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Wednesday 31 August 2016

Kenya 2016 - Part 2 : Safari Park Hotel Nairobi


At Jomo Kenyatta, once we got through the interminable wait for our electronic visas (seriously, all but one of the agents supposed to be handling this were calling people over for the shorter "Buy your visa now" line) and picked up our luggage,  TWGH and I were met by a local fixer who took us to meet our driver. This also took a while because of the security inspection going into the airport.

Our Chariot Awaits


The room got a bit cold at night, but the water was nice and hot, and the after-flight shower felt wonderful. 



We checked out one of the restaurants, since I hadn't been feeling well on the plane, and was now starving. The food was good, but the portions were huge.












We Agreed to Meet at the Elephant in the morning









Tuesday 30 August 2016

Kenya 2016 - Part 1: Getting There

I thought I would try something a little different this time, so this is going to be a video(s) and pictures blog entry. This is a series of short clips and images outlining my journey to Nairobi.






TWGH and I at Pearson Airport









Air Canada Business Class Menu

The food was excellent, and there's nothing like a lie-flat sleep pod to make travel restful.













Monday 15 August 2016

Kenya 2016 - Preview

We just got back and I am still going through all the photos/video, but as a preview:


  • Business class is definitely the way to go if it takes 16 hours flying time to get to your destination
  • We got upgraded to really spectacular lodgings in the middle of our trip -- thanks Odyssey Safaris!
  • We arrived late in the Great Migration, but did get to see one of the river crossings.
  • I inadvertantly got a few x-rated nature videos this time around.
  • Gnu puns abound.

Your cast for this trip are:
  • Stepmonster (your humble narratrix)
  • The World's Greatest Husband (her devoted mate)
  • Jane (Stepmonster's friend and fellow traveller)
  • Angi (Stepmonster's friend and fellow traveller)

Who we travelled with:

Odyssey Safaris -- I contacted them about a year ago with an itinerary proposal, and they arranged everything.
Swiss Air -- Flights were booked through them - actual carriers were Air Canada, Swiss Air,  and Lufthansa.
Safari Park Hotel -- Nairobi
Ashnil Hotels -- Buffalo Springs Reserve and the Maasai Mara.
Serena Hotels -- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Sarova Hotels -- Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.

And one picture to whet your appetite:



Monday 1 August 2016

Walt Disney World 2015 - Part II

Moving from the Beach Club to the Animal Kingdom Lodge was simple. Bell services transferred my bags while I went to a park. I want to say this was my favourite part of the trip. I love AKL, and I was staying club level.


When I said I was staying club, they whisked me up to the lounge for a complimentary (okay, included) Tusker and check in. Any time you want, if the lounge is open, you can go in and ask for a lovely Tusker or delicious South African wine.

My room was, of course, Savanna view, and it was wonderful. I love the decor in AKL.

Detail of tile in the bathroom -- Gorgeous

My View



Club Level spoils you. Available breakfast, lovely hot & cold hors d'oeuvres in the evening, wine and beer... Another feature that should not go unmentioned is the liqueurs and desserts in the late evening. I'm not a huge sweet fan, but I found an Amarula and cappucino to be a wonderful way to finish a happy day.


Savanna View Giraffe

Ankole Cattle

I only did the Animal Kingdom park while staying at the AKL, and did a pool day. I especially enjoy the Kilimanjaro Safari, and looking at the animals on the Pangani trail. I am also partial to going to the petting zoo at Rafiki's Planet Watch. It turns out that goats are very fond of people with canes.





Story hour is one of the activities at AKL

Marshmallow Roasting is another