This morning I woke up at 8:00 am after I slept very well. I took my first shower in 5 days since we were not able to shower on the hike! Hopefully I don't ever have to go that long without showering again! Unfortunately, the hot water tank for our shower is not working but the cold shower I took never felt so refreshing! The compound has a family of black and white dogs to keep away intruders.
Julia and I went to 10:00 am mass in the chapel which was celebrated by Father Bert. He is an American priest who visits for about 2 months every year. Even though the Church is now in Ordinary Time, he emphasized how all time is EXTRAordinary Time. At mass, there were about 60 people from the community packed into a tiny, simple chapel. Many members of the community are in the choir. The beautiful, lively songs they sang are mostly sung in English with a few in Swahili. Bongos drums and other instruments were used. The choir included everyone from infants to the elderly. Here at mass, the Eucharist is dipped into the Blood of Christ if you wish to receive the Blood of Christ rather than drinking from the chalice. Father Kevin introduced Julia and me to the congregation. We received a very warm welcome and met so many of the very kind people after mass.
After mass, we toured the rest of the fairly large living complex that is contained within the stone walls of the compound. There are guards that come from a tribe in Kenya that work here for safety. We were shown around the main house where there is a common room, dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms for the Friars. There is another building used for administrative offices and a quaint library. The property is beautiful. There are many trees ranging from mango to avocado to eucalyptus along with many birds and beautiful flowers. We then walked to the hospital on the other side of the compound that the Sisters of Hawthorne for patients with terminal illnesses. The home that they live in used to be the home of a wealthy Indian businessman who ran a transportation system in Kenya. The sisters have only been in Kisumu for a few years. The home that they provide for the patients is truly incredible. Most of the patients have lived in mud huts their whole lives and now are being cared for in their own beds in a house that is like a palace to most of them.
I had some downtime later on. Today was the first day I was able to get wireless. At 6:00 pm, we went to Vespers, Compline, and Intercessory Prayer in the chapel which lasted until 6:45 pm. We ate dinner with the Friars, novices, and postulates in the large dining room where we will be eating all of our meals. Everyone is very excited about the World Cup especially since many of the men studying to become Dominican Friars are from various countries in Africa that are competing. All of Africa has been inundated by the World Cup frenzy.
Saturday, June 12th - Enthusiasm
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your objective. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
Today I was driven by enthusiasm as we descended Mount Kenya and later finally arrived at the Dominican compound in Kisumu. I woke up at 5:30 am, ate breakfast, packed my backpack, and left Old Moses Camp at 6:45 am for the last stretch of the trail. Our team hiked together as a precaution in case we encountered some of the wildlife. Fortunately, we were able to see a family of 3 elephants, 2 zebras, and a group of loud monkeys! Each group was in a different area toward the end of our hike this morning. The elephants were off in the distance while the monkeys and zebras were about 50 yards away from us. The hike only took us about 2.5 hours to cover 8 miles.
On the hike, Nicholas told me that his main reason for being a guide isn't for the small salary or for the food provided on the hikes. Rather, he enjoys the "exchange of ideas" between the Kenyans and his clients from around the world! When he said that, I was stunned at how meaningful his statement was. I kept thinking about our conversation all day and have begun to realize how wise some of the people I have already met here are. We said goodbye to our team at the gate, and they all said that they did not want to see us go since it "pains their hearts" or makes them sad.
We were driven an hour back to Nanyuki, mostly off-roading on the bumpy ride. My heart was breaking as we passed by so many worn down huts and children without shoes who were still smiling and waving. So many people here have nothing, especially the farmers on the mountain, who live in shanty wooden shacks that look like they could crumble at any moment.
We drove 4 hours to the Nairobi Airport. The drivers are a little reckless even in the busy traffic (imagine rush hour in NYC). We took a flight from Nairobi to Kisumu, which was about 30 minutes, after a minor delay because the President of Kenya was getting off a plane on the runway when our flight was supposed to board. We arrived in Kisumu at 7:00 pm and were met by Father Charles. We stopped at the grocery store on the way from the airport to the compound to pickup eggs for the house. Father Kevin graciously greeted us at the door, fed us dinner, and we were shown to our rooms in a small building across the grass that has 2 tiny bedrooms for each of us, an outdoor shower, and an outdoor bathroom where we will be staying. I'm thankful to stay in a real bed tonight. We have mosquito nets above each bed. There is a pen of dogs right outside my room which the guards keep for safety. I am happy to be situated in Kisumu where I will be for the majority of the trip.
