kekaha, Kauai which we call desert, but this is very different.
When I got there I stood in Awe. To think that these huge statues and temples were built when there were no modern equippment is unbelieveable. We also got see the Nasser lake and the hight dam.
We also experienced some drama at the time of departure. One person was missing and we needed to join the convoy. The mom would not leave without her son(I thought he was a teenager but later learned he was 22 years old.) The bus driver was in a dilnma. If we missed the first convoy we had to wait for the next convoy. The daughter said that she was very sorry and we could leave the mom to look for her son,that she had money and could find a way back later. Ofcourse many on the bus were becoming impatient. A group of Japanese tourist said that they had a train to catch at 5pm. The ride back takes 4 hours. However, the bus driver was concerned for the woman and her son. After one hour the son was found and we were finally able to leave. I must admit that I was one who felt it was unfair to hold up the whole group when we were clearly told in the beginning to be at the bus at certain time. But later I was glad that the bus driver did what he did. The family,mom,daughter, and son were from Australia, but migrated there from Taiwan. We later got an opportunity to know them better.
I will stop here to get to breakfast and we leave at 8am today.
Until next time..........Aloha.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Mystery and Glory of Egypt
On the second day,Monday Oct. 1 we took off on a van to see 3 pyramids and the Sphinx. Our guide for the day was Olaf. Yes Pastor Olaf,her name was Olaf. A young graduate of the university in Cairo who has been working in the travel industry for 4 years. She had lots to say,but I am afraid it was difficult for me to get everything...the names of the kings,etc.
I did take some photos with the pyramids. One with me holding two pyramids in each hand.
They are amazing. Craig of Australia is a builder. Olaf pointed to the cornors of the temple where the kings were embalmed. The stone cornors overlap which makes them much stronger than matching cornors as most of our houses today are built.
We later visited the museum which held many many huge statues of the Kings. She explained all the symbolism of their head dress,beards,way their arms are held,etc. There is so much to see. The other three stayed at the museum,but I was so tired and my knees were still bothering me so after Olaf's presentations I decided to go back to the hotel with her where she parked her car.
I the museum is not too far from the hotel we are staying in so the others were going to walk back. At 1:30pm the traffic was so bad it took Olaf and I one hour to get a taxi. I wasn't able to get back until almost 3pm. I was able to get a good rest before getting ready to leave at 7pm for the train station. We were taking an overnight train to Aswan which would get us there about 9-10am the next morning
Although we had sleepers, the train was so noisy and bumpy it was difficult to sleep. But we all survived. We are now in Aswan. In the afternoon of Tuesday Oct. 2 we took a boat to Elephantine Island where we rode camels to view the St. Simeon's Monastery. My camel's name was Moon, a 4 year old camel. I talked to him a lot telling him he is a good boy and doing good.
I guess he liked that. We were last but caught up with the two lead camels.
After the camel ride(about 45 minutes) we took a boat again to visit a Nubian village and had supper at a Nubian family home; a friend of Esam, our guide. We will also be staying on a felucca for 2 nights which is owned by J.J. Santiago. Dinner was very nice,suppositely a typical Nubian meal;fish,rice,stew,lentel soup,salad,fried chicken,and lots of rice,and delicious fresh fruit juices.
We left early this morning at 3:30am for Abu Simbei,3 hours each way,to see the fabulous relocated King Ramsey ll statues,ect. The tomb of the Valley of the Kings. It is impressive!!!
I am so bushed that I think I better go to bed. Goodnight. I shall dream about these ancient Kings and their highly painted and carved tombs.
Until next time...................Aloha.
I did take some photos with the pyramids. One with me holding two pyramids in each hand.
They are amazing. Craig of Australia is a builder. Olaf pointed to the cornors of the temple where the kings were embalmed. The stone cornors overlap which makes them much stronger than matching cornors as most of our houses today are built.
We later visited the museum which held many many huge statues of the Kings. She explained all the symbolism of their head dress,beards,way their arms are held,etc. There is so much to see. The other three stayed at the museum,but I was so tired and my knees were still bothering me so after Olaf's presentations I decided to go back to the hotel with her where she parked her car.
I the museum is not too far from the hotel we are staying in so the others were going to walk back. At 1:30pm the traffic was so bad it took Olaf and I one hour to get a taxi. I wasn't able to get back until almost 3pm. I was able to get a good rest before getting ready to leave at 7pm for the train station. We were taking an overnight train to Aswan which would get us there about 9-10am the next morning
Although we had sleepers, the train was so noisy and bumpy it was difficult to sleep. But we all survived. We are now in Aswan. In the afternoon of Tuesday Oct. 2 we took a boat to Elephantine Island where we rode camels to view the St. Simeon's Monastery. My camel's name was Moon, a 4 year old camel. I talked to him a lot telling him he is a good boy and doing good.
I guess he liked that. We were last but caught up with the two lead camels.
After the camel ride(about 45 minutes) we took a boat again to visit a Nubian village and had supper at a Nubian family home; a friend of Esam, our guide. We will also be staying on a felucca for 2 nights which is owned by J.J. Santiago. Dinner was very nice,suppositely a typical Nubian meal;fish,rice,stew,lentel soup,salad,fried chicken,and lots of rice,and delicious fresh fruit juices.
We left early this morning at 3:30am for Abu Simbei,3 hours each way,to see the fabulous relocated King Ramsey ll statues,ect. The tomb of the Valley of the Kings. It is impressive!!!
I am so bushed that I think I better go to bed. Goodnight. I shall dream about these ancient Kings and their highly painted and carved tombs.
Until next time...................Aloha.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
In Egypt
Hi,
Made it to Egypt. Arrived here Egyptian time 5pm...Athens time 6pm. As advised by my contact in Egypt Jean Isteerio,wife of Egyptian Editor of the Upper Room I asked for a limo(but is was more like a taxi)to the Victoria Hotel where we were to meet for the Intepid Tour.
Met Esom,our handsome Egyptian guide,two guys from Australia,and one girl,Josie, from UK.
Yes, only four of us. According to Josie who has been on many Intrepid Tours this is the smallest group she has had. She feels this is probably due to it being Ramadan,the most important time for Muslins,and many shops would be closed.
I like the philosopher of Intrepid. They strongly believe in responsible tourism which means respect for the people and culture and place.
We meet for breakfast now and we will be off at 8:00am to see the pyramids and tombs.
Shari emailed saying they just saw a special on T.V. on Egypt.
Aloha and Malama Pono and A hui hoa,
Joanne
Made it to Egypt. Arrived here Egyptian time 5pm...Athens time 6pm. As advised by my contact in Egypt Jean Isteerio,wife of Egyptian Editor of the Upper Room I asked for a limo(but is was more like a taxi)to the Victoria Hotel where we were to meet for the Intepid Tour.
Met Esom,our handsome Egyptian guide,two guys from Australia,and one girl,Josie, from UK.
Yes, only four of us. According to Josie who has been on many Intrepid Tours this is the smallest group she has had. She feels this is probably due to it being Ramadan,the most important time for Muslins,and many shops would be closed.
I like the philosopher of Intrepid. They strongly believe in responsible tourism which means respect for the people and culture and place.
We meet for breakfast now and we will be off at 8:00am to see the pyramids and tombs.
Shari emailed saying they just saw a special on T.V. on Egypt.
Aloha and Malama Pono and A hui hoa,
Joanne
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Now In Athens, Greece
I met two very nice people on the ferry to Samos. Jon of Australia and Burcu pronounced like bonjour of Turkey. It was kind of funny how we met. I thought Burcu might be from U.S. So I asked her. She was sitting across me. I thought she was an especially attractive young girl. She said that she was Turkish,but worked in L.A. for 14 months and would love to go back. Jon sat next to me with a book in his face and had a strange looking musical instrument on the floor. He said I am sorry and moved his instrument at which time I introduced myself and Burcu to him.
Jon was going to Mykonos and Burcu had plans to go to Santarini. I asked if I could join her. I had no definite plans except I knew I wanted to spent sometime in the Greek islands before going on to Athens. I was told Athens was more expensive.
Anyway we hit it off so well we spent time together on Samos,Mykonos,Delos and Naxos islands. And I think I started a romance between Jon and Burcu. Anyway time wll tell.
Burcu changed her mind so we did not go to Santarini. Burcu left us after Mykonos to return to Turkey. Jon has many interests and talents. He loves Ancient ruins so I joined him on a half day ferry trip to Delos,a very important rich city in ancient B.C.
Jon comes from the hill country of Australia so loves hiking. So when we got to Naxos island which is situated almost equal distance from Turkey and mainland Greece, we hiked 5-6 miles into the central part of the island. We met James of Kent, England in Chiaki, a young man probably a little younger than Jon (33 years old)who joinned us. I told them to go at their pace and I will follow behing at my pace. They were nice enough to check on me now and then and wait for me if I fell back too far. We visited old,old churches following narrow paths. One had pictures and story of John the Baptist. The truncks of the olive trees around the churches were so huge I am sure if they could talk they would be able to tell us a lot.
