2015 Trip – 29 July

Peter:

En route back to Kenya right now – about and hour to go before the Tanzania/Kenya border, and then about another three hours to Indaba Camp in Nairobi. It was sad saying goodbye to all our friends at Meserani this morning, but I’m back in December – hopefully other members of the group will have the opportunity to return themselves one day. It has been so hectic during our two weeks at Meserani – six secondary school visits, five primary school visits, a vocational training centre visit, a Sports Day, a night in a Maasai boma, a goat barbecue, plus visits to the Clinic, Snakepark and Maasai museum. We also managed to squeeze in three days on the road to include safaris at Tarangire and Ngorongoro. On top of all this we have prepared ten students to begin their A’ Level studies in Tanzania – this was a great insight into the work of The Meserani Project for our Acklam Grange students.

We have had our highs and lows, there have been challenges, both physical and emotional, but as individuals and as a group we have all coped admirably, and the mutual support and camaraderie has been exceptional.

Looking forward to our visit tomorrow to Kibera – the biggest slum area in Africa – it will be interesting to see how everyone copes.

 

Lewis Jefferson

Unfortunately this morning we left the Snake Park; said our sad goodbyes to the brilliant people their like Lothie, Ma, BJ and Deon. After that we set off towards the boarder, changed our shillings to dollars, got followed by locals trying to sell us stuff that we would never need or want and then had lunch. We haven’t got much planned for today apart from travelling and we’re already back in Kenya now so its going to be pretty relaxed. Tomorrow however, is the day we go to Kibera slum (the biggest slum in Africa) to look around and visit St. Secilia primary school. I’m excited to go but nervous because although I’ve heard lots, I’m sure it will be so much different and go beyond expectations. I know it will shock me no matter what but I have no idea how much it will affect me. Anyways bye for now everyone, I love you all and miss you millions and millions.

 

Joe Garrens

This morning was our last time in Meserani Snake Park, it was emotional as we had met such inspiring people like Ma, BJ and Lothie. It was sad to leave them but I would like to thank them for their hospitality and for providing the unforgettable experience that I will keep with me forever. Once we had left we headed for the boarder which wasn’t as hectic I anticipated, before we knew it we were through with no worries. We have just had lunch and are now approaching Indaba camp site which is our last camp site of the trip. We haven’t got anything planned for the rest of the day but we will just be sorting our bags out but me being unlike myself, I have already done that so it means I can relax more. Tomorrow is a very busy day as we have Kibera slum, the biggest slum in Africa, the giraffe sanctuary and the evening meal at the hotel. I am looking forward to doing all the things planned but I am really looking forward to experience the slum and St. Secilia School I am expecting it to be a massive eye opener. Not long until I see you all now. Loving and missing you all so much!

 

Elizabeth Huck

We left Meserani Snake Park this morning; we said our goodbyes to Ma, BJ and Lothie. It was so sad to leave our place we’d called home for a while now. The atmosphere at the campsite was unbelievable and an experience I will never forget. Now we are on our way back to Indaba campsite which is our final campsite. We have little planned for the rest of the day; we are just sorting out our bags. Tomorrow, we are visiting Kibera slum, and visiting the school. Kibera slum and the school I expect to be an eye opener but I am excited to see exactly what the slum is like and how they live. Tomorrow evening we are going to the hotel for the meal which I’m excited for. Love you all lots, see you soon!!

 

Jess Taylor

Hi guys! Yesterday was fantastic we visited chini primary school in the morning which is the most under developed primary school we had been to on the whole trip and the children that attended there had some of the worse backgrounds which were really touching! We interviewed a few in hope of getting them sponsors for secondary school off people from home. On the afternoon we went to Arusha market where we all barted again with the locals to get our best buys for our final presents and gifts we wanted. Fortunately, I have managed to get everything that I needed and I don’t think ill have any problem in getting them all home! Today, we left Tanzania and the snake park saying good bye to all the amazing staff! They were amazing! It was sad leaving the snake park as we all referred to it as “home” because that’s what it felt like. I have made many memories there it is somewhere ill always remember. We have just arrived back at indaba camp site in Kenya after the long six hour journey and are settling down for the night. Tomorrow is our final full day which im really looking forward to we are going to the giraffe sanctuary and cabera slum which should be interesting to see but I can imagine it being upsetting. I cant believe how fast the trip has gone.. much quicker than I have expected but I have had the most amazing time and met some fantastic people that I will definitely stay  in touch with! Id like to thankyou grandma and grandad for paying for this trip because its been an unbelievable experience that’s made me think and consider a lot  more. Im far too excited to see you guys!! I have so much to tell you and will see you in a few days time xx p.s hope you have a safe flight Amy and enjoy spain! Xx

 

Matthew Naylor

Just left the snake park L L loved every minute there Ma and BJ both made me feel like part of the family, Ma always made me laugh she’s just the best lady about and plus I was put in the stupid comments book ooops. BJ is the man so cool and was full of class stories as a pair they made my experience amazing, however we are now on the way back to Indaba for our final few days which is a little gutting but this trips opened my eyes to how much work is still left to do out here and how the people face such adversity yet still smile and enjoy the life that they have. Missing home but I will see you all soon 😀 x