Today I was driven by enthusiasm as we descended Mount Kenya and later finally arrived at the Dominican compound in Kisumu. I woke up at 5:30 am, ate breakfast, packed my backpack, and left Old Moses Camp at 6:45 am for the last stretch of the trail. Our team hiked together as a precaution in case we encountered some of the wildlife. Fortunately, we were able to see a family of 3 elephants, 2 zebras, and a group of loud monkeys! Each group was in a different area toward the end of our hike this morning. The elephants were off in the distance while the monkeys and zebras were about 50 yards away from us. The hike only took us about 2.5 hours to cover 8 miles.
On the hike, Nicholas told me that his main reason for being a guide isn't for the small salary or for the food provided on the hikes. Rather, he enjoys the "exchange of ideas" between the Kenyans and his clients from around the world! When he said that, I was stunned at how meaningful his statement was. I kept thinking about our conversation all day and have begun to realize how wise some of the people I have already met here are. We said goodbye to our team at the gate, and they all said that they did not want to see us go since it "pains their hearts" or makes them sad.
We were driven an hour back to Nanyuki, mostly off-roading on the bumpy ride. My heart was breaking as we passed by so many worn down huts and children without shoes who were still smiling and waving. So many people here have nothing, especially the farmers on the mountain, who live in shanty wooden shacks that look like they could crumble at any moment.
We drove 4 hours to the Nairobi Airport. The drivers are a little reckless even in the busy traffic (imagine rush hour in NYC). We took a flight from Nairobi to Kisumu, which was about 30 minutes, after a minor delay because the President of Kenya was getting off a plane on the runway when our flight was supposed to board. We arrived in Kisumu at 7:00 pm and were met by Father Charles. We stopped at the grocery store on the way from the airport to the compound to pickup eggs for the house. Father Kevin graciously greeted us at the door, fed us dinner, and we were shown to our rooms in a small building across the grass that has 2 tiny bedrooms for each of us, an outdoor shower, and an outdoor bathroom where we will be staying. I'm thankful to stay in a real bed tonight. We have mosquito nets above each bed. There is a pen of dogs right outside my room which the guards keep for safety. I am happy to be situated in Kisumu where I will be for the majority of the trip.
Friday, June 11th: Ready or Not...Here We Come
We woke up in the middle of the night at 2:30 am. Our guide, Robbin, woke us up by singing all of the American songs he knows! We drank some tea and ate biscuits that were just like wafer crackers. I layered up in every item of clothing I brought -- my t-shirt, running shirt, underarmor, sweatshirt, and windbreaker along with leggings and pants! We departed at 3:00 am in the pitch black with our headlamps as our only source of light. The 4 brave souls - Robbin, Nicholas, Julia, and I - were the only ones out of our team of 7 to hike this leg of the trail. The cooks and porters were not needed since we did not need our backpacks and we would pass Shipton on our way down the mountain. Nicholas, a guide and porter, is 26 and has been working for the company for 5 years. He absolutely loves his job. Like many Kenyans, he is extremely proud of his country and the incredible land, especially Mt. Kenya, that it contains.
We hiked from 4,200 m to 4,985 m (16,355 ft)! I somehow made it to the top! This climb today was the scariest, most exhilirating few hours I have ever experienced. I could feel and hear my heart beating every step of the way. At 4,500 m, Julia and Robbin started to backtrack down the mountain while Nicholas and I decided to continue ahead. The last 400 m were steep uphill over sand and big boulders. While it was still dark out, I could only see my feet. When I shone my headlamp higher, it was only discouraging seeing the steep slope ahead. It was better to focus on my footing.
