Thursday 28 May 2009

The First 3 Days

Firstly Sorry for not having updated this since we all departed but you will have to understand, as I now do, that the interent is still a luxury in Kenya!

We all arrived safely if somewhat jaded after the long journey here but all intact and in one piece!

We first travelled to Laken elementaita where we had the opportunity to freshen up before lunch and also to stretch our tired and restricted legs.

Lunch at the lLodge was excellent as were the views across Lake Elementaita with its Flamingoes.

After lunch it was off to Nakuru NP which did not let us down although the time in the park, due to the delay iun obtaining tickets, DID!

We saw Rhino, Flamingo (millions!), Pelican, Baboon and many more ...... too many to merntion.

Had a realtive early night in the lodge after a good dinner and a brief dane exhibition by the maasai which some of the students joined in.

After the dance, it was bed for all of us followed by a damn god night's sleep..... we all needed it desperately.

After a 7 am call we had breakfast and headed for Marich.

We are all still in one piece as are the vehicles and currently typing this from Eldoret some 4-5 hours from MArich and we need to move to get there before dark!

Will write again when I have the chance........................ but suffice to say we are all having a fantastic time and the real fun starts now!

Monday 25 May 2009

Today's the Day!



Today is the day that we have all been waiting for............... the start of Stalham Does Kenya!

From now on the entries may, or may NOT (!!!), be regular depending on the availability of the internet during our wandering but I will endeavour to keep all those that are interested, up to date with all the happenings during our travels around Kenya.

Eureka!!!


It works........... hopefully making regular updating of the BLOG that much easier.

Just Checking


Out of interest just checking to see if I can still update the BLOG by E-mail............

Sunday 24 May 2009

This time KESHO (Tomorrow)


Yes................... it is just a single, solitary day, a lone period of but 24 Hours and we're off. 

We have all come a long way since the original seed was set and the proposal put forward............ and now we are on our way. 

It is just a simple case of let's get there and enjoy it. We should grasp all opportunities that present themselves in order to enrich ourselves and to make the experience that much better.

The Exchange Rate remains unchanged from yesterday but that is irrelevant now because it's too late to get KSh from the Post Office and so we'll have to rely on FOREX Bureaus at the airport.

I hope that you all have a good time!


MBARA COMMUNITY


Through FACEBOOK I made contact with PETER NYOROSOK who is from the area we are to visit. He is extremely interested in developing the area and raising our awareness of the Pokot people and their needs for the basic necessities of life.

He has suggested many places for us to visit but unfortunately time will probably not permit. however, maybe this can be done in the future if other visits were to be planned. Alternatively there is nothing stopping others wanting to visit this beautiful, little visited, area of Kenya and explore these other areas themselves.

Peter did give me the following link which at first glance looks like an ideal area to visit. So please CLICK on the link below and explore a little more of what West Pokot has to offer.

Saturday 23 May 2009

The Day After Tomorrow


2 DAYS to go........... YES, only 48 Hours!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 113.95 i.e.
As Yesterday but this is about as high as it has been since the monitoring of the Exchange Rate began and considerably BETTER than the worst rate seen!!!

The Final Countdown


3 DAYS to go........... YES, only 72 Hours!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 113.95................ NOT as good as yesterday's rate, BUT a hell of a lot better than it has been over recent weeks!

Friday 22 May 2009

KWS Park Entry Fees 2009


For those of you that are interested............. here are the rates for entry into all the Kenyan Wildlife Parks, Reserves etc.


These prices were updated on 1st January 2009 but this does not affect the student rate of US$20. However the cost for adults has increased 50% to US$60.00 per day!!

Kenya is but a stone's throw away!!!


.......... and then there were only 4 DAYS to go........... YES, only 96 Hours!

Better still.............................NO MORE SCHOOL until 8th JUNE.............. at least fro those going to Kenya!!!!!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 114.46................ I'M GLAD THAT I HELD ON!

Thursday 21 May 2009

Just around the corner!

.......... and then there were only 5 DAYS to go........... YES, only 120 Hours!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 113.48................ A DRAMATIC INCREASE!

Wednesday 20 May 2009

Last hurdle in sight


........... and then there were only 6 DAYS to go........... YES, only 144 Hours!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 111.31................ Down again!

Monday 18 May 2009

The time is rapidly approaching

........... and then there was only ONE WEEK to go........... YES, only 168 Hours!


Thought about getting organized.............. got a headache................ think about it again KESHO!


EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 112.10................ On the rise ........ lets hope that it stays that way!

Sunday 17 May 2009

K Minus 8 and COUNTING!


........... and then there were 8........... YES, only 192 Hours!

Better start thinking about getting organized.................... but, hey, still over a week to go!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 109.80................ to be updated LATERS

Saturday 16 May 2009

The HOME Stretch


Days to do..... K-1............... 9 (216 hours)!!!!

