2017 Trip – 30 July

Daniel Jones

It was one of the most enjoyable days yet at first we just sat on the chairs where we have our food and we then started to write a to do list which consisted of playing cards which was great going to the snakes which was really cool seeing them and we had a tour guide who told us about each snake and we got to hold one we also went to the clinic where we played with the kids for a bit at around 11 we met up with Amos a guy who was sponsored and is know an engineer to see his boma and while there we met his family who were really nice. One thing in the list I didn’t fully agree to was braiding my hair but I quite liked how it turned out. Overall the day was very enjoyable and I didn’t mind the fact that we had to stay in camp.

On Saturday because we missed out on the safari David’s duty group did our duties which was very kind of them while we went to Tarangire the journey wasn’t to bad as I slept through most of it but at first it was quite difficult as nearly every driver had there amazing at first we saw some zebras and wildebeest we also saw some warthogs which for some reason were really exciting to see. Later on our driver took us to where a cheetah was spotted once we got there it was quite far away but I was still really cool to see. We also saw a lone lioness feeding and a group and a group of lions feeding with cubs and a male as well which was lucky to see. We also got into nearly touching distance with a male elephant which was quite intense as it just stared us down. After seeing all the animals we went up to the lodge which had an incredible view.

Today we went to the market where I didn’t buy anything but after we went to a Costa Coffee like place where I got a tea which was nice we then came back to camp and sorted out a few things for the school tomorrow .Still loving it but looking forward to coming home.

 

Sam Matthewman

Hi folks! Today has been nice and chilled. We had a late breakfast at 8 so got to lie in. We travelled to Arusha market this morning and I managed to buy some more gifts and souvenirs. It takes about 30 minutes to get there and you can really see the differences between poverty and quality of life in the different areas. It has been a great experience to see their way of life. This afternoon we have sorted out everything for our trip to Losingira Primary School, so it will be good to make a difference as it is the last school we will be visiting. I am keeping organised and we are packing our bags tomorrow for our trip back to Kenya. We are not going to Kibera slum due to the raised tension in Kenya at the moment, but I am still looking forward to the giraffe sanctuary we visit on our last day. I am doing well and enjoying my last few days here at Snake Park which has been a big part of our trip. I hope you are all good,

Lots of love, Sam x

 

Erin Williams

Today has been quite a chilled day as in the morning we went back to Arusha to do some more shopping in the market and I was able to buy all the gifts that I need for all you guys back home. It’s always fun to go around there looking at everything and speaking to all the people there (it’s kind of strange how many remember our names from other times we’ve visited) but it can still feel a little bit rude as they are all begging us to go into their shops and we never have enough time. I love being able to see all of the different cultures as we drive into Arusha. In the afternoon we have just been sorting out things to give to Losingira primary school which we are going to visit tomorrow and things that we will be giving to Kibera. Unfortnately we can’t actually go into Kibera due to the political tensions there as it will be too dangerous but Angie, one of the ladies helping with the trip, was nice enough to offer to give things to them when she can. I gave away a bag of clothes I won’t wear anymore and all the toiletries that I won’t need.

Now that the trip is coming close to the end I’m torn between wanting to see and talk to you all and wanting to stay here for longer. Sending you all my love, Erin x

 

Jack Beckley

Today we had our last chance to barter at the market, I bought some last minute gifts. I had chance to say goodbye to the friends that I made there. When we came back we sorted the gifts for the last school we visit and sorted our bags to leave on Tuesday. But we’ve mostly just chilled for the most part of today. Lots of love Jack.

 

Georgia Linton

Hi,

Today has been a good day. We were up at 7:00 and we went to Arusha market which is always fun but its actually detraining when they’re pulling you in to their little shop and you just don’t have enough time to see every one of them. Before I actually ever visited a market I thought it would be full of people needing money desperately but I don’t feel sorry for these ones because it’s the opposite so I enjoy bartering with them.