I really liked Naxos. It was a good place to rest and relax. Jon stayed for three nights before he left for Athens where he was meeting some old friends. Jon has been working in Scotland for 3 years as a Maritime curator. But before he left we rented a car together and went completely around the island. We had a funny experience when we stopped at a beach to eat our home packed lunch. We had two groups of people waving to us to come. We tossed a coin to see which we would sit and have coffee. Apparently we choose the restaurant of a couple who had been there for 30 years. They felt very threatened by their neighbor(restaurant)who had been there for 6 years.
The sea was too rough here so we looked for another nice beach where we could swim and rest.
The waters here are very clear and blue. It was much cooler her than when we took that gulet around the cloves of Fethiye. There the waters were unbelieveably warm.
Anyway after Jon left I stayed on until the 24th of Sept. Totally 11 days on Naxos. While Jon was here he introduced me to the concerts offered by the Museum which was fairly inexpensive.
I especially enjoyed the Local Folk singers and dancers group so I went back to see them three times. The director said you are more than a visitor. You are part of us. I especially like the two male dancers. They were terrific!!! And so handsome;not only in looks but they zest and pose.
Last night the moon was big and full. I, all of sudden forgot her name,but a nice young girl,a dorm mate and I walked about three miles to find the Dora Stratou Dance Company. Apparently they aren't performing anymore. Anyway we decided to have late dinner at a Lonely Planet suggested eating place right near Student Inn, called Byzantino. It was very nice.
Later we heard Greek Folk music and followed the sound. It came from another restaurant so we just enjoyed it sitting in a near by courtyard.
Jon was going to Mykonos and Burcu had plans to go to Santarini. I asked if I could join her. I had no definite plans except I knew I wanted to spent sometime in the Greek islands before going on to Athens. I was told Athens was more expensive.
Anyway we hit it off so well we spent time together on Samos,Mykonos,Delos and Naxos islands. And I think I started a romance between Jon and Burcu. Anyway time wll tell.
Burcu changed her mind so we did not go to Santarini. Burcu left us after Mykonos to return to Turkey. Jon has many interests and talents. He loves Ancient ruins so I joined him on a half day ferry trip to Delos,a very important rich city in ancient B.C.
Jon comes from the hill country of Australia so loves hiking. So when we got to Naxos island which is situated almost equal distance from Turkey and mainland Greece, we hiked 5-6 miles into the central part of the island. We met James of Kent, England in Chiaki, a young man probably a little younger than Jon (33 years old)who joinned us. I told them to go at their pace and I will follow behing at my pace. They were nice enough to check on me now and then and wait for me if I fell back too far. We visited old,old churches following narrow paths. One had pictures and story of John the Baptist. The truncks of the olive trees around the churches were so huge I am sure if they could talk they would be able to tell us a lot.
I really liked Naxos. It was a good place to rest and relax. Jon stayed for three nights before he left for Athens where he was meeting some old friends. Jon has been working in Scotland for 3 years as a Maritime curator. But before he left we rented a car together and went completely around the island. We had a funny experience when we stopped at a beach to eat our home packed lunch. We had two groups of people waving to us to come. We tossed a coin to see which we would sit and have coffee. Apparently we choose the restaurant of a couple who had been there for 30 years. They felt very threatened by their neighbor(restaurant)who had been there for 6 years.
The sea was too rough here so we looked for another nice beach where we could swim and rest.
The waters here are very clear and blue. It was much cooler her than when we took that gulet around the cloves of Fethiye. There the waters were unbelieveably warm.
Anyway after Jon left I stayed on until the 24th of Sept. Totally 11 days on Naxos. While Jon was here he introduced me to the concerts offered by the Museum which was fairly inexpensive.
I especially enjoyed the Local Folk singers and dancers group so I went back to see them three times. The director said you are more than a visitor. You are part of us. I especially like the two male dancers. They were terrific!!! And so handsome;not only in looks but they zest and pose.
Last night the moon was big and full. I, all of sudden forgot her name,but a nice young girl,a dorm mate and I walked about three miles to find the Dora Stratou Dance Company. Apparently they aren't performing anymore. Anyway we decided to have late dinner at a Lonely Planet suggested eating place right near Student Inn, called Byzantino. It was very nice.
Later we heard Greek Folk music and followed the sound. It came from another restaurant so we just enjoyed it sitting in a near by courtyard.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Reflections and Comments
It has been good to just sit and reflect on the past three months.
My decision to make this round the world trip was not decided until last October so had really little time to plan and study. Nevertheless it has been an incredible journey.
Looking back;
Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Greece were countries I knew very little about so everything seen and experienced has been very unexpected. I learned a lot about Rakhat by my visit with his family,friends, and associates. I have a greater understanding and respect as to the kind of culture adjustments he had to make. The language...totally strange;spelling,sounds,pronouciations,etc. Here in Greece...I nowunderstand more deeply what is meant by "It's Greek to me!!!" Yesterday on the street a very nicely dressed lady elderly lady started talking to me. I shrugged my shoulder and said,"I speak only English"She kept speaking to me,but our only way of communicating was laughing. She may not have been speaking Greek. She spoke to passer bys and they did not respond to her. I saw her looking at postcards so she must have been a tourist also.
Turkey is indeed a country that has a lot to offer a traveler. There transportation is very good;especially the bus system. It is cheap comparately. The highways are very good for long distance travel and the country is beautiful;terrain extreme varied, and many many interesting places to visit. Because we traveled on the Fez Bus we met many many young people between the ages of 20-40. Australians are great travelers and know how to do it cheap...backpacking,and there are many low cost places.
As Pastor Olaf said...you can eat very cheaply in Greece. The gyros pronounced "Euro" like the money is one of those. And no matter where you get it it is the same price. I did find a place that makes it better than another, though and told them so. It is delicious and filling.
I have met so many interesting people that I will have to devote one blogspot to it.
Using the internet in Greece is more expensive than Turkey as is everything else since it is in the European community. I am so glad I had Rakhat with me in Turkey. Greece is a safer place to travel as a single female than Turkey. But having had a Turkish speaking companion was a tremendous asset. My two hours is up so I shall try to continue next time.
Aloha, Joanne
My decision to make this round the world trip was not decided until last October so had really little time to plan and study. Nevertheless it has been an incredible journey.
Looking back;
Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Greece were countries I knew very little about so everything seen and experienced has been very unexpected. I learned a lot about Rakhat by my visit with his family,friends, and associates. I have a greater understanding and respect as to the kind of culture adjustments he had to make. The language...totally strange;spelling,sounds,pronouciations,etc. Here in Greece...I nowunderstand more deeply what is meant by "It's Greek to me!!!" Yesterday on the street a very nicely dressed lady elderly lady started talking to me. I shrugged my shoulder and said,"I speak only English"She kept speaking to me,but our only way of communicating was laughing. She may not have been speaking Greek. She spoke to passer bys and they did not respond to her. I saw her looking at postcards so she must have been a tourist also.
Turkey is indeed a country that has a lot to offer a traveler. There transportation is very good;especially the bus system. It is cheap comparately. The highways are very good for long distance travel and the country is beautiful;terrain extreme varied, and many many interesting places to visit. Because we traveled on the Fez Bus we met many many young people between the ages of 20-40. Australians are great travelers and know how to do it cheap...backpacking,and there are many low cost places.
As Pastor Olaf said...you can eat very cheaply in Greece. The gyros pronounced "Euro" like the money is one of those. And no matter where you get it it is the same price. I did find a place that makes it better than another, though and told them so. It is delicious and filling.
I have met so many interesting people that I will have to devote one blogspot to it.
Using the internet in Greece is more expensive than Turkey as is everything else since it is in the European community. I am so glad I had Rakhat with me in Turkey. Greece is a safer place to travel as a single female than Turkey. But having had a Turkish speaking companion was a tremendous asset. My two hours is up so I shall try to continue next time.
Aloha, Joanne
Saturday, September 15, 2007
I am back finally
It has been a trying time for me since Rakhat left last Friday in more than one way. I took an over night regular Turkish bus the same night to Kusadasi with plans to catch the ferry to Samos after a night's rest. To my dismay I discovered on Saturday that I did not have my credit card.
I thought back as to when I last used it. It must have been at the ATM machine in Istanbul. So relieved after finally being able to figure out the best plan,cost and time wise I relaxed my guard.
I called Greg in Layton, Utah to talk to Shari whoes family was vacationing there. It must have been early early morning there. I had very little cash because, only to carry me for two days. I did not want to be holding anyTurkish litr since I could not use it in Greece.
On the over night bus I met two really nice Australian boys both 19 years old. They were traveling for a year before entering college. In Australia they encourage this. The schools will hold their space until the following year. They were going to Samos also on Monday so I asked them if I could join them.
Because it was the weekend Shari said that I would have to wait till Monday before she could wire some funds to me which meant I could not go with them.
I prayed earnestly. Apparently God had better plans for me.
I stayed another night in Kusadasi,Turkey. Finally got myself on the ferry on Tuesday morning.
But since I was so depressed, I guess, I fell down twice. Once Sunday afternoon off the side walk into the street. Luckyly the people at the restaurent I went to which was recommended by Lonely Planet were kind enough to give me some ice in a bag so I could put it on my knee. And before I left I met two lovely Turkish girls eating at the restaurant. They were older college students camping near by. We had a wonderful conversation.
Next day on Samos I tripped and fell again. Also the sun screen offered me got into my eyes and really bothered me for a couple days. But all that is in the past and I am fine now.
