In my last post I mentioned my sense of shrinking horizons now we no longer live in far-flung places. Those who come here often were quick to see I didn’t mean this in a negative sense. It’s more about feeling satisfied in the place and space we occupy. I don’t need to go anywhere else – though that said, a little trip to the nearest seaside before summer ends might be welcome. But paddling prospects aside, these days I am happy to look out on the hills and farmland around the town, and inwardly at the motley fabric of this ancient border settlement, a place which locals call the Castle.
But then on these warm July days, I can’t help slipping back to Kenya, to Hunter’s Lodge, an oasis of a place that was pretty much ‘home’ in our first nomadic days in Africa. The research station where Graham was carrying out experiments on an imported crop pest, larger grain borer, was up a track behind the lodge garden. While he toiled, I sat under a thorn tree and dreamed. Did I really see Maasai women in their full red regalia delivering the hotel milk from gourds slung on a donkey…or a kingfisher the size of a crow strike the pool like some avian pile-driver…
More of this story in several places including: No way back from Africa – the road to Hunter’s Lodge
Also Once in Africa, Kenya Diary Continued and In an equatorial light
A great look at red, Tish
oh isn’t this a wonderful place to sit and dream
Hunter’s Lodge looks wonderful. I can sense that longing for the heat and air of Kenya.
It was an extraordinary introduction to Kenya, the days spent there.
What an interesting time you have to look back on and share with us Tish. Yes one of the pleasures of being at this stage of life is having the memories and now feeling settled and content to be where we are and enjoy our present lifestyle
That certainly is a good perspective on life, Pauline.
Being content with where we are now and having memories like these is a good place to be in. Have you ever been back to Kenya Tish?
No, but Graham had to go back on a brief trip. He found it very weird that he couldn’t just go to our old house.
Pauline and Jude have said very much what I was feeling on reading your post. Memories + feeling happily settled = contentment.
Yes!
I’m done wandering as well. I understand this sentiment. Nice photos, wonderful memories.
Thanks, Thom. Happy weekend to you.
The lodge looks just perfect! As you know, unlike you I still have the urge to travel and see new places, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate my home too. And I completely get that you are happy with your surroundings and feel so settled there 🙂
I do appreciate the ‘fellow’ feelings, Sarah. And of course I can well see why you like to keep travelling.
I have so enjoyed all of your Africa post. You have been blessed with such interesting adventures..
and we have been blessed reading about them.
That’s a very lovely comment, Beverly. Thank you.
And red flowers in the one shot as well. I agree with Beverly. You have marvelous memories and stories and I love reading them.
Yes, sometimes though I wonder if I didn’t dream a lot of it 😉
I understand.