From Nairobi, Kenya

You would be mesmerized by the sweep of Africa. At
first it looks like perhaps a wide expanse you might
find in the west. But it is nothing like that, not
when you run into elephants. Not just one or two, but
a herd of 10 or 15. Then more. Here a cheetah, there a
lion. Gazelles beautifully colored everywhere.
Hundreds of zebra and wildebeests on the tale end of
the great migration that featured not hundreds, but
hundreds of thousands. A million and a half wildebeests alone.

The people are sensational and I love my few words of
Swahili that causes another lesson from a guide or a
driver or the waiter. Then there are the Masai
Warriors. It is extraordinary, all of it.

A lovely few hours with Jospeh Kahugu of Kiambu whom I
met in Homewood, Illinois and who has run in Park Forest and in
the Chicago Marathon. He took me to Kenyan Athletics
where I was received impromptu by the Secretary
General and the head of the Kenyan Athletics
Federation. Joseph is off to Singapore next week for
the Marathon there. he's had a good year winning the
Madrid Marathon, Dubai Marathon and Mombai (India)
marathons.

Now for us - it is off to the north and the Mt. Kenya
Region for two days before we make our way south
eventually to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania and the Serengenti
Plain. It is all fantasy.

More about the people we are traveling with in another
missive from somewhere, though Internet cafes may be
few and far between.

Best to all - and hugs - and hoping the "lion sleeps
tonight." (Thanks Dan).

Mel and Janet