With about 30 minutes until we reached the summit after we had been going at a good pace, I saw that we had to scale part of the mountain to reach the next part. I stopped, looked at Nicholas who I placed a lot of trust in on this hike, and asked him to seriously tell me if I was capable of doing this or if we should turn around. He proceeded to tell me that if I made it this far, I was strong enough to continue. He held my hand for the next 10 steps until I relaxed and stopped shaking from the cold. We then pulled ourselves each across the vertical slab of rock being careful not to slip. "Pole, pole" means "slowly, slowly" in Swahili. I slowly took each step to keep complete concentration. Every sip of water I took felt like ice coming into my lungs. Almost there! The last stretch to reach the peak involved me pulling my body up onto the flat part of the summit by lifting each foot onto different ledges. Finally, we made it just as the sun began to rise at 6:15 am!
YAY! Nicholas and I screamed at the top of our lungs, stood next to the Kenyan flag at the peak, and gazed around in utter amazement in all directions. The sky was cobalt blue with glimmers of bright pinks and oranges shining through. We took some pictures, sat down for a few minutes, and I tried to soak it all in as much as I could. Nicholas wanted me to call my parents, but I still have to buy a cell phone over here.
The trek down was nerve-wrecking. We took a "short cut" down the steeper end of the mountain on a slab of dry sand and rocks. I was skidding all over the place so I just took my time. The way down was really incredible since I was now getting to see everything (especially the waterfalls) I hiked past in the darkness. We arrived at camp to meet Julia, Robbin, and the others at 8:00 am after completing 13 miles. We ate breakfast at a little table outside at Shipton Camp. The view was breathtaking. I was high on adrenaline but also shaky and exhausted. We then left camp at 10:30 am to walk down to Old Moses which was 16 miles away. We arrived there at 4:00 pm. The walk back was a bit muddy. I enjoyed walking through the tall yellow grasses which made me feel like I was part of the Lion King! Some of the wildlife on the mountain include elephants, leopards, and hyenas, none of which we have seen yet. They only come out in the dark or in the early morning.
By 8:00 pm, I was snuggled into my sleeping bag. Today was truly remarkable. I pushed myself more than I anticipated, and I am very happy that I did. In doing so, I was able to really appreciate the beautiful land that the Kenyans are so proud of. Especially today, I said a few prayers in desperation on the hike. I also kept thinking of the brave people I know, especially my cousin Jack, so that I wouldn't back down. Courage, endurance, and trust were key components of the day.
We hiked from 4,200 m to 4,985 m (16,355 ft)! I somehow made it to the top! This climb today was the scariest, most exhilirating few hours I have ever experienced. I could feel and hear my heart beating every step of the way. At 4,500 m, Julia and Robbin started to backtrack down the mountain while Nicholas and I decided to continue ahead. The last 400 m were steep uphill over sand and big boulders. While it was still dark out, I could only see my feet. When I shone my headlamp higher, it was only discouraging seeing the steep slope ahead. It was better to focus on my footing.
With about 30 minutes until we reached the summit after we had been going at a good pace, I saw that we had to scale part of the mountain to reach the next part. I stopped, looked at Nicholas who I placed a lot of trust in on this hike, and asked him to seriously tell me if I was capable of doing this or if we should turn around. He proceeded to tell me that if I made it this far, I was strong enough to continue. He held my hand for the next 10 steps until I relaxed and stopped shaking from the cold. We then pulled ourselves each across the vertical slab of rock being careful not to slip. "Pole, pole" means "slowly, slowly" in Swahili. I slowly took each step to keep complete concentration. Every sip of water I took felt like ice coming into my lungs. Almost there! The last stretch to reach the peak involved me pulling my body up onto the flat part of the summit by lifting each foot onto different ledges. Finally, we made it just as the sun began to rise at 6:15 am!
YAY! Nicholas and I screamed at the top of our lungs, stood next to the Kenyan flag at the peak, and gazed around in utter amazement in all directions. The sky was cobalt blue with glimmers of bright pinks and oranges shining through. We took some pictures, sat down for a few minutes, and I tried to soak it all in as much as I could. Nicholas wanted me to call my parents, but I still have to buy a cell phone over here.
