View from my veranda
Last Wednesday, December 10th, 2014, I boarded the plane to Kenya, with 7 bags in tow. This time it was not for a visit, but to relocate to Karen Nairobi, in Kenya. As I passed through immigration, I was greeted with a smile and told next time I should be in the residency line, this one was for visitors; I smiled back. I was excited to see all 7 bags, traveling around the carousel, within about 5 minutes of clearing immigration. The customs agent asked me a few questions and then waved me through. Alex, from Sunworld Safaris was there to greet me with a warm African smile. As aways, Sunworld rolled out the red carpet for me.
It was well after 10:00 PM or 22:00 when I arrived, “home.” Too excited to sleep, I began to unpack. First was the unwrapping of my 30” cinema Apple screen. It had arrived in great condition, but I held my breath as I pushed the on button. I was more than thrilled to see the wave of Mavericks light up the screen. As I began to pull out some of the treasures from my southern California home, I knew I had made the right choices. In those last few hours, sitting on the floor of my loft, I decided to take the items that gave me daily comfort and that could not be replaced because most of them were hand made; exotic tapestries, bedding, throw pillows, candle holders, pottery platters, drapery, and a few books (made by clients or myself).
I think I slept most of the first few days. I was so exhausted, not only by this move, but from an exhilarating 6 months of travel; mostly throughout East Africa. Although, this is a very exciting time, it is also one not without anxiety. I am now living half way around the world from friends and family. I have very little in my house, not even a plate. The internet I had installed, while I was in the US, is not working yet, as I suspect would be the case. There are moments of panic, “What was I thinking?” Then there are the moments of being reminded as I glance through the incredible imagery I am selecting for a special project. There were so many reasons for this move, but one of the main reasons, is to have more time for my work in wildlife, conservation, and culture throughout East Africa, Ethiopia, parts of South Africa and Namibia.
Africa is a magical place that is changing quickly. Being here now is important. The incredible wildlife that has roamed this continent for hundreds of years, is being poached at the highest rates in history, with no end in sight, yet. We will keep the hope. The beautiful tribes, that have lived nomadically off the land for hundreds of years, are modernizing. Experiencing this special corner of our world now, is a privilege that most future generations will not have the opportunity to experience, except through media. Think about placing a trip to Africa to the top of your bucket list; experience the magic and create beautiful imagery of one of the most exotic places on our planet.
Wishing you all the happiness with your move to Kenya. You will never regret this. You are living your life and your dreams. You are a superb role model for those have not taken the leap, but are still just thinking about it.
Thank you so much Muriel. One of the things I have tried to do in this journey is be open and honest about the ups and the downs. I want to inspire people to passionately live their dreams, but I don’t want to sugar coat it, so to speak. It is hard, filled with many fearful moments, but the rewards are huge. I suppose it goes back to the old fashion statement, “The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.” Life is the highest risk, because we only get one chance at it. The fear of not doing, and coming towards the end of life and realizing there are no do overs, that is a pretty powerful motivator! I do hope we cross paths again soon- will you be coming to NANPA?
Welcome to kenya Piper Mackay. I assure you of nice and peaceful stay in our country. Kenyans are peace-loving and welcoming people. Enjoy viewing our good scenery and lots of animals.
Asanta Sana Micah, I have loved your country for years and is why I took this chance!
Hey Piper , wishing you all the very best with the new life, new home and new photo adventures. You’re going to have a great time in Africa.
Suffice to say, you’re living proof that dreams do come true !!
Asante Sana Ade!! Following your dream to the end is the hardest journey we can take in our lifetime…. it has been emotionally difficult and exhilarating. Honestly there was at least 100 moments I wanted to quite, there were so many times that I searched to see if some one can really make it happen. There were 1,000 times that kept me going simply to let others know, if you keep going and never quite, you can make it happen…. and guess what, you do not need the lottery to make your dreams happen, you only need the courage to continue to follow them for as long as it takes!!!
Welcome back to Kenya, which I believe is the most beautiful country through lenses 🙂 I like your photography! 10 over 10
God bless your travels and thank you for living your vision courageously / You and your images have heartfelt luminous transparency. Hope you’re still there when I finally get there too 😉 God willing –
Doreen, I am deeply honored by your comment. God willing I will still be here. I would loved to meet you when you make it to Kenya!!
So so inspiring!!
And the images are heart opening
Thanks for sharing your journey!
Thank you Csroline, and thank you for following the journey…. may it inspire you to embark on your own journey!!
