Welcome back to winter...what?

Snow? Seriously...Snow? I woke up on May 18 and found my front and back yards COVERED with the white stuff. It is supposed to be springtime...almost summertime actually and what do we get? 6 inches of effing snow!

View from my back door


How ironic is this picture? Lovely springtime flowers covered with evil frost!


I am half way into my journey back to Angola. One more day, three more flights and I am there. It was really hard to get motivated to go back this time but I'm doing it and I will do it with a smile :) But seriously, I know that nobody cares about my boring travels so I will cut to the chase and write about my short time in Canada.

My first week home was relatively uneventful. I spent a day in Calgary with Peter, Scott and Taya watching Lacrosse and playing Jeopardy! I totally won the game despite the vicious lies you might hear from Scott saying otherwise. I then went hangover golfing with the fam on Sunday proving once again that I am a real trooper!

I sure have become popular since I started working overseas and have a hard time fitting everything (and everyone) in while I am at home. It sure didn't help that it was May Long and all of my very smart friends went camping. I'll be they were really warm too! I threw a party on Friday night and as per usual it ended up a sausage party plus Julie. Seriously ladies why do you always do this to me? As Remmick told me...'You are pretty much a guy anyways'...so not true. So for that comment I played 'bartender' and mixed his 'Dawa' (now referred to as blackout in a cup) extra strong :) Hope you enjoyed your hangover Dave!! After polishing off the liquor cabinet Friday night there was nothing left to do on Saturday but sleep off the hangover! I kept a low pro the rest of the weekend and just relaxed at home and ventured out on the town with Lor and baby Linkin. Megz and Rich stopped in on Monday for a quick coffee and chat which was nice! I am sure going to miss you guys next year when you're in Van! This brings my blog completely up to date :) I'm fed and watered and ready for another 28 days of fun in Auschwitz. Thanks...

Bisous xx,

Yulz

Kenya, The Final Installment

Jambo!!

Once again my apologies that this is so delayed. I had a busy weekend involving a Canadian Dawa experience, Lacrosse, Jeopardy and hangover golfing..no time to blog I swear! I am enjoying my time at home, however I am having a hard time adjusting to the temperature!! You don't care about Canada...you want the juicy details of Kenya...moving on!

Where was I? Weekend clubbing, Cheryl's home, broken vehicles, chewing sticks, Masai Mara....and now we will move forward to what I call...Julie drama. Somewhere along the way a friendly little tick decided to move on in, attach itself to my leg and consume what I would call copious amounts of my blood (its my blog, I will exaggerate if I want to.) After feeling slightly under the weather all day, I was all curled up nice in bed in Nairobi scratching my 'bites' (still not sure if they are mozzie bites or fleas from the creepy dog at the kids home) when OUCH! I scratched a scab...or so I thought. My fear of bleeding all over Feisal's guest bed and making a mess had me out of bed reaching for the light. Big mistake. No scab here folks...what we have instead is a tick like thingy fully attached to me. Not sure about tick sizes and standards but this thing was rather large if you ask me (the size of the tip of my pinky finger-ish). I started freaking out immediately (silently in my head of course). What was this thing? Was it making me sick? Would I die if I didn't remove it?(we all know how logical I am while freaking out)...After battling this out for about 10 minutes I decided to treck down to Fei's room and see what he had to say. The Kenyan should know about Kenyan bugs right? Wrong. After about 30 minutes of intense whispering we both drew the same conclusion...burn this f***er off. So at 2 am I am laying on the kitchen floor with a package of matches burning my intruder off of my leg. (All documented on camera of course!!)

Burning Party!


Close Up of 'The Intruder'


Typical Julie drama...what can I say? While back in Nairobi I learned how to 'Karoga' which in Kiswahili means 'stir' and in English means COOKOUT!!! This is a trend we should seriously think of adopting in Canada. You go to a restaraunt, order the meat and all the fixins...cook your own food (much cheaper than full on eating out) and someone else does the dishes!! The Jeizan cooking gene strikes again..man was that tasty!

Karoga!


The crew @ Spice Roots


While we are talking about my eating experiences...I might as well share my traditional Kenyan food experience with you. Irio, Beef Stew and Sukuma Wiki...looks a little nasty but it was very appetizing! The lady at the restaraunt 'went easy' on me...now do you see why my pants are so tight these days?