I need to get back to my pad. I will continue this saga tomorrow. Now that I am on Naxos,a very peaceful small island,where I plan to rest for the next 10 days before getting myself to Athens I will have more time to sit,reflect, and write.
Alooooha,and God Bless,
Joanne
I thought back as to when I last used it. It must have been at the ATM machine in Istanbul. So relieved after finally being able to figure out the best plan,cost and time wise I relaxed my guard.
I called Greg in Layton, Utah to talk to Shari whoes family was vacationing there. It must have been early early morning there. I had very little cash because, only to carry me for two days. I did not want to be holding anyTurkish litr since I could not use it in Greece.
On the over night bus I met two really nice Australian boys both 19 years old. They were traveling for a year before entering college. In Australia they encourage this. The schools will hold their space until the following year. They were going to Samos also on Monday so I asked them if I could join them.
Because it was the weekend Shari said that I would have to wait till Monday before she could wire some funds to me which meant I could not go with them.
I prayed earnestly. Apparently God had better plans for me.
I stayed another night in Kusadasi,Turkey. Finally got myself on the ferry on Tuesday morning.
But since I was so depressed, I guess, I fell down twice. Once Sunday afternoon off the side walk into the street. Luckyly the people at the restaurent I went to which was recommended by Lonely Planet were kind enough to give me some ice in a bag so I could put it on my knee. And before I left I met two lovely Turkish girls eating at the restaurant. They were older college students camping near by. We had a wonderful conversation.
Next day on Samos I tripped and fell again. Also the sun screen offered me got into my eyes and really bothered me for a couple days. But all that is in the past and I am fine now.
I need to get back to my pad. I will continue this saga tomorrow. Now that I am on Naxos,a very peaceful small island,where I plan to rest for the next 10 days before getting myself to Athens I will have more time to sit,reflect, and write.
Alooooha,and God Bless,
Joanne
Monday, September 10, 2007
Rakhat and I said our farewell and I am on my own
Rakhat wished the travel would never end. He was having such a wonderful time. Yet, he had to confess that he really missed particular people back home. You would not guessed that seeing him enjoying all the pretty girls from London and elsewhere. He is definitely a normal 19 year old boy with healthy interest in the opposite sex. He is hopefully back in school today.
I emailed him but have not heard from him yet.
Gosh, What can I say. The 18 days in Turkey was packed with amazing sights. I had never been interested in Turkey so had not read too much about it. So many of the things we saw and did was a complete surprise to me. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul was one of them. We took in all the sites recommended by Loney Planet travel guide book and Rakhat high school teacher friends...
Aya Sofya..Church of Holy Wisdon..Blue Mosque..Topkapi Palace...The Grand Bazaar...I did not like it...too commerical. We really enjoyed taking the ferry on the Bosporus Sea to get to Beyoglu, the modern Istanbul. But eating at Burger King was one of Rakhat joys. It reminded him of Kauai and there is no Burger King or McDonald in Kyrgyzstan.
Seeing Turkey on the Fez Bus Hop On and Hop Off program was a good thing. It caters to the 20 to 30 age group so Rakhat got to meet many people his age. Not only do they take us to some off beat places but the bus holds only 8 to 10 people so you really get a chance to get to know each other. We drop people off and we see them again in a few days. It is like seeing old friends.
Morocco,Kyrgyzstan,Turkey are all Muslin countries so everyday several times a day I hear the call to prayer sung out loud from the Mosque to all parts. As Rakhat says not everyone is a good Muslim just as not all Christians practice their religion. Not all woman wear cover up clothing , but you definitely notice the difference in the various towns we visited.
We definitely covered a great deal of miles. From Istanbul the bus took us around the Marmara Sea to get to Gallipoli,Canakkale, and Troy. I did not take the Gallipoli tour. I let Rakhat go.Men from his country participated and dead in that war on the side of Turkey. Learning about that war I can understand why Turkish people are very patriotic and lift up Mustafa Kemal,later known as Ataturk, father of modern Turkey. The flag of Turkey is flown everywhere and Ataturk statue stands in every town.
The tour guides at both Gallipole and Troy had personal attachments to each place..someone in their families were connected some way. I learned a lot of history from before B.C. and after.
We traveled to Ephesus and visited the site of that once florishing city that Apostle Paul refers to. The baths were the place to hold your business meetings so they were interestingly designed.
The guide said that Cleopatra was not a beautiful lady in physcal appearance,but it is true she was quite a lady who held great power. I did not even realize that she had been in Ephesus and many other places outside of Egypt.
A place I knew nothing about was PAMUKKALE. That place was fascinating. From afar it looked like the mountain side was covered with snow....it really looks like snow.
I will quite now. People are waiting to use the computer.
Aloha until next time. Joanne
I emailed him but have not heard from him yet.
Gosh, What can I say. The 18 days in Turkey was packed with amazing sights. I had never been interested in Turkey so had not read too much about it. So many of the things we saw and did was a complete surprise to me. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul was one of them. We took in all the sites recommended by Loney Planet travel guide book and Rakhat high school teacher friends...
Aya Sofya..Church of Holy Wisdon..Blue Mosque..Topkapi Palace...The Grand Bazaar...I did not like it...too commerical. We really enjoyed taking the ferry on the Bosporus Sea to get to Beyoglu, the modern Istanbul. But eating at Burger King was one of Rakhat joys. It reminded him of Kauai and there is no Burger King or McDonald in Kyrgyzstan.
Seeing Turkey on the Fez Bus Hop On and Hop Off program was a good thing. It caters to the 20 to 30 age group so Rakhat got to meet many people his age. Not only do they take us to some off beat places but the bus holds only 8 to 10 people so you really get a chance to get to know each other. We drop people off and we see them again in a few days. It is like seeing old friends.
Morocco,Kyrgyzstan,Turkey are all Muslin countries so everyday several times a day I hear the call to prayer sung out loud from the Mosque to all parts. As Rakhat says not everyone is a good Muslim just as not all Christians practice their religion. Not all woman wear cover up clothing , but you definitely notice the difference in the various towns we visited.
We definitely covered a great deal of miles. From Istanbul the bus took us around the Marmara Sea to get to Gallipoli,Canakkale, and Troy. I did not take the Gallipoli tour. I let Rakhat go.Men from his country participated and dead in that war on the side of Turkey. Learning about that war I can understand why Turkish people are very patriotic and lift up Mustafa Kemal,later known as Ataturk, father of modern Turkey. The flag of Turkey is flown everywhere and Ataturk statue stands in every town.
The tour guides at both Gallipole and Troy had personal attachments to each place..someone in their families were connected some way. I learned a lot of history from before B.C. and after.
We traveled to Ephesus and visited the site of that once florishing city that Apostle Paul refers to. The baths were the place to hold your business meetings so they were interestingly designed.
The guide said that Cleopatra was not a beautiful lady in physcal appearance,but it is true she was quite a lady who held great power. I did not even realize that she had been in Ephesus and many other places outside of Egypt.
A place I knew nothing about was PAMUKKALE. That place was fascinating. From afar it looked like the mountain side was covered with snow....it really looks like snow.
I will quite now. People are waiting to use the computer.
Aloha until next time. Joanne
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Fairy chimney,and all,fantastic
Again I am at a free computer at the Rock Valley Pension,and someone is waiting and we are allowed only 10 minutes so I shall try to get back later.
We leave for Istanbul at 8pm tonight. I plan to get to Greece somehow, I am not sure yet.
Aloha, Joanne
We thank God we have been well. This has been a marvelous trip. I would not have come to Turkey if was not for Rakhat.
We leave for Istanbul at 8pm tonight. I plan to get to Greece somehow, I am not sure yet.
Aloha, Joanne
We thank God we have been well. This has been a marvelous trip. I would not have come to Turkey if was not for Rakhat.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Awesome,Awesome,Awesome
I always thought of the mediterranean Sea as the playground of the rich. Now I understand why. The scenery is unbelieveably beautiful,clear blue waters surrounded by tree covered hills and mountains.....many many small coves where the gulets can anchor...and the scene is like a painting...unimagineably beautiful. I arise at 6am ,everyone else is asleep,even the cook. The sky colors before the sun peeks over the mountains...it is so beautiful. We slip into the warm,clear,blue waters before,and after each meal. The waters are warmer and saltier than the Hawaiian waters I am accustomed to. It is easy to slip in the early morning because of its warmth and you can not drown. It is so easy to float...your body is half way above the water.
We were 11 besides the crew of 4. Most were from Istanbul,5 career girls all friends,a newly married couple,also from Istanbul,one health nurse from Sidney,Australia,one young lady lawyer from Seattle and Rakhat and I. As always Rakhat was the youngest and I the oldest.
We had so much fun,sharing our culture and talents. It was a very congenial group. The girls were between 34 to 44 years old,all nice looking Turkish girls and almost always in their biniki swim wear.
Rakhat had fun listening and talking to them in Turkish as well as feasting his eyes on their lovely bodies. They loved to sing and dance,one read Turkish coffee cups and came up with some interesting stories about our lives. The nurse from Sidney also read Tara cards and had some interesting things to say about each. I shared a hula and taught them Qi Gong.
Do not be surprise if we have some of these girls on Kauai in the future.
