OK, I'm going to backtrack to what I've already journaled, then probably skip ahead to where I am, so stay with me....
Shabbos
In the morning I helped with food prep, getting to hand feed Lily and Sylvie (the Springbok and Steenbok- imagine my surprise at hearing these animals were named for my Grandmother- Lilly, and Great Aunt- Sylvia!) Then I bottle fed the lambs and baby baboons (my favorite!)- it was such a treat! I love how playful and affectionate they are, and again, they felt the need to groom me :)
The afternoon/eve were quiet for me. I read Little Bee- a book about a Nigerian refugee in England. Appropriate, but not at all light hearted!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Just a quick note
HI,
Just a quick hello to let everyone know I'm still around. I haven't had much internet access, and even when I do get it, it's unreliable and slow. I might not be able to post again for quite some time. I'm "blogging" daily in my journal, but don't have enough time right now to transcribe it.
A quick update- I had enough of "project time"and decided to detour up north to Etosha (still in Namibia) for a 3 day Safari (really, with travel time, it was 1.5 days) and it was great! I saw Lions, Zebra, Elephants, Springbok, Oryx, and Giraffes. It was surreal to be so close to them (I kept thinking of being a kid and visiting the San Diego Wild Animal Park)! I had a great time, except for the other passenger who was a German (EAST German, who I'm sure had relatives in the SS, or Gestapo, or Stazi/Stasi- sp?). He was miserable!
I leave VERY early Mon morning for SA- into the bush for 3 weeks. It's even colder there, so along with the new shoes, I've now got a new coat (knock-off down- just what I needed, another coat!), but I was afraid of freezing even more.
Hope you all are doing well,
Love,
The Princess
Just a quick hello to let everyone know I'm still around. I haven't had much internet access, and even when I do get it, it's unreliable and slow. I might not be able to post again for quite some time. I'm "blogging" daily in my journal, but don't have enough time right now to transcribe it.
A quick update- I had enough of "project time"and decided to detour up north to Etosha (still in Namibia) for a 3 day Safari (really, with travel time, it was 1.5 days) and it was great! I saw Lions, Zebra, Elephants, Springbok, Oryx, and Giraffes. It was surreal to be so close to them (I kept thinking of being a kid and visiting the San Diego Wild Animal Park)! I had a great time, except for the other passenger who was a German (EAST German, who I'm sure had relatives in the SS, or Gestapo, or Stazi/Stasi- sp?). He was miserable!
I leave VERY early Mon morning for SA- into the bush for 3 weeks. It's even colder there, so along with the new shoes, I've now got a new coat (knock-off down- just what I needed, another coat!), but I was afraid of freezing even more.
Hope you all are doing well,
Love,
The Princess
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
More "Project Time"
Fri-
Last night was so cold that I think my watch battery froze! I had a new battery put in a watch before I left, and when I woke up this morning it had stopped. I think the poor thing froze to death! Thankfully I had already packed the cheepo Walmart watch I bought when I decided to wear the other one, so I dug that out of the suitcase.
This morning was more Project Time (again, read manual labor). Today we collected rocks to secure the base of the fence for two baby Caracals. Much easier then cutting grass with a machete, but dirty work as well. Yes, I am getting dirty!
In the late morning we watched them catch some Jr. Baboons who were going to be "fixed" today. Actually, we watched them do it twice because Animal Planet is here filming, and they didn't like the first take! Just think, I live in Hollywood, and come all the way to Africa, just to be surrounded by Hollywood all over again. And if anyone thinks Animal Planet is not Hollywood, they would be mistaken. They have had the staff recreate events that happened previously, or do multiple takes of things til they get the shot they want!
To catch the Jr's for the film crew, they wanted them sedated by darts (even though they could be caught without them), but the benefit for me is that I got to hold one as it was going to sleep. Yes, there is a pic to follow at some point. I chose not to watch the castration procedure, but I was one of few who did not. Many of the college students here are future vets, and they were all excited to watch.
This afternoon I had some Cheetah time. There is a very tame, and a tame Cheetah (Samira and Chaquita) in an enclosure here, and you can go in with them and pet them. Very Cool! Samira, the very tame one purrs when you pet her. Chaquita, the tame one, meows, and it's so cute to hear such a little sound come out of such a big cat. I also have pics of this, but that too will have to wait.
Tonight is Shabbos. It will be very dark, as the lantern in the tent only holds a charge for about an hour. So it will be me and my little flashlight reading in bed very early!
Good Shabbos!
Last night was so cold that I think my watch battery froze! I had a new battery put in a watch before I left, and when I woke up this morning it had stopped. I think the poor thing froze to death! Thankfully I had already packed the cheepo Walmart watch I bought when I decided to wear the other one, so I dug that out of the suitcase.
