2017 Trip – 1 August

Peter Swan

Sorry there are no images for today – the day has been spent on the long drive from Meserani Snakepark in Tanzania to Wildebeest Eco Camp, Nairobi, Kenya.

 

Jack Beckley

Today we said our last goodbyes which was really emotional and difficult for me to do. I really didn’t want to leave the snake park, it feels like a second home to me. We’re on the long drive back to Nairobi. Luckily the border was quick today which was good for us. We’ve just stopped for some lunch before the biggest part of our drive. Talk to you all soon. Love Jack.

 

Ameer Ali

So today all the group said our very last goodbyes the Snake Park Crew which was very emotional for me as I really bonded with the crew there. Ma and BJ was like my Nana and Grandad they were so lovely towards me and the others, Ma ended up nicknaming me “MR HAIRDO” which was funny because whenever I went to see her at the bar she always said “HAIRDOOO”. I really do miss them very much including Dione who was like a Uncle. It was just so hard to say goodbye. Last night the crew said goodbye to Amos and many people were upset and cried as he was so lovely and funny as he helped us around Tanzania! Luckily I got photos of everyone last night. Now we are on a long journey back to Nairobi, the border was quick today which was good.

 

Anna Waddington

Last night was very emotional because it was our last night in Snake Park. We had to say goodbye to Amos and everyone started crying. I keep telling me that I don’t cry but I’ve cried more on this trip than ever! We were all up really early this morning but last night we still stayed up at the bar for a while. Ma and BJ and Dion were there so we said our goodbyes to them- they are incredible people. This morning we had to pack everything up ready for the journey back to Kenya. I was amazed- I got my sleeping bag and mat packed so easily! Ma and BJ were stood at the garage and waved us off. Then the children from the clinic started running behind the truck which was amazing. The journey should take around 6 hours, we stopped to go through the border and it didn’t take us as long as before. Then we stopped to have lunch. At around 2-3 we should be a Wildebeest which has amazing showers lol! Still missing you all- make sure Lucy comes to pick me up on Thursday! X

 

Lauren Dalton

It was an emotional night last night as we said our final goodbyes to BJ, Ma, Dion, Amos and everyone else at the snake park, but it was also lovely as we were the only campers there so we had the bar to ourselves. It’s such a great, homely place and it will be missed but at the same time I’m looking forward to coming home. We got up at 6 this morning to pack and stuff and hit the road just before 8 to go back to Nairobi. The border was a breeze this time and now we’re in Kenya, on our way to Wildebeest Eco Camp. This trip has simply been amazing and I’ve been fortunate to meet some amazing people. I came here wanting to make a difference in other peoples’ lives but I never expected it to have such a big impact on my own life. I hope you’re all well, I’ve missed you all terribly and can’t wait to see you. Think I’m fancying parmo when I get back or fish and chips, I can’t choose (maybe I’ll just get both hehe).

Lots of love, Lauren xxx

 

James Proud

We left Snake Park early this morning for a day of travelling. It’s such a wonderful place. We only spent a couple of weeks there but it became like a second home so quickly. The stories shared by Ma, BJ and Dion on the last night were incredible and not easily forgotten. I’ll definitely visit again, even if I have to wait a long time.

We’re heading to Wildebeest Eco Camp today and I’m quite upset because, like Losingira, it marks the end of the trip but I’m excited to see everyone and to tell them all about the trip.

I’ve had such an amazing time here and I’m so grateful to my Dad for giving me the chance to experience such an amazing place and people ☺.

 

Lisa

Africa is such a special place. But like anywhere, it is the people that make a place so special. So when I say we have met the most amazing people coupled with bringing an outstanding group of young people you can only imagine the magic that has been created. Whenever I am asked about the trips, my highlights and what makes me keep wanting to return, I always say the same thing, it is our students who inspire and motivate me to do the trips and this trip is no exception.

