Jambo

which means hello in Swahili.

I am back safely in Nairobi after my 3 day safari. We saw all of the
"big five" buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard and lion; the rhino was
spotted this am - none had been seen for 2 weeks. We also got a tour
of a Maasi village, incredible!! Got some great photos. Lots of good
stories - the chase for the leopard. the rhino charging the truck. the
two schoolboys who joined us on safari (they got good grades and this
was their reward).

Hopping on a bus out to Kisumu shortly for time on Lake Victoria!

Kenya

Today I learned that Kenya is approximately the size of Texas.

Best Note:

"i forget that the fact that i think of you all the time does not automatically sync information between our brains"

Half the Sky

Today, one of my books arrived for my trip: Half the Sky. I think it makes perfect sense that this is one of the books that I am bringing, certainly right up my alley. The best part? The book club that will be discussing the book when I return. Because, yes, I am that big of a DORK. I dig Senator Gillabrand's Off the Sidelines group. I am a fan at most things that gets folks involved and increases civic engagement. I even more love groups that target getting women more involved. I can't wait to read and then discuss this book!

Last night one of the best people I know gave me a little something to bring to Kenya. It's that sort of thoughtfulness that gets right to my stinking heart. I liked the little speech that went along with it best, the cutest. xoxo csp. I am not often impressed by people - I usually don't talk much about it. However, the people who do impress me, do it at precisely the right moment, or moments, but all in all - it's not easily done, it's always simple, but still not easily done.

When I was going to Haiti regularly a friend would often give me the latest tracks he'd been working on, some not yet released, many in some work-in-progress state. I was always humbled when he'd share these tracks with me. There was something magical being in the land of mango trees and endless starry skies listening to music created in what seemed like light years away. A lyric that always stuck: "there are many ways to leave an island without setting foot in water." Others shared words, one year a group of friends made me a book. Wholly blown away: simple, kind acts. Giving. It's beautiful to travel with all of that energy.

Friday, I'll travel with some wonderful and beautiful energy, that is for certain. I love that these people in my life know exactly just what to do, time and miles mean little.

Grateful.

We're back in the posting songs phase of the blog, which is just fine, because shortly we'll be in the "keeping in touch while on an adventure" part of the blog. You may recall this little road trip. To date, still one of the most amazing experiences of my life. 8600 miles, 17 days and memories to last a lifetime. The countdown to Kenya is on...five days until I leave (four not counting today).