Looking out the window this rainy April morning in Nairobi, thought of a recent conversation shared with Julius a Keeper at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, home of the world famous baby elephant nursery. Talk centered round how the Keepers deal with the vagaries of weather when out in the wilds of Nairobi National Park all day minding little charges. Julius told that when it rains, storms and all, they keep watch under shield of Umbrellas. It is about a life, having a chance.
A psychological aspect of human hand-rearing elephants success, is the essentiality for Keepers in loving substitute of the orphaned lost elephant’s family to be with the babies 24-7-365, traveling with them as a group during the day, sleeping alongside them at night. Even more and specifically with the infants, Keepers must be in physical contact at all times to simulate the contact baby would have enjoyed from its elephant family.
On that day of the conversation, dust was everywhere. You could have drawn a ‘Smiley’ on your shoe with a finger. Blending that recollection with a now very muddy Nairobi gave rise to thoughts on matters shoes, the most versatile, the best type when traveling in this age also of grossly limited luggage allowances, rigorously vigorous security checks.
The answer became obvious. Weather is a powerful thing.
Jodhpur boots. Basically short boots that come just above the ankle used most often for pleasure riding [Horses people, not elephants], these boots look great whatever the gender, whatever the age. They dress up well too. Sturdy, often made of smooth leather with tough soles, featuring elasticated gussets, the clincher is next. ‘Heel Pullers’ ensuring a doddle to put them on and off.
Your tour driver will be eternally grateful if your muddy boots are taken off before entering the van, for in your backpack you shall have ensured slippers or sandals are present. This style of shoe is also such a time saver at security checks that require travelers to disrobe of many items not least footwear before going through detectors. They are also, great evening stepping out accessories after cleaning consultations with Room Service and eat out advice from the Concierge, because you aim to relish a fine dining experience in either the hotel or restaurants present in cosmopolitan Nairobi.
And when out, looking sharp no less, those of you traveling with children, asleep under caring hands of night baby minders, the book by their beside read before lights out would be of a stopping poaching of elephant theme. You would have of course re-jigged Jonny Moons book ‘GUNK’ to be, that, the bunch of slimy aliens are snot. Snot, being people who Poach, including ‘Hunters’ legal and or illegal with crosshairs on Elephant. You will make that story pretty so Julius will not need the Umbrella for too long. He will know that with the new generation there shall be no gunk.
All babies one day, ensconced in safe arms enjoying mud, mud, glorious mud with their real Mums.
