Cape Town

A few days to rest in Cape Town (which I keep thinking is in New Zealand, perhaps I need more rest) after Botswana. The tour went well in that we saw plenty of animals and birds and had an excellent group. The guide really knew his stuff but didn't communicate very well so that was a disappointment. My East African knowledge helped to identify quite a lot, and keep the group informed, but I was pleased to see new stuff too.
I'll paste a couple of pictures below and see if the net is fast enough to send more to Picassa too.
I was supposed to be in Mozambique by now but a problem arose and I'll not be going. That has given me more time in CT, which is a very pleasant spot. I came down by train, over 1000 miles and 28 hours on a comfy sleeper. I should be joined tomorrow by two UK folk for a longer look at SA.

Moving on

My two years are now up and I am leaving the university. On 23rd September I start travelling in southern Africa, a mixture of an organised tour in Botswana, visiting friends in Mozambique, touring South Africa with friends and travelling on my own back to Nairobi by buses etc through Malawi and Tanzania. I expect to be back in Kenya in early December and then fly to UK around 10th December.
I will try to make postings to keep in touch, but they may not be frequent or highly illustrated.
None the less, I would appreciate hearing from you. My email address will still be active, my phone number will work in Malawi and Tanzania but not sure where else. You can try leaving messages as comments on this blog too, if desperate!

Hippo delight

Here are a few of one of my favourite animals. These are in the lower pool at Mzima Springs in Tsavo West park: the source of much of the drinking water for Mombasa.
The blue Barbel have a friendly relationship with the hippos.

Nairobi Star

There being none of the better newspapers, I purchased the Star today. Here are a few snippets:

[After police shot some motorists suspected of robbery and fleeing arrest]
Their bodies were riddled with bullets. Police said after getting shot, the suspects lost control of their car......
A witness said he saw a speeding car being chased by police and did not know what was happening. " I saw a speeding vehicle that was being followed by police in a car and I wondered what was going on", the witness said.

Referring to a new surgical instrument:
For the first time in surgical history this enables [operations] to be performed just as septically at home, on the roadsides or out there in the bush as in an operating theatre"

The gossip column reported that one govt minister was seen driving around a certain roundabout, another had six eggs in his shopping basket on Saturday and yet another was filling up a car with petrol on Friday. Just thought you needed to know that.

No title for this one

Ingenious

Knife grinders often carry around a frame and wheel but this ingenious person has adapted their bike so that they can drive the grinding wheel from the back wheel while propping up the bike on its rear stand.

Hotel de Leopol

This is a nice hotel in Addis Ababa, close to the airport. Their brochure, however, has some fascinating advertising statements:

"The clean bathroom with it toiletries and the harmonizing towel, makes you want not to leave that room."

"The studio rooms provide the added advantage of haring a room for sole but at the same time keep to your cozy way of sleeping in a solitary but relaxed bed."

"[The restaurant] is the perfect place for romantic dinner with your family. Enjoy with our set meal family pack.
Please note. Every Friday and Saturday special candle light dinner for newly couples."

Hospital with a view

The Kenyatta National Hospital is the grey building with turrets, easily in view of the Nairobi National Park and the giraffes. I guess it is about 2 miles away, perhaps less. One can see the park from the wards but not closely enough to see the animals. Wilson Airport is the nearest human edifice in this picture.

Sound advice