Trip to Lamu - January, 2012

Our visit with everyone finished off with a perfectly delightful trip to Lamu on the coast of Kenya.   After we landed on the Island of Manda, the boat ride over to the village of Shela was windy and refreshing... 

We had rented the penthouse apartment of the Star Hotel and had a panoramic view of the water and the village of Shela.   We spent many hours just reading and resting on our rooftop abode.

Each evening we ate supper on the rooftop of Baitil Aman under the stars...

Kath and I walked to Lamu Town one hot morning and experienced the rhythm of life on the Island on foot..

We rented a dhow one evening at sunset to sail at the end of the day...

But of course we spent many hours enjoying the beach together...

Mitchell's Tea Farm - December, 2011

We spent the day in the tea fields outside of Nairobi between Christmas and New Year.   The Mitchell's tea farm is like stepping back in time.   Fiona's family farm has been producing tea for generations.   It's beauty is truly soothing.

Kimani who has worked for the Mitchell's for his lifetime took us on a tour of the fields and indigenous forest close by.

After lunch in the garden, we all had a chance to relax and do our own thing.

Hike to Mount Longonot - December, 2011

After 5 years in Nairobi, we finally (only took 5 years to convince Sam to come!! ) managed to find time to hike Mount Longonot in the Rift Valley with Kath and Mauri.

  

It's a steep climb which leaves you puffing - but the view on the top is amazing as you look down on an enormous crater.

  

Christmas Day - December, 2011

I think this was the first time we shared Christmas morning with another family in a lot of years.   It was fun to keep things simple - knowing being together was the real 'gift' this year.   Sam had arrived in time to be with us - so it was just a delight to enjoy the day together:   Good food, laughter, memories... we were blessed.

The DesRoches traditional treasure hunt for the stockings...

And then just some family photos...

O Canada! 

And of course... breakfast in the backyard!