One plans to take English classes in Australia. Her girl friends plan to escort her there than leave her to complete her course and return to pick her up when she is through. Then they may stop in Hawaii.
I loved sleeping on the upper deck where I can watch the moon and stars. It was a wonderful experience. The cook was very good. The crew very nice.
We returned at 6pm this afternoon and tomorrow we take off on the Fez bus for Olympus.
I am so thankful that God has provided us with all the wonders of his world and has kept us safe.
There has been very few adverse situations. My children Shari and Greg have been in touch with me through email and have been helping me whenever I needed help.
To my Bible study class. I will be able to tell you about Ephesus. The tour was fascinating.
Aloha,and Malama Pono,
Joanne
We were 11 besides the crew of 4. Most were from Istanbul,5 career girls all friends,a newly married couple,also from Istanbul,one health nurse from Sidney,Australia,one young lady lawyer from Seattle and Rakhat and I. As always Rakhat was the youngest and I the oldest.
We had so much fun,sharing our culture and talents. It was a very congenial group. The girls were between 34 to 44 years old,all nice looking Turkish girls and almost always in their biniki swim wear.
Rakhat had fun listening and talking to them in Turkish as well as feasting his eyes on their lovely bodies. They loved to sing and dance,one read Turkish coffee cups and came up with some interesting stories about our lives. The nurse from Sidney also read Tara cards and had some interesting things to say about each. I shared a hula and taught them Qi Gong.
Do not be surprise if we have some of these girls on Kauai in the future.
One plans to take English classes in Australia. Her girl friends plan to escort her there than leave her to complete her course and return to pick her up when she is through. Then they may stop in Hawaii.
I loved sleeping on the upper deck where I can watch the moon and stars. It was a wonderful experience. The cook was very good. The crew very nice.
We returned at 6pm this afternoon and tomorrow we take off on the Fez bus for Olympus.
I am so thankful that God has provided us with all the wonders of his world and has kept us safe.
There has been very few adverse situations. My children Shari and Greg have been in touch with me through email and have been helping me whenever I needed help.
To my Bible study class. I will be able to tell you about Ephesus. The tour was fascinating.
Aloha,and Malama Pono,
Joanne
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Gallipole Pamakkale Ephesus
I mentioned these but did not comment. Because everything is costing double then expected I decided not to take the Gallipole tour and just let Rakhat go. In 1915 Kyrgyzstan was asked to help Turkey. About 250 went and 200 perished in the war. Many Turks have never forgotten and are very grateful. Frequently on this trip I have experienced Turkish hospitality. But everywhere we have been as soon as they discover that Rakhat is a Kyrgyz and speaks Turkish a immediate bond is formed. Bus drivers,hotel clerks,people at restaurants,information center,etc. are so eager to hold a conversation with him. And they are also very curious to find out what is our connection to each other. Kyrgyzs can not travel because of the cost so I am realizing that Rakhat is one of the few Kyrgyzs they have met. Each comment that they come from the same origin and are really brothers. I am amazed how well Rakhat can speak with them. Last night walking back to the hotel from the town a young boy about Rakhat age sitting on the side walk started talking to Rakhat and invited him to have tea. The boy attends a university which sends many teachers to the private boys high school in Kyrgyzstan. Infact he discovered they know the same people. I would have let Rakhat stay and talk with him but it was late and I was concerned about booking a flight from Istanbul to Samos when Rakhat leaves.
I will let Rakhat use the computer and have my Turkish breakfast.
Aloha, Joanne
I will let Rakhat use the computer and have my Turkish breakfast.
Aloha, Joanne
So Much, So Fast, I can not keep up!!!
Hopping on the FEZ Bus was a good thing,but I have not time to record all we have done.
One of the nicest things about this program is that we get together with many young people. Most of the participants are between the ages of 22 to 35. So far Rakhat is the youngest and I am the oldest.
We have been with people from Cypress,Macedonia,U.S. and many from different parts of Australia. We pick up new people every day.
Today we went river tube riding. The Fez tour guide sets up the tours for us. It was great fun.
Tomorrow Rakhat, myself, and Julie from Seattle will be going on a 2 night,3day cruise out side of Fetihye. I am looking forward to that.
This is a free computer at the hotel we are staying in. Someone is waiting their turn so I need to sign off.
I hope everyone is well.
Aloha,
Joanne
One of the nicest things about this program is that we get together with many young people. Most of the participants are between the ages of 22 to 35. So far Rakhat is the youngest and I am the oldest.
We have been with people from Cypress,Macedonia,U.S. and many from different parts of Australia. We pick up new people every day.
Today we went river tube riding. The Fez tour guide sets up the tours for us. It was great fun.
Tomorrow Rakhat, myself, and Julie from Seattle will be going on a 2 night,3day cruise out side of Fetihye. I am looking forward to that.
This is a free computer at the hotel we are staying in. Someone is waiting their turn so I need to sign off.
I hope everyone is well.
Aloha,
Joanne
Monday, August 27, 2007
From Istanbul down the Aegean Coast
Spent 4 nights in Istanbul. It is like a dream. We bought a Fez Bus ...Hop On,Hop Off program.
We are now in Kusadasi. Toured Gallipole,Troy,Pamakkele, and today sailing to Greek Island Samos.
Aloha until next time.
Joanne
We are now in Kusadasi. Toured Gallipole,Troy,Pamakkele, and today sailing to Greek Island Samos.
Aloha until next time.
Joanne
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Arrived in Istanbul yesterday August 21,2007
Ihope this is the right site to input a new post.
The flight over on Turkish airlines was very pleasent. Rakhat slept most the way. Turkish Airlines serves a very nice breakfast and gives you a gift in a little bag with a pair of socks,shoe horn,comb, and toothpaste and paste. I immediately took off my boots and put on the socks,filled up my travel pillow and got comfortable. A young handsome Turkish youth 21 years old sat between Rakhat and me. He is now a citizen of Australia having moved there from Istanbul 10 years ago. He was in Kyrgyzstan for 5 weeks as an intern for a petro company as part of his university course in international business. There were two American movie shown. One with Anthony Hopkins in Fracture and the other with Richard Greer about Howard Howard Hughes.
For a while we were uncertain at the airport on Arrival in Istanbul,after a while a young Kyrgyz sent by Rakhat friends in Bishket arrived and helped us get on the light rail transit and etc. to get to our hotel and also visit the amazing mosque and churches. The Blue Mosque is unreal!!!
Simply amazingly beautiful. Can not get a good photo to capture its magnificents. I will have to find a good postcard.
The hotel we are in is lovely but much too expensive for my pocket book. I think I need to end here for now. Need to wake up Rakhat so we can took advantage of the fabulous breakfast that comes with the price of our stay. I told Rakhat we need to take full advantage of this place while we are here. Today we move to a less,but very nice place a little a way from here but walking distance.
Until next time. Aloha. Joanne
The flight over on Turkish airlines was very pleasent. Rakhat slept most the way. Turkish Airlines serves a very nice breakfast and gives you a gift in a little bag with a pair of socks,shoe horn,comb, and toothpaste and paste. I immediately took off my boots and put on the socks,filled up my travel pillow and got comfortable. A young handsome Turkish youth 21 years old sat between Rakhat and me. He is now a citizen of Australia having moved there from Istanbul 10 years ago. He was in Kyrgyzstan for 5 weeks as an intern for a petro company as part of his university course in international business. There were two American movie shown. One with Anthony Hopkins in Fracture and the other with Richard Greer about Howard Howard Hughes.
For a while we were uncertain at the airport on Arrival in Istanbul,after a while a young Kyrgyz sent by Rakhat friends in Bishket arrived and helped us get on the light rail transit and etc. to get to our hotel and also visit the amazing mosque and churches. The Blue Mosque is unreal!!!
Simply amazingly beautiful. Can not get a good photo to capture its magnificents. I will have to find a good postcard.
The hotel we are in is lovely but much too expensive for my pocket book. I think I need to end here for now. Need to wake up Rakhat so we can took advantage of the fabulous breakfast that comes with the price of our stay. I told Rakhat we need to take full advantage of this place while we are here. Today we move to a less,but very nice place a little a way from here but walking distance.
Until next time. Aloha. Joanne
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Finally back to Bishkek and use of a computer
WoW!!!
Outside of Bishket no internet access. But finally back after a wonderful journey to Rakhat's home town of Naryn and area called Isskyk Kul,where the weather and vegetation is like in the mountains of Kokee.
It took nearly 6 hours by taxi to get to Naryn. Kyrgyzstan is 90% mountains. Just gorgeous!!!!!
Some white capped with snow and always mountains,meadows, and rushing streams and rivers.
At one point we traveled pass huge container trucks. Trucks from China following the Old Silk Road. We were about 200 miles from China.
We arrived in Naryn about 5-6pm. Although I was a bit tired I could not resist going for a walk into the mountains behind Rakhat's home. Rakhat, his mom, 12year old brother Danielle and I climbed the mountain trail along a running stream. I felt like Heidi. Goats and sheep walked along the mountain side. An elderly couple were at their mountain home to tend them. Danielle climbs the mountains like the herd. He dashed over the stream and rocks to help redirect the live stock when he noticed they were going in the wrong direction. Mother found some berries and plants used for medicial purposes. The air was fresh and the sun was setting between two mountains. It was lonely. We spent about an hour enjoying to walk and just being there. Rakhat said the water was clean and pure,but I was afraid being warned to only drink boiled,or bottled water.
