Running in the Wild

The Lewa Marathon !!!!! - well half a least.....

 

Generally speaking,the Lewa Marathon sells out on the day slots are made available. More like a Rolling Stones concert than a running event, I was lucky to get my spot out of the 1200 available!!!!  I'd lusted after the opportunity though tragically missed out in previous years due to security issues and competing duties. So - ticket in hand and a bit of training I was ready and clearly pleased to be there!!!!!

I was interested in running for two reasons. Firstly, the opportunity to run with the greatest running athletes in the world; and the Kenyans didn't disappoint. They are fast. Fucking fast, but with a grace and fluidity of movement that almost defies physics. Four of those who ran the full marathon passed me well before my anemic wounded animal - like finish of just a half that distance.

The other reason was to run in an African  National park across the Savannah virtually unchanged for millennium with animals looking on as we passed. The 250 square kilometer Lewa conservancy is an excellent example of a well managed resource. It's home to 12% of the remaining Eastern Black Rhino population and holds the largest population of Grevy's Zebras. The Marathon brings much needed resources to the task of protecting these amazing animals and this amazing place. Human-kind has been running here since the dawn of time persistence hunting wild animals by chasing until they are exhausted and can be taken. Or more simply put, running after them til they give up. Not so tricky, but effective. (Mostly now I suspect they just go to the market ... but I would like to imagine they do :)

The dangerous animals are moved out to a safe distance in the weeks before making the event relatively safe. The big five are all there - Elephants Rhino Leopards Buffalo and Lions but we didn't see any of those scary guys as we ran through the heat across the sweet smelling Savannah. The race organizers did a great job.... very well organized.

Long shadows in the early morning light as racers prepare - the distant Acacia trees undeniably and unmistakably Africa.

Though the race started at 7am ..... it was hot almost immediately and as we challenged each long hill and looked ahead to an almost endless landscape it was not without some humility. I took time to look around and enjoy, keeping my pace slow and a smile on my face. While I've ran a few races in the past, this was not so much a race as an opportunity to commune with nature in an intense and intimate fasion.

The best moment (other than finally finishing) came as I rounded a bend on an uphill section of the trail. There  - looking at me from only a few meters distance was a giraffe. He or she was spectacularly beautiful against a blue sky and tan grasslands rolling off into the distance. His beauty was as unmistakable as what he was obliviously thinking. He stood there .. legs spread out to the sides and head cocked quizzically to one side clearly thinking. What the Fuck!!"" Why on earth would these creatures be running - there's no lion chasing them  I can see?? No fire in the distance...crazy...madness!!!

I've been accused of being a bit too organized at times.. I disagree! Above - a simple training plan and outcome graph. :)

You call that running????

A word of thanks to my good friend Leah who came along to support. It was terrific to have her along on the trip and share the responsibilities of camping and getting organized. Leah is one of the nicest people I have met since arriving in Africa, her wicked sense of humor and strong sense of friendship and loyalty is enviable.

She is an accomplished National level athlete who represents her country with distinction and honor. I am pleased to be counted among her friends. Thanks again Leah!!

Going to the farm!!

  

 

 

Henry and Leah inspect wild berries!

Caro goes Bananas as usual

On the way back from the Lewa Marathon, we stopped at Henry and Caro's farm near Mount Kenya. I know this fine couple from my work with MSF and have nothing but the highest regard for them both. I readily accepted the invitation to the farm to see what they had going on. I'm not sure if it's Caro's dancing or constant smile that makes her so nice to be around. Regardless, she is as pleasant as Henry is relaxed and easygoing. Henry is not only a farmer but a DJ of enviable skill... Dj Dj Dj!!!!





I learned that the risks with farming are considerable. The Macadamia nut trees planted today will not payoff for at least 5 years...and by then the market ,may may change...or the trees my not do well...or the weather can change. My goodness! So many possibilities for failure.

