Imlah: from 17th June

A Sunday like no other, Sundays are normally dry and mundane but today was different as usual i was up at the crack of dawn, I’m in Africa so i am not on the Sunday lie-in tip like most 24 year olds on a Sunday, like I said I’m in Africa the motherland so I got to be up with the birds, animals and the locals. The plan for the day was to enjoy the lake then have Lunch with our Kenyan companion Cyprian (Kenya’s next international Track and Field star) at his mother’s house.

We went up 2 the lake to a place called Hippo point, No need to explain now is there? Well for those lacking in the common sense department……………Its the spot where your guaranteed to see the HIPPO’s duhhh’, lol! I have never been to a place like this before. OH MY GOSH. We got to the lake and passed the Impala sanctuary on the way, I even saw an Ostrich for the 1st time in Africa, it was huge, wouldn’t want to get chased down by that thing, looked like he’d put Linford Christie in his heyday to shame if he challenged it.

Luckily we were with Naomi who speaks the local dialect managed to get us the Kenyan price for the lake excursion. She didn’t want to accompany us as she doesn’t trust the lake. But we braved it and it was magnificent. 1st our guide showed us the birds that were present and we all managed to get some lovely shoots. We saw Kingfishers, Hammerheads, Pickneys and some small multi coloured bird (can’t remember the name of ‘em) but after about 15 – 20 minutes of basking in the sun and enjoying the light breeze on the lake we got closer to what we came for – the Hippos.

The 1st sighting was one about 30 metres away and our guides paddled closer n closer till we were about 20-15 metres away and then we got it the money shot – The yawning hippo! Quality!

We stayed there for about 15 minutes. First there was 1 then 2 then 3. What a sight. I even managed to get some soundless film recordings of them in there natural habitat………….Now that’s priceless, some professional camera men have to search and wait months to get the mini clips i did. I’m honored! After a while on the lake we went back to the banks and there was a herd of Cows waiting for us, haha…….. I love the way how the people and the animals try to live as one, I mean like your always seeing Goats on the roadside and cows n u see kids jus there playing with em or looking after them.

We then went into Kisumu to meet up with Cyprian, on arrival we had some refreshments and relaxed, had a gander round the shops, couldn’t wait to see the athlete again. I new linking up with him in Africa would open my eyes up to so much, on the way to his home we encountered some of the roughest terrain but luckily we were in a 4×4 so it weren’t a problem, we tackled it. We went to his for lunch and was greeted in true Kenyan fashion, first we met his Grandmother and then he introduced us to his mother and sisters. And as he promised me in England, fish and rice was on the menu. And he didn’t let me down, wait till u see the picture of the plate of Tilapia Fish. It was magnificent my favourite dish in the world, food and hospitality the perfect combo. Africa is home now. I swear I am coming back to make this continent my home, the poverty levels are high but its all changing slowly but surely, and I really know I can come here and make a difference.

After a big lunch and a discussion we hit the road and negotiated the rugged terrain again and made our way back to Naomy’s on the way there was so many kids showing us so much love, 3 year olds and upwards. Its overwhelming kids saying “How are you”, “Hi”. I love it.

After a rest and a bite 2 eat here I am blogging like a mad man. Getting ready for tomorrow, Kitagwa here we come. Its going to be interesting.

I’m so looking forward to the Kisumu museum trip any random day now, i want to see the Crocs and snakes. I love wildlife like cooking. And am not missing a thing about the UK apart from my female fans, . But its all gravy: the next Jams going to be @ the end of July so Coventry get ready.