In Naryn we visited Rakhat's Turkish Boys' School and met the new principal who greeted us warmly and offered us special Turkish coffee. After a tour of the school which was being repainted and upgraded we went outside and found 4 of Rakhat's classmates waiting for us with more refreshments. All his friends are now enrolled in universities in Bishket,but were back in Naryn to meet Rakhat's Hawaii mother. They spoke English amazingly well. They all learned English in high school,but have little opportunity to speak it.
Next day they arranged a picnic in the mountain,their favorite retreat from boarding high school.
They brought watermellon,honey dew,and drinks which they cooled in the mountain stream. Rakhat's mother brought fresh cucumber/tomato salad, delicious round bread,cookies, and chai to add to the meal. It was so nice. The boys took me on a walk into the woods.There were places they had to carry me over the stream. I asked them to sing for me and they burst into song. There were only 18 in their class and so became very close and enjoyed singing together.
Next day we headed for another mountain/lake where we were invited to have a meal in a yurt or Bozo. I taught Rakhat, his mom and brother Gi Gong and we climbed a mountain and took a nap on the top. We even went horseback riding before leaving to go home.
Next day we packed to travel to another area called Issyk Kul or "hot" lake because the lake never freezes even though there are snow capped mountains everywhere. It is a huge lake and a tourist resort for people from neighboring countries as well as Kygyz people. I met several from Bishket while swimming in the lake. Here we stayed four nights with Rakhat's aunty,sister to his father. Father stayed home to watch the house. But this time 6yrs old Byjohn also came along. I learned that it has been nearly 5 years since they visited with these relatives. They had much to talk about and catch up. Later, when they prepared a huge meal from the sheep they had slaughtered and skined,etc especially for me I learned that the host was mayor of this district. He had also invited his older brother and two sons from Bishket to stay in his big house.
We had some very interesting conversations with Rakhat as translator and interpreter.
Later in the T.V. room I got a chance to converse with the boys who are about the same age as Rakhat. The mayor also has two sons Rakhat and Sultan's age. Sultan, Rakhat's classmate, also came along on this trip so I used him as translator. Six boys and me. At discos they dance to American/Russian music and they also like hip hop. In this group only Sultan and Rakhat to could speak English well. They attended public high school. Earlier Rakhat mentioned that many students from public high schools did not like the kids from the Turkish Private High School. They felt that the private high school boys felt they were better. Whether they liked it or not kids in private school had a big advantage over kids in public schools everywhere. It was very obvious when we visited his school. They have better school materials,smaller classes,and they are a select group. Only those who can afford it or were superior and able to get scholarships could attend private school.
We returned to Bishket on Friday so we could arrange for our tickets to Turkey with Turkish Airlines.
Yesterday one of Rakhats former teachers arranged to have us stay at the boys dornmitory for a very low cost at a new two year old building. We can stay there until Aug. 24. The university students will be returning to the dorm on the 25th. We are very fortunate. We have confirmed reservations to fly to Istanbul on the 27th,and watlisted for Tuesday Aug. 21th.
We are getting some help from Rakhat's Turkish friends for places to stay in Turkey.
Yesterday I was invited to Rakhat's grandparents (his mother's parents)in the outskirts of Bishket. Both are doctors. They have a very nice big house. They expressed their appreciation for my having Rakhat in my home in Hawaii. They didn't want Rakhat to go just as they are fearful of his going to Turkey. They are afraid something might happen to him and he will not return. They raised Karkat,Rakhat's older brother,because Rakhat was a 7 month 4 lbls premature baby and gave his mother a hard time. Rakhat tends to be asmathic like his grandmother.
It has been just an amazing journey. I have enjoyed every minute of it. I thank God for making this all possible. Soon Rakhat and I will be in Turkey. There is so much to see and do there.
I expect to be in Greece when Rakhat leaves to return to Bishkek.
Until next time Aloha,Mahalo,& Malama Pono.
Joanne
Outside of Bishket no internet access. But finally back after a wonderful journey to Rakhat's home town of Naryn and area called Isskyk Kul,where the weather and vegetation is like in the mountains of Kokee.
It took nearly 6 hours by taxi to get to Naryn. Kyrgyzstan is 90% mountains. Just gorgeous!!!!!
Some white capped with snow and always mountains,meadows, and rushing streams and rivers.
At one point we traveled pass huge container trucks. Trucks from China following the Old Silk Road. We were about 200 miles from China.
We arrived in Naryn about 5-6pm. Although I was a bit tired I could not resist going for a walk into the mountains behind Rakhat's home. Rakhat, his mom, 12year old brother Danielle and I climbed the mountain trail along a running stream. I felt like Heidi. Goats and sheep walked along the mountain side. An elderly couple were at their mountain home to tend them. Danielle climbs the mountains like the herd. He dashed over the stream and rocks to help redirect the live stock when he noticed they were going in the wrong direction. Mother found some berries and plants used for medicial purposes. The air was fresh and the sun was setting between two mountains. It was lonely. We spent about an hour enjoying to walk and just being there. Rakhat said the water was clean and pure,but I was afraid being warned to only drink boiled,or bottled water.
In Naryn we visited Rakhat's Turkish Boys' School and met the new principal who greeted us warmly and offered us special Turkish coffee. After a tour of the school which was being repainted and upgraded we went outside and found 4 of Rakhat's classmates waiting for us with more refreshments. All his friends are now enrolled in universities in Bishket,but were back in Naryn to meet Rakhat's Hawaii mother. They spoke English amazingly well. They all learned English in high school,but have little opportunity to speak it.
Next day they arranged a picnic in the mountain,their favorite retreat from boarding high school.
They brought watermellon,honey dew,and drinks which they cooled in the mountain stream. Rakhat's mother brought fresh cucumber/tomato salad, delicious round bread,cookies, and chai to add to the meal. It was so nice. The boys took me on a walk into the woods.There were places they had to carry me over the stream. I asked them to sing for me and they burst into song. There were only 18 in their class and so became very close and enjoyed singing together.
Next day we headed for another mountain/lake where we were invited to have a meal in a yurt or Bozo. I taught Rakhat, his mom and brother Gi Gong and we climbed a mountain and took a nap on the top. We even went horseback riding before leaving to go home.
Next day we packed to travel to another area called Issyk Kul or "hot" lake because the lake never freezes even though there are snow capped mountains everywhere. It is a huge lake and a tourist resort for people from neighboring countries as well as Kygyz people. I met several from Bishket while swimming in the lake. Here we stayed four nights with Rakhat's aunty,sister to his father. Father stayed home to watch the house. But this time 6yrs old Byjohn also came along. I learned that it has been nearly 5 years since they visited with these relatives. They had much to talk about and catch up. Later, when they prepared a huge meal from the sheep they had slaughtered and skined,etc especially for me I learned that the host was mayor of this district. He had also invited his older brother and two sons from Bishket to stay in his big house.
We had some very interesting conversations with Rakhat as translator and interpreter.
Later in the T.V. room I got a chance to converse with the boys who are about the same age as Rakhat. The mayor also has two sons Rakhat and Sultan's age. Sultan, Rakhat's classmate, also came along on this trip so I used him as translator. Six boys and me. At discos they dance to American/Russian music and they also like hip hop. In this group only Sultan and Rakhat to could speak English well. They attended public high school. Earlier Rakhat mentioned that many students from public high schools did not like the kids from the Turkish Private High School. They felt that the private high school boys felt they were better. Whether they liked it or not kids in private school had a big advantage over kids in public schools everywhere. It was very obvious when we visited his school. They have better school materials,smaller classes,and they are a select group. Only those who can afford it or were superior and able to get scholarships could attend private school.
We returned to Bishket on Friday so we could arrange for our tickets to Turkey with Turkish Airlines.
Yesterday one of Rakhats former teachers arranged to have us stay at the boys dornmitory for a very low cost at a new two year old building. We can stay there until Aug. 24. The university students will be returning to the dorm on the 25th. We are very fortunate. We have confirmed reservations to fly to Istanbul on the 27th,and watlisted for Tuesday Aug. 21th.
We are getting some help from Rakhat's Turkish friends for places to stay in Turkey.
Yesterday I was invited to Rakhat's grandparents (his mother's parents)in the outskirts of Bishket. Both are doctors. They have a very nice big house. They expressed their appreciation for my having Rakhat in my home in Hawaii. They didn't want Rakhat to go just as they are fearful of his going to Turkey. They are afraid something might happen to him and he will not return. They raised Karkat,Rakhat's older brother,because Rakhat was a 7 month 4 lbls premature baby and gave his mother a hard time. Rakhat tends to be asmathic like his grandmother.
It has been just an amazing journey. I have enjoyed every minute of it. I thank God for making this all possible. Soon Rakhat and I will be in Turkey. There is so much to see and do there.
I expect to be in Greece when Rakhat leaves to return to Bishkek.
Until next time Aloha,Mahalo,& Malama Pono.
Joanne
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Continue from Tanger,Rabat,Fes, and Marrakesh
Looking at the computer in Russian is very change. It seems my second blog entry did not take. I didn't end in time to get my story posted.
