Malaria prevention may cause an active imagination to be overly-active at night....

If you’ve ever gone on a vacation outside of your own country then you may be familiar with the vaccination process.

My adventure to Africa came with a high recommendation for anti-malaria. This recommendation came with several options in the form of taking pills. Option #1: was to take a pill once a day (there were several pills); Option 2#: was to take a pill once a week.

Seeing how I was going to be on vacation and didn’t want to remember to take a pill once a day I went with taking a pill once a week. The side effects were dreams. I didn't really care about this since I already always have nightly vivid dreams I figured it wouldn’t be much different than normal living anyways.

I realised I was wrong during the first couple of nights when I woke up from a dream that GIANT bugs were attacking me. Every time I closed my eyes I saw these bugs. So I threw the bug net away from me. I turned on the light and found my DEET bug spray and sprayed it all over me, then went back to bed.  I showed those dream bugs!

While on Safari, the tents had no power (luckily I had my trusty head lamp). I was dreaming that I was stuck in bug net and couldn’t get out. Seeing that we were in the middle of nowhere and I couldn’t see anything, I strapped on my head lamp around my head and turned it on.  The bug net wasn’t smothering me but unknowingly I left the light on most of the night. I noticed when I woke up when the lamp was around my head pointing to the top of the tent.

The dreams didn’t stop when I got home. They contine as I have to continue to take these pills for a little while even though I’m back (I guess it's part of the prevention). The weirdest dream thus far was the night I got back.

In my dream I stood there as I was taken apart. Not physically, but the essence of my being; the qualities and personality traits that help make me  As these parts of me were taken away from me, they were placed in tinted but clear Lego pieces. There were different coloured Lego pieces that represented different parts of me. One for my: love, empathy, joy, happiness, sadness, etc..

I watched as all these pieces of me were taken and placed into lego pieces until  all that stood before me were lego blocks holding my separated essence. I couldn’t cry because the blocks that held my sadness and frustration had my tears. I couldn’t be mad, because there was a block that held my hatred.

I stood there for awhile just looking at my blocks.

It felt like it all sat there for awhile until finally activity began with my blocks. Around me different projects began. Like the building of boats, cars, castles and homes... my lego blocks were mixed in with the regular pieces for all these different projects until there was nothing of me left standing before me.

Weird? I think so...

I think the moral of this story is if you ever have to take anti-malaria medication and the side effects say causes dreams, it means causes out of the ordinary dreams...

My travel through time...

My last plane ride to Calgary via Amsterdam was an 8-hours but because of all the time zones crossed it only looked like a 2-hour plane ride on paper.

Sitting near me was a man from Athens who could only spoke Armanian and Greek. During take-off this man graciously offered me a piece of gum. I remembered how to say "thank you" in Greek. Initially he took this as I could speak Greek. But my knowledge of the Greek language was exhausted after I said "I speak English". While I was trying to remember the Greek I had learned last year, for some reason Swahili words just kept popping into my head instead. I tried to help him the most I could and when it was time to fill out the customs card he motioned for me to help him and passed me his passport with a piece of paper for the address of where he was staying... So I filled in the information I could. I hope he has a wonderful visit in his Calgary stay.

Across the aisle in a row a head of me, I saw love.

You're probably thinking: How does one see love?

I saw it manifest itself in two people for each other. It was a vision that I can only hope and dream that one day I will have (with a husband that is currently only hypothetical since I don't even have a boyfriend).

It  was an older couple. I would assume they were in their 80's. During take-off the man wrapped his arm around the woman and she lead her head against his shoulder. It was during the flight is when I realised that she had a hard time walking and I helped reach for her walking cane that was located in the overhead compartment. Everytime she got up to walk to the bathroom, he would make sure that she was okay he would stand up and watch her and everytime she would then return to her seat and she would make sure that he was warm enough  with their shared blanket and hold his hand. I thought it was the cutest thing ever and got me to begin thinking what their love story could be...

My quest downtown Amsterdam...

So I have another extra long layover in Amsterdam  again on my way back home to Canada. After going through customs I took the train downtown to "Amsterdam Centraal" in search of graffiti.

