Autumn in Africa (Kenyatta's Version)
I'm a firm believer that the Universe always has a bigger plan for all of us. It was nothing short of divine intervention when Patricia's husband couldn't make their already planned trip to Africa last May, which was to be their 20th wedding anniversary getaway.
The day before Patty and Jerry were to leave, I texted, "have a wonderful trip", remembering that she couldn't make the broker bash I was hosting due to their travel plans. I was taken aback by the text I received in response. "Kenyatta, I am so upset. Jerry can't go and I'm going to have to cancel the trip." I tried to think of all the possible options for her to try to save their trip with minimal damages but nothing seemed as though it would work. My last thought was that Patty had to goto Africa even if she had to go alone.
The next morning Patty text me an invitation to join her. It would be less than 24 hours that we would be leaving for Africa and my broker bash was scheduled for that evening. As I would be spending the day preparing for my event, there would be no time to pack, but no problem! What more would I really need to bring other than a few bathing suits, maxi dresses and safari gear?
After the party that evening, I came home and began packing. I figured the flight would be about 17 hours so I could totally sleep on the plane. Patty arrived at my house early the next morning. We watched the last of the clothes spinning in the dryer while we awaited our Uber to the airport. I was sooooo excited! Patty and I had traveled together in the past but this was our first real girlfriends' adventure.
A few hours later, we were all checked in at JFK and ready to go! Remember that 17 hours I mentioned that I would have to sleep.... I woke up after about 6 hours like a kid sitting in the back seat during a family road trip... "Are we there yet?" We flew South African Airways. Aside from trying to fall back to sleep, I did a little journaling and watched a few of the African Movies courtesy of SAA. 93 Days freaked me out a bit. It was good though.
Once we landed in Jo burg, we boarded a smaller plane to Skukuza Airport in Kruger National Park. The airport was very chic. It felt more like an Asian restaurant than a non-primary service airport. Our ranger/tour guide, Lee was waiting to escort us to our accommodations. She was quite personable and gave us tidbits of information and history as we drove. En route to the lodge, we immediately began seeing the beautiful beasts in the bush in our opened jeep. Kudu, zebra, bushbuck... I never really thought about going on a safari before. But now, it was the only thing I could think about! It was autumn in Africa and the weather was perfect. We couldn't wait to get settled at the lodge and start our adventure in the bush.
The grounds of the lodge and the suites had a natural and organic decor, yet very luxurious feeling. Our suite came complete with its own plunge pool, outdoor shower and patio seating area. Due to our location inside the park, there was no enjoying the outdoors after dark. We weren't even allowed to walk to dinner without an escort after sundown. One evening while heading to dinner, there were rhinos spotted hanging out around one of the guest's pools. It could have just as easily been a leopard, which we did end up tracking during one of our evening safaris.
It was amazing being so close to the wild. We went into the bush with Lee and our ranger to observe the animals first thing in the morning and again in the early evening. My favorite animal was the elephant. They were just so magnificent. We had an incident where our jeep stalled in the path of what seemed to be the largest elephant in the bush. He paused before he began his march in our direction. Luckily, Lee was able to get our jeep moving in the nick of time!
We saw all but one of the big five that trip. The lions eluded us but based on the migration of the buffalo, it was just a matter of time before the predators reached out territory. But after 3 days, we were off to our next adventure.
We took a van out of Kruger to a different airport, which flew us in to Mozambique. Once we arrived, we had to get visas in order to be let into the country. I had to put a sweater over my halter top for the photo. I'm guessing the guards did not want my bare shoulders and chest showing. After we were let in, we waited for another van, which drove us out to Vilanculos "port" at the edge of the Indian Ocean. There we boarded a boat to transfer to Bazaruto Island. The boat ride was about 45 minutes. The weather in Mozambique was warmer than that of South Africa. Thankfully with the beach front, this weather was perfect for jumping in the bay. We didn't really stay on the beach though. We explored the island on bikes and horseback. One afternoon we chartered a boat and went snorkeling. That was my favorite!
Patty is no stranger to boats and is right at home on them... even in the face of angry waves. I, on the other hand, a sea novice, was probably the most scared I've ever been in my entire life. The waves were so high it seemed as though the boat would be overturned. Our captain navigated the vessel over the waves. I prayed, while simultaneously thinking, "God didn't possibly bring me here to kill me, did he?"
Once we were in calmer waters, I made my way to the cooler for something to take the edge off. After I calmed down, it was time to explore the world below. It was my first time snorkeling and though a little apprehensive at first, I found peace in the breathing and the underworld views were absolutely amazing! It's a whole other world down there and I can't wait to explore more!
After some time snorkeling, we headed over to one of the islands of the archipelago to check out the sand dunes. Who knew that these existed in Africa? (Not me). We walked up to the top. On the other side were clusters of pine trees. We were told that there were wild goats on that side. We saw evidence of their existence, but we did not encounter any this trip. I had an issue with the height of our dune and decided to slide down instead of walk. It was a lot of fun! Back on the boat, we sailed around the remains of an old island resort. We were told that that was where Bob Dylan used to visit and was the inspiration of his song, "Mozambique".