To the parents and guardians: Thank you for allowing your precious children to come to Kenya and Tanzania. Thank you for being so brave and Thank you for giving them the tools to overcome their challenges with such grace and resilience. Thank you for trusting me to help to look after them. It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know them outside of the classroom. They are all a credit to you and you should be very proud.

To Andrea and AGS: Thank you for allowing myself and the students to come on the trip, it is never taken for granted and it makes me so very proud to be a member of the Acklam Grange staff.

David: Thank you! Not only have you once again continued to support me to do a job I love doing, but the support, help, guidance and friendship you give to our students and the care you take to make sure everyone has a great experience is so apparent and is really appreciated by everyone.

To Diane: Thank you for everything. For all your work and support with the trip and the Meserani Project. It is a gift for our students to see the ‘power of people’ and the difference individuals can make. You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for enriching the lives of so many (and I am not just taking about the people in Tanzania.) They say behind every great man is a great woman and no truer words can be spoken, so “Thank you.”

To the young people of AGS: It really has been a pleasure to spend the last three weeks with each and everyone of you. Thank you for making my job easier by being strong, determined, caring and selfless. Thank for you all your hard work and for showing everyone you met just how wonderful the young people of Teesside are. I am very proud of you all. Thank you.

Peter: What can say? Thank you just doesn’t seem be enough. It has been a pleasure and an honour to have been working alongside of you again. Please know that all the work you have done in these past two years to ensure the trip runs not just smoothly, but to ensure our students have the experience of a lifetime has not gone unnoticed or is not appreciated. On behalf of AGS, all of us on this trip, on past trips and on future trips, Asante Sana. X

 

Georgia Linton

Hi people,

Today has been a chilled day as we’re only travelling to Nairobi from Tanzania which is a long 5 hours. It was very sad saying bye to the people at Snake Park as I’ve met some very special people. Ma and BJ are people to remember for life, they ran Snake park and have done some much for the people in Tanzania. I’m very privileged to have met them and last night saying good bye to them was very emotional, I sobbed. Amos who helped us on the trip with the schools was also amazing and I will never forget him he is a truly lovely man.

This trip has been the most amazing experience of my life so far and some of the people are just out of this world with the work they do including Peter. Africa and meeting Maa and BJ have taught me a lot and shown me if you put your mind to it you can do it.

So thankful to have been given this amazing and challenging experience.

G xxx

 

Ellie Coulton

Hello, today all we did was pack up all our things in the snake park and are travelling all the way to Nairobi from Tanzania. We had to wake up at 6 and take our tents down and make sandwiches for our pack lunches. We had to pass through border control, but luckily it wasn’t as long and as much of a hassle. I’m on the bus right now and have been most of the day its fun though because we’ve been dancing to all the songs people have chosen on the track its so fun. Currently we are on our way to the Wildebeest camp that we stayed at before I’m really looking forward to it since it’s the last night we are sleeping tents-thank god. I’m so thankful to Peter and the rest of the Meserani project for giving me this amazing opportunity and giving me everlasting memories that have changed me for the better, so thank you.

Well goodbye, only two days left, love you xx Ellie

 

Olivia Sharrocks

Hi all hope you are all well. We are now on our way back to Kenya and we had to get up very early as we had to put all the tents away have breakfast and wash up before we set off this morning. We set off just before 8 and travelled two hours to the border where it took just over an hour to get through. Once through we went to a little café to eat our lunch now we are continuing our journey to the campsite. I am excited for tomorrow to go the giraffe sanctuary and see some giraffes up close. Not long now till I’m home and I can’t wait now even though I’ve had such a good time away I can’t wait to be home now.

Love and miss you all so much liv xx

 

Sam Matthewman

Hi folks! Last nights African-themed meal was pretty good. We had some of the cultural foods which were quite bland but filling. After we all went to the bar to celebrate our last night at Snake Park, so we all got some drinks and pictures. It was up early this morning to travel to Nairobi so I had to try and pack my holdall and put the tents down. I slept on the truck on the way to the border and it didn’t take long to get into Kenya. We are now on our way to Wildebeest in Nairobi where we will spend our last night camping. It is strange to think we have been here for nearly three weeks and our time in Africa is nearly over. Tomorrow is the giraffe sanctuary which I am really looking forward to and then our group meal at the hotel. I hope you are all well and I will be home soon.