But they are doing great - it's a real "salad"of crops including avocados mangoes, bananas and all kinds of other stuff. I was surprised at the low prices received for crops. It's clearly not an easy business but I have no doubt they will be as successful with this venture as they are with their respective duties with MSF.

Avocados anyone!!!!

Thanks for reading....Layno!!!

Who's your Daddy!

But first a day at the Amsterdam Museum of Modern Art

 

Well rather than travel back to Nairobi after a full week working in Brussels, why not, on a perfectly beautiful European summer day,  go and see a friend in Amsterdam. It's more crowed than the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage in India but exciting all the same. From Central Station through to the edges of the beautiful canals that criss-cross the city.... people, people and even more people.


It was an ideal time to enjoy this special city and sit and have lunch and chat about this and that. Sunny and warm though not really hot, flowers blooming and almost everywhere the smell of Marijuana wafting from the bars and alleyways. Smells like freedom to me...

I'm not a huge fan of Modern Art feeling like there should be subtitles on each piece to just give me a hint of what I'm looking at and why. That said, the Stedglijk Museum is time well spent as it teases and provokes you, accessing recesses of your brain left dusty and forgotten.








 

Above was my second favorite piece though the description was well beyond me. Something about two minds wistfully contemplating an inaccessible future while reconciling the strict tensions that exists between man and nature as the existential chains of slavery fetter our very souls and all the while we struggle in vain to unlock secrets of the universe.. Huh???? WTF!!! I just think it looks nice ..... 😉 Pretty ...

A couple of my other favorites below;

Love it!!!

This is me trying to get it ... huh?

The vertical colored lines were another that really threw me off. The explanation was as long and as it was convoluted and completely incomprehensible though I'm pretty sure my daughter Stevie did that same work when she was 3..... only she stayed inside the lines better.

Modern Art explores relationships with geometric shape and proportion... I liked this... perfect for a 50 inch flat screen...

   

In this, I liked the stillness and quiet, you can just imagine the footsteps echoing as the early light baths the small town.

This was my favorite piece and with it being Father's Day today, gave me pause for thought. The painting -- to me -- is a father with wife and daughter. Europe in the background is dark, unforgiving and foreboding. The wife is aware of whatever it is but moves ahead with steely determination regardless.The daughter is happy, carefree and unaware.


Now the father, well he looks at us directly sharing his fear while hiding it from the family. His look is reserved for just us and we know in that instant that he is a father protecting his family from the truth, shouldering heavy burdens and protecting the innocence of his child's youth.


My father did the same for me. How many inconvenient truths did he shield me from when I was a boy. To what lengths did he go to preserve the innocence of my own childhood?


 My father is a good man - a brave man - and a caring man. I am grateful for the protection he offered, the love he shared and the values he passed to me so that my own journey through life would be as rich as possible. He's Nicolson in a few good men.... one of his favorite bits.... I'm glad he was on the walls that surrounded my youth.

Happy father's Day Pops!!!!



 




 Thanks for reading...Layno !!!

A Deliciously Sunny Day in Northern France

A Lil' Lille for the day and a special request!!

 

It reminds me of the play Little shop of Horrors

I'm in Belgium for some work related activities this week and have again found myself with a weekend open in Europe. In passing, someone mentioned that Lille was a perfectly beautiful town to visit and so  - Why not!  A quick 30 minute train from Brussels and voila!  Lille!!!
There is a lot of fun public art throughout the city balancing nicely with the gothic and dark Flemish inspired architecture all around.

I love the old fella with the cane..quintessentially French   - I had 2 wait 5 minutes for him to get in the shot...

Rarely have I felt and seen the past and present so well articulated through architecture. Lille's oldest and newest building seamlessly merge into a cityscape that is lively and inviting. It's bustling and busy; the downtown a bit congested with name brand stores vying for attention and the Euros passing by. Most, I'm afraid are bit rich for a humanitarian aid worker passing by but that said - I popped into Zara for a couple wardrobe additions unfortunately tending more toward sensible than stylish.