The trek down was nerve-wrecking. We took a "short cut" down the steeper end of the mountain on a slab of dry sand and rocks. I was skidding all over the place so I just took my time. The way down was really incredible since I was now getting to see everything (especially the waterfalls) I hiked past in the darkness. We arrived at camp to meet Julia, Robbin, and the others at 8:00 am after completing 13 miles. We ate breakfast at a little table outside at Shipton Camp. The view was breathtaking. I was high on adrenaline but also shaky and exhausted. We then left camp at 10:30 am to walk down to Old Moses which was 16 miles away. We arrived there at 4:00 pm. The walk back was a bit muddy. I enjoyed walking through the tall yellow grasses which made me feel like I was part of the Lion King! Some of the wildlife on the mountain include elephants, leopards, and hyenas, none of which we have seen yet. They only come out in the dark or in the early morning.
By 8:00 pm, I was snuggled into my sleeping bag. Today was truly remarkable. I pushed myself more than I anticipated, and I am very happy that I did. In doing so, I was able to really appreciate the beautiful land that the Kenyans are so proud of. Especially today, I said a few prayers in desperation on the hike. I also kept thinking of the brave people I know, especially my cousin Jack, so that I wouldn't back down. Courage, endurance, and trust were key components of the day.
Thursday, June 10th: Physical and Mental Stamina
This morning I woke up from the cold in my sleeping bag at 4:00 am and was pleasantly relieved that I had a few more hours to sleep! For breakfast at 6:00 am, Julia and I ate cereal and passion fruit. Passion fruit comes in a hard brown shell, is pink on the inside, and is absolutely delicious. It is about the same size as an egg.
We began our hike at 7:00 am and finished at about 3:00 pm. We covered 16 miles, mostly uphill to an elevation of 4,200 m (13,780 ft). The mountain is massive in height and width. The majority of the hike was down and up two gigantic valleys, then up to a steep cliff, and past a few powerful waterfalls. We carried our lunches with us to eat on one of our breaks. Since we are in such a small group, we are free to take breaks for water whenever we want. For me, I don't like taking breaks that are too long because then you lose some momentum.
We faced the elements of nature today. First it was cool, then hot, then we were hit with torrential downpour for about an hour! My yellow poncho was a lifesaver :)
When hiking, I have had a lot of time to think. Hiking is both a challenging and soothing experience. Right now, I feel like if I can complete this hike in its entirety then I can do anything I set my mind to. During the toughest parts, rather than getting frustrated, I found myself laughing that we were slipping in ankle deep mud in the pouring rain on Mount Kenya! Laughing at ourselves and each other along the way is an essential ingredient to this hike.
Tonight we stayed at Shipton Camp. After arriving, I changed into clean socks and a warm sweat-shirt. I never thought that I'd be so happy with simply having a fresh pair of socks to wear! Once the rain subsided, I went outside to look around at the magnificent view we had! The rest of our team is terrific and very positive throughout the days and nights. We had tea and coffee, as we do each day, once we arrived at our camp. The higher we get, the more our appetite has been decreasing which is normal. Its important though to stay well nourished. After dinner, we went to bed around 8:00 pm since we have an early start tomorrow. I can't wait to share my stories with everyone at home!
We began our hike at 7:00 am and finished at about 3:00 pm. We covered 16 miles, mostly uphill to an elevation of 4,200 m (13,780 ft). The mountain is massive in height and width. The majority of the hike was down and up two gigantic valleys, then up to a steep cliff, and past a few powerful waterfalls. We carried our lunches with us to eat on one of our breaks. Since we are in such a small group, we are free to take breaks for water whenever we want. For me, I don't like taking breaks that are too long because then you lose some momentum.
We faced the elements of nature today. First it was cool, then hot, then we were hit with torrential downpour for about an hour! My yellow poncho was a lifesaver :)
When hiking, I have had a lot of time to think. Hiking is both a challenging and soothing experience. Right now, I feel like if I can complete this hike in its entirety then I can do anything I set my mind to. During the toughest parts, rather than getting frustrated, I found myself laughing that we were slipping in ankle deep mud in the pouring rain on Mount Kenya! Laughing at ourselves and each other along the way is an essential ingredient to this hike.
