On My Way North of Nairobi~ My World Tuesday

Click here to read Part 1 in this series. It starts with my stopover in Nairobi, Kenya.
Click here to read Part 2 in this series in Kenya. It continues with my sojourn in Nairobi, Kenya.

There was much more to see and do in Nairobi and many photos too.  But as I mentioned in an earlier post, I lost so many photos. I am still working on recovering them but this will take some time yet. Later I hope to add more posts and photos about things done in Nairobi, Kenya.

Right now I am taking you on a journey north to the City of Nakuru, Kenya. Before we get there we stop at this magnificent look out spot.

I always stop at this site when I visit Kenya and go north.  It is a place to take photos of Mount Longonot and the surrounding valley and to purchase curios and souvenirs.

This man makes me nervous sitting atop this rickety fence. It is a long drop to the bottom if it should fail him.

These are just some of the curio shops that sit by the roadside.

Last time I was through here I purchased a sheep skin for my mattress. This time I bought a small carved soapstone plate.

I understand that there are actually two highways, at different elevations,  that overlook this valley. The vista is really quite stunning. Much more than my photos can show you.  The look out is also much higher up than it looks.

This is the plate I bought. I think it's great! On this side it has a picture map of the area. Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Turn the plate over and you see this beautiful red and black design along with key phrases/words in Swahili. There is a decorative element also. See the top of the plate. That is a row of carved elements.

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Blue Monday: February 7, 2011 ~ The Pigeons Were Talking To Me

Today the pigeons were talking to me. Why they chose today of all days, I don't know but they wanted their message heard so here it is.

First I was out for a walk on a beautiful sunny day here today. I had to get some veggies, fruits and milk but before that I needed some sustenance.

On my way to the local diner, I decided that the pigeons made a pretty sight sitting in various formations on the telephone poles.

I took several photos against the beautiful blue sky.

Snap, snap, snap ...

Each time I took a new photo, the birds had made yet another formation.

They move around so fast.

I'm wondering what they are chirping about up there.

Do they watch us like we watch them?

Do they look for dropped food perhaps?

So they can swoop down and pick up the crumbs?

For all the pigeons I've seen over the years, I realize I know so little about them.

So I read more about them here. 

I even learned that there is a group called  People for the Preservation of Pigeons who are dedicated to the protection of the oldest domestic bird, the "gentle and loyal pigeon".

I think most people have seen pigeons because they are distributed all over the earth, except in the driest parts of the Sahara, Antarctica and the high Arctic.

This last photo is my favourite one of the day.

What the pigeons seem to want to tell me and you is that they are not so bad. They brighten our days like they did mine today and they are gentle birds. They give a sense of joie de vivre (joy of living) to the cities when you walk about or sit at a sidewalk cafe and enjoy your cafe au lait.  They were even instrumental in transmitting war time messages.

I guess I've always been of two minds about the pigeons myself.   I love to watch them but sometimes I just feel there are too many splattering up the sidewalks and awnings in the apartment buildings.  But they do bring joy to so many people and there are even those who raise and train them. The most high profile one I know of is Mike Tyson, the champion boxer. I've always been fascinated that he would raise pigeons as a hobby.

What are your thoughts on pigeons?

Addendum:  I just thought of something. If I asked instead whether you like doves, would that change your answer? In fact, doves are related to pigeons. I believe they are a smaller form of pigeon and they are mostly white (maybe always white, lol). Most people see the dove as a nice bird representing purity, peace, the Holy Spirit, etc. and have no problem using doves in a wedding setting.  Makes you think about it a little more ;-)

Happy Blue Monday!

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