Now down to single figures.

It really is that close.

Still won't bother packing until the morning we leave. Never do packing for holidays until the very last minute............. so why should I be any different this time. However, for me, the strappy tops and hot pants art definitely OUT! 

However, I must admit that I have started putting together a list of those all important gadgets................... clothes can wait........ just want to make sure I can get all the evidence on a camera or video..................... with the amount of gadgets I'll probably only have room for a T-shirt, a pair of shorts and a toothbrush as part of my meagre 20kg allowance! 


The FInal Countdown


Days to do..... K-1............... 10 (240 hours)!!!!

Yes, for all but the Year 10's, only 5 school days before we sail (OK, fly!) off into the wild blue yonder! Better still some year 9's are off to Belgium and so no more school for them before Kenya.


EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 110.71................ Moving steadily upwards!

Friday 15 May 2009

Am I going on the trip?


I have recently been asked by a number of people whether or not I'm going on the trip.

The answer is a definite YES............. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Why am I doing it? The simple answer is for the students. It was they who set the ball in motion by asking whether they could see where the money raised had gone. It is their enthusiasm and encouragement that have kept me from going mad and totally losing my sanity.

One parent commented that this must have caused me a lot of blood, sweat and tears............ Yes to tears, yes to sweat, but as yet, no blood either mine or anybody else's!

The light is shining brighter!


Days to do..... K-1............... 11 (264 hours)!!!!


Yes, for all but the Year 10's, only 6 school days before we sail (OK, fly!) off into the wild blue yonder!


EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 110.61................ One SMALL step for man, one GIANT leap for Stalham High School Students on Tour in Kenya...............
............. More COKE for your money!

Thursday 14 May 2009

Just a couple of concerns...............

This is in response to ill-informed, inaccurate, derogatory, misleading and totally factless information relayed to the students and their parents!!! PLEASE READ ON.........

I spent almost 8 years of my life in East Africa and the only place that I had problems was in Nairobi, hence the decision NOT to visit Nairobi itself. Yes we will pass through and whilst we are, again as already stated and documented last year, we will need to keep the windows shut whilst the mini-bus is moving slowly or it is stationary as there are plenty of "snakes & hyenas" who will take advantage of an opportunity to snatch something or anything through an open window. 

You have been warned and you have been again!

Elsewhere in Kenya, in Marich, at Elementaita and in the Masai Mara there will NOT be a problem. However, do not be complacent and be vigilant at all times............... LOOK AFTER YOUR PROPERTY................ IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! Don't just leave things laying around the place!

In general terms the Kenyan people are lovely, hardworking and honest people. The Pokot who we will meet in Marich depend on the Field Study Centre for their livelihoods. The visitors to the centre bring donations of both money and material goods which also benefit the lives of the local people. This generosity has resulted in improvements to their lives e.g. A girls dormitory, the school at the centre, a mill and the provision of water pumped from a well near the river up to a storage tank in the village. There are many, many other projects ongoing in the area as well as those already completed and benefitting the Pokot of West Pokot.

If the local populace were to do something or anything to bring a bad name to Marich the long-term effect on the people would be just catastrophic. Just one silly mistake would result in the loss of jobs, the closure of the centre and income from donations drying up..................... they would suffer and they are all aware of this fact!

People who make sweeping statements about Kenya and Kenyans should visit the country first and complete their research before they open their mouths and make disparaging remarks! I personally would feel safer anywhere in Kenya in comparison to certain areas of London and other British cities........... including Norwich!!!!

Excitement rises to FEVER PITCH!

Days to do..... K-1............... 12 (288 hours)!!!!

Yes, for all but the Year 10's, only 7 school days before we sail (OK, fly!) off into the wild blue yonder!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 108.10................ Here we go again! However, just waiting to hear what the exchange rate is in Kenya.....................

Current FOREX rate in Nairobi is £1 = KSh 114.00

Tuesday 12 May 2009

MEETING TONIGHT - WEDS 13th MAY @ 18:00 hrs


The penultimate KENYA TRIP MEETING is to be held tonight!

Please don't miss this opportunity to clear up any of those last minute worries, concerns or niggles about the trip.

GETTING EXCITED?

Days to do..... K-1................. 13 (312 hours)!!!!

Yes, for all but the Year 10's, only 8 school days before we sail (OK, fly!) off into the wild blue yonder!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 108.72

Boring BLOG Posts!


This BLOG is becoming tediously boring but hope to have a lot to write about tomorrow!

2 TO GO....... Weeks that is!

Days to do..... K-1................. 14 (336 hours)!!!!

Yes, just a fortnight, two weeks or half a month.............. whichever way you look at it we'll soon be there.

