BUSH FRIENDLY GIRLS ESCAPE
TO JOY'S CAMP - SHABA
May 1st - May 3rd 2009
Sitting buckled up in the Caravan flying back to Nairobi - feeling so happy that all my friends - old and new - all happy too! The feeling of contentment after three fulfilling days filled with magical experiences, love, laughter and endless giggles. We simply experienced so much together, shared and enjoyed amongst friends.
There was never a morning where we couldn't wake up early enough - simply tying to capture each and every moment. Breathing in the fresh air, power walking through the scenic bush, breathing in the smells of nature and wildlife. Walking through diverse nature, along the Ewaso Nyiro river with crocodiles basking in the gentle waters - through the most beautiful picturesque rock formations… then suddenly Fazilah had the urge to do a headstand on the sand in between large rocks in the gorge showing us how it really should be done...
Visiting a 'jangili' (poacher's) cave where poaches use to hide out many years ago. Our wonderful driver-guides, John and Justin, joined us and suddenly found themselves at one of the highest points of our gorge walk, when Martine suggested we do a five minute meditation - so in tune with the environment and ourselves and our inner 'being'. Our guardian angel - The Corporal kept his eyes open - JUST IN CASE…
Back at Joy's Camp - we showered, swam and worked on the tan. Time for Yoga to the tunes of Enigma, followed by delicious al fresco lunch - then siesta time before getting ready for another bush walk, meeting later with the girls who opted to game-drive. We gathered for sun-downers - in appreciation of the beauty of the vast open landscape that we were in the midst of.
Gathering for a drink before dinner in our finest 'bush attire', we enjoyed wonderful meals and more laughs to end with story telling around the campfire.
Our heads hit the pillows - deep sleep, heavy with beautiful dreams of the fabulous experiences we all shared. Awakening to the dark stillness in the wild with coffee brought to my tent. We were all on time to head out to see the morning star… car engines off, peace all around, deep contemplation as the Sun awakened. Goodbye Moon… Salute to the glory of the Sun, energies flowing - everyone having so much fun. Absorbing the energy of the first rays of light!
Bush breakfast with champagne flowing - cheeks glowing amidst the glory of the shade provided by my favorite palm tree - The Doom Palm !!! Omelettes being made, the smell of coffee - Andrea's favorite had to be the 'Benoffi'. The food always tastes so much better in the bush. Appetites were certainly alive.
The unity and the fellowship that we all experienced was beautiful and this weekend far away from our homes, was truly special!!!
Life in Nairobi was moving too fast!
Traffic and hassles; no time to relax
So 12 bush-friendly ladies said goodbye to their kin
Woke bright and early (unless of course they slept in…)
Took a hair-raising ride to the airport that day
("We're off to relax, so get out of our way!")
Marvelous Tad was flying us there
While his co-pilot snored her way through the air
We landed at Shaba to quickly discover
When stressed, the bush is the place recover
Of course it helps to be met when you're there
By the guys who look after Joy's Camp with flair
Bush breakfast, some champagne and then champagne some more
Off next to Joy's Camp and photos galore
Luxury tents that were such a delight
Spoiled by the staff who treat you just right
What to do next? Too hard to decide!
Swimming, a massage, or perhaps a game ride?
But all activity ceased when food arrived in the dishes
Expect chewing and "oooh-ing" and saying "delicious"
A game walk in the evening – got caught in the rain!
Soaked in a minute but still could not complain
Vehicles arrived and we continued kwa gari
Up for a drink and a sunset safari
A morning walk in the gorge with time to meditate
Getting up early turned out to be great!
So great in fact that the following day
We got up in the dark and were soon on our way
All 12 intrepid explorers on time in the cars
Off to see the sunset by the light of the stars
Then walking back with our man with a gun
Who knew that walking could be so much fun?
Fabulous dinners out under the stars
The nature and beauty felt like it was ours
And passing the camera made us all think,
"How did Andrea fit in that sink?"
With the Pims and the new friends that make you feel glad
And the best meals on safari that we've ever had
A pool with a view of the hills and the game….
Going home just seems such a shame!
By: Lisa Christoffersen
