Karibu Kenya Mama Amina!

September will see my mum's first trip to Kenya and Tanzania. Mom is one of my dearest friends and someone whose opinion I have always had immense respect for. I want her to love it here; I NEED her to love it here. I want her to feel comfortable and I want her to realize that Kenya is a fascinating place not only for my professional aspirations, but also in terms of its cultural and natural diversity. I've come to love this country; this continent. It is so different from any other place I've lived or worked in, visited, or even  imagined. Naturally, I want my mother to understand my feelings and experiences in Africa first-hand. I want HER to want to visit Africa time and time again.

The ultimate shot! Spotted this guy towards the end of our safari.

Shot of some of the many zebras in Masai Mara (2010)
 

Zanzibar, Tanzania

September is just around the corner. Needless to say, I've begun slowly prepping my apartment for her arrival and looking into mini-trips within Kenya and possibly Tanzania. My savings are hurting, what, with  recent purchases of a lay-down coach, air mattress, oven, duvet and 2 plane tickets to South Africa - all in the past week if you can imagine! Regardless, with the significance of Mom's first impressions of E Africa in mind, I am finding myself constantly brainstorming these days as how I can provide her with the most well-rounded and relaxing vacation possible. Mom will only be in Africa for about 8 days, but I think I can manage to get us both to Zanzibar (Tanzania) and on safari to Masai Mara National Park. 

Masai Mara, Kenya - Mom will be here during the world-famous "Great Migration," when literally millions of wild animals cross from Tanzania into Kenya in search of greener pastures. I was fortunate enough to see last year's migration. Despite personal drama going on at that time, I found the Great Migration to be one my life's most exhilarating experiences!  

Zanzibar, Tanzania - Though it will a pain having to pay the 75 USD visa fee, Zanzibar seems like the perfect choice for Mom's visit. I've yet to visit the island myself, but have gleamed from the stories of friends and colleagues that Zanzibar will provide both Mom and I a unique taste of Swahili culture, dramatic history, warm weather, beautiful architecture, beautiful beaches and ample time for the 2 of us to talk till we snooze.  

Crows in Kenya

Crows in America

Nairobi, Kenya - Mom says she would also like  to experience Kenya's capital - Nairobi. She says she is looking forward to buying saris (Kenya has a large Indian population), baskets and beaded jewelry (Kenya has a unique array of jewelry in every color and style imaginable). I'm wanting to take her to my office, to try traditional Luo and/or Kikuyu food, and to take her to the National Museum off Uhuru Highway - the bird collection there is impressive! Bird watching might also be to her liking as the diversity and type of birds in Kenya are completely different from that which we are used to back home. Even the crows look different here! Our crows back home are completely black (right), whereas the crows in Nairobi (left) look as if they are wearing little, white vests! Mom will be fascinated...