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 108.72............................... a DOWNWARD WOBBLE........... BOO!!!

Monday 11 May 2009

We're on the final stretch + Money!

Days to do..... K-1................. 15 (360 hours)!!!!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 109.88............................... an UPWARD WOBBLE........... HOORAY!!!

Better still.......... one currency converter is quoting in excess of KSh 117 to the Pound.

Check out this link: xe

Sunday 10 May 2009

We're off the week after next!


Days to do..... K-1................. 16 (384 hours)!!!!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 108.71 ............................... it's the weekend and so NO WOBBLES............. either UP or DOWN!

Saturday 9 May 2009

Light at the end of the tunnel and a WOBBLE!


Days to do..... K-1................. 17 (408 hours)!!!!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 108.71 ............................... a WOBBLE!!

Friday 8 May 2009

NEWS............. or LACK OF IT!


Sorry that this BLOG is becoming very repetitious but since I am no longer the group leader, I'm not making any of the decisions, nor am I in the know or permitted to comment on changes to the itinerary or other trip arrangements.

If you need information or clarification on anything trip related please see the trip leader.

There is light at the end of the tunnel!


Days to do..... K-1................. 18 (432 hours)

YES, just 10 school days to take off.......... BUT for the Year 10's, it is now Work Experience and that's it............... NO MORE SCHOOL!

Days to do..... K-2............... STILL ABSOLUTELY GUTTED THAT IT HAS BEEN CANCELLED!!!!!
WHICH IS STILL AN UNDERSTATEMENT, BUT THERE IS HOPE! SO IF YOU ARE STILL INTERESTED, CONTACT UK CONNECTION on the TEL. NO. PROVIDED. 

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 108.97 ............................... the great ROLLERCOASTER RIDE CONTINUES!!

Thursday 7 May 2009

We're getting there......................


Days to do..... K-1................. 19 (456 hours)

YES, just 11 school days to take off.......... and for the lucky ones in Year 10 undertaking work experience, they have only 1 school day remaining!!!!

Days to do..... K-2............... STILL ABSOLUTELY GUTTED THAT IT HAS BEEN CANCELLED!!!!!
WHICH IS STILL AN UNDERSTATEMENT!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 106.82 ................ the great ROLLERCOASTER!!


Wednesday 6 May 2009

The countdown continues............... + KSh


Days to do..... K-1................. 20 (480 hours)

YES, just 12 school days to take off.......... and for the lucky ones in Year 10 undertaking work experience, they have only 2 school days remaining!!!!

Days to do..... K-2............... ABSOLUTELY GUTTED THAT IT HAS BEEN CANCELLED!!!!!
WHICH IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 108.02

LESS Ksh for your Pound!!!.......... I'm hanging on until Kenya!

Monday 4 May 2009

COUNTDOWN TO KENYA + KSh


Days to do..... K-1................. 21 (504 hours)

YES, just 3 weeks to take off!

Days to do..... K-2................. 76 (1824 hours)

EXCHANGE RATE - £1 = KSh 109.81

More Ksh for your Pound!!!

We're getting there......................


Forgot to post yesterday......................... far too much on my mind but just because there was no posting doesn't mean that K-Day failed to get closer than it was!!!!

Days to do..... K-1................. 22 (528 hours)

Days to do..... K-2................. 77 (1848 hours)

Exchange Rate.......... WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL TUESDAY i.e. TOMORROW.............. or as they say in KENYA..... KESHO!

Sunday 3 May 2009

REGISTERED

I have now registered to be able to update the BLOG from a phone enabled to send E-mails.

Hope that it works................. shame that I can't just 'POP' over to Kenya to see that it does!

Registered

Have just registered to be able to send updates to the BLOG, including feedback directly from Kenya.



Saturday 2 May 2009

Excitement and Anticipation increases............. it's getting nearer!!


Days to do..... K-1.......... 24 (576 hours)

Days to do..... K-2.......... 79 (1896 hours)

Exchange Rate.......... It's the weekend and, as such, no change until after the Bank Holiday. Therefore rate stands at £1 = KSh 108.27............. That is if you can get into a post office during the Bank Holiday Weekend!?!?!?
GREAT NEWS!!!!

I have just heard that the cost of the visas has been confirmed.

The cost for all students under the age of 16 is ZERO!! That means that none of the students going to Kenya will have to pay for a visa............... a saving from the original costings of £35 per student!!!

Furthermore the Kenyan Government have generously reduced the cost of the adult visa from £35 to £20.

This arrangement, in force until 2010, is in an attempt to stimulate the tourist industry.

Getting closer............... + Money


Days to do..... K-1.......... 24 (576 hours)

Only 14 Days of school.

Days to do..... K-2.......... 79 (1896 hours)

Exchange Rate.......... £1 = KSh 108.21