Kenya: Nairobi to Nanyuki by taxi.

                                                                June 9th 2009

Nairobi Airport

Had a lovely flight yesterday from London and got upgraded at check in to premium economy seats.  The crew were fantastic and really spoiled us. A big thank you to them all, particularly Carmine (Purser), Caroline & Michael. How wonderful that Jane & Chris Denny took the trouble, on a Monday morning, to travel to Terminal 5 to wish us Bon Voyage. Thank you both so very much.

It was prearranged that Stephen (taxi) would be waiting for us at the airport on arrival and he whisked us to the Boulevard hotel. I know Stephen from my regular visits so I asked him what he thought of the hotel. His answer was a little negative so we were not sure what we'd encounter. It was certainly basic, but at $85 per room, acceptable for the 10 hours we would actually spend there. They are undertaking a renovation program but until it's completed, we would not recommend it.

Downtown Nairobi

We met at 9am for breakfast this morning and it was really quite OK, with good coffee. I had also prearranged for a taxi from Nanyuki, owner driven by Chris, a native of Nanyuki, to collect us at 1030.

Nairobi suburbs

And, only witnessing one near accident where a car in front of us attempted to overtake in the face of oncoming traffic, promptly swerving back in when he realised he was about to die! The last image of him was careering off the road, into a lower ditch area, completely out of control. Gladly, he managed to regain control, albeit off road, without turning it on its roof. It was just like a scene out of "Police, Camera, Action" TV series. Ah, welcome back to driving in Africa.

Nanyuki

It was exactly 3 hours to Nanyuki & we crossed the equator into the Southern Hemispheres shortly before. According to the sign, the elevation is 6389 feet above sea level.

Nanyuki Airfield. Barney's Bar/Restaurant.

     

Nanyuki Town.

Mindy collected us at Nanyuki Airfield & we made our way through Nanyuki to Camp David, her wonderful home. Of course we had to have a quick check on Dusty to see how the three month hibernation went. We reconnected the batteries (yes, we have 2) and it started on the first turn of the engine. Long may it last! Since then, we have just relaxed and enjoyed a long lunch overlooking Mount Kenya and later still, a delicious dinner with good wine.

Reality is awaiting us, mere days away, as we prepare for our departure towards Uganda, on Saturday 13th. Bed is now beckoning for and tomorrow we go &  purchase oil for the service. The remainder of the items we have brought from the UK with us. Thank you already to Derek, Craig, Matthew & Mary for your postings wishing us luck. I speak for us both in saying that we love to see those coming in so please keep it up & don't feel because you've left one message, you can't leave another 20 as well. We're happy for feedback so if there's something you want to see, or have a question, just let us know.