Kenyan Cuisine


This brings us to the final days of my trip...and the best part of all...Mombasa. This was definately the true Kenyan experience. Despite the lack of radio, the drive between Nairobi and Mombasa was one of the best experiences of the whole trip. The landscape changed about 20 times during the 6 hour trip...from grass flood plains, to red sand fields, to the Tsavo national parks, to Mountains, to Sandy coastlines...all of it was unreal.

Roadside Giraffe


Red Sand Hill


Mountain


Self Portrait!! Pretty good scenery if you ask me :)


Mombasa Island


Downtown Mombasa (The Tusk Arches)


Our first adventure in Mombasa was lunch with Fei's sister and her family. Once again I was under the spell of the magic Jeizan cooking gene. Seriously, its not normal (or fair!)...they all cook like professionals! Then it was off to the crocodile farm with a full belly and a desire for adventure. The croc farm was pretty cool. Once again we showed up just in time for feeding!

Crocodile Farm

Feeding Time!!!


Pretty crazy stuff! After the adventure fix we went for dinner at the lovely Serena Beach Resort. Once again, the meal was fantastic. I am pretty sure that some relative of Feisal's works in the kitchen there :) After dinner, dancing and a few glasses of red wine we ventured to a club called Il Covo for more drinks and even more dancing. I must say, I had a blast and a half! Despite the DJ's need to play the same few songs two - three times I enjoyed myself!...."My dream is to fly, over the rainbow so high.."

Serena Beach Resort


Day 2 Mombasa...VERY HUNGOVER! We enjoyed a mid afternoon lunch followed by a trip to Fort Jesus. What a site! Fort Jesus was originally settled by Portuguese sailors in the mid 1500's and is built in the shape of a man (supposedly Jesus) laying on his back. The Arabs of Oman took over in the 1600's and ruled until the British takeover in the late 1800's when Fort Jesus became a prison until 1958. The fort was left as is and is very eerie but totally amazing.

Fort Jesus


Canon


After our Fort Jesus adventure, Fei and I went to visit his other sister on retreat...a little slice of heaven hidden away in the trees and of course was absolutely perfect. We enjoyed some tasty home cooked snacks and good company until sunset. I would definately go back there!! After dinner, Fei and I went to enjoy some outdoor drinks and a live band...can't remember their name so I will refer to them as 'the parking lot band' since they were playing in the parking lot outside a pub called 'Bobs'. I had an amazing time and didn't want the night to end because the next day would be my last in Kenya :( But like all wonderful things in life, the night came to an end and the morning came WAY too early! (The early morning included a hangover of course!). After breakfast, Fei and I went to Yuls (nice name!) beach resort and rented a jetski. SO MUCH FUN!! I actually thought I was going to fly off the back and was freaking out most of the time (this will really shock you I am certain)...but in true Julie fashion, I endured and had a blast. Fei is one CRAZY driver!! Sadly, like all things in life, my Mombasa adventure was finished. We started the long journey back to Nairobi a little later than expected :) A few traffic jams and one beautiful sunset later and we were back in Nairobi.

Sunset


Poor Fei. Hurricane Yulia was a little hard on my dear friend but like a trooper he kept going and took me to meet his brother "the Captain" (who hooked me up with a sweet Kenya Airways deal for my flight home....details to follow) and to dinner with friends before my departure. It was definately a good finish to a great trip!

What is this deal with Kenya Airways you ask? Well...I thougth I was going to get an upgrade to business class (pretty sweet deal) but it was even better than that. Not only was I upgraded or given a 'Jump Seat' but I got to ride in the cockpit for takeoff and landing!!! Shut up! No, really. I have documented proof for you to feed your skeptical eyes on!

Flying da plane


Moi in le cockpit


1 000 000 Thank-You's Fei for all of this. It wouldn't have been even close to the same experience without such a wonderful host!! 1 000 000 Thank-You's to your family too, such wonderful people. I am one lucky chica to have had the opportunity to get to know and spend time with them. Thank you again for the time of my life.

Bisous xxx,

Hurricane Yuls

You can take the girl out of Canada......

....but she will always be a proud Canadian!

Bonjour lovely bloggers!