I am in Kyrgyzstan now. All is well now but for a while I didn't know what to do when Rakhat did not appear. Several taxi drivers try to insist on taking me to a hotel. I guess I did look lost.
Just before leaving the plane I talked to two oriental looking ladies. They said that they now in New Jersey but was home for a visit. I started searching for them for help. I found one who offered to have her son call the number Rakhat gave me for his grandparents living in Bishket. Her son said it was the wrong number. The lady was nice enough to give me her name and phone number if Rakhat didn't appear and I needed help. I made up my mind to stay at the airport and wait. I did consider calling the U.S. embassy, but remembered that this was Saturday so it would probably be closed. I prayed. About an hour later Rakhat and his friend did appear. Was I relieved. They said that the flights are usually an hour late. Today it was on time.
I was so happy to see Rakhat. However, I immediately noticed that he had lost a lot of wait. He said that he lost about 20lbs. Other than that he is the same Rakhat. His friend and high school classmate was an exchange student in South Carolina.
There taxi driver friend helped us look for a place for me to stay in Bishket. We found an apartment and right now Rakhat and his cousin(girl age 19 years)are at the apartment cooking,while Chyngyz,his high school classmate and best friend,and I are at the internet cafe.
After spending all morning searching for a place,I took a good nap this afternoon. At 6pm they came back and all for us went shopping for groceries. We plan to tour Bishket for 5 days than head for Naryn,Rakhat's home.
I was told by a woman on the airplane that Kyrgyzstan was not as highly developed as Georgia.
I was prepared not to expect anything. Although Bishket is the capitol it doesn't appear to be a big city. However much preparation is being made because seem leaders from neighboring countries will be here in Bishket for a conference to see if some sort of alliance can be formed like the Euro-community. Rakhat said that countries Kazastan,Russia,Kyrgyzstan,Uzbeckistan,China and maybe Turkmanistan.
I will go back to talking about my experiences in Tangier,Rabat,Fes and Marrakesh another time. There is so much I would like to tell you.
Jakshy kal ....means Aloha until next time. Joanne
I am in Kyrgyzstan now. All is well now but for a while I didn't know what to do when Rakhat did not appear. Several taxi drivers try to insist on taking me to a hotel. I guess I did look lost.
Just before leaving the plane I talked to two oriental looking ladies. They said that they now in New Jersey but was home for a visit. I started searching for them for help. I found one who offered to have her son call the number Rakhat gave me for his grandparents living in Bishket. Her son said it was the wrong number. The lady was nice enough to give me her name and phone number if Rakhat didn't appear and I needed help. I made up my mind to stay at the airport and wait. I did consider calling the U.S. embassy, but remembered that this was Saturday so it would probably be closed. I prayed. About an hour later Rakhat and his friend did appear. Was I relieved. They said that the flights are usually an hour late. Today it was on time.
I was so happy to see Rakhat. However, I immediately noticed that he had lost a lot of wait. He said that he lost about 20lbs. Other than that he is the same Rakhat. His friend and high school classmate was an exchange student in South Carolina.
There taxi driver friend helped us look for a place for me to stay in Bishket. We found an apartment and right now Rakhat and his cousin(girl age 19 years)are at the apartment cooking,while Chyngyz,his high school classmate and best friend,and I are at the internet cafe.
After spending all morning searching for a place,I took a good nap this afternoon. At 6pm they came back and all for us went shopping for groceries. We plan to tour Bishket for 5 days than head for Naryn,Rakhat's home.
I was told by a woman on the airplane that Kyrgyzstan was not as highly developed as Georgia.
I was prepared not to expect anything. Although Bishket is the capitol it doesn't appear to be a big city. However much preparation is being made because seem leaders from neighboring countries will be here in Bishket for a conference to see if some sort of alliance can be formed like the Euro-community. Rakhat said that countries Kazastan,Russia,Kyrgyzstan,Uzbeckistan,China and maybe Turkmanistan.
I will go back to talking about my experiences in Tangier,Rabat,Fes and Marrakesh another time. There is so much I would like to tell you.
Jakshy kal ....means Aloha until next time. Joanne
Friday, August 3, 2007
I am now in London. Came in from Casablancaa yesterday. Today I fly to Kyrgyzstan. I hope Rakhat is at the airport to greet me at 5am tomorrow. Getting to a computer has been difficult in Morocco. Besides the computers have French keyboard was frustrating.
I don't know whether getting to a computer will be any better in Kyrgyzstan. Anyway it has been very interesting and eventful since leaving Seville. First the train service from Seville to Cordoba to Algerciras is not as good. I really enjoyed seeing the country side. Lots of rolling hills and mountains and little towns in between. Lots more huge olive groves miles and miles covering the mountains.
The train got stalled just before Algeciras so I didn't get to the ferry port in time to catch my fast ferry. Because my ticket was for that ferry which left it caused much confusion. There were two men who were going on the ferry to Tanger or Tangier...it is written and pronounced so many different ways it can cause problems for a person who doesn't know the language... anyway these two guys were so helpful. They carried my bags and tried to help me. They were able to leave before me. I finally got a ferry...slow boat....took one official a whole hour to check everyone's passport. The ferry was full of families returning to Morocco. One of the most interesting things about traveling is meeting all kinds of interesting people. A young teenager standing next to me spoke English. He and his family have been living in Holland but were back to visit family. A father with to young boys ages 11 and 6 wanted his son who is learning English in school to practice his English with me. I took a photo of him. After all the hassel it was nice to lay down on the deck on the top of the ship and take a nap. I enjoyed watching the young (head covered)young pretty teenage Muslin girls eyeing the young teenage boys and vise versa.
Being an innocent traveler I got caught twice.
I don't know whether getting to a computer will be any better in Kyrgyzstan. Anyway it has been very interesting and eventful since leaving Seville. First the train service from Seville to Cordoba to Algerciras is not as good. I really enjoyed seeing the country side. Lots of rolling hills and mountains and little towns in between. Lots more huge olive groves miles and miles covering the mountains.
The train got stalled just before Algeciras so I didn't get to the ferry port in time to catch my fast ferry. Because my ticket was for that ferry which left it caused much confusion. There were two men who were going on the ferry to Tanger or Tangier...it is written and pronounced so many different ways it can cause problems for a person who doesn't know the language... anyway these two guys were so helpful. They carried my bags and tried to help me. They were able to leave before me. I finally got a ferry...slow boat....took one official a whole hour to check everyone's passport. The ferry was full of families returning to Morocco. One of the most interesting things about traveling is meeting all kinds of interesting people. A young teenager standing next to me spoke English. He and his family have been living in Holland but were back to visit family. A father with to young boys ages 11 and 6 wanted his son who is learning English in school to practice his English with me. I took a photo of him. After all the hassel it was nice to lay down on the deck on the top of the ship and take a nap. I enjoyed watching the young (head covered)young pretty teenage Muslin girls eyeing the young teenage boys and vise versa.
Being an innocent traveler I got caught twice.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Adios to Spain and Sevilla,as it is said here
I dont have words to discrib Seville. I told Eddie that I thought Madrid was more beautiful than Seville. Madrid keeps itself better maintained than Seville. Ofcourse Madrid is the capital of Spain and probably has more funds and has greater need to keep an appearance internationally.
Seville has a history and definite uniqueness all of it´s own. It has some spectacular buildings inherited from the Moors when they ruled in Seville in the 9th and 10th century. They have left a legacy that is felt and affects the character of Seville even today.
Being my last day I decided to splurge and be a tourist,tourist. I have tried seeing Seville by walking to all the places and basically living like the locals. But today after walking all over I decided to see Seville on a horse and buggy. I enjoyed that so much. This ride started at the Plaza Espana, a beautiful architectual wonder. Even the spokes on the bridge is covered with tile. Infront of this magnificant structure is a huge garden called Parque of Marie Luisa. Yesterday I walked in it and just sat and enjoyed being there. Today I rode through it driven on a horse drawn buggy. It was just wonderful. It also took me along the river and throughout the city. I waved at everybody. I felt so wonderful.
I wrote a whole list in my journal about my reflections about Seville and its´people,etc.
It will too long right now. I need to get back to my monastery. I leave early tomorrow morning.
The train takes me from Seville to Cordoba. Then from Cordoba to Algeciras,a port city, where I catch my ferry which crosses the Gilbralta straits. I am looking forward to that experience.
In Rabat I will be meeting Joy Tamaribuchi´s good friend. She has been so helpful to me.
Buenos Dias and Adios Amigos. Joanne
Seville has a history and definite uniqueness all of it´s own. It has some spectacular buildings inherited from the Moors when they ruled in Seville in the 9th and 10th century. They have left a legacy that is felt and affects the character of Seville even today.
Being my last day I decided to splurge and be a tourist,tourist. I have tried seeing Seville by walking to all the places and basically living like the locals. But today after walking all over I decided to see Seville on a horse and buggy. I enjoyed that so much. This ride started at the Plaza Espana, a beautiful architectual wonder. Even the spokes on the bridge is covered with tile. Infront of this magnificant structure is a huge garden called Parque of Marie Luisa. Yesterday I walked in it and just sat and enjoyed being there. Today I rode through it driven on a horse drawn buggy. It was just wonderful. It also took me along the river and throughout the city. I waved at everybody. I felt so wonderful.