 

Felicity Holden

We have just left snake park which feels like leaving home. All of our time here has been such an eye opening experience to see how much work and influence that the project does and how much is still left to do. There is so much inequality here especially between men and women within education it makes me feel how lucky I am to have the same opportunities as men because so many young girls don’t have that opportunity or that choice. Also after hearing some of the girls stories about their families trying marry them off makes it so obvious of how important getting into education is for them. Not being able to help everyone is something that makes me want to do more so that everyone can have the same chance to do what they want to do. But overall our time in Tanzania has been unforgettable we have done so much and have so much to remember and how that has changed us and made us into more rounded people. Can’t wait to see you all soon, love you lots, kisses xxxxxx

 

Abi Pentney

Leaving the snake park this morning was strange, I didn’t want to leave. All of the people there are amazing and they all contribute to the community in one way or another. Ma and BJ run everything and I was sad to leave them. We have a long journey back to Kenya today and then we are going to the giraffe sanctuary and our final school tomorrow. Tanzania is an amazing place and I am reluctant to leave. Hope you’re enjoying yourselves, love you all lots x

 

Helen Roberts

Beautiful Mesarani. We have left the snake park for the last time. That place was actually my favorite place to stay this whole trip. We had an emotional good bye with Ma and BJ and then got on the truck and left. I will miss that place with the Clinic and the museum  all helping out the community surrounding it. I will also miss all the people and the children that we met their and in the surrounding schools, all their happy faces when we gave them pens and pencils and the joyful laughs that echoed around. I wish I could stay forever and help them get out of poverty and forced marriages. We are now on our way back to the boarder to cross and then we are back to our original camp site till we leave. Hope everyone is keeping safe lots of love xxx

 

Kieran Potter

We have left Meserani Snake Park for the last time this morning after a upsetting goodbye with Ma and BJ. They are two amazing people who couldn’t be nicer. I’m going to miss them both and the Snake Park so much. I really want to go back there someday. I have loved every minute in Tanzania, seeing all the children with happy faces and seeing all of the animals that I never thought I would see in the wild. This has been the experience of a lifetime and I would happily do it again. I hope everyone is still well. I love and miss you all. See you in a couple of days. X

 

Jordan Mace

Today we got up and said goodbye to BJ and Ma who are the owners of the Meserani Snake Park. We also sang to them and they had huge smiles on their faces. I am going to miss them and the snake park so much and I hope I get the chance to return to visit again. Also the full Tanzania experience has really made want to sponsor a child so badly so I can actually do something good for someone who needs help just to have an education and chance of a good life. I am looking forward to seeing the children in Saint Secilia which is in Kibera slum however; I know it’s going to be very emotional to see how poor the people are in the slum. Now we are on our way back to Indaba in Kenya to camp for our last 2 nights. Anyways, I love and miss everyone so much. I can’t wait to see you all soon. Bye guys <3.

 

Jenny Readshaw
Yesterday we went to Meserani Chini primary school which is one of the most deprived schools in the area. It was great to see how the Meserani Project had changed the school and given the children a chance for an education. After that we went to Arusha market to do some final shopping then we went back to camp. Today we said goodbye to BJ and Ma (the Snake Park owners) and thanked them for letting us stay there. I think I will have to go back one day to see it again. I’m looking forward to tomorrow when we visit the giraffe sanctuary and Kibera slum. We are currently on our way back to Indaba camp in Kenya and we have just crossed the border so it shouldn’t be too long now.

 

Jake Hardy

Yesterday was the least resource wise school we went too so far but St. Secilia is tomorrow in the Kibera Slums. All is going well and it was sad to say goodbye for what could be the last time to snake park. It’s been great BJ and Ma have been amazing hosts. It was nice meeting them and we sang a few songs during the day some to Ma. In addition to this we met Lotti a good friend of the project and running for council. On the bus to Indaba camp and over the border we went. Upon crossing the border we were greeted warmly by street sellers but back over the wooden bridge we went and into Kenya. However with a pen not needed anymore it felt only `right to trade it for a braclet so with the forms filled out we set on our Endeavour for a trade. Straight away the luck was in and a buyer in hand. However the smaller Giraffe was missing its mother so we got Ray. Swapped him for a pair of pound Primark sun glasses.

 

Daniel Appleton

This morning we said our last goodbyes to Snake Park and the owners, Ma and BJ. I was definitely sad to leave because I really enjoyed my time there and I know if I ever make a trip to Africa again by myself I will stay there. Today we’re just travelling which isn’t great but it gives us time to catch up on sleep and relax. We are heading back in to Kenya to stay in the first campsite we were at. When we’re in Kenya we are going to be visiting another school in a slum. We might also be going to a Giraffe sanctuary. I’m looking forward to both of these because the school we’re visiting isn’t like any that we have visited before and I’m definitely looking forward to the sanctuary because it will be my last chance to see any Giraffes. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Tanzania, I think I got more out of it than I expected to. It’s been a real eye opener and has made me realize exactly why the Meserani project is so important. I hope I can continue to be involved with the project when I actually leave. I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon and will be in touch tomorrow.