Tonight we stayed at Shipton Camp. After arriving, I changed into clean socks and a warm sweat-shirt. I never thought that I'd be so happy with simply having a fresh pair of socks to wear! Once the rain subsided, I went outside to look around at the magnificent view we had! The rest of our team is terrific and very positive throughout the days and nights. We had tea and coffee, as we do each day, once we arrived at our camp. The higher we get, the more our appetite has been decreasing which is normal. Its important though to stay well nourished. After dinner, we went to bed around 8:00 pm since we have an early start tomorrow. I can't wait to share my stories with everyone at home!
Wednesday, June 9th -- Mount Kenya = "Mountain of Light"
I woke up this morning at 6:00 am after getting 7 hours of sleep. I slept in my sleeping bag on top of my bed. Luckily, there weren't any mosquitoes! We did see a few grasshoppers that are about 5 inches long but harmless. I ate a continental breakfast of pineapple, melon, fried dough, egg whites, and a delicious cup of coffee. Kenya exports their tea and coffee beans.
Julia and I were picked up at the hotel at 8:00 am by our driver, John. The owner of the hiking company, Daniel, who we made our reservations through met us at the hotel also. The team of employees they have is very professional and accommodating. John drove us 4 hours in a little Toyota with our hiking backpacks to the town of Nanyuki. Driving here is much different than it is at home. The roads are poorly paved and the drivers are fearless. We ate a quick lunch, of vegetable soup, a biscuit, and a chicken leg, in Nanyuki where we met our enthuiastic hiking guide, Robbin. Robbin is 32 years old and has been a guide for the past 5 years. Robbin drove us another hour to the base of the mountain to the start of the Sirimon Route which is at an elevation of 2,440m. During our ride through the base of the mountain, we passed by many "squatters" (people who live at the base of the mountain to farm during certain seasons to grow crops such as snow peas and maize). We kept our windows closed because some of the children would come up to the windows to ask or money. This was extremely heart-breaking to see.
We met our team of hikers at the gate to the Sirimon Route at 2:00 pm. Julia and I will be traveling with two porters, two cooks, our main guide (Robbin). The other group of 8 hikers from Austrailia decided to stay for a night in Nanyuki to get adjusted to the high elevation. LUCKILY, Julia and I found out that we will not need to carry our 20 lb backpacks up the mountain since that is the job of the porters! We later realized how much of a blessing this would be. We each carried some of our belongings (layers for the hike, nalgene of water, and rain jacket).
We reached Old Moses Camp of 3,200 m (11,000 ft) at 5:00 pm after hiking 8 miles uphill. Many hikers turn back after the first day! Although parts of the hike were difficult after sitting on a plane and in a car for so long, we finished the first day of hiking just fine. Parts of the trail's terrain were similar to a rock quarry so concentrating on each step is key. Getting adjusted to breathing at the high elevation was not a problem. The fresh air is very refreshing after breathing in the polluted air in Nairobi. It rained occasionally on our hike which is common during the afternoon. We saw a baboon! We also saw traces of elephants. The wildlife on the mountain is incredible.
I enjoyed talking to Robbin on the hike. His English is excellent. We talked about everything from U2, to Michelle and Barack Obama, to the importance of family in both the US and Kenya. I also learned that Mt. Kenya is only 700 ft shy of Mt. Kilamanjaro! Tonight I'll be staying on the top bunk in a green shack-like building at Old Moses Camp. It feels surreal to be here! I'm getting to see first hand how you can survive and be very happy living with the bare minimum. Although I didn't have much of an appetite, for dinner, we ate white fish, potatoes, and mixed vegetables. I went to bed at 8:45 pm in my mummy sleeping bag with every layer on that I packed since it gets very cold on the mountain at night!
Julia and I were picked up at the hotel at 8:00 am by our driver, John. The owner of the hiking company, Daniel, who we made our reservations through met us at the hotel also. The team of employees they have is very professional and accommodating. John drove us 4 hours in a little Toyota with our hiking backpacks to the town of Nanyuki. Driving here is much different than it is at home. The roads are poorly paved and the drivers are fearless. We ate a quick lunch, of vegetable soup, a biscuit, and a chicken leg, in Nanyuki where we met our enthuiastic hiking guide, Robbin. Robbin is 32 years old and has been a guide for the past 5 years. Robbin drove us another hour to the base of the mountain to the start of the Sirimon Route which is at an elevation of 2,440m. During our ride through the base of the mountain, we passed by many "squatters" (people who live at the base of the mountain to farm during certain seasons to grow crops such as snow peas and maize). We kept our windows closed because some of the children would come up to the windows to ask or money. This was extremely heart-breaking to see.