It seems that I haven't seem much "street art" and I promised a friend that I would take pictures of anything cool I saw. What better way to spend a couple of early hours in Amsterdam?

As I was trying to get lost down the morning streets, I was walking down what seemed back alleys and garbage lanes (sometimes this is where the best wall art is located), I watch the streets come alive with people ridding their bikes. It was pretty amazing... I saw all kinds of people riding their bikes:

... little people following people that I can only assume were their parents
... people ridding  hands free
... people with wodden baskets
... people with plastic baskets
... hot men in hoddies
... hot men in suits
... some ladies in heels
... some of the people had just done some morning grocery shoping
... some women with baby on board in a rear mounted car seat
... some women with a cart in the front with two kids hanging out
... some people smoking wile riding down the streets
... some people were just taking their leasure time
... some people were visabily in a hurry
... some people decided to walk their bikes
... some people were talking and biking at the same time

There were just all kinds of bike ridders... made me wish that I had rented a bike...

Saying a goodbye to Africa...

Taking a ferry into Dar Es Salaam was the perfect way to enter the last night in Africa. There's something about coming into a town via the Port that always seems magical to me. As the land slowly begins to form and get bigger in the horizon so does the activity. It's like watching the land come alive.

I didn't get much sleep on mainland. I laid in darkness for awhile hoping that I will come back soon to Africa. I can only hope to one day dig my bare toes into the dirt and wisper a hello into the warm wind once again.

The plane took us from Dar into Nairobi for a six hour layover. The waiting game began.

There I sat next to a lady in the gate that I think many began to hate. But even though I didn't introduce myself I believe I adore her. She was middle-aged woman and she had a very large purse.

I have no idea what she was saying but she was on the phone most of the time. For pretty much most of the time she was not just talking, but yelling. She didn't seem mad as she had a smile most of the time and a very hardy laugh. Everytime she'd hang up the phone it's like she'd start to twitch with boredom and push random numbers on her phone then she'd pull out a three ring notebook loaded with phone numbers and names.

At first I thought she had three address books but she just kept on taking out notebook and journals that had what looked like endless amounts of names and numbers. Towards the end there were a few people sending her evil glares and she'd try to wisper but it would just get louder and louder with each word and her laugh. Then someone would look back at her again and give her a Tsk and cut eye. She'd take her hand cover her mouth over the mike as if that would make her quiet. I of course sitting next to her and would just smile  to her everytime someone gave her "trouble". It was my way of saying "don't listen to them".

I don't think my wait at the Nairobi airport would have been nearly as entertaining without her. Maybe next time I'll know more Swahili as that way I can converse with someone like her so they don't have to rake up their cell phone bill...

Soaking up Vitamin D...

WARNING THE SUN IS HOT: Exercise caution when by the beach on the Indian Ocean. You may begin to fry like that egg in the story "green eggs and ham".

Yesterday I took a trip up to Kendwa for the rumoured beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Is it a rumor, when they are indeed beautiful?

The sand was smooth between the toes and the water warm yet refreshing against the skin. I don't think I"ve ever seen such white sand. It was beautiful next to the clean aqua that stretched into the horizon.

The breeze was so relaxing that I may have fallen asleep on my stomach. Thank goodness for my Aloe Vera Gel with Lidocane (highly recomended for those that burn like me).

Apparently due to the "Full Moon" Party  happening that evening it was considered to be really busy. Even the rooms were fully booked. I looked around but I couldn't see how it was busy compared to all other beaches I have visited in Mexico, Canada and the U.S. I would definately recommond Kwanda to anyone looking for a little beach Oasis.

Children at play....

Back where I currently live there aren't many children that play outside anymore. I can only assume that they are indoors playing video games or watching television.

I have to admit that it is quite refreshing to see children playing outside when I came here. Some play soccer while other's go swimming or play with sticks in the dirt.

I saw this one game some chilren were playing that had me giggling down the street for a few minutes. It included two children and a flattened piece of cardboard. I don't know the name of the game but here are what I assume are the directions.

How to play:

1- Place cardboard on the ground.
2- One child sits on cardboard.
3- Second child pulls as hard as they can to remove cardboard from underneath first child.
4- First child grabs bum in pain laughing.
5- Second child laughs and convinces the first child to do it again.
6 - Repeat steps 1-5.

