Moyo Hill Camp – Day 1 – 2/5/11

After a very satisfying sleep in a bed and a wonderful breakfast, we loaded up our land cruisers and headed for the Moyo Hill Camp where we will be based out of for the next month and a half.  See the community going about their daily activities was very interesting now that I was fully awake to appreciate it.  It is truly shocking to see the “towns” which are no more than a few cement and board buildings that sell soda and other knick knacks surrounded by appallingly dilapidated structures that pass for houses for most of the population.  The driving had not improved (our driver was fine-everyone else around was crazy) so the overall experience made many of my fellow passengers a bit nervous.  The drive took us through many small villages with long stretches of dry, desolate country in between.  These stretches of country were fully of Massai herds of cattle, goats and donkeys along with their very young keepers.  As we began to climb higher the land had more trees and was much greener and we saw our first true wildlife = a giraffe!!!! Our driver pulled over and everyone took lots of pictures before continuing on.  Within the next hour and a half before reaching camp we saw: a herd of giraffe cross the road, a small band of zebras, one “stray” baboon walking along the side of the road, and beautiful views as we climbed higher into the hills. 

            Something I have noticed over the last two days is the state of African roads.  Perhaps it is my limited experience but I was expecting terrible ruts and potholes, instead I have driven on very smooth and well made roads.  In my opinion the Pa Turnpike has far worse roads.  Yes there have been two occasions where we had to detour onto a dirt track to go around a blocked piece of road (one was construction and the other was a spilled load of lumber from a truck) but even then my driveway has been far worse then those.  Maybe this will change when it rains but it rained here two or three days ago and everything is fine. 

            To approach our camp we turned off the main road and drove up a dirt track, through some houses to a beautifully painted gate and into our own little paradise.  All the building are made of the red brick with dark roofs that are trimmed in white.  In the very center of things is a gazebo that is perched on top of a dirt pile making it great to see the views, stay in the shade and hang out with other group members.  Upon arrival we were greeted and introduced to the other 10 students of our group and all of the staff here at the camp.  Lunch was really good (yay no cafeteria-like food here) and we were given some time to unpack and settle in.  On our tour of the camp we learned about everything: how the water is filtered, the garbage dealt with, the vehicles maintained, the food prepared and lots more I can’t entirely remember.  Before dinner we went into town and wandered around a bit after a long-ish talk about what the community views and acceptable and unacceptable behavior.  For example drinking is considered extremely bad behavior and would likely close many doors to this program and staff if anyone associated was seen even in a bar.  No such thing as a casual drink with friends or having a beer on a hot afternoon during the weekend.  It doesn’t bother me but its just so different from how drinking is viewed in the states. 

Anyways after a truly beginners game of Frisbee and slackline (rope between two trees and you try and walk across it) we had dinner which again was really good.  Some games were played for team bonding and the kitchen staff presented us with a welcome cake.  They sang a welcome song to all of us and had me (closest person to kitchen at table) blow out the candles that were on top.  This caused fellow students to think it was my birthday J After dish-washing the whole group sat around this beautiful fire pit and sang songs, chatted and relaxed.    Two of the students brought ukuleles (bonus they have great voices too) so they began what I hope will become a nightly ritual. 

The stars here are amazing.  It feels like the sky at home was in 2D while here the sky has so much more depth, definitely a 3D experience.  As without light pollution the night is really dark, inky black.  For the two avid photographers this was fantastic.  I tagged along as they set up their cameras to take extended exposure shots of the sky.  If it worked we would see the actual movement of the earth reflected in the stars.  Unfortunately it didn’t work perfectly (they did get some great pictures of Orion) and will try again tomorrow.  I’m off to bed in preparation for my first run in Africa tomorrow morning.