We met our team of hikers at the gate to the Sirimon Route at 2:00 pm. Julia and I will be traveling with two porters, two cooks, our main guide (Robbin). The other group of 8 hikers from Austrailia decided to stay for a night in Nanyuki to get adjusted to the high elevation. LUCKILY, Julia and I found out that we will not need to carry our 20 lb backpacks up the mountain since that is the job of the porters! We later realized how much of a blessing this would be. We each carried some of our belongings (layers for the hike, nalgene of water, and rain jacket).
We reached Old Moses Camp of 3,200 m (11,000 ft) at 5:00 pm after hiking 8 miles uphill. Many hikers turn back after the first day! Although parts of the hike were difficult after sitting on a plane and in a car for so long, we finished the first day of hiking just fine. Parts of the trail's terrain were similar to a rock quarry so concentrating on each step is key. Getting adjusted to breathing at the high elevation was not a problem. The fresh air is very refreshing after breathing in the polluted air in Nairobi. It rained occasionally on our hike which is common during the afternoon. We saw a baboon! We also saw traces of elephants. The wildlife on the mountain is incredible.
I enjoyed talking to Robbin on the hike. His English is excellent. We talked about everything from U2, to Michelle and Barack Obama, to the importance of family in both the US and Kenya. I also learned that Mt. Kenya is only 700 ft shy of Mt. Kilamanjaro! Tonight I'll be staying on the top bunk in a green shack-like building at Old Moses Camp. It feels surreal to be here! I'm getting to see first hand how you can survive and be very happy living with the bare minimum. Although I didn't have much of an appetite, for dinner, we ate white fish, potatoes, and mixed vegetables. I went to bed at 8:45 pm in my mummy sleeping bag with every layer on that I packed since it gets very cold on the mountain at night!
Monday, June 7th & Tuesday, June 8th: Let the Adventure Begin!
Today my journey began! After enjoying my sister Clare's graduation party at our house on Sunday, I finished packing my suitcase, EMS hiking back pack, and carry on. Luckily, I was able to say goodbye to all of my extended family and friends at the party before leaving the next day. My Mom gave me her Bishop Loughlin track t-shirt, that has a big lion on it, to wear on the flight as a good luck charm for the flight! My grandpa, "Pop-pop", ran track at Bishop Loughlin.
My flight left from JFK at 6:00 pm on Monday. Julia met me at the airport. Our flight from NY to Zurich took about 6.5 hours. Swiss Air was terrific -- good food,(even Swiss chocolate covered in soccer ball tin foil print for the World Cup), along with a good selection of movies. We arrived in Zurich feeling like we were contestants on the show "The Amazing Race." We had little time to spare between arriving and catching our flight from Zurich to Nairobi which was about 7.5 hours long. I slept for most of the second flight and read part of my very interesting book, "Let My People Go Surfing - The Education of a Reluctant Businessman" by Yvon Chouinard. He is the founder and owner of Patagonia. He went into the business world for the sake of earning money to give away to those in need. I was able to see the bright lights of the city of Nairobi from my window seat on the plane!
Julia and I were picked up right away by Gerund, one of the drivers from the Mount Kenya Hiking Company. He drove us about 20 minutes from the airport to our hotel, Kenya Comfort Hotel. In the hotel, we have two twin sized beds that have giant nets to drape over the beds while we sleep to prevent us from mosquitoes and insects! These nets are quite common here. I have malaria pills to take for the duration of my trip. Before going to bed, I was able to email home and PC to let them know we arrived safe and sound. I laid out my clothes for the hike tomorrow. I'm very relieved to be here finally. I can already tell that this is going to be a real adventure and a true test of going beyond my comfort zone!
