Monthly Archives: July 2010

To Hell’s Gate and back again

Posted on July 29, 2010 by crystalburney

The journey to Hell was more beautiful than I imagined. After picking up bikes, we began the 2km trek to the entrance of Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha, Kenya. With the sand covered, uphill road full of potholes, hell is exactly what it felt like!

As my Lonely Planet guide says ‘there’s visiting national parks, and then there’s experiencing national parks-Hell’s Gate is an experience indeed!’ This park is unique in the fact that you can walk or bike through it on your own and be on the same level as the animals you find grazing there. It was surreal to find myself on a bicycle, pedaling through a Kenyan national park with herds of zebras walking along and giraffes munching on trees only metres away! Continue reading →

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Kissing Giraffes in Kenya

Posted on July 27, 2010 by crystalburney
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Eileen at the Giraffe Centre in Langata, Kenya

Standing high on a platform, I am face to face with one of Africa’s most beautiful animals. Staring into her sweet brown eyes, I just want to reach out and touch her and at this centre I’m encouraged to do just that! Continue reading →

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It’s good to be back!

Posted on July 27, 2010 by crystalburney

It’s been two years since I first boarded a plane to Kenya during 2008’s post election violence. At that point, I had no idea what to expect or what Africa was really like.  But as I began that first journey through Nairobi to the orphanage I was volunteering at, I began to feel more and more at home. That experience was a life changing one and left me wanting more of Africa. So, this time when I boarded that plane, I just couldn’t wait to get back!

The smell hits you as soon as you walk out of the airport, but this time it was a welcoming one. Even getting stuck in Nairobi’s rush hour was a familiar feeling. As we drove to Naivasha, were a few of us are staying, my friend commented on how big my smile was and all I could say was “It’s good to be back!”

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As the sun rose in Qatar

Posted on July 25, 2010 by crystalburney

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My first time in the Middle East was on a seven hour layover in Doha.  I was by myself and figuring it was going to be a long night when the lady who had been sitting across from me on the plane asked if I wanted to go grab a coffee.  So we found a coffee shop, figured out what currency we had that they would accept, ordered white chocolate mochas and found a seat.

Continue reading →

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To Market, To Market.

Posted on July 22, 2010 by crystalburney

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The markets of London seem almost endless on a sunny Saturday in July. Our market tour began in Portobello Market, one of the most famous markets in the world. Colourful shops line Portobello Road, selling everything from vintage clothing and antiques to artwork and souvenirs. Down the centre of the street were stalls selling crafts, clothing and jams as the sound of jazz music and the smell of spicy paella wafted through the air. By noon, the streets were filled with others out do some shopping or just enjoy the market atmosphere. Continue reading →

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Beyond London

Posted on July 20, 2010 by crystalburney

As much as I love London (and I really do) every time I visit England, I find myself loving this country even more, not because of the hustle and bustle of London, but because of all the smaller towns and cities found along the way. With it’s train system, England is so easy to get around and beyond each train station is a town just waiting to show you what it has to offer.

Last summer, I spent sometime in Horsham with it’s beautiful park and old English buildings. While London, Bath and Stratford are great, I began to see what England had to offer besides it’s main tourist attractions.   Continue reading →

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