traveltales: AN UNUSUAL NIGHT

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

AN UNUSUAL NIGHT

The Ark

The first thing we did when we arrived at the Aberdare Country Club overlooking Mt Kenya was to check all our luggage except the overnight bag going to the Ark.

After a leisurely lunch at the club we were on our way to the Ark. Upon arrival our guide instructed, “The only way to reach the Ark is over this long elevated trestle. It goes directly to reception. You can take your time walking over the forest floor as you will see a lot of birds on the way.” A bonus along the way was a huge cape buffalo grazing at the edge of the trestle.

The Ark in the forest is a unique structure with a large elevated deck overlooking a salt lick and watering hole. A deck provided a great place for viewing animals as they came to drink from the pond and to lick the salt.

The ground level houses the lounge and dining rooms. The windows are very thick glass with a stone barrier base outside so you needn’t worry about a big water buffalo barging through the glass while you’re eating dinner!

While up on the observation deck everyone is asked to be extremely quiet. All the rooms are on the second and third level. Each room was equipped with a buzzer. All night the buzzers went off when animals wandered into the area. Two rings meant large animals, rhino or elephant, were feeding. Three rings meant big cats had arrived.

It really was too cold to sleep on deck that night although my son and another hardy photographer made it until 4AM when a little fog rolled in. The rest of us slept in our clothes and when the buzzers went off grabbed a jacket or wrapped up in a blanket and quietly and quickly made it to the observation deck. I saw rhino and two beautiful female lions. It was an interesting experience.

We speculated that heat sensors at the perimeter alerted the watch that an animal was approaching. Then after a visual search and identification he would ring the buzzers. It was an exciting and unusual night.

The next morning as we were driving out from the Ark a beautiful spotted leopard crossed right in front of our van; my guess is he was going home to rest after a nights hunt. He was beautiful! What a bonus!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.