One coner of the garden at our house on camp here in Kimwarrer Valley. Isn't the bougainvillea glorious?
I cannot believe that two weeks ago today we were still in South Africa (relaxing as pre-retirees should!) and today we are [thousands of] miles up the African continent in another country!
Yesterday we moved into our own house after spending the first five days being spoilt by the Guest House staff. Above is a corner in the garden of our house on camp. As time (and slow Internet connection allows) I will post photos of the house interior. It reminds me of an old farmhouse we lived in for many years in Zululand in the seventies and eighties.
Caro strides off to meet and instruct my new cleaning lady. I hung back to take photos of the beautiful setting
On Monday we finally took our luggage and other personal effects down to our house in the corner of the camp. Sephanie had arranged a cleaning lady for me and Caro offered to go and instruct her in her duties. The house was already spotlessly clean but Caro wanted the new lady (whose name is Naomi) to sweeep and wipe the floors, wash the windows and dust the furniture. Grant and I moved into a fresh and welcoming home.
The valley we live in is surrounded on three sides by huge mountains (the same mountain/s we ascended yesterday to El Doret) and each house nestles in tropical bush with huge trees in every garden. We have the only baobab tree in camp which has tickled Grant pink. He says he wonders how many people can say they have a giant baobab tree in their garden. I say I wonder how many people care, LOL!
The giant baobab tree in our garden
I love this old thorn tree in the bottom of the garden. A few years ago it fell down, (due to heavey rains and wind) but Sue asked the gardeners not to remove it. It has grown again where it lies. I have seen this happen before in my own garden back in South Africa
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Amazing about the thorn tree, Jo. And I'm glad Grant is so tickled about the baobab. But I'm particularly pleased that you like your new home, and someone instructed your cleaning lady. How wonderful is that?
ReplyDeleteSo now the question is - will Shadow be an indoor cat or do you have a fenced area for him? (Not that cats can't climb fences, but maybe Shadow doesn't know how yet.)
Looking forward to such news as your internet connection allows.
Luv, K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
What a beautiful place, Jo... I am so happy for you. That bougainvillea is gorgeous.... Love seeing the mountains also.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
This is terrific, Jo! I, too, am so happy for you and I do love the bougainvillea! And such beautiful mountains. Look forward to seeing and learning more about the new place! How is Shadow doing? Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Hi Jo! Oh, the setting is breath-taking and with all of those huge trees, I can only imagine the wonderful chorus of birds that will greet you at sunrise each morning and sing to you each evening. I'm sure it's going to be a magical experience!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful house!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jo. I just discovered your blog today on Gattina's blog. I love this blog, as I have always enjoyed my travels in Africa.
ReplyDeleteMargaret (New England)
I can see why you are joyful having such a huge and luscious tree outside your new home and brilliant blooms literally bursting from the bush nearby. It seems you have exchanged one lovely garden for another. May you discover many blessings at your new home!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to live. The vegetation is so lush. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJo, it looks like your new home is in a lush and lovely green valley. Your new house sounds delightful--and you have a cleaning lady--awesome!!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking at "Wowzio Panoramic Slideshow" about Shadow's travel plans so I assume that means Shadow came with you to Kenya. I'm so glad he got to come, too.
You and Grant are such energetic and adventurous "pre-retirees!" I love reading about your adventures--feels almost like I'm there.
That re-growing fallen thorn tree is amazing!. We had something similar with a sawed-off and burned stump of a weeping willow tree. Since it was still partially in the lake, it sprouted branches!
I'm off to read more of your posts that I haven't visited for over a week! I'm so glad you and Grant had safe travels and everything arrived at your new address.
(((Hugs))) Pat
Great view. I enjoyed reading your story. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJo, it is a beautiful house and grounds. I'm sure there are tons of new birds in those trees. Wow, I would be in heaven. The bougainvillea is gorgeous and one of my favorite plants or is it a bush?.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog and enjoy reading it.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a very beautiful place for a new home...and I like the baobab!
I have added you to my list of blogs to follow and am looking forward to reading your new stories.
Best wishes in your new home, DeeBee
You have a beautiful garden. I love the huge trees (I think a baobab is very cool!) and the bougainvillea. Looks like you're settling in nicely.
ReplyDeleteCan't see very much of the house, but the garden seems to be beautiful and wild ! Poor you, with the internet ! I know what that is. It happened to me 5 years ago in North African countries where I had to do a real internet spot hunting. Ever since it has improved and is now as home. Some Hotels however don't have internet in the rooms so I always had to go down to the reception.
ReplyDelete