This morning was more Project Time (again, read manual labor). Today we collected rocks to secure the base of the fence for two baby Caracals. Much easier then cutting grass with a machete, but dirty work as well. Yes, I am getting dirty!
In the late morning we watched them catch some Jr. Baboons who were going to be "fixed" today. Actually, we watched them do it twice because Animal Planet is here filming, and they didn't like the first take! Just think, I live in Hollywood, and come all the way to Africa, just to be surrounded by Hollywood all over again. And if anyone thinks Animal Planet is not Hollywood, they would be mistaken. They have had the staff recreate events that happened previously, or do multiple takes of things til they get the shot they want!
To catch the Jr's for the film crew, they wanted them sedated by darts (even though they could be caught without them), but the benefit for me is that I got to hold one as it was going to sleep. Yes, there is a pic to follow at some point. I chose not to watch the castration procedure, but I was one of few who did not. Many of the college students here are future vets, and they were all excited to watch.
This afternoon I had some Cheetah time. There is a very tame, and a tame Cheetah (Samira and Chaquita) in an enclosure here, and you can go in with them and pet them. Very Cool! Samira, the very tame one purrs when you pet her. Chaquita, the tame one, meows, and it's so cute to hear such a little sound come out of such a big cat. I also have pics of this, but that too will have to wait.
Tonight is Shabbos. It will be very dark, as the lantern in the tent only holds a charge for about an hour. So it will be me and my little flashlight reading in bed very early!
Good Shabbos!
Blisters!
Thurs-
Today was enclosure patrol for my group. You walk around all the animal enclosures and make sure the fences are intact, and the electricity of the electrified fences are working. However, I had to skip the two mile walk as my blisters are killing me! For some reason the hiking boots I wore in Costa Rica three years ago (yes, that was actually the second time I've worn hiking boots, the first time was also in Costa Rica after USC) are now killing me, and will stay here in Africa. Then, the knock off Sketcher toning tennis shoes I bought are killing my heels, so hopefully on Sun I'll be able to go into town and purchase new shoes.
So today I did food prep instead.
In the afternoon we went to feed the Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, and the Leopard. We drove by the Lions as well, but didn't feed them, as that's part of some tour they do. Most of the other volunteers left to fight a brush fire at a neighbor's farm (neighbor meaning 80 km away).
The moon tonight was an amazing yellow as it rose, but by the time I got my camera is was back to white.
Today was enclosure patrol for my group. You walk around all the animal enclosures and make sure the fences are intact, and the electricity of the electrified fences are working. However, I had to skip the two mile walk as my blisters are killing me! For some reason the hiking boots I wore in Costa Rica three years ago (yes, that was actually the second time I've worn hiking boots, the first time was also in Costa Rica after USC) are now killing me, and will stay here in Africa. Then, the knock off Sketcher toning tennis shoes I bought are killing my heels, so hopefully on Sun I'll be able to go into town and purchase new shoes.
So today I did food prep instead.
In the afternoon we went to feed the Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, and the Leopard. We drove by the Lions as well, but didn't feed them, as that's part of some tour they do. Most of the other volunteers left to fight a brush fire at a neighbor's farm (neighbor meaning 80 km away).
The moon tonight was an amazing yellow as it rose, but by the time I got my camera is was back to white.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Caracals
Wed-
Today we walked/fed the Caracals (a type of wild cat, but two out of the three here are tame). We walked with one of them down the road to a tree/water hole. It's beautiful in the African bush. (Lots of pics, but the computer/internet connections are so slow, they will have to wait).
The late morning was a walk with the Jr. Baboons (not the babies, not the adults- teenagers, my specialty!) They're not as playful as the babies, and certainly heavier. They, too, get tired of walking, so will hop a ride on your shoulders and groom you (must be their fee for the ride). It's an amazing experience. We walked for a long time (several miles to/from) the tree where they play. (I'm getting in LOTS of walking, by the way, as my tent is the farthest out. I"ve also gotten up close and personal with the bush at night, as it's freezing and pitch dark, and too far to go to the bathroom. Yes, this Princess is definitely roughing it!)
The afternoon brought us to "project time" (Namibian code for manual labor). I cut dry grass with a machete to be used to fix the thatch roof of the chicken pens. Yes, I do have a pic of me doing this for all of you out there who don't believe me!
Tonight is a lunar eclipse (and as I'm writing this several days later, I can tell you it was beautiful, and I even got some good pics of it too).
Today we walked/fed the Caracals (a type of wild cat, but two out of the three here are tame). We walked with one of them down the road to a tree/water hole. It's beautiful in the African bush. (Lots of pics, but the computer/internet connections are so slow, they will have to wait).
