Africa

Post by **GypsyRR** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 1:22 pm

Some of you know I've been in Africa for the last few days. I don't always have internet, but today I do. I've uploaded some photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/gypsyrr/Africa but my adapter fried in Jinja, Uganda (Uganda is beautiful) so I can't upload anymore until I get another adapter. The working part of my trip ended today, and tomorrow I fly to Massai Mara for a couple of fun days for myself on a game reserve.

I wish I could upload more photos - but no internet last night and no battery tonight. Those will show a bit of what I've seen. Nothing could convey all that I've experienced in this beautiful land though.

I've seen tons of motorcycles, but it was only today that I saw a name I recognized. 1 KTM and 2 BMW RT police bikes. The driving is CRAZY here. No lines and it's pretty much a free for all, or a game of "chicken" everytime you get in the vehicle.

munchmeister · Post by **munchmeister** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:17 pm

Amazing photos of an amazing place, Gypsy. Hard to imagine that kind of poverty, yet we see nothing but smiles in your photos. Thanks for sharing them. Hope you stay safe and have a safe trip home.
--Doug

Post by **Biff's R** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 3:33 pm

Neat pics. It is probably almost as amazing experience as Arkansas.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 3:56 pm

Thanks Gypsy...that first pic is a beauty.

DJ

Post by **Dr. Strangelove** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 8:09 pm

Thanks for the report Bwana Gypsy. Your photos are captivating. You really have an eye for it.

Got to agree with DJ that first one is a stunner; it almost looks doctored the reflection is so clear.

Like the one of the little boy behind the fence, too.

Western world poverty doesn't give a clue what poverty in the third world means.

Good luck with the travels and stay safe.

John

Post by **CycleRob** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 2:55 am

GypsyRR,

After seeing all the pics of such a low standard of living, we all feel for you and the sacrifices that must go with just being there. It certainly adds a rare new dimension to your already impressive Wonder Woman credentials. Hopefully you're traveling to these dangerously undeveloped locations with a BlackWater grade Security Team and have made every attempt to appear as poor and unattractive as possible. Good luck with that !

After seeing your two special forces quality personal defense items (cool knife & little black thingy), I worry less about your solo Gypsy adventures. Won't it be great to get back where there's AC power, WiFi, central A/C, plenty of food, insect free sleeping and a real shower??

Post by **OU812** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 5:58 pm

Kristi, I knew you were tough, and now I know you are the toughest!

Post by **GypsyRR** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 2:49 am

CycleRob wrote:GypsyRR,

.................Hopefully you're traveling to these dangerously undeveloped locations with a BlackWater grade Security Team.

No Blackwater Security Team. Just 4 of us total, doing filming and photos. I could have used an action hero though. Working Day 1, flat tire in Ruiru. Day 2, car broke down 4 times in remote part of Uganda outside Kampala. Day 3, stuck in an elevator and then on the 12th floor in downtown Kampala. Day 4, my electricity adapter fried in Jinja, Uganda. Day 5 and following............ smooth sailing.

I'm home now, but I would like to have stayed another week or more if I could have stayed in 1 or 2 places rather than a different place each night. And if I could have slept more than 4 hours a night. I would seriously consider moving to Uganda if it were the right thing at the right time for me to do. The people in both Kenya and Uganda were very friendly and always helpful. A different culture, for sure, but a friendly one to me. I saw no hostilities toward Americans anywhere I went. Only gratitude. I saw thousands of people, and only 3 begging. I saw thousands trying to make a living anyway they could. I saw a dignity within the impoverished of Africa and a genuine gratefulness. None of the people I met sought any pity. The smiles in the pictures really are genuine. The children in the slum areas were some of the happiest kids I've ever seen - and yet have nothing.

I spoke candidly with my drivers and all of them are very appreciative of America. They know where the blame falls for the problems within their countries, and times are changing slowly. When I had a driver who worked for a tourism business, he told me that Americans are their favorite people to work with because of our friendliness and generosity and respect for their culture. The poverty in Kenya and Uganda is quite different than the poverty of America in it's vastness, it's cause, and it's solutions. Until you've been there, there is no way you could possibly imagine the difference or begin to understand it. Yeah, I guess my emotions are still a little raw from the sights, and from my body clock being off sync.

Anyway, I'm out of Africa and safely home.

I "stumbled" upon this scene in the Massai Mara, the northern part of the Serengeti within Kenya. I have about 30 photos of these Cheetahs posing different ways. This is just the first one I pulled out of the files.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 4:58 am

beautiful photos and a beautiful story.

Post by **Biff's R** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 8:35 am

great pics.

My calico thinks she could take he cheetahs. She ain't all there.

Post by **Dr. Strangelove** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 9:20 am

posting pictures at 2:49am, eh?

body clock a little screwed up, but beautiful picture

thanks for the reports and pictures

John

Post by **taosports** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 9:54 am

Welcome back Gypsy! Looks like you have many, many hours ahead of you in front of a computer.

Looking forward to seeing more photos.

Post by **GypsyRR** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 11:44 am

Biff's R wrote:great pics.

My calico thinks she could take the cheetahs. She ain't all there.

Yeah, my cat said the same thing. He possibly could, and he will possibly have a chance if he doesn't stop bringing vermin into my house.

taosports wrote:Welcome back Gypsy! Looks like you have many, many hours ahead of you in front of a computer.

Yes, DAYS of work. It's kind of nice though; sorting and processing photos prolongs the trip a while longer in my mind. A gentle kind of "let down" rather than having to be thrust violently back into day to day stuff. I'd choose life "on the road" over monotony and routine any day..........regardless of where that road led, if I only could.

RBrider · Post by **RBrider** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 11:54 am

Welcome home

RB

Post by **1MPH** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 9:06 pm

.

Anyway, I'm out of Africa and safely home.

Welcome home.

I "stumbled" upon this scene in the Massai Mara, the northern part of the Serengeti within Kenya. I have about 30 photos of these Cheetahs posing different ways. This is just the first one I pulled out of the files.

[/quote]

Majestic looking cat. Beautiful just Beautiful.
Thanks for posting.

Post by **Boxer** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 9:31 pm

I can imagine what's going through their minds.."If they slow down just a bit, we could have a nice lunch."

Glad you made it out mostly unscathed.

Post by **Dr. Strangelove** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 3:27 pm

yo, Gypsy
a little OT, but love the new signature

JOhn

Post by **Dr. Strangelove** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 3:53 pm

...and I agree completely

Post by **GypsyRR** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 7:56 pm

Boxer wrote:I can imagine what's going through their minds.."If they slow down just a bit, we could have a nice lunch."

Glad you made it out mostly unscathed.

Phil,
are you talking about the Cheetahs or some of my other photos from Africa?

Dr. Strangelove wrote:yo, Gypsy
a little OT, but love the new signature
...and I agree completely

John

Thanks John. I was hesitant about today's subliminal thought at first, but after watching Dr. Phil yesterday, I just knew everyone needed to hear my thoughts. Tomorrow's will be more in line with motorcycling.

mad1150 · Post by **mad1150** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 8:44 pm

Ummm Gypsy,

You might want to be careful with those subliminal thoughts.

Some of us of a certain generation or so messed around with playing Pink Floyd 33's backwards, amongst other things, and therefore became highly sensitive to subliminal thought. Also tried the Beatles and Ozzy of course!

Now it looks like Dr. Phil may be in on it too. He convinced you didn't he?

Dr. Phil scares me!

Thx in advance for you subliminal MC thoughts, can you post a subliminal ride this winter?