Love Sam x

 

Abigail Pentney

Hi!

Our last night at Meserani Snake Park was really nice; we had traditional African food which was just lentils and chapattis for tea. Afterwards we went to the bar to say good bye to everyone which was sad. Ma and BJ who run the whole snake park are truly amazing people who support so many people in Meserani and help The Meserani project so much too. We’re back in Kenya now and ready for our last day tomorrow. We can’t go to Kibera anymore due to the election which is on the 8^th, which might cause trouble, so I am a bit disappointed but it’s not safe to go. I can’t wait to go the giraffe sanctuary again and I’m sure we’ll have a busy and exciting day tomorrow. Love you all lots,

Abi xxx

 

Josef Ramsay

Hi!!

It was our last night in the snake park yesterday and it was an emotional one. We started the day off going to the final school which I found the best to go to because I was able to see what an amazing change has happened there. 2 new classrooms and another 2 started, plants and garden area in the same place just two years ago we were playing games in with the kids. I was shocked but so pleased to see the progress that has happened at this school. The kids greeted us with lots of songs which was so good to hear and you could see that the teachers were really interactive with the kids which was also great to see. After we give the pens, pencils and prizes out we had time to go in the classes and speak to the kids and sing some songs before we started walking back to camp for lunch. We spent the rest of the day packing and organising ourselves out for our journey to Kenya today which if I am honest was stressful for a messy person like me. The night was like an emotional rollercoaster as we had to say goodbye to Amos who was seen as a member of the group because he was with us so much and impacted all our lives. Then we were all suddenly on a high talking to Ma, Bj and Dion and enjoying talking to them and hearing the stories they had to tell us. Then it was time for bed and then crash back down to being emotional saying bye to these guys who are the life of Snakepark (after a bit of time behind the bar and one of Ma’s Revenge drinks). I am really going to miss Tanzania and will cherish all of the memories I have there and save them for my next trip because I will be back!

Today we are just travelling back to Kenya for our final nights sleep before the giraffe sanctuary tomorrow. I’m excited to go back to the giraffe sanctuary but still disappointed about not going to Kibera due to high risk because of the political votes. Just one more full day left and I’m gutted its coming to an end. This will probably be the last diary before were home Thursday. See you all soon

Lots of love Big Joe/Joey/Josef/Joe

 

Daniel Jones

Yesterday was our last night at Snake Park which is quite sad as I was getting to love it there and ill miss everyone there. Today we set of quite early for our long trip to wildebeest eco camp for our final nights in Africa. Sadly we won’t be able to go to Kibera as because of politics it’s not safe to go however I am looking forward to the giraffe sanctuary and the cool experience there. My time here has flew by but I’ve enjoyed every second of it.

 

Rachel Smith

Last night was African food, they made us like a lentil curry and chipatis which were lush with ‘goat’ (could have been lamb there was conflicting information) and ugali. I really enjoyed it. Afterwards and this morning it was all emotional goodbyes to everyone at the Snakepark. And last night at the bar I got to meet the famous BJ and I gave him and Ma a big hug to say thanks for everything. It was genuinely really sad to leave I feel out of place now as if I’ve left home again, I just HAVE to go back it’s a must! We’ve crossed the border now so we’ll be at the Wildebeest Camp soon for a mint shower and then tomorrows the last proper day here. I’ll see you all soon after kissing a giraffe xx

 

