Masai Mara - June 14, 2009

Adina, Latif, Evangeline, Xan and Halie

Jambo!
We headed out for our last am game drive this morning and had quite a drama unfold before our eyes. Latif spotted some lions stalking a zebra. It was the same lioness and her cubs we saw the other day. We slowly followed in the distance waiting for something to happen. Finally 2 of the other drivers cut through the bush behind where we knew the lions were lurking and this scared off the zebras. Letif was not happy! We then drove up through the bush and found the lioness and her cubs hanging out on the other side of a small gully. We all parked and turned off our engines and were enjoying watching them and taking pictures when down through the gully walked a Masai. We were like - oh no!!! He was walking right in front of the lions and of course they were very hungry since they didn't get a zebra! Letif immediately called out to him to come get in our truck. The Masai told Letif that he was running from some Cape Buffalo when he came up to two game drivers parked just above the gully and instead of telling him to get into one of their trucks they told him it was ok to cut through the gully! Letif drove him out to a safer area on the Mara and let him out. He then turned off his engine we just sat there discussing and wondering how this could happen and what awful thing almost happened. Needless to say, Letif turned off his radio, disconnecting all communications with the other drivers and we finished our drive alone without them. The only thing I can say is to quote Letif: "Some people have no humanity in them!". The whole event was very disturbing.
After the drive we had breakfast, finished packing and headed to the airport. Leah tried once more to get me to grab my bag and stay. I was so sad to say goodbye to her and especially Letif. While waiting for the plane to arrive Letif told us a little more about himself and his family. He is married with 5 children, the youngest 3 months, and also has his parents, mother-in-law and 2 brothers live with him. He had acquired some land and just finished building 2 houses when the political uprising occurred last year. Both houses were burned to the ground. It gives you a very clear picture of how hard life is here for a majority of the Kenyans.
We arrived safely into Nairobi, took a taxi home and started regrouping after the long trip. I think I forgot to mention that poor Hubert was unable to join us since he had a new kitchen to open in Mt. Kenya and another restaurant at the Northfork they are trying to open next week. We really missed having him along. I especially miss his sense of humor and adventure when he is not around.
While Evangeline and I were napping, Xan and Halie made some vegetarian sushi. We went to pick up Truffles and Jabari at the vet where they were boarded and came home and enjoyed a late sushi lunch. After that Hubert, Xan and Halie went out a finally bought a TV with all the bells and whistles. We ran out for a quick dinner and when we got back Hubert and Xan set up the TV upstairs in a common area. I missed all the hoopla since I immediately passed out in bed. I heard they had the TV up and running and were blasting the surround sound. I slept through it all. I haven't missed TV one bit since I've been here. Tomorrow we are going with Lindsey in search of some Kurtis at Diamond Plaza and maybe hit a museum or two.
Love,
Adina