Our next stop was another island where our captain and his first mate made us a delicious lunch. We had salad, shrimp, fish, chicken, steak... all prepared for just the two of us. After lunch we ended up playing volleyball with some of the natives. It was by far my favorite of our full fun filled days on the island.
The next morning we thought we'd lay out on the beach for a bit, but to our dismay, there was no beach!!! I'd never seen anything like it! Apparently depending on how the moon and the sun align, it pulls the water way out. There were even boats on land. I felt like a young scientist exploring the floor of the sea without the sea to interfere. Patty was less than amused. We decided to explore the bar! We had a blast! The days went quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head back home. The trip home seemed to take forever. First, the 45 minute boat ride back to the main land. From there on to the van and back to the airport, followed by another small plane back to Jo Burg and then a 6 hour layover.
After a week filled with exotic flavors, we settled on a good old-fashioned burger before our flight back to NY. Africa was an unbelievable experience. It left me wanting to explore more of our wondrous world.
The day before Patty and Jerry were to leave, I texted, "have a wonderful trip", remembering that she couldn't make the broker bash I was hosting due to their travel plans. I was taken aback by the text I received in response. "Kenyatta, I am so upset. Jerry can't go and I'm going to have to cancel the trip." I tried to think of all the possible options for her to try to save their trip with minimal damages but nothing seemed as though it would work. My last thought was that Patty had to goto Africa even if she had to go alone.
The next morning Patty text me an invitation to join her. It would be less than 24 hours that we would be leaving for Africa and my broker bash was scheduled for that evening. As I would be spending the day preparing for my event, there would be no time to pack, but no problem! What more would I really need to bring other than a few bathing suits, maxi dresses and safari gear?
A few hours later, we were all checked in at JFK and ready to go! Remember that 17 hours I mentioned that I would have to sleep.... I woke up after about 6 hours like a kid sitting in the back seat during a family road trip... "Are we there yet?" We flew South African Airways. Aside from trying to fall back to sleep, I did a little journaling and watched a few of the African Movies courtesy of SAA. 93 Days freaked me out a bit. It was good though.
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It was amazing being so close to the wild. We went into the bush with Lee and our ranger to observe the animals first thing in the morning and again in the early evening. My favorite animal was the elephant. They were just so magnificent. We had an incident where our jeep stalled in the path of what seemed to be the largest elephant in the bush. He paused before he began his march in our direction. Luckily, Lee was able to get our jeep moving in the nick of time!
We saw all but one of the big five that trip. The lions eluded us but based on the migration of the buffalo, it was just a matter of time before the predators reached out territory. But after 3 days, we were off to our next adventure.
We took a van out of Kruger to a different airport, which flew us in to Mozambique. Once we arrived, we had to get visas in order to be let into the country. I had to put a sweater over my halter top for the photo. I'm guessing the guards did not want my bare shoulders and chest showing. After we were let in, we waited for another van, which drove us out to Vilanculos "port" at the edge of the Indian Ocean. There we boarded a boat to transfer to Bazaruto Island. The boat ride was about 45 minutes. The weather in Mozambique was warmer than that of South Africa. Thankfully with the beach front, this weather was perfect for jumping in the bay. We didn't really stay on the beach though. We explored the island on bikes and horseback. One afternoon we chartered a boat and went snorkeling. That was my favorite!
Patty is no stranger to boats and is right at home on them... even in the face of angry waves. I, on the other hand, a sea novice, was probably the most scared I've ever been in my entire life. The waves were so high it seemed as though the boat would be overturned. Our captain navigated the vessel over the waves. I prayed, while simultaneously thinking, "God didn't possibly bring me here to kill me, did he?"
Once we were in calmer waters, I made my way to the cooler for something to take the edge off. After I calmed down, it was time to explore the world below. It was my first time snorkeling and though a little apprehensive at first, I found peace in the breathing and the underworld views were absolutely amazing! It's a whole other world down there and I can't wait to explore more!
The next morning we thought we'd lay out on the beach for a bit, but to our dismay, there was no beach!!! I'd never seen anything like it! Apparently depending on how the moon and the sun align, it pulls the water way out. There were even boats on land. I felt like a young scientist exploring the floor of the sea without the sea to interfere. Patty was less than amused. We decided to explore the bar! We had a blast! The days went quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head back home. The trip home seemed to take forever. First, the 45 minute boat ride back to the main land. From there on to the van and back to the airport, followed by another small plane back to Jo Burg and then a 6 hour layover.
After a week filled with exotic flavors, we settled on a good old-fashioned burger before our flight back to NY. Africa was an unbelievable experience. It left me wanting to explore more of our wondrous world.
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