Isobel Mason-Nixon

Hello again everyone, I totally forgot to tell you we ate African food last night. We had ugali which flour and water, lentils in a sauce, goat which I really don’t like and chipatis . which were amazing. So it was a bit hit and miss. We had our last night in the bar and the owners Ma, BJ and Deon were sad to see us leave and Ma said she needs to see me again, so I guess that means I need to come to Africa again woohoo!!!! We had a early morning packing the tents onto the truck and leaving the Snake Park which was very hard as everyone was out to wave us off. I am going to miss everyone so so much I feel like I really need to come back to see everyone again I don’t think I can say bye to them forever. We have just been across the border and are now in Kenya on the way back to Wilderbeast Camp for our last full night and last clean shower. I am so so excited to come home and see everyone as I have missed everyone so much but I will definitely miss Africa and everyone involved and everyone we met. It is an experience I will never forget and will cherish for the rest of my life. Goodbye everyone I love you all so so much and cannot wait to tell you all about it.

Lots of love,

Izzy xxxx

 

Elodie saha

Hi, so later in the evening yesterday we ate an African themed food. Chipatis, ugali and lentils- not as good as yours dad! Overall I enjoyed it and Amoss ate with us aswell, sadly we both cried when saying bye because its strange to get so attached to someone, we had big hugs though which were the best. The last night in the bar and the atmosphere was amazing which many photos and laughs being shared. Then very early in fact too early in the morning we had to pack up the tents and eat breakfast in the dark. The day’s travel back across the border from Tanzania to kenya went really smooth, better than last time. Currently still travelling the soundrack blasting- yey! Such an assortment of music choices, some I like more than others. Anyway we will sleep at eco wilderbeast. See you all soon, its not long now love you all elodie xxxxxx

 

Erin Williams

Hi everyone, yesterday night was a really nice night as it was African night so we had traditional African food which was actually quite nice once you got past the strange textures of it all. Afterwards it was really emotional though as it was our last night at the snake park so we had to say goodbye to Amos who has been helping us throughout the whole trip which was really hard. Me and quite a lot of the others were crying while saying our goodbyes to him as he’s such a lovely person and I think we all would have loved more time to get to know him better. We also had a lovely last night down at the bar with everyone and it was so hard to leave to go to bed as it was our last time there although I’m determined to go back at some point – don’t worry, I’ll find some way to pay.

Today has just been a lot of travelling although crossing the border didn’t take as long as the first time which was great. Looking forward to speaking to you all again soon, love Erin x

 

Polly Dowdle

Last night we ate traditional African food, which was goat, chipatis, and maize with water. The maize had a similar texture to mash but had a very bland taste, but I loved the chipatis. We said goodbye to Amos who visited all the schools with us and helped us translate, and also showed us his banda. He was one of the original 9 students the Meserani Project sponsored so it was quite special meeting him. This morning we woke up at 6 to pack up camp and ate a very quick breakfast which consisted of toast or weetabix. Getting through the border to Kenya was much quicker than last time as we already had visas so we just had to get our passports stamped. We had a packed lunch again (I’ve been eating ham sandwiches for two weeks now), and now we’re on our way to Nairobi.

 

Joe Carter

Hi all, last time ill be writing one of these. I hope everyone is great and I hope you lot are all looking after Lola for me and I hope nana and grandad are great. I’m missing you all so much but I’m slightly gutted this experience is nearly over as I have enjoyed every minute of it. The people, wildlife and just the area are incredible and I really do want to come back again one day and I wish everyone could experience this amazing place.

Me and jack woke up at 5:50 to pack our bags and start packing our tent up and we managed to pack it all up for just after 6 so we went and helped everyone else. We started travelling at 8am and the crossing of the border wasn’t bad this time as it didn’t take long which was excellent. Tomorrow our final day on this trip should be one of the best but we are unable to o to the slum because of the current election s going on in Kenya. Right I’m going now so see you all very soon and hope you are all great.