My flight left from JFK at 6:00 pm on Monday. Julia met me at the airport. Our flight from NY to Zurich took about 6.5 hours. Swiss Air was terrific -- good food,(even Swiss chocolate covered in soccer ball tin foil print for the World Cup), along with a good selection of movies. We arrived in Zurich feeling like we were contestants on the show "The Amazing Race." We had little time to spare between arriving and catching our flight from Zurich to Nairobi which was about 7.5 hours long. I slept for most of the second flight and read part of my very interesting book, "Let My People Go Surfing - The Education of a Reluctant Businessman" by Yvon Chouinard. He is the founder and owner of Patagonia. He went into the business world for the sake of earning money to give away to those in need. I was able to see the bright lights of the city of Nairobi from my window seat on the plane!
Julia and I were picked up right away by Gerund, one of the drivers from the Mount Kenya Hiking Company. He drove us about 20 minutes from the airport to our hotel, Kenya Comfort Hotel. In the hotel, we have two twin sized beds that have giant nets to drape over the beds while we sleep to prevent us from mosquitoes and insects! These nets are quite common here. I have malaria pills to take for the duration of my trip. Before going to bed, I was able to email home and PC to let them know we arrived safe and sound. I laid out my clothes for the hike tomorrow. I'm very relieved to be here finally. I can already tell that this is going to be a real adventure and a true test of going beyond my comfort zone!
Father Smith Fellowship -- Destination: Kenya
I am extremely fortunate to be the recipient of one of the five Father Smith Fellowships that were awarded for the Summer of 2010. The fellowship program at Providence College began last summer with two students, one traveling to England and the other to the Philippines. This year's fellows include: Francesca Genova '11 (England), Lia Santilli '11 (Australia), Hollis Dunlop '12 (Nicaragua), Julia Tully '12 (Kenya), and me. Julia and I will be traveling and living together in Kenya! It is very comforting knowing that Julia and I will be companions on this journey to such a foreign place.
With only four days until my departure from JFK Airport in New York, I am incredibly excited for this amazing adventure! Below is a brief overview of my itinerary.
June 7th: Fly on Swiss Air at 6:00 pm (NY to Zurich, Zurich to Nairobi)
June 8th: Arrive in Nairobi at 6:10 pm (after 16 hours of flying), stay in Nairobi for the night at the Kenya Comfort Hotel
June 9th: Picked up from hotel by the Mount Kenya Hiking guide at 8:00 am to begin our hike of Mount Kenya via the Sirimon Route
June 12th: Finish hike of Mount Kenya, fly from Nairobi to Kisumu
June 12th-July 11th: Stay at the St. Martin de Porres Dominican compound in Kisumu, Kenya (work at the Our Lady of Grace School and Father Tom's Kids Orphanage)
July 11th: Fly from Kisumu to Nairobi, stay the night with Stephen Walsh and his family (PC alum '89)
July 12th: Fly from Nairobi to the Masai Mara
July 12th-July 15th: Safari in the Masai Mara
July 15th: Fly from the Masai Mara to Nairobi to Zurich to NY
July 16th: Arrive back at JFK at 12:35 pm
With only four days until my departure from JFK Airport in New York, I am incredibly excited for this amazing adventure! Below is a brief overview of my itinerary.
June 7th: Fly on Swiss Air at 6:00 pm (NY to Zurich, Zurich to Nairobi)
June 8th: Arrive in Nairobi at 6:10 pm (after 16 hours of flying), stay in Nairobi for the night at the Kenya Comfort Hotel
June 9th: Picked up from hotel by the Mount Kenya Hiking guide at 8:00 am to begin our hike of Mount Kenya via the Sirimon Route
June 12th: Finish hike of Mount Kenya, fly from Nairobi to Kisumu
June 12th-July 11th: Stay at the St. Martin de Porres Dominican compound in Kisumu, Kenya (work at the Our Lady of Grace School and Father Tom's Kids Orphanage)
July 11th: Fly from Kisumu to Nairobi, stay the night with Stephen Walsh and his family (PC alum '89)
July 12th: Fly from Nairobi to the Masai Mara
July 12th-July 15th: Safari in the Masai Mara
July 15th: Fly from the Masai Mara to Nairobi to Zurich to NY
July 16th: Arrive back at JFK at 12:35 pm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
