Monday, July 16, 2001
Malaria
I wasn't so out of shape as I thought. I just caught malaria. Staying at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. Parents flew in from the USA today and wife flew back from Thailand. Doctor told them I have a 50% chance of living. Feeling good, albiet delerious, in Kenya. Will report back shortly.
Monday, July 9, 2001
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
It was a beautiful morning in Tanzania, and a great day to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I started out early by catching a taxi to the base of the legendary mountain. When I arrived at the entrance to the park, the taxi driver and I walked up to the guides' booth and negotiated a price. Unfortunately, I only had one day to get back to Kenya, and I was informed that climbing all the way to the top and back would take at a minimum three days, even for the most enduring of hikers. Nonetheless, I purchased a ticket and hired a guide to at least take me on a tour through the rainforest level of the mountain.
It was a very nice hike, and I learned a lot about the mountain's rainforest habitat. As a sidenote, I had never seen so many ants crawling around in one place. I think that if you stood in one place without walking for just a few minutes, you would easily have ants crawling up your pant legs!
There is much talk about foresting the area to support the development of the nation's industries, but I hope the park remains wild and natural for at least a few more generations to see. Already, through the trees, you can hear an occasional chainsaw grinding away.
At one point, I had a great view from the side of the mountain down to the countryside below. The landscape was mostly unoccupied, with scattered farms here and there. I couldn't help but think what incredible real estate those farmers have. But, I'm sure they price for it. No doubt, they're on the fringe of poverty and strugling to make a living with their crops. I wonder if they appreciate that they have one of the world's greates natural wonders outside their door.
I felt a little nauseous by the time I had come back to the base of the mountain and I was glad to be done with the walking. I guess I need to be in better shape before I try another high altitute adventure.
Sunday, July 1, 2001
Fishing Near Lamu
Friday, June 22, 2001
Bujagali Falls
Saturday, June 9, 2001
Honeymoon in Dubai
Dressing up in Arab garb felt kind of fake, after having disguised myself in local clothing to get out to the war laden Sahara terretory last year. The honeymoon was nice though. Stayed at the Admiral Plaza hotel and went out to the dunes via Land Rover brigade. Will return back to the States in about 3 months.
Wednesday, May 23, 2001
Kevin as Lunch Lady in Thailand
I tried my hand as a lunch lady at a grade-school in rural Thailand. I also gave some English lessons to some of the locals. Even speaking decent Thai, I stuck out like a sore thumb, especially since I towered over the average villager by about a foot. The children were receptive, and eager to try out the few English words they learned at school. I also tried my hand at rice farming, digging drainage ditches, and arm wrestling. My height advantage rendered me undefeated against even the most buff of rice farmers.
Monday, May 21, 2001
Catch of the Day
Wednesday, January 3, 2001
Just Married
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