I know you are excited, and most of you were thinking when you received an email of this post, or were just checking in, you would be experiencing emotionally captivating images of wildlife and the colors of Africa, and I promise to deliver them very soon! I needed to stop, catch my breath, and slow down to the Rhythm of Life in Africa. But, to not totally disappoint you I thought I would share a sunset image (above) taken in Samburu in Aug of 04.
Just prior to my departure I was invited as a guest to attend the African Animal Welfare Action International Conference in Nairobi on Sept 6-9 and this meant I needed to be flexible and make changes to my schedule, pushing out my time in the Mara by 2 weeks. The challenge as a photographer can be to stay open and be flexible, and when I am, I find this is when some of the greatest opportunities appear. I also believe the more powerful images come when you stop and experience the story behind what you are photographing. Spending time at a conference with some of the world experts on wildlife protection in Africa seemed like a perfect beginning . How do I tell a visual story I do not know first by listening to the stories of the keepers of the land and wildlife?
I have been working on a multi media presentation, of my past work in Africa, for the conference. I have also had the pleasure to sit and listen to the stories of the staff at ANAW ( Africa Network for Animal Welfare) the organization that is sponsoring me at the conference, and of coarse I am teaching them photography. Teaching photography to an IT guy in Africa who knows word press and web design definitely has it benefits! In return he has helped me set up my black berry and help trouble shoot some tech problems. Meeting someone like this my first week in Africa may turn out to be one of my greatest resources throughout this project. Being able to relate to the local people, gain their trust, and acquiring accesses is not only important but adds to your own personal experience and vision of the place you are shooting. Having great wi-fi access in the ANAW office doesn’t hurt either.
This has also allowed me to slow down to the Rhythm of Life in Africa. I am staying at Kifara house in Karen, near Karen Blixen house (Out of Africa) and near the Giraffe center, in one of the most beautiful area’s in Nairobi. The property is over an acre and is owned by an elder woman Rosa Lee, whom has been involved in conservation in Africa since purchasing the property in the early 70’s. So, I figured I would show you how I am roughing it in Nairobi…not hardly. I did not want to leave you with out any photo’s so ….
The land cruiser I am roaming through Kenya in.
My room at Kifaru house, Karen, Nairobi
Front room of the Kiraru house
The terrace at Kifaru House. It has been quite cold and overcast since my arrival, so I will post pic’s from the beautiful grounds later, when I have beautiful morning light. Another reason it is good my trip to the Mara was postpone for two weeks.
Everyone always ask me what I eat, well right now I am spoiled, and all my meals are prepared for me.
At least you’ll be strong and healthy as you’ll have had your Weetabix! Good to hear about your start to the trip.
Love the sunset photo and terrace looks like an awesome place to sit and just take it all in.
That sky looks like Ireland on a good day, great to see your settling in..
I am sure your attendance at the conference, as well as your scheduled talk, will result in some great connections. Keep those options open–you never know where they will lead.
I’m so glad that I get to follow you through this journey. May your vision be more than you and we expect.
Ann
Africa time, is a time unlike anywhere else and it does take a while to make the adjustment. I am excited to get out to the Mara and camp among the wildlife and migration, but it will be about 2 more weeks…. Today I had the fantastic experience of photographing and hanging out with the minister of wildlife and forestry of Kenya.. so for something like this… the wildlife can wait a few more weeks.
My trip through your trip is beginning, I’m happy for that.
I
m so jealous! Just looking at the photos of Samburu makes my heart sink I miss it so badly. I have to say though, looking at the photo of your meal, I don’t miss the coffee that I had in Kenya. For growing so much coffee there we never had any that was any good! Looking forward to more posts and photographs.
So happy to see your set up, easing in, and spoiled…. you deserve to be spoiled! Enjoy every minute!
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