Dear Piper,
So good to read about your exciting first day in a new life.
I wish you the very best, wonderful moments and looking forward to read and see more from you.
Piper good luck and be happy, great country, nice people enjoy
I will be there soon.
Best wishes Piper. I look forward to keeping up with your photography and all your adventures through your blog. What an exciting time in your life. Thanks for sharing it with us. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Oh this is so exciting Piper and I can’t want to see what happens next. Yes you are very brave to relocate to Kenya but I think it will be what you are meant to do. Keep me posted!! I would love to travel with you in Africa. Lots of love this time of year.
I think of moving to Africa every day, but have to settle for a trip every year or two. There is no place on the planet where I feel more alive. Kudos to you. http://Www.tamani.smugmug.com
Glad you arrived safely in my beloved kenya. After reading this post I know you love it as much as i. Enjoy this blessing you have and the continued adventure your life is on. All the best.
Many cheers to you Piper! It takes guts to do what you are doing….many talk, but few act. Having bounced around the world a bit, and alighted for extended time in several places, time has taught me that these experiences have no equal. I’m sure there will be ups and downs, but you will never regret and always cherish this decision. Look forward to your evolving story!
All the best for this phase of your journey through life, You are obviously extremely brave & adventurous. Your view of the bush reminds me of our stay at a lodge on Lake Manyara, earlier this year. Have fun & keep showing us the amazing pictures. My pictures were disappointing but I have the memories & many blurry shots.
Thank you for sharing your journey. How exciting to be fulfilling your dream. I wish you all the best and look forward to more stories and your incredible photography.
Karibu Karen, Nairobi Kenya. I’m thrilled for you and thank you for taking us along on your grand adventure. Eager to see your images in the next year. Enjoy Piper enjoy.
Hugs,
Patti
YOU did the right thing for sure!!!! and you packed similar as I did when I moved to europe. I also included precious gifts that had been given to me by dear friends…
Dear Piper, I learned of you and your fantastic photography on Facebook when a friend of mine shared one of your photos. How grateful I am for that moment—without it I would not have known about you and your passion for the beautiful people and animals of Africa. May God bless you in your new home and may all of your adventures be fulfilling. I’ll be praying for you.
Best wishes on this phase of your journey.
Must say I love the lion shaking off the water a lot.
Continue keeping us up to date.
Milt
Piper, wishing you the best of everything for this new stage of your life, may you go from success to success & hope to see you in Africa (my home continent) one day soon.
Glad to hear you made it safe. As always, your photos on this post are breathtaking. Remember your friends and family are always here for you, cheering you on. Enjoy the adventure!!! You are always in our prayers.
A wonderful first report from your new home! It’s very exciting to follow this new path you’re on–I know it was absolutely the right decision, and am looking forward to seeing more of your work from this incredible place.
So overjoyed to hear from you! Keep following your dreams, Piper. The most amazing trip in my life was the 2 weeks last year, that you took us on safari in Kenya. I will visit you, so keep me posted on the next wildlife safari. May God bless you & keep you safe.
Hello Piper!
Congratulations on a successful journey to your new home! As I read your blog tears filled my eyes and my heart skipped a beat, as I can only imagine how you must feel in your new home. I too love Africa and I know your home will soon be filled with lots of treasurers, family and friends! Be well my friend and look forward to seeing you in March 2015 back in the USA! I so look forward to reading the next blog!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi Piper
A huge well done on achieving your dream of moving to Africa. I have really enjoyed following your inspirational journey thus far, and look forward with much anticipation as your Africa journey unravels.
All The Very Best and a Merry Christmas and Happy Africa New Year
Glen J Terry
To begin with your pictures are absolutely breathtaking sigh…… I hope you enjoy your stay
Good luck in your new home! I think you made a very good decision in moving to Kenya, even if it was very had. I’m glad your stuff made it there intact! 🙂 Take care.
Love and best wishes…
Love your pictures and beautiful spirit! If there is a share button I’d like to share on my blog!
The saying, ” you can leave Africa but Africa will never leave you ” is so true. I don’t think a day goes by without my thoughts of Kenya and the experience of Amboseli, Sumburu and the Masii. Congrats on your move, enjoy the journey Piper !
images are wonderful,like them very much, wild life is my interests.
Awesome shots mate what ever you do keep having fun doing it all the best Gus
It is interesting to read of your trepidations balanced with your admirable goals – go girl!