Einstein's fashion inspiration

Today, I met the Red Colobus Monkey on a nature walk through the Jozani Forest. On the endangered list, they estimate there is a maximum of 3,000 - 3,500 left. This species of monkey only exist on the island of Zanzibar and interestingly enough has four fingers but no thumb like other primates

Throughout my walk and observation I couldn't help but see the resemblance to Einstein.

Do you think "Mr. E=MC2"  could have written a letter like this to his hair salon stylist?



Dear Giovani:



Red Colobus Monkey in Jozani Forest

I hope the shop is doing great. I will need a hair cut when I get back as my mane is beginning to be be unrully and unkept. Can you fit me in for a hair appointment on my arrival? Let's do something new and original!



The trip to Africa is great. I  come across a cute little creature called the Colobus Monkey. I have made a sketch for you to see.



Thank you,



Einstein





Learning Swahilli...

Kenya and Tanzania speak Swahilli.

When I got here I was surprisied to see that Pop Culture has taught me a few words that has helped me get by. In fact, I'm pretty sure that a lot of you may be surprised that you already know a little bit. So let me share with you what I've learned so far.

Shakira taught the world how to great each other in Swahilli for the World Cup song WakaWaka.

"Jambo" is a word mentioned a few times in the song and is "a greating. Kind of like hello".

I'd also like to point out that Disney doesn't just make great cartoons, they've also taught most of us a bit of Swahilli.

"Simba" means "lion"
"Pumba" means "warthog"
"Rafikki" means "friends"
"Hakuna Matata" means "No Problem"

Other useful phrases I've learned:

"Asuntae (sana)" means "thank you (very much)".
"Sa va, Sa va" means "lets go, lets go".
"Pole Pole" means "slow slow".
"Habari Gani" means "How are you?"--- (I think this is different between countries, here in Tanzania you can say Habari)
"Karibou" means "welcome or you're welcome"
"Si Hitaji" - means "I don't need it"
"Si Na" means "I don't have"
"(Tuna) Tembea" means "(we) I will walk"

Living it up the Zanzibarian way...

This Island is breaking the record for the amount of nights staying here. My travel partner has decided to do their scuba diving PADI certification (I've opted out) So instead, I will be exploring the island by myself for the next few days. I'm super excited.


The island is in the Indian ocean and is intermingled with many people of Christian and Muslim faith. The hotel I'm staying at feels like luxury with A/C in the room. The staff is great and they offer the best breakfast ever.

Who could refuse fresh cut Pinapple?

This morning Warren (the other fellow Canadian I met here) and I had planned to go do some souvernir shopping. Thus is the time for the art of negociation. Our excursion didn't entirely get kicked off to the right start. I walked into an air conditioner and gashed my head (it's not a trip until I get injured). Luckily it's in my hairline and shouldn't create too much of a scar.

Good thing I already have my Tetnus shot! So I cleaned it up with bottled water (no brains were showing so I don't think I need stitches) and began to wander market with my new found Canadian friend.

We found that buying in "bulk" gives us a discount. Most of the time the "asking price" was cut in half right off the bat. From there it's hard to say where it will go and what the final price will be. So we shopped for a while then ate some lunch and we bid our "goodbyes" as he took his ferry into the mainland and I walked back to the hotel to think about what kinds of adventures I will get up too next...

Day on Zanzibar....

Tanzania has redeemed itself. I took the rest of monday to sit and relax and not really do much to prepare myself for a spice tour yesteday. We splurged a little bit for this room as there is A/C.

A man came to pick us and three americans at our hostel for a spice tour we had signed up for. Although we were told that it left at 9 a.m. we waited outside the tour company a little while (we were probably waiting for the rest of the tour to show up).

When we finally got the signal we walked down an alley we saw two vans and we pilled into it. Our final destination was a spice farm.There was about twenty of us that followed a forest like path where our guide pointed out different spices and fruits in their plant form like: Cinnamon, ginger, clove, leache, coconut, coffee etc.. He was very informative, he told us the uses for each in their cooking capacity as well as their healling benefits. We then went to a Hammam, had a chance to buy some spices, had lunch then went to a beach.

