Long trip w/o incident. We're flying Virgin Atlantic. Found the airline to be very good compared to the domestic alternatives. Highlight of trip was the turkey impression contest at the gate in SFO. Many very worthy contestants and all quite funny. The winner? Received 2x upgrade to upper class. Huge score. A very expressive Scottish gent won going away. Leave it to a scot --- very expressive faces. His true success came because he didn't over act the part.
Long layover in London. Managed a quick run into the city (Paddington Express, spendy but well worth it) where we had lunch w/ an old University mate of Jim's.
We arrived Nairobi early Sat. and managed the long wait through customs and visa req'm by talking with a group of Nigerian businessmen on their way to Dubia. Some suspicion at our large number of bags and unusual content but nothing to warrant duty fees. We hooked up w/ a large minivan driver/taxi who was kind enough to take us direct to the block making manufacturer. We spent a good hour there and arranged for Monday purchase and equipment pickup. (Pictures of the device to follow.)
Thereafter, with Nairobi waking, we were treated to a great go slow into the city center. Goats, an up-ended diesel lorry, peds everywhere, many bike, dust and no logic to the roadways being the highlights.
We made the stage for Nanyuki and had a long negociation for transport and security of the rather large parcel we wanted to unload before traveling to Migori. Long story. It just made sense to send the large box (bicycle and water quality testing equipment) on to Nanyuki w/o us. The minibus operator thought I was insain for photographing his ID card and the vehicle's license number. Finally I put the driver in touch w/ my dear friend Noah in Nanyuki. (Cell phones are amazingly reliable here) Noah is to meet the package on the arrival in Nanyuki and hold it until our arrival (9DEC).
A short aside here to mention Dan Fisher was kind enough to donate the bicycle (classic Schwinn single speed). Dan I'll send a couple photos of the grand steed when I get it built up and given to the right person(s).
Hopefully more later. Thanks for reading..
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6 comments:
Glad you guys arrived safely! Love your description of the journey from airport to city environs.
The above should say "Lenny said...."I'll change that. Take good care gents!
Sounds like you are off to a great start! I look forward to following your adventure as you go. Be safe, my friend, and enjoy...
Did'nt know you were off again but I'm not surprised by anything you do, it's all good. Glad all's going well thus far and hope the venture proves worthwhile for the locals there, sounds like you're off to a good start. Keep up the good work and keep us updated.
Chris,
I see you're still helping advance humanity. That's very noble. A much better cause than racing bikes. :-)
It's your old teammate Kent. I hope all is well. We should stay in touch via email. I live up in the Seattle area, 1 wife, and 2 kids. I walk to work.
Cheers,
Kent (Compton)
Chris,
Great to hear of your safe arrival and smooth journey thus far. I will be checking back for your updates and will be praying for Jim and yourself that the God would be accomplishing His purposes in your trip.
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