This first photo of Mzee Lali having a nap, with three full-sail Lamu dhows in our wake has to be my absolute favourite photograph. It was sheer chance that a) the scene composed itself so beautifully, b) I was alert enough to snap it and c) my Olympus-trip was not on the wrong setting.
It was Boxing Day and we had been out cruising the Manda Strait for several hours. In the morning some of our small party went in for a spot of snorkelling out on the reef. Next, using baited lines, we caught a few little fish which Lali and his nephew Athman scaled and cleaned. At noon when we were moored off Manda Island, Lali waded ashore and knelt down on the beach to pray. Then lunch was prepared, the fish grilled on a portable charcoal (jiko) stove and served up with freshly chopped coleslaw. Delicious.
In the afternoon we meandered back along the strait between the mangrove forests, waiting for the wind to pick up. We passed a large dhow taxi, utterly becalmed, engine stalled. It was brimful with laughing, chattering passengers, all hopeful that some time or other they would finally reach Lamu mainland to visit their relations.
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This photo was taken a few years later. It’s a favourite because it was a chance meeting that pretty much sums up all that is so powerfully positive about young Kenyans. We were staying at Safariland Lodge on the shores of Lake Naivasha. Graham was hosting a conference of international crop pest scientists, and I was spending the days wandering around the place, bird watching. One afternoon I met Robert Omondi on the hotel mooring. He sold me one of the hand written booklets he had made, its topic the ecology of Lake Naivasha and the water sources that fed into it. He was visiting all the hotels and lodges along the lake, selling copies where he could, and so raising funds for his next term’s school fees.
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And finally a photo to prove to myself I was actually there, although even at the time I took it, it was hard to believe. Besides which, the Great Rift Valley is almost impossible to photograph and give any true sense of scale or depth. If there isn’t a heat haze, there is often a fog. I was standing somewhere north of Nairobi, on the east escarpment highway which runs up to 9,000 feet above sea level. Below, in the foreground, is Escarpment location, a community of smallholder farmers. The bright green of the plots suggests it must be the main growing season after good rains. In the Rift bottom are the wheat and barley fields of larger-scale farmers, the crater of defunct volcano, Longonot on the left. The low road to Lake Naivasha runs north beneath it along the valley floor.
Lens-Artists: picking favourites This week Sarah at Travel With Me invites us to choose three favourite photos (not necessarily absolute favourites). Please go and see her three stunning choices.
Tish Farrell 
That first photo is such a wonderful composition. You certainly were in the right place at the right time. And they all have an emotional connection for you which is something that is more precious than whether or not a photo is ‘good’.
Just my thoughts, Jude – emotional association beats finesse.
Stunning photographs and I can well understand why then first one is your favourite.:)
Many thanks, Janet.
Oh wow, what a great set of images! The first is simply a stunner, for sure 😮 The second is very engaging and the story behind it brings the young man to life for us. And the last, with your detailed description of the location, reminds me strongly of Out of Africa (the book – I haven’t seen the film). Thanks so much for joining in with such a great threesome!
Many thanks for all those appreciative words, Sarah, and for the great challenge to get us thinking as well as looking.
These are all phenominal photographs, Tish. WOW … on the first one. I’m sure the movement of the boat came into play when you captured it. It looks very spontaneous., as if he were posing. Excellent !!!
The story of the boy beings a smile. I find it commendible that he was trying to save for his education. We need to encourage those with those with that desire.
The last photo is breathtaking. It must have been mesmerizing in person. Bravo for you for being able to have the experience. All great selections …
Isadora 😎
https://isadoraartandphotography.wordpress.com/2022/07/31/lapc-three-favorite-images/
Love that first image, Tish! Right place, right time….
Absolutely.
😊
Marvellous. These are such good photos, even without the memories that make them so special for you.
Many thanks, Margaret. Re-posting them gave me the chance for some virtual safari-ing.
Always the best excuse for re-posting.
Africa delivers every time for you, doesn’t it? A wonderful set, Tish.
It does deliver doesn’t it 🙂
What marvelous memories Tish – I can see why these are favorites! They are all wonderful and I agree wholeheartedly about the opener!
Many thanks, Tina.
Tish…. enjoyed all three selections and back stories. Right time, right place = right photo
Also – how nice if you to support that student with a purchase of his “hand-written booklet”
and the last image – ahhhh – takes your breath away
☀️😊
Glad these hit the spot, Yvette.
Wow, just WOW.
🙂 🙂 🙂
I can well understand how that opening shot is your favourite, Tish – it is stunning!
Many thanks, Dries.
The first shot is a cracker, especially when one considers the camera …. a good old Olympus Trip. (my first 35mm).
It’s no wonder you have featured it before,
Thanks, Ark. On good days, with a following wind, the Olympus Trip could be brilliant.
WOW TISH!! SUCH STRIKINGLY VIVID COLOR & SCENERY !! 🙂 LOVE THEM ALL!
Cheers, Mitch
All wonderful images Tish, but I’m just as enamoured of the stories that go with them.
Alison
Thank you for that very nice comment, Alison.
I can fully understand they are your favourites – wonderful with their stories attached, Tish. The first one has to be my favourite too – a perfect shot!
Many thanks, A-C.
Three fabulous photos. I love that deep indigo colour of the sea in the first one (Lamu calls again). I know what you mean about the rift valley, but this is a wonderful photo (implies the expanse so well). And I love the story of the plucky young man in the second photo.
Many thanks for your thoughtful response, I.J.
Tish, the stories behind these photos bring to life your adventures and awe – the best of times, full of brilliant colour, amazing people and views that stretch forever. How amazing is Robert Ormondi? I bet you still have his booklet.
Thanks for those lovely comments, Tracy. And yes I have long kept that booklet.
Great photos. Love the people.
Thank you, John.