Mingled amongst the beautiful and oppressively expensive sexy clothing shops were a surprisingly large number of knick-knack shops with all kinds of clever little treasures. This is where Europe really shines in my mind. Thoughtful and interesting things to buy with real utility. When lunch hour came I chuckled passing the myriad of outdoor restaurants, none serving burgers but Fillet Mignon, Lobster Bisque, Champagne and the like. The French - they like it fancy, that's for sure. Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup!! Eat well, laugh often and love abundantly.

Also there are a number of museums and art shops including this motorcycle museum with a nice collection of vintage Moto Guzzis and Ducatis. Ahhh, a little slice of heaven.

Cool stained glass

Dark and brooding

Lille was occupied by the Germans for much of the 1st World war and had more than it's share of misery. Very close to the the front line, the occupying Germans used the city for wounded and R&R. Despite that, and the bombing throughout the war, the city is mostly intact.

The Cathedral of Lille is one such building finished in the 1990's through public funding. It had been going through various forms of construction since the 1880's but never completed. Walking through you witness a rich combination of old and new including the wild stained glass panel on the right.

These are some of the best gargoyles I've see. You can almost hear the shrieking.... I love Gargoyles!!!!

Funding for the Malezi Technical Education Program - if you can....

Pictured here is the Malezi Technical Education Program in session. The program was started by friends Olivia and Ksenia about 6 months ago though recently ran into tough times when the space and computers were no longer available. The program now continues with Olivia and 7 others including myself making a commitment to continue the program over the next year. We'll have 10 series of 5 classes each on Saturdays taking through a total of 50 kids !!! . Laptops and space have generously been donated and the program can now continue for the year. Pictured above is the first working session in the new facility.

In Kensian Shillings so trans is $9.60 USD per week

I've talked about the kids from Majengo slum previously in my blog and while there's no such thing as a good slum, this one is likely a bit worse than most. The program gives them training, a view of the world outside the slum, a nice tea break and a hot nutritious meal at lunch. With the exception of the teacher, the organization is all volunteer based. The budget for the year is just over $2000 and includes transportation, food, notebooks and the teacher. The group is working on a blog to better communicate information about the program. In a year's time, the hope is that funding may be available to create a community center near the slum with a computer training program and lab.

We have about 25% of the funding in place but would appreciate a small donation if you are interested. A few $50's would be very helpful and if you'd like to contribute...

E-interact to me laynemahon@live.com or contact me by email so I can help you get your contribution into the Malezi school account.

Thankyou for considering my request.

My new girlfriend aptly nicknamed torpedo boobs:)

Thanks for reading....Layno !!!!

Diamonds are forever - if you can find a real one!!

The stunning and timeless beauty of European Architecture

Casual and spectacular the Louvre sits awaiting it's next opportunity to amaze

I  reluctantly pinch myself on most days to see if my life is a dream or reality. Fully awake and assured that my life of whimsical travel is in fact real - I give some thanks to a benevolent universe that has so fantastically conspired to provide me with this beautiful gift.  Nameste!

Sunday afternoon in Brussels Belgium - considered to have one of the best work life balances in the world

An hour to Paris on the High speed train

On my way back to Nairobi from Canada, I stopped in Brussels to do a bit of work with the Medecins Sans Frontiers Head Office team. The work included some activities in Brussels and then a workshop in Paris with the MSF folks there. The workshop ended at about 16:00 and after a couple beers with the team at a little outdoor cafe, I was free to explore the city until the late train to Brussels at 23:00. Headphones in place and a careful selection of classical music cued I wandered aimlessly through the streets and alleys taking in the stunning architecture and display windows, the people and the flavor of my favorite city. I really do love Paris and think it's the greatest city I've seen in my travels.

I returned to Brussels late but got up early Saturday for the first train to Antwerp, Belgium.  I have never been to the city before but a quick review of travel sites steered me in that direction.  I would strongly recommend a visit - only 30 minutes from Brussels, the city is packed with fabulous architecture and historical sites to discover. Again earphones in place; coffee in hand I wandered the city for most of the day taking in the coolest of the cool sites...