 

Sophie Sidgwick

Yesterday we went to Meserani Chini Primary School where they welcomed us dressed as Maasai, the children sang and danced it was lovely to watch. We then sang our national anthem for them which was nice to do. We then went to Arusha market, me and Jess went straight to Fifi’s café, I got a banana smoothie and we got a cake to share it was really nice. In Arusha we got time to go around the stalls and buy some crafts and things, we didn’t get that much time so when we went back to the snakepark I went to the womens bomas there to buy the rest of the things that I wanted. This morning we left snakepark and have been travelling to Kenya all day, it has actually been quite an enjoyable experience because the music has been good and we have been playing games and singing. I think it will be weird when I get home not being surrounded by all of these people but I’m really excited to see everyone. Love you all and see you soon J.

 

Jacob Jardine

Yesterday we went to Meserani Chini, probably one of the most deprived and desperate schools that we have visited so far on the trip. As we arrived in the taxi minibus things, already the school had prepared a Maasi ritual dance with chanting and groaning. Then I had the privilege to be a part of the interview process with the standard 7 pupils that want to go onto secondary school. Today however we have packed up camp in the snake park and are now on the road traveling back to Kenya for the final few days that we have left. Probably going to be another long journey but at least we get to look at the views on the way. Apart from that nothing else is planned for today. Having fun so far looking forward to going to the slum tomorrow.

 

Josh Cooper

This morning, we packed up our tents and our bags to head out of the Meserani Snake Park. It was very emotional as it would probably be the last time we see the Snake Park ever again. We said our goodbyes to BJ, Ma, Lothe and all of the staff in the clinic. We have started our long journey back towards Nairobi, which should take us approximately 6 or 7 hours. We have two nights left until we travel back and I’m still having fun. See you soon. Lots of love x

 

Josef Ramsay

Yesterday we went to Meserani Chini which was one of the more needy schools because it was so basic. When we rocked up in the mutatus the kids were surrounding us while singing and dancing! The welcome we got was amazing, when we arrived at the school, when we went into to classrooms it was great. We interviewed the standard 7 kids and had a fun with the other through sing songs and dances etc. afterwards we went to the market which was mint and I got some good stuff for everyone even though we didn’t have much time. Now we are on our way back to Kenya before the last couple of days. See you in a few days love you x

 

Lorna Davison

Yesterday we went to one of the more worse off primary schools, Meserani Chini and on our arrival we were greeted by a song and dance from the older kids and then from the younger kids too. After giving the resources etc etc, Rhys, Jacob and I went to interview the top 8 pupils from class 7. It was actually shocking to hear some of their stories, for example, one boys father had 6 wives (I think it was 6) and in total his father had 32 children! And most of them had to walk for over an hour to and from school everyday and also, some of the girls had been told that if they couldn’t get someone to send them to secondary school then they would be married off to men. It does make you realize how lucky we are to have an education just given to us when it would mean so much to them to have that opportunity. So then today we got a bit of a lie in, twenty to seven, and packed up camp to head back to Kenya. It’s a bit sad leaving the snake park because the bar is so nice and it’s mint to chill there on a night and Ma, BJ and Dione were so lovely. Anyway, see you soon! Xxx

 

Rhys Williams

Today I am finely feeling the effect of all the early mornings and I am just starting to be a bit slow around the camp. We (me and Jacob) were the last to put down our tent and were some of the last people to get our gear on the truck. However, we had a lot of time to spare as we were setting off late today to drive back to Indaba in Kenya.

            We had to say our goodbyes to Ma and BJ which was very sweet and now we are on the truck prepared for a long journey. Hopefully I can get some sleep. I will be seeing you soon.

 

Aaron Jardine

Once again I was up at around half five, it’s becoming a habit now, had a shower and then I packed my bag. We then went and said goodbye to Ma, BJ, Lotti and most of the other snakepark workers, it was nice to say our final goodbyes and have one last look at the place because who knows when I will next be there. We have just passed the border into Kenya now so not long left at all, one final big day which is tomorrow and then it will be pretty much home time. Hope you are all okay and doing well, see you all soon.

 

Lizzie Nicholson

Today was our last ever day at the Snake Park. It was so sad saying goodbye to Ma, BJ, Loth and the rest of the staff. It became a home away from home and I will miss it so much. It is such a remarkable place! Last night we all sat in the bar and presented them a polo shirt to add to their collection (the roof of the bar is decorated with 100s of tops visitors have signed and donated) and read Ma’s books. Ma and BJ had put one particular book together about the history of Snake Park. in Tanzania you don’t buy properties, you buy land, so the whole of snake park started off as a baron field. Ma and BJ lived in a tent for nearly 2 years waiting for it to be inhabitable. I then read Ma’s book of Stupid which were filed with stupid things guests had said and truth be told, I think I could qualify if I wanted to haha. At the moment, we have just crossed the border into Kenya and we are about half way through the 7 hour long journey. I can’t wait to see you all! Not long at all now. Love you all! Xxxx