Day 5: Nakuru

It's quite humorous how synchronicity works. I had talked to Phanice about music the night before, asking if she liked Prince. She had no clue who he was, and so I stated his more well-known songs - she couldn't remember having heard them. I also work at Mystic Lake Casino, where we have a Ribbons Restaurant that is primarily a steakhouse. So..

That morning we entered our hotel's restaurant - Ribbons. The song playing was "When doves cry" by Prince.

We decided to eat on the deck outside, overlooking the street. We ordered undazi and tea, undazi are a single giant mandazi. Big enough for a breakfast. I also ordered some toast with eggs. Our waiter was VERY nervous serving us, primarily because of me. He would joke with other patrons but would be stark faced and serious when dealing with us. He was literally shaking when giving us our plates! Was I the first white client he had ever served? Quite possibly, but I honestly LOVED this city and the view of the street.

The weather was to die for! It is so amazing there, with a cool breeze from the lake further outside of town. Though, honestly I can't remember many times in Kenya when the weather wasn't perfect! ( I think this makes sense, as mankind first evolved from what is now Kenya )

We went to Nakuru National Park, after Phanice found a taxicab that would take us there. ( She price compared with many drivers ) When we got to the park, we found another issue. The ticket issuer would not allow us entry using my American money. It seems that any US Dollars dated before 2004 are considered possible counterfeit. I had the some problem with banks in Nairobi. So, we took the taxi back into Nakuru and stopped at a bank - which took bills they wouldn't have even taken in Nairobi! I wish I had had more of my money on me, for I would have exchanged them all at that point!

( Note to visitors to Kenya: bring NEW and crisp bills only!)

We returned to the park, and I paid my fee which was over 10 times what Phanice would have to pay - because I am a visitor I pay a lot more. It's weird how that works, but I suppose most tourists will pay it. There were students from Nairobi at the park, but because their homelands were not Kenya, they had to pay "visitor" prices. Hopefully all the money is truly used to preserve the land there.

Nonetheless, Lake Nakuru National Park is beautiful! Being from Minnesota, it was vital that I see a lake, and man was this a nice one. It's not gigantic, but larger than artificial Lake Calhoun ( should be Lake Wellstone ). I saw zebra, monkeys, vultures, gerbil-like creatures, lizards, and dueling rhinos! The rhinos dueled the entirety of my time there, several hours. Not sure what their issue was, but whatever. Maybe it was practice?

Anywho, I LOVED the view overlooking the lake! It was breathtaking! Phanice felt the same I am sure. Such an amazing place, and quite cooler than in town. But it was still so fun! We stayed for quite a long time, but it was nice. Most of my photos taken in Kenya were taken on this day - including the best of myself and Phanice I think. It was here that I asked Phanice out, and if she would, to come back with me to America. She said yes, but wasn't completely sure about coming to Minnesota, so would let me know before I left. Does that mean it was a 'maybe?'

We got back to town and dropped of most things at our hotel. We went to a nice restaurant, which I cannot remember the name of. But again, I was the only caucasian patron. I think I may have seen one other group of tourists there - at Nakuru Park. I was able to get a nice meal there, italian at that I believe. With wine even, I believe. We walked to a nearby park and bought some candies from someone peddling them.

At one point some man walked near us lying on the ground and was staring at us. He wouldn't just leave, so I asked Phanice to take a photo of him. She did, and the man decided it was time to go. :)

Later that night we went to club across the street from our hotel. It's name was Mitwamba or Mituamba Club. We danced and had dinner there. I had more to drink there than I should. 2 tuskers, and like 3 flavored drinks - I want to say Smirnoffs. This was over several hours, but still had its effect on me. We danced to songs I had no clue what they were saying. Some Phanice took offense too, as they were dirty.

I also saw my first pairs of lesbians there, which Phanice was not surprised about at all. And here I thought Kenya was a conservative place, but perhaps it is the Kukuyos who are not. Not a big deal to me, as before the British invaded some tribes were more accepting of other sexual orientations.

Other dancers included an older gentleman, who in America would be told to leave the dance floor. He was still dressed in a business suit, and danced slower than one my age. Yet no one took issue with his presence. I was amazed at such tolerance, which makes America's agism much more apparent.

They did NOT have vegetarian options, so for the first time in 5 years I orded chicken because I was starving for non-salad. But I did say a prayer for the creature whose life was lost due to my hunger. It probably lived a better life than those in American factory farms. But it died for me still the same.

After dancing until LATE - I'd say past 2 AM - we wandered back to our hotel. I am glad that Phanice was still somewhat sober, because I honestly was a bit out of it. She had thought I was rather humorous in my position - even laughing when stating the obvious "You are drunk!"