The Story So Far ...

We said farewell to our work friends at the RSPCA and BBC on 14 September, farewell to our families on 3 October, and set off for Africa to save cheetahs, decorate school buildings, and look around a bit. After a trip home for Christmas, we headed for South East Asia on 6 January -- where we were stunned by Qatar and Cambodia, taught novice monks in Laos, and acted as security guards at an Elephant Festival. It was back home for four weeks to look after John's dad, before we tangoed our way through five South American countries in fifteen days. We then snooped our way through New Zealand, dipped our toes into Fiji, drove-thru California and were home from home with family in Vancouver.

Now, we are home itself. Fulfilled, happy, and ready to earn the respect of our friends and family by knuckling down and earning some money once again ...

Friday, 10 December 2010

A Power Shower at Shimba

Memo to our BBC and RSPCA colleagues:  you may prefer to omit paragraphs 1-4, and proceed instead to paragraph 5.

1:  It was 10.40am on a Monday morning, 7.40am, I realised, back home.   We were strolling in the sunny Shimba Hills, views ahead of the Indian Ocean off the Kenyan coast.  Back home, I'd have been putting the kettle on for Henry's tea, and feeding the cat.

2:  10.50am Kenya: we'd descended to the jungle, gazing up at trees laden with paw-paw.  7.50am back home: I'd be shaving now, Henry gulping his marmite toast, before dashing out of the door.

Who needs soap?
3:  11.05am Kenya: deliriously doused by the Sheldrick Falls, the waters crashing crystal in the sunlight.  8.05am back home: I'd be in the shower, Adidas Blue Energy to hand.  








4:  11.35am Kenya: drying off on a hot rock.  8.35am back home:  on the 'phone, negotiating today's news story with the producer of the day.

I do
5:  11.50am Kenya:  panting hard, a lather of sweat, traipsing back up through the jungle to the searing hilltop above.  8.50am back home:  I'd have parked the lovely car, strolled into the delightful air conditioned newsroom, poured myself a second cup of perfect coffee, ready for another great day of storytelling.





Power showers in the jungle come at a price. 

John 

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