Rose of The North : Chiang Mai

This lovely gem has been on my to-do list for years since I moved to Asia. It’s a wonderful, small city with 700 years of history, this adventure started with a night at Bangkok after arriving from Nairobi. On this South East Asia adventure my plan was to use as many trains, buses and local transport as possible. For two reasons, I needed cheap travel and wanted to immerse myself in the rich, warm and hospitable culture of South East Asians. 

Well sometime I go for the good old African timing and arrived 5 minutes before the train pulled of Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok. Running around the train station with a backpack weighing 11kgs was not exactly the best start but upon seating and meeting a Spanish girl who turned out to be the best company was really great. The train ride was 12 hours...sounds dreadful but it was actually very pleasant... I had my first beer... met some great people and had a great party in the restaurant car. 

My plan initially was to make it for the Yi Peng festival. It is indeed the best time to visit this incredible city lit up with lanterns... I missed that Shame!! Next time!! While I was there I opted to hang out with 2 lovely Thai girls who are from Bangkok and had come up to CM for some time away from the city. Being able to see CM from the views of a local gave such rich time whilst there. 

Chiang Mai is one of those cities that has been able to retain its beautiful natural charm while still allowing for us the young party lovers to still have something to do with our nights. 

I was unfortunate as my time there after the 1st week of doing the nearby attractions and was ready to head to Pai and Chiang Rai for Elephant Mahout training. The rain decided I would not leave and it rained for 4 days continuously. I got to meet interesting people, drink loads of mojitos at Mojito house. The calm, peace, warmth and great food of Chiang Mai made me happy:)

Happy Travels

- L - 

My Leopard Encounter

I know I mentioned in my previous post that I had not seen a cheetah and leopard in close range after more than 9 safaris. This encounter with the  leopard was breathtaking, the leopard walked alongside our vehicle for 150 meters. After this time I told the driver okay I am ready to go home now:)

We did pass through a certain area called the devils lava as  the area of about 2kms is full of lava that has been there for years with no particular origin. strange 

It now looks like I have a liking for Serena properties, well i kinda do, they do offer good resident prices however I have to say doing these trips made me realize the repetitive nature of their menus, it was good food all the same. My room had a great view of the watering hole which was really great. I stayed at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

I have to say I saw the leopard on my first game drive and thus besides our very own sun downer where I was the bar lady mixing the classic bush margaritas I stayed in and enjoyed the great views from my room. 

On our way out the driver took us to Mzima Springs where you go into a glass tunnel and view  the fish from eye level. It was really a nice climax of the trip. 

Tsavo West really had a great sunset that made the end of my trip really enjoyable.

Happy Travels
- L-

Amboseli - The Ellie Park

Amboseli National Park is one of those parks in Kenya where you get a 3 in one safari, you get your normal big five view, thousands of elephants and the magnificent views of Mt Kilimanjaro. 

We stayed at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge for 2 nights so as to give us ample time with the ellies. I was really lucky to go with a guide who knew the park really well and didn't have to rely on other drivers to direct him on where the animals were.

So I have to put this out there, I have done quite a share of safaris in the last 3 - 4 years and have never seen a leopard or cheetah upclose .. shame huh.. this trip changed on those 2 counts

Bingo cheetah crossed out. Not only did I get to seen one but 2 and got them on the same shot. I was more than ecstatic to say the least. 

Good company just makes the trip even much nicer..

Happy Travels
 - L - 

Safari from my room balcony

We all know when you book that safari what we have in mind is seating in 4 x 4 car as a driver drives in the park looking for animals and you taking the pics. This trip on the weekend to Serena Mountain Lodge at Mount Kenya National Park was one that blew my mind away.

So upon getting to the lodge the crisp air and dead silence was to die for. The lodge is a tree house that has been there for over 40 years and is still standing strong. As soon as our host let us know there no game drives allowed I thought bummer then why come all the way. I hadn't been listening and had missed the part where he said you don't look for the animals as they will come to you.. Nice huh!! it was literally that...

On the way back to Nairobi after this night getaway we stopped atThe Trout Tree Restaurant, I can confidently say the y have the best smoked trout in Nairobi. I had tandoori trout.. it was super delish...

Ohh my classic jump with my sister...

Serena Hotel actually use the photo for marketing :)

Happy Travels
 - L - 

Lakes Lakes Lakes!!!

In the last few weekends, unknowingly I have heard a Lake craving and have done short trips to different Lakes in Kenya. The interesting thing they are within 2 hour drive distance from each other but they are also different. 

Lake Nakuru was my 1st stop, its a park where you actually get to see lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes and other herbivores but I didn't see all of them :( The thing was I really did like the scenic views of the lakes while feeding annoying monkeys. 

Lake Naivasha was the next stop, it was such a great trip as it was not only filled with lake views but also the great gorges of Hell's gate, a leisurely walk of crescent island and a fun hippo filled boat ride and  a final hike of Mt Longnot

Hell's gate is not your ordinary park where you seat in a vehicle and look for game, here you take a bike and cycle for about 8 Kms, stop for a brief rock climb of Fischer tower before getting to the gorges and start the  interesting walk of the gorges, host springs and shower springs.

The following day we woke up and took the boat ride of Lake Naivasha stopping to see some hippos and pelicans. On Crescent Island which now a peninsular :) its so different as you are just an arms length away from giraffes, zebras, water bucks, gazelles and feels like a set stage for Lion king or something :)

Just before giving up we braved it up and decided to hike Mt Longonot, I had always though I was fit but damn random hiking is not highly advised. The views of the crater were definitely impeccable. 

Lake Oleidon was the following weekend where we got see thousands of the beautiful flamingos  the real pink lake was a real thing there. 

My last Lake this month was Lake Elementaita where I stayed at my fave spot Punda Milias:)