The Indian Ocean from Zanzibar is definately not as hot as it was in Melindi. We returned back to the hotel at around 3p.m. (best 12USD I've spent so far). When I got back I went back to the roof top terrace at the hostel and I met another fellow Canadian! The first thus far on this trip.

Crossing into the territory of Tanzania.

Good news: I have arrived in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Bad news: I feel sick.

I've been using Pepto, Gravel, Motrin and Imodium like it's going out of style the past two days. At what point does "using" become "abusing" these over the counter drugs? My problem is: without the aid of Pepto and Imodium I have the "Poops" then of course comes the fact that with the "poops" comes dehydration. I guess it doesn't help that I may have gotten a sun/heat stroke in my excursions of visiting Hell's Kitchen and walking the beach.

Of course I will not let this ill feeling bring me down.

Yesterday (as you can assume from the above statement) we visited the beach. It was surprisingly warm to the touch. In fact it felt more like a warm bath then the Ocean temperatures that I'm used too. The beach was quite a sight. There was about half-a-dozen barefoot pick-up soccer games. Instead of nets the guys were using any kinds of random objects like sticks, rocks, sandals...

The pier was also filled with people just sitting and enjoying the warm breeze being brought in with the ocean waves and children where playing in the waters near the shore.

It wasn't until I got back to the room that I realised I was no longer sun kissed. It's more like the sun decided to full out skip the kissing part and just give me a glow; a bright glow of red. Before going for dinner I took a cold shower and hopped that it would cool my skin down. I called it an early night and went to bed (not before taking an imodium, gravel and motrin).

It was another early morning as we headed back to Mombasa to catch our flight to Zanzibar. We opt'ed to an hour flight into Zanzibar instead of a long bus ride followed by a ferrry (very much more agreable for a girl with an upset stomach).

The border customs at the Zanzibar airport didn't feel nearly at all as proffesional as the one in Kenya. As we walked onto the tar mat we were greated by someone demanding to see a yellow fever certificate then yelled at to fill in a customs card. Then at the visa office we were told that they only accept American dollars and refused to return our passport until we got everything exchanged to American currency. I finally got some Euro's exchanged and went back. The guards behind the window totally looked sketchy handing each other $50 bills trying to hide it from us. Made me wonder what kind of curruption was going on.

The city itself isn't nearly as nice as the past towns that we have visited. You can tell that people here have more money (with the kinds of vehicles being driven) but it seems that with the money comes a more laissez-fair attitude with the amount of garbage on the street, the revving of the vehichles, black smoke emissions etc...

We'll see what tomorrow brings to redeem my opnion thus far...

Off to Zanzibar tomorrow...

We are staying in Melindi for another night at the Ozi Guesthouse. We are hopping to dip our feet into the Indian Ocean for a swim as the sun continues to kiss my skin.

Melindi is a little coastal town north of Mombasa. I guess it's a popular spot for the Itallians to come visit and move to. In fact my white skin has lead alot of locals to believe that i am itallian and am welcomed by alot of "Ciaos".

Today, we got up early and went to visit "Hell's Kitchen". We hired a driver to take us out on the offroad exursion. All along the way we saw the most beautiful children waving with the biggest smiles greeting us with the words "ciao". I wish i could have gotten out and given them all a hug, but alas we would have never gotten to our destination.

Hell's Kitchen is a  little natural wonder that not many people go visit. If I were to discribe it I would say that it is a little cross between a Drumheller and the Grand Canyon. Our guide told us that his people have a tale that goes back a long time about the place.

Apparently the land where it is was once believed to be flat and lived on by a very rich family. The man had many wives, goats and cows. In fact they were so rich that they use to wash their clothing in the milk of the cows instead of giving and helping the people of the village. Then a long drought hit and the man still refused to help the village people. Then God was angry and he openned up the sky and let the rain fall on the area. The white of the sand formation is said to be the milk they bathed in while the red is the blood of all the people and animals that died in that place.

To this day at night it smells of something cooking which is why they call it hells kitchen. The people also don't go near it at night in fear of the devil.