The late morning was a walk with the Jr. Baboons (not the babies, not the adults- teenagers, my specialty!) They're not as playful as the babies, and certainly heavier. They, too, get tired of walking, so will hop a ride on your shoulders and groom you (must be their fee for the ride). It's an amazing experience. We walked for a long time (several miles to/from) the tree where they play. (I'm getting in LOTS of walking, by the way, as my tent is the farthest out. I"ve also gotten up close and personal with the bush at night, as it's freezing and pitch dark, and too far to go to the bathroom. Yes, this Princess is definitely roughing it!)
The afternoon brought us to "project time" (Namibian code for manual labor). I cut dry grass with a machete to be used to fix the thatch roof of the chicken pens. Yes, I do have a pic of me doing this for all of you out there who don't believe me!
Tonight is a lunar eclipse (and as I'm writing this several days later, I can tell you it was beautiful, and I even got some good pics of it too).
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Baby Baboons
Tuesday
They put us into small groups and our duties rotate by the day. Today was Food Prep for my group. I helped prepare/feed the animals. I bottle fed baby baboons and lambs, and I hand fed a Steenbok and a Springbok (both deer-like animals). The baboons apparently liked me as they jumped all over me. I was told they don't do that with everyone, esp not right away (lucky me!). The babies agreed that my hair was not up to snuff, so they decided to groom it for me. The afternoon brought us to the baby baboon walk. We took the babies out of their enclosure and went for a walk down the road to a tree for play time The baboons didn't always feel like walking, so they'd hop a ride on our shoulders/head. They'd jump on/off of us from the tree as well. It was great fun! (I think the baboons enjoyed it too!) There are not pictures of me with the baboons as I was told they would take the camera and run away with it. I also had to take off my glasses and watch, otherwise they'd be up for grabs with the baboons.
OK, well, I have a lot more to say, and many more pictures to add, but the internet store is closing. :(
It may be a while til I get back on line. But suffice it to say, I'm having a great time, and a once in a lifetime experience!
Love,
Princess
They put us into small groups and our duties rotate by the day. Today was Food Prep for my group. I helped prepare/feed the animals. I bottle fed baby baboons and lambs, and I hand fed a Steenbok and a Springbok (both deer-like animals). The baboons apparently liked me as they jumped all over me. I was told they don't do that with everyone, esp not right away (lucky me!). The babies agreed that my hair was not up to snuff, so they decided to groom it for me. The afternoon brought us to the baby baboon walk. We took the babies out of their enclosure and went for a walk down the road to a tree for play time The baboons didn't always feel like walking, so they'd hop a ride on our shoulders/head. They'd jump on/off of us from the tree as well. It was great fun! (I think the baboons enjoyed it too!) There are not pictures of me with the baboons as I was told they would take the camera and run away with it. I also had to take off my glasses and watch, otherwise they'd be up for grabs with the baboons.
It may be a while til I get back on line. But suffice it to say, I'm having a great time, and a once in a lifetime experience!
Love,
Princess
Leaving on a jet plane...
Sun-Mon
After a 3 hour wait at JFK, a 15 hour flight to Joberg, a 4 hour wait in the airport, and another 2 hour flight to Windhoek, I arrived in Namibia! Safe and sound, but minus my Kindle :( (note to self- after traveling for 24 hours, don't put your Kindle in the seat pocket in front of you, you'll forget it).
I arrived to the "farm", as they call it, on Mon afternoon to learn that my tented-camping experience would start immediately. I was not to be in a building, as I thought I would be. The upside is that I have it all to myself. The downside is that it is FREEZING at night (should have brought the warmer jacket and gloves and left the bathing suit at home!). Well, might as well start getting used to it now, this will be "home" for the next 5 weeks.
The other participants are 95% women, and mostly college age. I feel like an old lady (at least I'm one of 3). Most come from the UK/Scotland, but there are some Swiss, some German, and a few yanks like me.
The sun sets by 6pm and by 6:30 it's pitch black. The stars are beautiful! I was excited to see a lantern in my tent, but then disappointed to learn it only holds a charge for about an hour. I'm going to go through my flashlight batteries faster than I thought!
G'night!
After a 3 hour wait at JFK, a 15 hour flight to Joberg, a 4 hour wait in the airport, and another 2 hour flight to Windhoek, I arrived in Namibia! Safe and sound, but minus my Kindle :( (note to self- after traveling for 24 hours, don't put your Kindle in the seat pocket in front of you, you'll forget it).
I arrived to the "farm", as they call it, on Mon afternoon to learn that my tented-camping experience would start immediately. I was not to be in a building, as I thought I would be. The upside is that I have it all to myself. The downside is that it is FREEZING at night (should have brought the warmer jacket and gloves and left the bathing suit at home!). Well, might as well start getting used to it now, this will be "home" for the next 5 weeks.
The other participants are 95% women, and mostly college age. I feel like an old lady (at least I'm one of 3). Most come from the UK/Scotland, but there are some Swiss, some German, and a few yanks like me.
G'night!
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