Wow, you visited Jane Goodall’s camp! That’s always been a dream of mine.
And your boat story had me laughing so hard! It reminded me of a boat trip from Mumbai to Elephanta Island. The boat was packed with families, mothers, babies, and elderly people. And the whole way across, the boatman kept bailing out the water with a plastic bottle because the waves were washing over the boat!
.. ‘the buses - oh deary me - the buses ! Probably the greatest reason was not more adventurous or courageous in foreign travels - plus was a ‘fearful flier early on !
Saved this one for an ‘early morning’ read - on ‘my love’ Anne’s birthday today - an adventurer much like you ! The Greenland story gets a 2nd read later today - as well !
Two more of my ‘nine lives of el gato the cat’ tales drifted back into memory yesterday. Brake Failure at the worst possible time. Am up to 14 or more ‘Lives & counting while sharing with another SubStack Member here - very recently. My suspicion is that you’re among those who ‘Qualify !
Am closer now to 18 Lives than 9 Lives & two were aboard Buses .. but at least they Did Not include being ‘buried alive ! Whew re the two where I was Buried Alive ! (will leave damn near Drowning in Mexico for later !) 🦎🏴☠️🧨
Eat your heart out David Attenborough .... when are you publishing the book .... I want to be first in line to get it personally signed. You are one amazing, hugely talented writer, Kay Walten.
Yes many moments are there. It is why I write to get these stories documented and out there so I don’t take the tales to my grave without sharing. Even my family hasn’t heard the gritty details of my exploits.
@舞原詩音 | Cross‑Cultural Writer thank you for your feedback. I try to keep the gritty parts gritty. None of it is arranged, because sometimes reality is better than fiction.
Buses and baboons in Africa with the driver's mate gunned up with a .12 gauge shotgun? Been there. Africa has its unique rewards but it demands a lot for them. Great story.
I think you have fully articulated that your soul can’t unsee what it saw after this experience, and that is a good thing. Thank you for sharing and giving us the privilege to see this adventure through your eyes. Profound. ❤️
Wow, you visited Jane Goodall’s camp! That’s always been a dream of mine.
And your boat story had me laughing so hard! It reminded me of a boat trip from Mumbai to Elephanta Island. The boat was packed with families, mothers, babies, and elderly people. And the whole way across, the boatman kept bailing out the water with a plastic bottle because the waves were washing over the boat!
.. ‘the buses - oh deary me - the buses ! Probably the greatest reason was not more adventurous or courageous in foreign travels - plus was a ‘fearful flier early on !
Saved this one for an ‘early morning’ read - on ‘my love’ Anne’s birthday today - an adventurer much like you ! The Greenland story gets a 2nd read later today - as well !
Two more of my ‘nine lives of el gato the cat’ tales drifted back into memory yesterday. Brake Failure at the worst possible time. Am up to 14 or more ‘Lives & counting while sharing with another SubStack Member here - very recently. My suspicion is that you’re among those who ‘Qualify !
Am closer now to 18 Lives than 9 Lives & two were aboard Buses .. but at least they Did Not include being ‘buried alive ! Whew re the two where I was Buried Alive ! (will leave damn near Drowning in Mexico for later !) 🦎🏴☠️🧨
Eat your heart out David Attenborough .... when are you publishing the book .... I want to be first in line to get it personally signed. You are one amazing, hugely talented writer, Kay Walten.
Omg @Suzy that is a high compliment. Thank you.
What a trip! And what an adventure! Loved reading it. And great title! :)
Oh thank you! It was amazing. There were so many micro moments that did not make the page. Thrilled you loved reading it. 🙏
Sounds amazing! And yes, I can only imagine; you can never write down every moment, but I’m sure it stayed with you.
Yes many moments are there. It is why I write to get these stories documented and out there so I don’t take the tales to my grave without sharing. Even my family hasn’t heard the gritty details of my exploits.
This is the kind of travel story that doesn’t polish the dust off before handing it to the reader.
The warm beer, the bus, the boat, the donkey, the final gin and tonic with ice — all of it feels lived rather than arranged.
And that last line about goodbye is just right. Some friendships don’t end. They simply take separate planes for a while.
@舞原詩音 | Cross‑Cultural Writer thank you for your feedback. I try to keep the gritty parts gritty. None of it is arranged, because sometimes reality is better than fiction.
Love reading your adventures. Kay! What a great story!
Oh thank you @Mack Collier
Buses and baboons in Africa with the driver's mate gunned up with a .12 gauge shotgun? Been there. Africa has its unique rewards but it demands a lot for them. Great story.
@Sean Paul Kelley I am happy you enjoyed the post. It sounds like you may have stories of Africa yourself to share.
Only Ethiopia and Eritrea. Wish I had more. But those two were enough crazy to last me a while.
Most of my travels are East Asia and Silk Road countries. Done the Silk Road three times backwards and forwards including Iran.
I have to share a review I got today via email.
I knew you had amazing adventures, but until I started reading, your writings, i didn’t comprehend how amazing. 😘
from my Mom.
I think you have fully articulated that your soul can’t unsee what it saw after this experience, and that is a good thing. Thank you for sharing and giving us the privilege to see this adventure through your eyes. Profound. ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was an amazing experience that cannot be found in a brochure or guidebook.
Quite a trip Kay! The whole menagerie there to greet you—chimps, baboons and so much more. PS Great title!
@Jeanine Kitchel had I not been used to guns and military like I’ve seen in Central America I probably would have been more concerned than amused.
I loved reading this. Another set of eyes to look at Tanzania through. Thank you for sharing, looking forward to Kilimanjaro soon.
Aminah, so glad you enjoyed the article. Stay tuned. 😉