Day 19 - Serenity and Serendipity

Today was our day off, so we all followed our own paths. Kirstin and Ruby explore a forest, Michaela is responsible, Kaitlyn explores the malls in Nairobi and I go to a national park. Enjoy the mess!

7:14 I depart to Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha. Obviously, the main reason for me to go there was the name given by the Maasai after an eruption of the volcano Mt. Longonot nearby.

8:10 Michaela is studying because she still has one more exam coming up.

9:21 I cycle through impressive rock formations and giraffe packs to a canyon together with two lovely women living in England. We descend into a canyon on foot and walk through hot and cold waterfalls until the end of the gorge. I am not really sure if this is Hell’s Gate or a different gorge. But I will still say that I have been there and have come back.

11:05 We choose a different route back up that includes some more climbing and a lot of mud. The reward is the most beautiful view of the gorge. Cycling back is an absolute struggle in the heat, but definitely worth it.

12:00 The rest of the team leaves the flat. Kirstin and Ruby go to Karura Forest to see a waterfall, caves and trees. Kaitlyn goes shopping and can’t get into the cinema with all her bags. Michaela is studying.

13:51 I am distracted by a baby hippo and the many many birds pointed out by the guide. I forget that water reflects sunlight and burn to a crisp during the boat ride on Lake Naivasha. After lunch, I decide to join Kirstin and Ruby in the forest where they are having a drink.

17:28 I arrive at the wrong gate. Ages later, I finally join Kirstin and Ruby and order a triple passion mojito to make up for being so late, earning a laugh from the waiter.

18:45 We are searching for the Lily Pond. And find it eventually. We have to run to the gate (still enough time to go on the swings and cool down in the sprinklers, though) which we reach just before they close and lock it for the day.

19:52 Michaela is still studying. Kirstin, Ruby and I go for a swim in the dirty pool and try out the sauna (that we didn’t even switch on because the remaining heat is enough if you’re living in Scotland).

We finished the day when we collapsed on the sofa with an episode of Riverdale before an early night – we have lots of work tomorrow!

- Micha