Chimps!

So we finally went to the chimp sanctuary on the property the other day. The earthwatch people were going, and Lisa and I hadn't been yet, so we tagged along.

Chimps are not indigenous to Kenya, but I guess Jane Goodall started this sanctuary and they were brought here to get away from all of the fighting in countries where they are from like Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Most of them have been rescued from people trying to keep them as pets or sell them for bushmeat. They are a lot bigger than I was expecting. And so many of their mannerisms are so human-like it is really cool to watch. There is one name Max that the keeps kept telling us is "very naughty". I guess he doesn't like the crowds, so he kept running up and down the fence throwing sticks and rocks at us. We got really close, just on the other side of a tall electrified fence, but it is a little sad to see them behind a fence like that. They have a lot of acres to roam, and the fence is as much for their saftey (to keep out predators and elephants) as to keep them from escaping, but still...

We also finally went over to Ol Pejeta house (on of the places the tourists can stay) yesterday to use the pool for the first time. The house is huge and really nice. It used to be owned by a middle-eastern arms dealer who was involved in the whole Iran-contra thing... but he lost it in a gambling bet-- which I find funny and ridiculous. We didn't get to see upstairs because there are some people staying there right now, but the 2 pools and living and dining rooms are pretty sweet. If anyone wants to come visit me in Kenya one year, we should get a big group together and rent out the whole place for a week. It also felt nice to swim.

We watched the world cup final last night at Sweetwaters Lodge and then it was back to work today.