I have arrived on canadian soil and am enjoying a true canadian chandy in Montreal....beer and clam! (Clamato juice for those who are uneducated in Canadian drinking terminology)...might I add that it is very tasty and going down all too easy!

"Canadian Chandy"



In a few (8-ish) hours I will be on home turf..very happy about that. I am sure Mr. Kitty will even get over his month long abandonment issues and attack me with cuddles upon arrival. (Here's to hoping...)

I hate to say (well I don't know if I 'hate it' so much as it sounded good to say it) that I wasted my valued blogging hours chatting with friends and family....(yeah, I definately didn't hate to say that, it was all for show) and will have to finish my trip update tomorrow. Sorry to disappoint!

Bisous xxx :)

Yules

The Amazing Kenyan Experience...Part II, Masai Mara

Good Morning!!

It's a beautiful day and the sun is shining,...Thankyunz-all for joining me for the documentation of my experiences :) Where was I....Ah, the mashy stick medicine drink. 5 of those and you will be cured of ANYTHING!! Fei also took me to the Masai market in Nairobi...talk about an overwhelming experience. There were people/vendors everywhere and everyone wants to invite the Mzungu to their 'shop'. I had a good time and aside from the panic I enjoyed the experience! Thank you Fei for all your help there!

The time has come...I must tell you about my amazing experience in the Masai Mara. One word: Unbelievable. A true natural wonder, I was awestruck and believe it or not speachless throughout. (I was also concentrating really hard on not throwing up in the car!). We saw all of the 'Big 5' sans the leopard, but we did see the remains of a Leopard lunch left in a tree so I think that counts!! Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Buffalo, Cheetahs....seriously amazing. Not to mention I had the best company a girl could ask for, I don't think I reciprocated the situation so well...my apologies Feisal for being much too quiet and in my books quite poor company. :)

Now...feast your eyes on the unbelievable....

The 'King of the Jungle'....Simba


Melman!!


Elephants


River-front (Notice the Hippo in the background...)


Sunset...ahhhhhh....


Kisio our Sarova Mara Tour Guide


I don't think those pictures can quite sum up how amazing it was, but I hope they helped. The tented lodge was beautiful and the landscape unbelievable...HIGHLY recommended to add the Masai Mara to your bucket-list!! In true Julie vocabulary...it was Frickin AWESOME!

Once again, I have to cut things short as I am about to board my plane to Montreal. I will post again when I set foot on Canadian soil. Thanks for reading...listening, everything. Asante.

Bisous xxx,

Yules

Kenya...The Time of My Life

Jambo!

This one is for Fei and Lynds...I know both of you have been itching to read about it. Sorry it has taken me so long, I really hope you enjoy.

There are few words to properly describe Kenya, I really can't nail it down to just one so I picked 4...breathtaking, beautiful, exotic, surreal. I was truely amazed with everything (and everyone) and hope to experience all of it again very soon! I am relaxing at the hotel in Johannesburg, getting ready to embark on my neverending journey home and am suffering from some serious mixed emotions! I am excited to go home again but at the same time it breaks my heart to leave everyone and everything in Kenya behind. I made some wonderful new friends and strengthened an existing kinship it was hard to turn and walk away from it all....but the adventure is not over, just on pause until next time!!

Ok...you wanted the juice not the peel, I will get on with my adventures! First of all, I had the BEST tour guide and adoptive family anyone could ever ask for. Fei's family adopted me as one of their own and I have never felt more welcome anywhere. The Jeizan family has what I have dubbed the 'magic cooking gene' which is guaranteed to make you gain AT LEAST 10 lbs while visiting. Seriously, some of the BEST food I have ever had, already going through withdrawls :)

My wonderful Kenyan Family:


After a LONG 3 week hitch in Angola I was overjoyed to watch Cabinda disappear from the air and to enjoy a nice cold beer in Luanda. Home free at last. I enjoyed a very tasty steak dinner at the casino in Johannesburg with Bryan before beginning the check in for my adventure to Nairobi. I hate to say it but that was by far the worst airport check in experience I have ever had. I showed up 3 hours prior to departure and made it to the other side with just over 45 minutes to spare. Que here, now stand over there, now put your baggage here! Yikes! Fei met me on the other side for a soda and we were off. He managed to pull some strings and get me a seat beside him on the overbooked flight to Nairobi..that man has connections!! 5 hour pass out and we are in Kenya. I was totally overwhelmed on arrival. Everything was so different than I could have ever imagined. I was totally in panic mode at immigration but getting a visa was easy as pie. 25$USD and Bob's your uncle, its just that simple!