The formations were beautiful.

On the way back we experienced our first road block by the police. Apparently our driver didn't have a proper photo on his liscense. He droped us off and was to return to the deal with the problem. I hope he's okay.

Tomorrow we are getting up early again to head on the flight into Tanzania. We got a cheap flight from Mombasa to the island of Zanzibar. I'll try to let you all know when I get there....

And the Kenyan Adventure continues

This is the first time I have been able to access the internet since the last I wrote. A lot has happend since then. Sorry it's a short update with many grammar mistakes. I just don't have the time to edit...So much has happend and I wish I could write it all. I've so far people have all been great and everything can only be discribed as beautiful and breathtaking.

We left Nairobi for a four day safari that we organized with Big Time Safari. Our Safari Guide; Tom, took us to our first stop in Lake Nakuru where we saw flamingos, zebras, gazelles and we even got to see a Rhino chilling with a herd of waterbuffallo. I called him UNO.

It was truely amazing. We spent the night in a hotel in the town Nakuru. After our visit in Nakuru we picked up an American group of two (Greg & Denise) to head towards Maaisa Mara to spend three days. The camp we stayed in was almost a spitting image of something you would imagine from Gilligan Island. Each day we spent some time in the park and each day the scenerary surprised me. I can only hope that my pictures can capture some of the majestic beauty.

We had a pretty successful safari. The animals we saw were diverse: cheetahs, lions, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, zebras, gazelles and all kinds of birds.Greg and Denise were also fabulous and the last day had us a little sad to say our good byes, but alas they had some Gorilla trecking to do and we had a bus to catch to Mombosa.


The bus ride to Mombosa was intense. Neither of us had thought to ask not to be sat at the back... and alas those were the seats we were assigned. Fortunately I got some sleep on the way there. Apparently the anti-malaria medication I'm taking is messing with my sleep and giving me odd dreams (those are a bunch of stories for another day).

The moments that i wasn't sleeping on my way to Mombassa I looked at the stars backdrop the shadows of what I saw to be beautiful trees. The skies were clear and reminded me of the stars back home when I lived in northern ontario. As we approached the coast the humidity became evident in the air and that's when I realised that I wouldn't need my sweater i had laying across my lap.

We arrived in Mombassa at around 5 a.m. The smells, sights and buildings were much different then that of Nairobi. It was almost like spice was alive in the air. We got into a three-wheeled trike like taxi and started heading towards our hostel. I couldn't help but think at some point sitting in this taxi that I was probably playign with my life a little but I couldn't help enjoy myself and the breeze against my face.

The sun was rissing and we literally watched the streets become alive with people and traffic. After a few failled attempts, our taxi finally brought us to where we  needed to be. The hostel didn't quite meet expectation but that didnt stop from the taking a shower and falling asleep for a few hours of exhaustion.

After waking up we began a trek to the old town to visit Fort Jesus. We hired a guide (which we probably over paid but I suck at haggling solo) he gave us a great tour and it actually made me feel safer to be following him and he went into detail of everything so it was a good buy. This was the night we decided to splurge on dinner, but the restaurant had a beautiful view.

And that brings to today. We left the over dirty hostel/frat boy house and jumped on a Matutu and came to Malindi. We have two nights booked here. We still aren't sure what we are going to do yet but I look forward to some R & R on the beach....

In the next couple of days we will begin our venture over to Tanzania. We are hoping to be able to get  a cheap flight... fingers crossed...

Being a tourist in Nairobi

Well my tan lines are being established and may have a little bit of a red hue (don't worry, I have some gel treatment for it).

Today I feel like a tourist. But it's okay. I woke up with the sun unable to sleep anymore. Upon waking I came to write a bit in my journal I met and spoke to a few people before heading out to the Elephant sanctuary. Followed by going downtown to check out the Masai Mara Market and book a saffari.

We leave tomorrow to visit Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru.  After our four day Safari we are planning to head by bus to Mombasa (A town on the coast of the Indian Ocean).
Internet is expensive here so I can't write to much today... I think when I get back I may have to do a little bit more explaining..

I love Africa.

