White Sands National Park – August 2009

Hah, just thought I could finally post a fun story about New York again, using the moment of boredom in a productive way. But to be honest I can’t think of a single one at this time. However I realized since this side is called ‘somewhere around the world’, I might as well post pictures and stories from my weekend trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico to visit my friend Jana. It was AWESOME, most impressive was the camping in the White Sands National Park as it even provided a small aspect of adventure. Here some during the day pics, in the scorching heat. And I see white…..

From there, having organized our campsite for that night, a 0.7 mile hike along small poles sticking out of the sand here and there we leave to see the selenite crystals (gypsum) in Lake Lucero, origin of all this white sand. We were of course duly warned that intermittence to the National Park is until 10pm but the campsite has to be reached by sunset, which was at 8:10pm that day.

Stupidly enough the tour was supposed to end by 8pm, with a 20-30 min drive back to the National Park. But we figured our flashlight and the remaining daylight till 8:45 should do fine to find the campsite and put up the tent.

Who could have known that the gate of the military compound we had to cross (the lake is on military area and can only be visited once a month in a convoy) is automatically regulated and the server conveniently down at the time of our return – waiting for a police patrol car to open the door manually. Which of course took up a considerable time of the calculated 30 min driving time (not to be exact 28 min). Great !!!! Hiking in the dessert where everything looks…..WHITE. But awesomely so, with a certain glow and this tiny sickle moon low above the dunes. So, pole hunt was the theme of the night. The first two were easy, already checked out during the day. Pole number three was there somewhere too, but pole four was nowhere to be seen and us starring up a wall of sand. Climbing up there???? That couldn’t be right. So why not put up the tent right here, makes no difference anyway as the difference to the campsite would have been the missing pole saying ‘campsite’, that way reducing the risk to get lost in neverland by 99%.

Are stars really that bright or was that owing to forbidden drinks? But how awesome is it to sleep outside and every time you wake up the first thing is ooooohhhhh – the stars. And the sunrise!!!!

The thrill of a snowy day in New York

How good can a day get when you wake up on a Monday morning and the sky is grey? What follows is the description of a typical -every other day- day in New York City. It’s late, 8:30, I am still in bed and the sky is grey – it’s snowing. Did I mention it’s January?  So, no surprise there. Only that is was plus ten Celsius yesterday and will probably be again tomorrow. Hm, snow is not so bad… By the time I leave the house, of course as always worried about my looks, so I had decided to wear the black pair of lace-ups matching the color of my sweater (I could have worn the brown boots, but – well, they did not match…) the snow is melting. Melting snow…uuui, should I go up to the sixth floor and get my boots? Hm, should work out without….The hurdle at the first corner is taken, only 12 more, one for each block. Ankle deep, ice cold water at each crossing.

My mind is usually set on automatic on the way to work  – walk up to 96^th, cross to Madison Ave and then up north. Today I end up taking a completely different route, guided by the choices of maybe less deep waters straight or to the left.  Further obstacles in the form of non-swept sidewalks call my attention.

Right, why would anyone shovel the snow in front of their door. Must be German habit -obey the law. This might be the opportunity to mention that everyone, literally everyone, whether old with a walking stick or young with kids crosses at red traffic lights. Even with cops standing RIGHT in front of you. I’ve seen a cop guiding kids over a red light saying ‘Well, it not green, but there’s no car so you can walk’!!!!Anyway, back to the snow -

I managed to get to work, it took me only twice as long as usual and my feet where only semi wet. Smart me, I tucked up my pants up to my shin – so much for the good looks…. so at least those were dry.

New York – a first

So, after Africa it’s now New York. I thought of using the same webpage to share some insides on living in the big apple. As for now, I haven’t written anything, busy settling in, but now that my internet seems to be working more frequently, I hope to be able to share some stories and pictures with whomever is interested. Trying at the same time to get most of the techniques of this website :). So, have some fun!

last post

So, the trip is finally and sadly enough coming to an end. Flying out from Entebbe tonight:( But don’t worry. There will be lots of pictures here once I am back in Berlin

not so bad Nairobbery

So, after spending three nights here, I have to say I really like this city. Surprisingly or maybe because of the prejudice. It does feel god being here. Will take the train to Kisumu tonight. Everyone is asking if I want to visit Obamas fathers birthplace – noo, I am not as crazy as you guys. I think one day Kenya will wake up to a very bad surprise that not even Obama can do magic. After all, he’s American, not Kenyan.

On the way to Nairobi

I am leaving Lamu tomrrow morning, heading for NAirobi. Lets see how that turns out. And lets hope that Barrak Obama wins on Tuesday, as I want to go to a promised election party in Nairobi. If not, I otherways stay far from the US embassy I guess. Evryone is just so excited here for Obama to fin. So cross your fingers.

Oh, and sorry for not putting up any photos recently. There’s a bug on my SD card, hope this problem gets solved soon

Back from Safari

I am impressed I have to say. I didn’t know watching wildlife can be that beautiful. I want more!!! Just coming back from a two day safari to the Ngorongor Crater and Tangire. More wasn’t possible as Tanzania is damn expensive. But there is still Kenya ahaid. But first bus rides and hopefully boat trips to Lamu

Off to Burundi

So, this is the last account from Rwanda. I am heading out to Bujumbura, Burundi tomorrow morning at 7am. It’s supposed to be very beautiful and I will be in good company. Friends from the girls here in the house are Burundians and one of them is going home for the weekend. So, I guess I will be well taken care off. It was already announced that my stay will include clubbing and beach time. Sounds great, heah:) So one more account of Rwanda next on the next page…