I wrote a whole list in my journal about my reflections about Seville and its´people,etc.
It will too long right now. I need to get back to my monastery. I leave early tomorrow morning.
The train takes me from Seville to Cordoba. Then from Cordoba to Algeciras,a port city, where I catch my ferry which crosses the Gilbralta straits. I am looking forward to that experience.
In Rabat I will be meeting Joy Tamaribuchi´s good friend. She has been so helpful to me.
Buenos Dias and Adios Amigos. Joanne
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
I am here in Seville
The Atocha train station in Madrid is impressive;palm trees and oasis. I am so lucky to have Eddie. He helped me get to where I need to go.Like at the airports your baggage need to go through security check. Then you need to go through ticket check before entering the next room where there are 15 exists to get you to your right train. Without Eddie I couldn´t know when and where to go. My ears have a hard time understanding the annoucements. Finally when you get to your ¨super speed train¨knowing how to read your ticket to get to the right coach. I got on 6 instead of 8. Lugging your luggage in those narrow aisles and lifting your luggage to the shelf above I had to step on the seat...I guess I could have asked someone taller. The train began moving on the dot. If you are one minute late...adios amigo!!!
No time...of course the train must be traveling at 200 miles or so because I have noticed that both Eddie´s parents drive 120 miles an hour on the roads. It is legal. On both sides of the train first smaller farms but when we got closer to Cordoba olive groves rows and rows up and down mountains as far as one can see. The smaller farms alternate the fields with other crops like corn,hay,and sunflower.Makes a beautiful pattern to the country side.
Lucky that I live in Kekaha,the hot side of the island. I was warned that Seville is much hotter than Madrid. True it is hot probably in the 90s. I feel that my conditioning helps me to take the heat.
Today as soon as I got off the train I decided to take a taxi to the monastery. The one I was suppose to go to outside of Madrid was closed.
I am so happy I had Eddie call first. They have a sister monastery right in the center of Madrid. I am again very blessed. They have only 5 rooms and I got one. The room has a double bed and a private bath for 40 Eur. Meals are not included,but Mary who I was introduced to as soon as I got to my room speaks English. She is writing her thesis on international relations and comes from Valencia. She showed me the nearby markets,etc and also directed me where I could find the Turisto Information Center and from there learned how to get to this Internet center. The cost here is twice Santiago. There is another place so I will need to check that out. My time is almost up.
On my way I met several English speakers. I met three girls from California here to learn the Spanish language. Later met an elderly couple from Ireland. In the tourist office a mother and teenage son from Belgium. I learned that English is a second language. Parts of Belgium speak French and the other mmm what was it now?
The computer says I have 10 minutes left. The buildings are impressive..old 11-12th century and lots of Moslem influences. On Sundays some of the museums are free so I will try to schedule myself that way.
I notice Eddie and his family are very aware of taking advantage of saving..economically wise. Eddie and his friends learned of a promotion in Madrid that gave them free airline tickets to Brussels and Switzerland. He and his boy friends the same ones that went to Toledo with us. They had to wear bathing suits in the square before noon. They got there at 8am.
I have 2 minutes so Adios Amigos until next time.
Aloha,Mahalo,& Malama Pono. Joanne
No time...of course the train must be traveling at 200 miles or so because I have noticed that both Eddie´s parents drive 120 miles an hour on the roads. It is legal. On both sides of the train first smaller farms but when we got closer to Cordoba olive groves rows and rows up and down mountains as far as one can see. The smaller farms alternate the fields with other crops like corn,hay,and sunflower.Makes a beautiful pattern to the country side.
Lucky that I live in Kekaha,the hot side of the island. I was warned that Seville is much hotter than Madrid. True it is hot probably in the 90s. I feel that my conditioning helps me to take the heat.
Today as soon as I got off the train I decided to take a taxi to the monastery. The one I was suppose to go to outside of Madrid was closed.
I am so happy I had Eddie call first. They have a sister monastery right in the center of Madrid. I am again very blessed. They have only 5 rooms and I got one. The room has a double bed and a private bath for 40 Eur. Meals are not included,but Mary who I was introduced to as soon as I got to my room speaks English. She is writing her thesis on international relations and comes from Valencia. She showed me the nearby markets,etc and also directed me where I could find the Turisto Information Center and from there learned how to get to this Internet center. The cost here is twice Santiago. There is another place so I will need to check that out. My time is almost up.
On my way I met several English speakers. I met three girls from California here to learn the Spanish language. Later met an elderly couple from Ireland. In the tourist office a mother and teenage son from Belgium. I learned that English is a second language. Parts of Belgium speak French and the other mmm what was it now?
The computer says I have 10 minutes left. The buildings are impressive..old 11-12th century and lots of Moslem influences. On Sundays some of the museums are free so I will try to schedule myself that way.
I notice Eddie and his family are very aware of taking advantage of saving..economically wise. Eddie and his friends learned of a promotion in Madrid that gave them free airline tickets to Brussels and Switzerland. He and his boy friends the same ones that went to Toledo with us. They had to wear bathing suits in the square before noon. They got there at 8am.
I have 2 minutes so Adios Amigos until next time.
Aloha,Mahalo,& Malama Pono. Joanne
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Back from Armenteira and Pontevedra
| This will be a short one although a great deal has happened. It is a little before 7am. In half an hour Eddie and his dad will take me to the train station and I will be heading for Sevlle or Sevilla as they say here. Eddie´s dad is so thoughful. Yesterday we went shopping again to the huge super market in Mahadrahonda which is a town closer to Madrid city and where they lived for 20 years before moving to where they are now. They have been in Villanueva Padilla only 5 years. It is just a little further from the city of Madrid. He bought me some pears and arare for my train ride. He saw the snack was from Japan so he thought I would like it. After shopping he took me to where they used to live. They have a long large mall where cars are not allowed like forth street in Honolulu,but this one is in the center of this neighborhood. There were lots of people strolling and sitting on benches placed under a tree having a relaxing time visiting with famliy and friends and animals and children. Lots of Cafe,and shops of all kinds. We sat down to have gin and tonic(Eddie´s dad)and ice cream for me. He said this was the best place for ice cream. There was a couple next to us with two young children having ice cream also. Eddie´s dad confess he is looking forward to being a grandpa. There oldest son who is 26 will be getting married in September of this year to a girl he met in France. We saw many many baby strollers being pushed by grandparents. Eddie´s dad said Seville is THE place where people really know how to relax and have fun. I see my time says 7:15am. Eddie said that we are to leave at 7:30am sharp. I must say Adios Amigos for now. I´ll have to find an internet cafe in Seville to continue my story. Aloha,Mahalo, and Malama Pono, Joanne |
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I can´t believe how blessed I am!!!
Today has been an exceptional day so before leaving Santiago I felt I needed to tell you what happened.
When I entered the monasterio de San Pelayo the nun gave me a card with schedules. I noticed besides the time for meals and closer times which she emphasized listed was a time for morning prayer. Being an early riser I asked if I might participate through the help of an interpeter. Not being familiar with Catholic ways I didn´t know the seriousness of my request. The nun quickly replied that was not possible.
Well last night they said this morning the nun from Belgium and I could join their morning prayer session. We would meet in the dinning room at 7:45am next day before breakfast.
In the morning we were lead outside by the nun who has been serving us our meals. She however did not come with us. I was surprised so I asked about that. Marie Theresa,the Belgium nun,said of yes,but she will enter a different way from us. Once outside the building we entered through another door which had to be openned for us. We entered a chapel and sat down,but was quickly led to another room. There were nuns already there. No one talked. It was very solomn(spl)More nuns game filing in. We never see these nuns so I hace no idea there were so many. The chairs were high back wooden chairs with arms too high to put your arms on. Later I realized the arms were for the books. There were two rows-double level-arranged in U shape against the wall only one side of the room. On the back wall was a statue of Jesus. On the oposite side a huge black iron net covered the wall. Through it I could make out another chapel beyond with lots of gold figures and ornaments. On the walls of the room we were in protruded pipes (organ)vertically and horizontally. Later in the Cathedral I saw organ pipes like it except more and bigger. I thought about Ruth. I never saw horizontal pipes just like these.
The ceiling was curved and covered with 3 different desgn patterns in circles repeated across the entire ceiling.
The whole half hour was done in singing with short readings in between with organ accompaniment. Beautiful singing. They sounded like angels. The acoustic sounded so good.
The monastery was started between 1100-1200. It was first occuppied by monks followers of Apostle James. It is now occupied by nuns, except the Chaplin Jose who has been having breakfast with us every morning. It was he who told us of this special happening at 3pm this afternoon at the Cathedral. This Cathedral has one the huggiest Botafumeiro,the incense holder the priest swings. Today they were testing it. It is quite a fete. The rope hangs down from the high ceiling. I was told several months ago they replaced the old rope. The Cathedral has a very very high ceiling. A man had to climb up to the top. Lots of preparation. It was scary. And when they finally had the botafumeiro tied and started swinging it almost the lenght of the Cathedral it was scary and unbelieveable. Anyway I am told it is only used at very very special ocassions so this was a rare event.