The day was dark and brooding as I wandered the sea port, churches, museums, the very significantly sized Red Light District (who knew?) and art galleries seemingly far too many to be at all profitable. I suspect it's mostly collectors who unselfishly display the beautiful and interesting works for all to see. We, the public are entirely grateful.







The Cathedral of our Lady church has ringing bells since before 1400 and is as iconic as it is a great locating device. 😁 You can spot the great and unmistakable spire from almost anywhere in the city leaving you free to wander fearlessly. While the designers were more interested in attracting the poor and huddled masses, the additional benefits is most sincerely appreciated. It's sheer size and gothic architecture is awe-inspiring as intended.

And almost as interesting to me is the public art at the foot of the great edifice shown just below. The whimsical and carefree idea that accompany such a contradictory and fun exhibit left me chuckling and intrigued. Just what good art should do.

Finding a Diamond in Antwerp or elsewhere

And if you are going to the diamond capital of the world, where reportedly 80% of the worlds diamonds transit, why not do some research and buy a couple?  Surely there are some good stones to be had at a reasonable price? Well!!! That depends on your knowledge and level of patience and ability to spot bull shit. 

Too good to be true is just that, with the hawkers disguising themselves cleverly with the trappings of respectability you have to be very careful. I visiting more than 20 shops freshening up my knowledge on the 5c's of diamonds. Cut - Clarity - Carat - Color - Confidence! I saw a lot of shitty stones being passed off as good and grew more confident as I again and again took up the eye piece and examined the stones.  The bullshit flying fast and furious, I finally found what I was looking for - a father and son operation off the main street and unadorned but clearly serious diamond trading shop and boasting over 75 years of operation. 

The visit was so much fun, from the security getting into the building; going into the vault room and then the Diamonds being brought from the safe for me to see.

In a show of customer service I have rarely seen before, a gold laden trio of West Africans entered the store clearly very well off and with more swagger than Mic Jagger singing Satisfaction. They bullied their way in front of me and demanded to see a huge Gold Chain in the display case. Even though the likelihood of a sale was high the seller told the men that they could wait patiently for me to finish my viewing or leave the store. They left. "That was a tough decision I said smiling" he looked up with his face crinkled into a big smile and said "it's about people - not money ".  I wonder if he regrets not selling the chain ??

Veranti can be found at Vestinostraat - 65 2018 Antwerp. Tel: 03/289.88.66





He then took a couple of my choices into the lab in the back and we inspected a few stones under a high powered microscope talking about the stones and their various qualities. He was just terrific as he explained the character of the stones we looked at.

At one point I admitted that the price was a little more than I wanted to spend - and asked if there were some lesser quality stones that i might consider. "Ahhhh no sir" he said a little tightly, "we only sell flawless diamonds here". Ha!!! Damn!! Love it.

After the very satisfying purchase of investment grade stones came some philosophical musing as I continued to wander. My thoughts wandered like my path on that day. Finding those diamonds among so many, avoiding the conn men and the hustlers, and finally having the conviction to make a decision. Finally finding the purchase that felt just right.

Having just come from visiting my folks place in Canada, it reminded me of my mother and father and how they came to find one another. The two are peas in a pod loving each other deeply and unconditionally. I'm glad they found one another and wish them well - maybe when you find a good one,  diamonds truly are forever.

What a massive Fuck-up in South Sudan!!!!!

In an absolutely unforgivable and unimaginable display of incompetence and neglect, 15 children lost their lives this week during a government vaccination program that went horribly wrong. During the campaign, workers re- used the same needle again and again. What the fuck? In addition, they used vaccines that had not been maintained in traceable cold chain. That means that there was not proper temperature control storage practices of the drugs as they traveled from source to end user.  I can think of few less objectionable and depressing practices than asking mothers to put their children forward with a promise to protect them only to kill them through incompetency and neglect. Once again - shame on South Sudan. Utterly unacceptable!!!

Thank for reading....Layno !!!!