Christi and I have very little time to reflect on our recent safari to the Maasai Mara as we prepare for our next adventure, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a few more photos. I would argue that going on safari in Africa is right up there with a visit to the Galapagos Islands for the quality and quantity of the wildlife encounters and in that sense our Year of Wonder is coming full circle (probably not a grammatically accurate statement!). In my wildlife wanderings to date probably only hanging out with grizzly bears in Alaska comes close and without wishing to spoil any future posts on this blog there could be another unique experience coming up. One other wildlife encounter that I would very much like to do is a meet and greet the polar bears of Churchill, Canada – dare I say it – before they are consigned to the history books.

Okay enough safari musings, Christi and I have one day in Nairobi to complete some chores, including the dreaded laundry. I think by now that it is only the dirt that is holding our clothes together. We also make a return visit to Jocky Tours who arranged our safari because this company is also arranging our next great activity. Christi and I are going to attempt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro – a monster of a mountain at 19,341 feet. If you recall my last attempt at high altitude trekking (on Mt. Parinacota in Bolivia) did not fare so well. Quite why I think I can climb Kili is beyond me and there are some distinct rumblings from Christi who would really rather not set foot on the mountain at all. Indeed, I have to be at my persuasive best to even get her to the offices of Jocky Tours to collect trekking poles, warm weather gear, and goggles for our assault on the mountain. And whereas I actually tried to acclimatize before scaling Parinacota, this time we intend to wing it. Whatever will be will be. The only difference this time is that both Christi and I will take Diamox (which indirectly helps with acclimatizing to high altitude. We used it extensively when we were in the Andes last year) for the whole trek. On my summit day for Parinacota, my guide advised not to take the drug. I did not summit. Would the Diamox have made a difference? I don’t know, but this time I’m all in. I particularly want Christi to make this trip with me, by the way, because I have a surprise waiting for her on the summit of Kilimanjaro. I can’t say anything else for the moment, but stay tuned. This surprise does necessitate me heading off on my own for some alone time. Christi is not happy, although you’d think after 24 / 7 togetherness for the last 11 months, she would be glad to be shot of me for a few hours. Well she isn’t and I have to make up an excuse about visiting an internet cafe to search for information and tips on improving one’s chance of success on Kili. Christi buys this and has no desire to go with me. She chooses to visit the Java House coffee shop and lounge with a good book for a few hours. Perfect.

We reunite for a dining sensation at Carnivore. As the name implies, this is not an establishment for vegans or vegetarians or anyone who does not eat meat – and enjoy it! This restaurant is a meat-eaters paradise. You could literally eat yourself to death here. As the restaurant says ‘It’s a beast of a feast’. All the usual suspects are there such as beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, but this supplemented with a few of the critters we just saw in the Maasai Mara including ostrich, crocodile, and wild turkey. The meal actually begins with soup and salad before kicking it up a gear with as much meat as you can eat. Only when full to bursting do you lower the white of surrender fluttering on each table – and then move on to dessert!! We waddle rather than leave the restaurant. I’m not entirely sure if this is the ideal preparation for climbing Kilimanjaro, but we’re so exhausted we do sleep well. Which I suppose is good news.

Blog post by Roderick Phillips, author of Weary Heart – a gut-wrenching tale of love and test tubes.

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