Sunday, March 27, 2011

Mt. Kenya Shadow Shots





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Heading north from Nairobi, the first stopover on our African safari was Mt. Kenya’s rustic Mountain Lodge, nestled in the lush highlands of Kenya. 
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Upon arrival, we were offered an afternoon walk through the shadowy woods, with firm instructions to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into boots. It seemed a curious request on this balmy, sun-filled day, but we eagerly changed and got underway.

Following our guide into  the forest, the wisdom of his advice soon became clear… mosquitoes fluttered around us, and tiny ants swarmed in great numbers over our feet. Though small, these siafu have huge pincers that inflict great pain upon reaching bare skin!
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Insects were not our only threat, evidenced by the pair of armed guards who accompanied us, rifles slung over their shoulders and fingers at the ready.
We grew accustomed to their presence on walkabout throughout East Africa, one always at the lead, one taking the rear. The guards protect tourists from possible animal attacks, and are considered vital in the control of poachers whose ruthless greed is swiftly and inexorably reducing the herds of African wildlife to alarmingly low numbers.
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No danger found us in the woods that day. Instead, we passed into a clearing to find afternoon tea awaiting us!
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Fine china cups filled with steaming hot tea, thin crisp biscuits and a welcome lack of insect life capped off this first taste of Africa with unique and unforgettable style.
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I suspect I will never again take afternoon tea that could top this one!
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I'm linking this post to Shadow Shot Sunday, hosted by the gracious Tracy at 'Hey Harriet'. For more shadowy photos, do check out the link below...
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.http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/
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9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Afternoon tea in the woodlands of Kenya...who woulda thunk??

Lois Evensen said...

I love the tea room tables all lined up. :)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Love the tree stump tables!

Pat said...

What a treat ! I like the contrast between the simple "tables" of upright logs and the delicate fine china for tea!

That reminded me of snowmobiling in the high Sierras last year (with a guide) and we stopped in a clearing where hot choclolate was served to all of us freezing snowmobilers! But it was in styrofoam cups, not china.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I love it! Cant imagine china cups, how grand! Lovely to have these amazing adventures to reflect upon from so far away!

joo said...

It's fascinating! China cups filled with steaming tea in the middle of nowhere! And such a lovely tables:)
Have a great afternoon!

Eileen T O'Neill ..... said...

Hello Lynette,
It is always lovely to pay a visit to your Travel Blog. It is like a dream, to read about your wonderful adventures and for a short time, remove myself from this mixed up spring weather, here in Cheshire!!! Still quite cool, with the sun still hiding away!
I loved reading about your adventures and ending with Afternoon tea, in china cups AND saucers. How nice!
Great memories to have Lynette.
Thank you for sharing.
Best wishes, Eileen

Katy Cameron said...

Oh I loved safari drinks, always fabulous and other-worldly

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hello Lynette,
I see you live in Surrey, BC which is where my son and his family live. I'm so happy you stopped by and I found your tea so fascinating! Do stop by again soon. Hope you are having a wonderful week.

Blessings,
Sandi