|
|
Water break in front of Mount Kenya |
|
|
|
Nanyuki, crossing the equator |
|
|
|
The Bomen Hotel, Isiola |
We started the day with some doubt and trepidation. There were continuing reports of unrest and fuel shortages, in addition to some doubt as to whether Rennie could manage to get hold of a support vehicle early in the day.
Rennie eventually rolled up at 8.30am in a Russian Vaz painted in a sort of 70's British Leyland Mustard colour. We eventually set off at around 9.40am and took a route through central Nairobi. We were immediately struck by how quiet the roads were. There were rare glimpses of the red berets of the GSU (paramilitary Police). Somewhat relieved to have Nairobi in our rear view mirrors. Stopped for the customary photo op with Mount Kenya in the background. Up into the White Highlands and into Nanyuki (the equator), accosted by various hawkers trying to sell us Kenyan flag stickers. Stopped for lunch at the Sportmans Arms, and headed for Isiola, where the tarmac ends. Arrived at the Bomen Hotel in Isiola at around 4.00pm. A very civilised round of drinks on the terrace was followed by a journey (via Vaz) to some Dutch friends of Rennie who lived a bumpy mile away.
At this point, suitable words fail me. We met a charming & generous couple that relayed their Africa story. Their Lodge was a large open structure, with a number of outbuilding accommodation blocks. However, the most striking structure of the entire development was an enormous swimming pool. It had been rather roughly dammed in the middle, and one half drained. It appears the couple (teachers and lecturers in Holland) had arrived in Africa with a dream, a dream to train Kenyan Olympic swimmers. They had built the pool with this in mind. Unfortunately, at the start of this exciting venture, no-one had seen fit to inform them of the African body's relative lack of buoyancy, and an accompanying terror of entering water. The venture was doomed!
They now intended to convert half of the pool into a night club (yep, still with me?).
Anyway, retired to the large central building for Lamb and "famous" chips (yes, we never found out either).
Further beers in Isiola in a bar not unlike some country pubs in Ireland (the sort where it all goes totally silent when you walk in).
|
|
|
|
|