I have been blessed with many special and rare happenings. This in Santiago and seeing Prince or King Juan Carlos in Madrid. He lives outside of Madrid and only comes to the Palace in Madrid for special ocassions like when a foreign dignitary is in Spain.
I must get back to the monastary beore I am locked out. Tonight dinner is served extra early. This begins a special time for the nuns. They have added meetings.
This is extra long,but I wanted you to share in this very very experiences.
I leave tomorrow for Pontevedra which I understand is nearer to the sea. I think the monasteri that I will be going to is less formal....Santa Maria de Armenteira.
Aloha and Adios, Joanne
When I entered the monasterio de San Pelayo the nun gave me a card with schedules. I noticed besides the time for meals and closer times which she emphasized listed was a time for morning prayer. Being an early riser I asked if I might participate through the help of an interpeter. Not being familiar with Catholic ways I didn´t know the seriousness of my request. The nun quickly replied that was not possible.
Well last night they said this morning the nun from Belgium and I could join their morning prayer session. We would meet in the dinning room at 7:45am next day before breakfast.
In the morning we were lead outside by the nun who has been serving us our meals. She however did not come with us. I was surprised so I asked about that. Marie Theresa,the Belgium nun,said of yes,but she will enter a different way from us. Once outside the building we entered through another door which had to be openned for us. We entered a chapel and sat down,but was quickly led to another room. There were nuns already there. No one talked. It was very solomn(spl)More nuns game filing in. We never see these nuns so I hace no idea there were so many. The chairs were high back wooden chairs with arms too high to put your arms on. Later I realized the arms were for the books. There were two rows-double level-arranged in U shape against the wall only one side of the room. On the back wall was a statue of Jesus. On the oposite side a huge black iron net covered the wall. Through it I could make out another chapel beyond with lots of gold figures and ornaments. On the walls of the room we were in protruded pipes (organ)vertically and horizontally. Later in the Cathedral I saw organ pipes like it except more and bigger. I thought about Ruth. I never saw horizontal pipes just like these.
The ceiling was curved and covered with 3 different desgn patterns in circles repeated across the entire ceiling.
The whole half hour was done in singing with short readings in between with organ accompaniment. Beautiful singing. They sounded like angels. The acoustic sounded so good.
The monastery was started between 1100-1200. It was first occuppied by monks followers of Apostle James. It is now occupied by nuns, except the Chaplin Jose who has been having breakfast with us every morning. It was he who told us of this special happening at 3pm this afternoon at the Cathedral. This Cathedral has one the huggiest Botafumeiro,the incense holder the priest swings. Today they were testing it. It is quite a fete. The rope hangs down from the high ceiling. I was told several months ago they replaced the old rope. The Cathedral has a very very high ceiling. A man had to climb up to the top. Lots of preparation. It was scary. And when they finally had the botafumeiro tied and started swinging it almost the lenght of the Cathedral it was scary and unbelieveable. Anyway I am told it is only used at very very special ocassions so this was a rare event.
I have been blessed with many special and rare happenings. This in Santiago and seeing Prince or King Juan Carlos in Madrid. He lives outside of Madrid and only comes to the Palace in Madrid for special ocassions like when a foreign dignitary is in Spain.
I must get back to the monastary beore I am locked out. Tonight dinner is served extra early. This begins a special time for the nuns. They have added meetings.
This is extra long,but I wanted you to share in this very very experiences.
I leave tomorrow for Pontevedra which I understand is nearer to the sea. I think the monasteri that I will be going to is less formal....Santa Maria de Armenteira.
Aloha and Adios, Joanne
Monday, July 9, 2007
I am in Santiago de Compostela. The train ride from Madrid took nearly 8 hours, but I loved it. The tracks seem to run along the mountain tops. I really got to see the country. Eddie noticed that a guy in blue shirt spoke English so later I did go to the next car to talk with him and his female companion. They were from Indiana and touring Spain for three weeks. It was nice talking them. Eddie´s mom also made sure that a young teenager boy let me know when I should get off the train.
I really having a great time. The train arrived a little late so athough I took the taxi from the station I didn´t make it in time to get into the monastary. They close at 9:45pm and I didn´t get there until 10pm. These monastaries were built in 1200 and have huge doors and no way can you be heard. We did phone earlier,but no way could we get in. I thought I might have to sleep in the streets for one night. After going around looking for anyone who spoke English I finally found two girls. They were from Barcelona and had done the Camino or trek to Santiago and learned to speak English in school. I was thrilled to say the least. They were so nice. They said that this is what the camino is all about...helping each other. They were so nice. After trying to get me into the monastery, they walked the streets to find me a very nice pension. Since this was Saturday night they were at an outdoor rock concert,but was willing to leave the concert to help me. I feel that they were angels sent to me by God. Next morning there was a Lady at the desk at the pension who spoke a little English. I asked her to call the monastery and see if now I could stay there. I had to write everything down for her.
Anyway on my way to the monastary I bumped into the same girls again and they were kind enough to accompany me to the monastary and explain everything since the nuns don´t speak English. It has been great. Next day two from Belgium arrived who spoke English. The following morning the priest who does services at the Cathedral came for breakfast. He speaks English.
It is so nice to have company at meals and what meals!!! The cost is 30 Eur per day which includes breakfast and dinner. The first night I thought the noodle soup and bread was it this being a monastary. That was the first course. It was followed by a big serving of fried chicken,french fries and lettuce salad. And for dessert a variety of fruit. Breakfast was big,too.
I love walking the streets. They are narrow and winding. It is easy to get lost. The Cathedral is in the center and the monastery is across it so eventually I find my way back.
When the guide said that the train station is very near. You soon realize the word is relevant to who ever is speaking. She said you don´t need to buy the tickets ahead of time. However I am glad I walked to the station today and bought the roundtrip ticket to Pontevedra to get to the next monastery on Wednesday. Not being able to speak the language does present some problems. However I did it and am very proud of myself. I did do some preplanning and it helped.
What´s also fascinating is that those two ladies who I met at the monastey,one is in her middle 40´s and the other just completed law school rode their bicycles from Belgium to Santiago.
I will have to ask them how long it took them. They did stop in various countries to rest.
Eddie told me about Tapas. Most people have Tapas between breakfast and dinner. Dinner is not until 9pm or after. When you buy a drink...Coco Cola is very popular...you get some pupus..Spanish kind. Beef and buns is very popular,but also finger food with seafood and rice.
I better quit now. The monastery is very strict about being on time for meals and the heavy doors are locked during specific times during the day. At night the doors are locked at 9pm.
I may have to sleep in the streets if I don´t get back on time.
Adios, Amigos. Joanne
I really having a great time. The train arrived a little late so athough I took the taxi from the station I didn´t make it in time to get into the monastary. They close at 9:45pm and I didn´t get there until 10pm. These monastaries were built in 1200 and have huge doors and no way can you be heard. We did phone earlier,but no way could we get in. I thought I might have to sleep in the streets for one night. After going around looking for anyone who spoke English I finally found two girls. They were from Barcelona and had done the Camino or trek to Santiago and learned to speak English in school. I was thrilled to say the least. They were so nice. They said that this is what the camino is all about...helping each other. They were so nice. After trying to get me into the monastery, they walked the streets to find me a very nice pension. Since this was Saturday night they were at an outdoor rock concert,but was willing to leave the concert to help me. I feel that they were angels sent to me by God. Next morning there was a Lady at the desk at the pension who spoke a little English. I asked her to call the monastery and see if now I could stay there. I had to write everything down for her.
Anyway on my way to the monastary I bumped into the same girls again and they were kind enough to accompany me to the monastary and explain everything since the nuns don´t speak English. It has been great. Next day two from Belgium arrived who spoke English. The following morning the priest who does services at the Cathedral came for breakfast. He speaks English.
It is so nice to have company at meals and what meals!!! The cost is 30 Eur per day which includes breakfast and dinner. The first night I thought the noodle soup and bread was it this being a monastary. That was the first course. It was followed by a big serving of fried chicken,french fries and lettuce salad. And for dessert a variety of fruit. Breakfast was big,too.
I love walking the streets. They are narrow and winding. It is easy to get lost. The Cathedral is in the center and the monastery is across it so eventually I find my way back.
When the guide said that the train station is very near. You soon realize the word is relevant to who ever is speaking. She said you don´t need to buy the tickets ahead of time. However I am glad I walked to the station today and bought the roundtrip ticket to Pontevedra to get to the next monastery on Wednesday. Not being able to speak the language does present some problems. However I did it and am very proud of myself. I did do some preplanning and it helped.
What´s also fascinating is that those two ladies who I met at the monastey,one is in her middle 40´s and the other just completed law school rode their bicycles from Belgium to Santiago.
I will have to ask them how long it took them. They did stop in various countries to rest.
Eddie told me about Tapas. Most people have Tapas between breakfast and dinner. Dinner is not until 9pm or after. When you buy a drink...Coco Cola is very popular...you get some pupus..Spanish kind. Beef and buns is very popular,but also finger food with seafood and rice.
I better quit now. The monastery is very strict about being on time for meals and the heavy doors are locked during specific times during the day. At night the doors are locked at 9pm.
I may have to sleep in the streets if I don´t get back on time.
Adios, Amigos. Joanne
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