Love you all lots

Joe xx

 

Stephanie Julier

Yesterday we visited our final primary school which was again a good eye opener. After that we had a lot of time to pack today. For dinner it was African style and there was Chapattis, goat, maize and water and Lentils. I tried a little bit of everything but I didn’t like the lentils and maize but I loved the chapattis! Today we got up really early and packed our tents up we then got on the truck and set off back to Nairobi. We got to the border of Tanzania and Kenya and it didn’t take us that long to get through it this time. Now it’s just a long journey to wilder beast Camp. Tomorrow we have the giraffe sanctuary and then relaxing time before the big final meal. Throughout this trip I met so many people. Angie has been like a 2^nd mom after Lisa and I can talk to her about anything and everything. Jason is exactly like another you dad when you make jokes, it’s the simplest of things but he makes me laugh every time and all the staff we’ve had on the trip as so easy to talk to. Part of me doesn’t want to leave but the other part dose because I really miss all of you and you still better be training Ginnie because if not…. Haha. I love you all so much see you in 2 days!

 

Joe Readshaw

We visited our last Primary School yesterday and I think It may have been one of my favourites, the kids there are clearly very grateful for all the help they receive but there is still a lot that can be done for them. After visiting the school we had a lot of time to sort out our bags and relax, I already organised mine the day before so I just stayed at the bar for most of the day. For dinner we had an African theme night, as usual it was delicious and a good way to finish our time at the Snakepark, after dinner we all went to the bar and saw Ma and BJ, they are some of the most generous and inspirational people I’ve met and have made a big impact in the short time of meeting them on my life. While Ma was outside I told her how amazing her and BJ where so she showed me her photo album to show how the Snakepark started and it is very inspiring to see. Today we got up early to set off back to Nairobi which has been a very long journey, I will definetly miss everyone at the Snakepark, especially Ma, BJ and Amos.

 

Eeman Dad

Diary entries from myself have been scarce recently as I have been enjoying my last few days at Snake Park and time in Tanzania. I have spending more time with the staff here and the local Masai as well as people from the clinic. I have learnt to appreciate things as they occur. On Saturday, we visited the great Masai warrior’s Boma – Amos!! He gave us a tour of his boma and explained how much effort and hardwork was put in to make it like it is today. He also gave us an insight into his future plans for his boma.

It was extremely insightful and heart-warming to be invited into his home. Sunday, we visited the Masai Market, which was an extremely early start for a shopping day. We spent the majority of the morning there. The culture is so different and you can see how important business Is for each individual. Although, they are all selling the same products each has a different motive for you to buy it. The buzz of the market usually stresses people or makes them anxious but instead it actually drives me. After a successful shopping morning we returned to Snake Park to help Peter organise the lockups. Yesterday, we visited the final school of our trip Losingira Primary School. Although, being the smallest school and most desperate the students and teachers have the most positive attitude and optimistic outlook. We learned that The Meserani Project is attempting to complete building its final classroom, but is reliant on funds which aren’t available at the minute, meaning students can’t progress on to standard 7. This has inspired me to help fundraise for the cause. Last night was extremely emotional as we said our final goodbyes to Ma, Bj and Dion, as we spent our final evening in Ma’s Bar (mars bar). We bid our farewells to the locals and one of the most important people on the trip…AMOS. We were all crying by 9pm, possibly the hardest goodbyes of this year. Jack and I were invited back to the clinic after dinner to meet Luth who had asked us to visit him before we left. He gifted us with a necklace and bracelet each and begged for us to return in the future, this brought Jack and I to tears. This morning, although it was a very early start, consisted of us silently packing our bags and deconstructing our tents. Jack and I visited the clinic for the last time and as we returned we bumped into Bj and Dion, who gave us the biggest hugs and told us that ‘Snake Park would always be an open home to us’, which yet again made us sob. We all silently appreciated our last minutes at Snake Park. As we were leaving, we drove past Ma, Bj, Dion, Joyce and Amos who we waved to like crazy and blew kisses to. We also passed the masai locals and Mr Fundi who we also waved to like crazy, until they were no longer in sight.

This is not a goodbye and I will try my hardest to return, thank you Snake Park and everybody that I have met, there is a special place in my heart for all of you.

Lots and lots of Love Eeman D xxx