Pre-Kenya Preparations :D

Keeenya believe I'm writing a Blog?!?

So, concentrating at work is proving increasingly difficult as people keep asking if I'm excited and how many days until I leave.. it makes me stupidly giddy and just to calm myself down a bit I pretend I really can't remember that I leave in just 4days, 16hours and 11 little minutes and pause thoughtfully to regain composure. A colleague at work even made me a 'Kenya Survival Pack' last week, and filled it with things like rehydration sachets (hopefully won't be needeing those!!), tissues, a little notebook, insect repellent, dry shampoo and a toothbrush holder! Just SUPER :)

My jabbies have been had (which really were the most painless things I've ever had), and my Malaria tablets are ready and raring to go. For anyone that doesn't know, I won the Unilever Graduate Recruitment World-Changing Work Challenge competition back in Easter (a 48hour business challenge which was utterly amazing - think The Apprentice with 7 Uni students!!) and first prize is an all-expenses paid trip to Kenya. I'm still in disbelief - the whole experience was just wonderful and I really learned so much in a comparatively short period of time. You meet some great people, both in and out of Unilever. And I heard no complaints about the free Ben & Jerry's booth at reception...

So with just under 5 days until I depart, I'm almost ready. Mum, as always, has stocked up on super strength mossi-repellent and after all this Cheryl Cole business I'm really glad she has! Visa is ready, packing WILL happen soon, all that's left really is to say my goodbyes and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Really do feel so lucky and grateful.

My finalised itinerary came through today too.. so here's the plan of action:

Sunday, 8th August 2010

Arrival at Nairobi and overnight stay at The Nairobi Safari Club, Lilian Towers

Pick up from Airport by Prima Vera Safaris

Monday, 9th August 2010

08.00 hrs

Travel to Kericho by road

Transport by Prima Vera tours & safaris

13.00 - 14.00 hrs

Arrival, check-in at the International Training Centre (ITC), lunch at Management Staff Centre (MSC)with FAO,JOO and FM-K

14.00 - 14.45hrs

Tour Central Hospital

HIV/AIDS initiatives

15.00 - 16.00hrs

Tour R&D department

New Product development, Innovation, Sustainable Agriculture

16.30hrs

Travel back to ITC

Tuesday, 10th August 2010

07.30hrs

Pick up from ITC

08.15 - 09.00hrs

Kericho Tea Estate

Field operations – Harvesting, pruning, nutrition, transport

09.10 - 09.40hrs

Kerenga Tea Estate

Sustainable Fuelwood Production and bamboo trials

10.00 - 11.00hrs

Tour Jamji Tea Factory

Refreshments at the Factory

11.15 - 11.45hrs

Visit Plant Breeding Station (PIC)

With visit to see experimental plots

12.00 - 12.30hrs

Jamji Hydro-Electric Power station

Renewable Energy Production

13.00 - 14.00hrs

Lunch at the Chebown Monkey Sanctuary

15.00hrs

Tree planting at Theo gardens

15.30hrs

Business Briefing – Corporate Social Responsibility

16.00hrs

Photography; tour Kericho town

Wednesday, 11th August 2010

08.30hrs

Depart for Lake Nakuru National park; spend the night at Sarova Lion Hill

Game drives

(Packed lunch to be organised)

Thursday, 12th August 2010

08.30hrs

Game drives and later depart to Nairobi for flight back to UK

I'm so excited :) I'll keep you updated, and hopefully I'll be able to talk you through my travels!

All the best,

Scotty

Soon to be in AFRICA xxxxx