Drive to Calgary  --          5 hours (approx)
Drive to Lethbridge --      3 hours "
Drive back to Calgary --  1.5 hours "
Flight to Amsterdam --    8 hours "
Layover in Amsterdam-- 10 hours "
Flight to Nairobi ---        8 hours

Visiting Africa, unforgetable



Well we've arrived. Landed in Nairobi today at 6:30 a.m. and are staying at the Wildebeest Camp (http://www.wildebeesttravels.com/). The camp itself is pretty beautiful and the staff have been extremely helpful thus far.

Upon arriving to the camp I was in dire need of taking a shower. I swear that I probably stank worse then blue cheese soaked in sour milk. After the shower I felt refreshed enough to explore a bit before our 2p.m. check-in.

Showered, clean hair and a new set of clothing, off to the Giraffe sanctuary we went. Here is where I'm admitting some action... So even though I'm single, that didn't stop me from getting any kisses today. I heard about these Giraffes that give kisses and I was all about it. So I put the piece of food in between my lips and SLURP went the giraffe in my face :)

After our Giraffe experience, we visited a market and went for dinner at Carnivores. I tried a bunch of new meat that I've never had before. I had some Crocodile, Ostrich, and a bunch more that I can't remember right now. I do have to admit that it was delish! My favourite is Ostrich.

Well I"m off to bed. Even though I had a bit of a nap when we finally checked in I feel like exhausted.

Tomorrow is our last night here as we hope to finalise a booking for a  camping safari that leaves on Monday morning to the Masai Mara.

In Amsterdam and Nairobi bound

What can a person do with a 10-hour layover?

Explore a bit of Amsterdam, visit the Anne Frank house museum, visit the red light district, check facebook quickly and do a little blog post.

Next mission: catch plane on time to go to Nairobi.

Dreaming of Africa...

I leave tomorrow for East Africa.

My backpack is packed and I’m heading down to Calgary to share some of this pent up excitement energy with some friends before leaving. I only have a few hours to decide if I have everything I need. If not, I will have to make do and go without or improvise something.

I can’t remember ever being this excited to do something, it’s like the kid inside me is jumping up and down doing jumping jacks on one foot while eating lots of candy and chocolate (normally my inner child is only eating chocolate).

I use to dream of Africa when I was a child. I remember missionaries coming to the church when I was but a wee girl and my imagination ran wild. When I was old enough, I remember going into the library and reading about Africa, even Lion King made me dreamy.

Now, I get to go and in just one sleep!

Before landing in Kenya, there is a 10-hour layover in Amsterdam. I hear there is a speed train from the airport into the city, so there will be plenty of time to explore; maybe go to a museum, have lunch at a cafe and take in some other scenes.

After the Netherland visit the next stop will be Nairobi. So far the first two nights and return flight (from Dares Salaam in Tanzania) are the only things booked. Everything else in between is still yet to be determined but hope to get on a camping safari with a group...

I’ll be trying to keep you all updated on my plans and whereabouts as often as I can but I have a feeling it may not be as often as my other trips...

Capturing memories on a waterproof accessory

The countdown is on:  two more sleeps. I’m getting a little anxious and I predict that I will only be sleeping one of those two nights. 

Before I leave on my backpacking adventure in East Africa, let me make the introduction to the most high-tech item I will be bringing with me (it has even survived a fall in the Aegean Sea):

“World, this is Camera”

“Camera, this is world”

Don't be fooled by size. Camera isn't all that much too look at, but camera and I have a history. Camera and I were united last year (around this time) after Camera became an outcaste for being the wrong of shade of purple.  As an “experienced” display model, Camera just couldn’t keep up to the sales of the new, younger, brighter, edgier pixeled modern Cameras.

Fate brought us together.

Our friendship grew as we travelled together from place to a place. We went by plane, bus, boat, car and foot. We documented our journeys in photographic means through Camera’s eye. Memories were captured to remember forever...

As our friendship continues, we decided that it was time to load up on even more camera memory in preparation of our new photo essay. Together we will capture wonderful people, beautiful landscape and maybe some animals that I’ve only ever seen on screen or in the zoo. 

Camera and I hope share some fabulous photos with you all soon...