We came back and stuff for a school called Losingire which is a very poor school so they’re getting clothes and a lovely girl called Ellie on the trip has bought 19 bags of maize for the very poor kids which is their main food that they survive on. I’m really looking forward to visiting the school as we have plenty to give and it gives me a lot of satisfaction and really makes me happy. Also two girls that Peter sponsored previously came and all us girls put together a little pack for them with stuff like roll on, wipes, razors and girly stuff. I loved seeing them receiving them because although they’re nothing to us they’re everything to them and if they were taken away from us it would be massive. But it was great giving them.

I’m off to bed now so good night from Africa and lots and lots of love… G xxx

 

Polly Dowdle

Today we went to Arusha Market again and I managed not to buy anything as I have bought everyone a present already, but I did help Ellie and Sam get good deals on the things they wanted to buy. We came back to camp for lunch which was jacket potatoes and I was that hungry I ate two with the skin. In the afternoon we sorted out all the stuff for the poorest and neediest school, Losingera, which is a new school which doesn’t even have enough class rooms. There are clothes and equipment being sent and I’ve donated my tops for the school. I bought a ‘mzungu’ top from the campsite with the logos on the sleeves. Mzungu means white person and lots of adults refer to us as this at the market etc as white people will pay more for goods. Unfortunately, due to political unrest we will be unable to visit Kibera slum on the last day, which is sad as I would have liked to go. However, the situation is serious and it could be dangerous so we are avoiding that area of Nairobi.

 

James Proud

Today we visited Arusha Market again and I got presents for everyone. I even bought something that wasn’t for sale and is basically junk but it’s funny. I didn’t get that ripped off this time as David was with me but I still felt pulled from all sides by the vendors. However, I did enjoy it because it’s fun to see how low you can get the prices and the fun you can have with the vendors.

I definitely think the trip has changed me not just in terms of recycling and wafting but in terms of personality. For example, I’m much more easy going and I don’t over-analyse things as much anymore. One big change, however, is that I don’t say ‘sorry’ as often now which is a big improvement. I’m having and have had such great fun with the group; the dynamic is fantastic and you’re never afraid to have a laugh with anyone. I must admit that I’ll miss the trip when it’s over.

Tomorrow we are going to Losingira primary school and I’m really excited. It’s the last primary school that we visit so at the same time I’m dreading it because it marks the end of the trip but it will still be enjoyable.

Thanks to everyone. See you soon ☺

 

Rebecca Henderson

I remembered that I never said thank you to Lisa for making the day our group spent in the camp so much fun. I can honestly say it has been one of my favourite days, so thank you very much Lisa! Yesterday on the safari was amazing. We saw so money amazing animals and had a great laugh. We saw a pride of lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and so many more. I really can’t describe in words how incredible the experience was. Today was a more laid back day; we went to the market where I once again spent way too much money. I really can’t wait to give out presents to everyone, but I only hope I have got enough. I still find the market quite intimidating but it is still really fun. I am quite sad I we recently found out that we won’t be doing anymore interviews for the children at the schools and I never got the chance to interview everyone. We also won’t be able to go to the Kibera slum as it isn’t safe enough at the moment. Loving it here but also can’t wait to go home. Sending lots of love xxxx

 

AMEER ALI

Hey guys the trip is almost over and I have had the best time of my life out here I already have decided to definitely come back it is just amazing seeing and interacting with the students and people.

However today has been pretty great as we all woke up early to get ready for our last market trip and I have bought many souvenirs for myself and you guys. Unfortunately we were going to a café but decided the service was slow so we came back and went to a supermarket and have stacked up on food for the plane back. Also, on the way back to Snake Park I met Auntie Julie’s sponsor it was touching as when I pulled out a picture it broke my heart. I have the letter for Auntie Julie when I get back.

Now we are packing stuff for the slums as we can’t go due to politions. Our last school is tomorrow and I’m looking forward to it. I love you guys.