After a much needed rest and an AMAZING breakfast and lunch prepared by the Malongo chef himself we were off to start the adventures! Nairobi (meaning sweet water..right Feisal?) is a stunning city. Flowers, trees, beautiful buildings...it is nothing like you would imagine...trust me.

Or...see for yourself!



We started our adventure with a visit to the zoo or 'animal orphanage'. We were just in time for feeding so we got to help out...talk about panic. I was scared of getting eaten/beaten by the animals and my pictures reflect my fear!! I got to pet a cheetah, whom I thought was growling but was actually purring!! Who knew they purred?!





I have been blogging for an hour now and have only accomplished part of day one!!! Mama needs to stop chattin and get crackin! Friday night is party night...I strapped my party boots (better yet, borrowed strappy heels) on tight and had an amazing time. Started things off at The Mercury Lounge where I enjoyed Kenya's national pride...Tusker. Quite the beer. It could hold its own against a Kokanee even..not saying it would win, just saying it could hold its own!! Then off to Gypsy (or is it Gypsies?) for some ShiSha pipe with apple tobacco and endless dancing!



Wow! 1.5 hours of blogging and I have finished day one :) Sorry folks you might have to wait for awhile for the full meal deal! Hurricane Yulia is easily distracted.
Moving on to day 2 and beyond....

Visited Cheryl's home first thing and spent some time with their high school aged 'kids'. It broke my heart to see such bright, wonderful children face the trials these kids face. 3 boys and 1 girl, all with big dreams and kind hearts. 2 Lawyers, a doctor and a nurse...I hope that these dreams are fulfilled. Their desire to help those less fortunate is unbelievable. I think all of us could learn a thing or two from these kids. I learned a thing or two in Kiswahili...and I hope they learned a thing or two from the blonde Mzungu.

Sunday Afternoon Photo @ Cheryl's Home


My Nairobi adventures were not without their Hurricane Yulia signature drama! Poor Feisal. I wanted to leave my mark in Kenya but I am afraid I left a gaping wound!! Fear not, the rest of your days off shall be drama free and relaxing! Fei wanted to take me to the Villiage market on Saturday afternoon for Lebanese lunch and entertainment after we picked up his new range rover. Little Miss Fortunate strikes again...we broke down minutes away from his mates workshop and had to get TOWED down the mother of all hills. Of course, I was totally freaking out thinking we were going to crash and die never the less adding to the drama. Feisal is a real trooper...if the drama wasn't enough, he didn't even get to really drive his new toy! I couldn't help but capture the kodak moment....



There is a traditional event that happens on Saturday evening in Nairobi it involves chewing what some call Khat, others Gomba and of course Julie calls it 'sticks'. According to another fellow Canadian whom Fei met in his middle eastern oilfield adventure travels 'sticks' are like "Many Thins"? They make you hyper, full of energy...giving you the inability to eat or sleep but heightening your senses. I took part in the stick chewing but ended up with a bloody cheek, a bad taste in my mouth and no heightened senses. This is not to say I didn't enjoy the evening. Good music, good conversation and great company...who needs a sticks rush?

Feisal showing off the sticks pile...(Quite a nice sticks pile isn't it?)


Only enough time for one more adventure before I have to head to the airport....I will go with Sunday night and a little medicinal bevy called 'Dawa'. Dawa is Kiswahili for 'medicine' and let me tell you that is some of the best medicine there is! It is a combination of vodka, dark honey, cane sugar and limes...you mash it with a mashy stick to perfection and enjoy the sweet nectar on ice. Fear not fellow Canucks, I brought back the special honey and a few mashy sticks (of which may or may not have been 'lifted' from the bar after their immediate use) :) Sunday night is 'Soul Night' at a club called Carnivore...good music, good company, good drinks and good pizza. Soul Night is where its at!

Dawa Mashing


My lovely readers it has come time to end this post. I have about 30 minutes to collect my things and make my way to the airport for check in. I promise to update upon my arrival in Amsterdam tomorrow morning. Thank you for reading...listening..sharing this with me. Asante!

Till When?

Yules