 

Ellie Coulton

Hello, today wasn’t a very busy day compared to the rest it was quite chilled. First we went to the market to buy some more souvenirs. I probably bought more than I should ut the shop keepers just draw you in. once we got back to camp Peter told us that we wouldn’t be going to the slums because of possible uprisings because of political reasons. So we can’t go for our safety. I feel a bit sad that I can’t go as im missing out on a huge experience but I understand why we can’t. So I donated all my remaining clothes and other things to Losingera primary school and to girls who are sponsored by the Meserani project. I felt really proud and accomplished when I handed all my things over to them as I know I have made another difference to someone else’s life. Finally I signed the Acklam Grange shirt that would be put up in the Snake Park which was quite exciting.

Goodbye, only 4 days left, love you all so much xx Ellie.

 

Lauren Dalton

Hiya! We’ve had a really relaxed day today. We went for our final shopping spree in the market this morning and I managed to get some gifts for you all (don’t expect anything too flash though!). then, the ones who were finished earlier went to a coffee shop, and I had a coffee and actually enjoyed it! I also had baked potato for lunch today and loved that so my taste buds must be finally evolving! (I still don’t like veg though, sorry). Then this afternoon we’ve sorted out the supplies for our final school visit tomorrow, and a lot of us have donated a lot of our things to the school kids and ex-sponsored pupils, as well as sorting out stuff to give to the truck crew. unfortunately, with the election tensions rising in Kenya, Kibera slum has been deemed too dangerous to visit, but we’ve still given things to Jason and Angie who can give it to the families there when things have calmed down a bit.

I can’t believe there’s only 4 days left, I’ve loved it here and it’s gone too fast. However I’m so excited to see you all, I’ve missed not being able to contact anyone.

See you soon! Love, Lauren xxx

 

Elodie saha

Hey! Nearly over now can’t wait to go home and see the family. We had our final shop at the market and had a laugh, I’m now accustomed to the best deals and have made many friends there (Jonas). Despite the fact that I have no money left I still bargained just for fun, getting my friends the best deals. Later at lunch after two jacket potatoes and a fully belly, we sorted out the supplies for the last school…there was alot! Sadly we received news that we cannot visit Kibera slums due to high rivals over the elections and it possibly endangering us. It upsets me that I can’t give away my clothes because they are all I own, so I used my 20 meter long washing line and made it into skipping ropes for the schools. I can’t wait to show the children my hard work. I’ll thank the crew once again for being so supportive and the staff that have helped this experience be the best it can be. Love you all, I’m off to relax elodie xxxx

 

Anna Waddington

Hello all at home! Today we had a pretty chill day. We got a bit of a sleep in and then we were off to the market in Arusha. I didn’t buy too much guys I promise! We walked to a coffee shop but we didn’t go in. It was chaos crossing the roads because everyone here drives like Dad thinks I do! Me and Joe saved Izzy from getting moved down by a matatoo. Then we went to the supermarket to get some more water and some snacks. When we got back we had lunch then we sorted out the prizes and equipment to give to the children at the primary school tomorrow. Then I sorted out what I was giving to the kids in Kibera even though we’re not going. It’s amazing I’ve got so much room in my hold all! Still missing you all, especially my Luke. See you soon X

 

Josef Ramsay

Today we went back to Arusha market. This trip to the market was a lot easier to do, probably because it was in the morning and they were just desperate to make there first sale of the day. I got all that I wanted to buy and even treated myself to a couple of things. We have just been sorting our bags out and sorting clothes into bags for the staff and people in Kibera. We have been told that we are not allowed to go to Kibera because there is such a high risk at the moment but we are sorting bags for the kids there and they will be taken at a later date. When we got back from the market we were sorting the stuff out for the final school tomorrow. Me and David were in charge of the sports kits to give out tomorrow and one of the girls have bought maze for the school which need taken, its an amazing thing to do but I feel sorry for the people to carry it. I am gutted that there is only a couple of days left before I am home. I really cant wait to come back to this place, the longer I spend here the more and more I fall in love with it! We are up in the morning to go see Ma and BJ the owners of Snakepark and then off to the school after breakfast before packing for our journey to Kenya. Not much more to say so I will talk to you soon.

Love Joe xx