From the Equator to the Mud

We have been enjoying the peace and quiet here at our house, simply observing the different animals passing by and soaking in the beauty of being here. We have been playing cards again, making pancakes, and finishing some last bits of schoolwork. As we enjoyed another calm morning in our little routine, Assunta suddenly said,

“I don’t feel as if we are travelling anymore. It just feels so normal.”

As we sat by the window, we watched the animals wander past: the two warthogs again, a few zebras, and, once more, some monkeys. Then we spotted a slender mongoose, although at first we weren’t quite sure what it was.

“It looks a bit like a marten,” Assunta said, “but with a longer tail and a black tip to it.”

We watched it quietly until it disappeared into the bushes.

Later, we planned to explore the pool at the clubhouse of the estate, so everyone got ready. But just as we were about to leave, the clouds turned dark, and within minutes the rain came pouring down. Since the children were already wearing their swimming suits, they took full advantage of it, dancing in the rain, laughing together, and enjoying every second. It was wonderful to watch.

One of the highlights of the day was visiting the equator just outside Nanyuki. It was fascinating to stand there, right on the line dividing the northern and southern hemispheres. Several men approached us, wanting to sell souvenirs and demonstrate the famous “equator water experiment.” However, with everyone trying so eagerly to sell us something, we didn’t feel very comfortable and decided to leave.

Instead, we thought we would research the experiment ourselves and perhaps try it later at Ol Pejeta, where there is another point exactly on the equator. We now know that the demonstration is really more of a trick than an actual example of the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis force at the equator is far too weak to influence the direction of water swirling in a small basin. Still, it might actually be fun to recreate the trick for the children ourselves, as a way of helping them understand the principle behind it.

On the drive back from Nanyuki, we had one last exciting moment. Because of the heavy rain over the past few days, the road had become extremely muddy, and of course, we got stuck.

I wasn’t quite sure how we were going to get out. Other cars had also struggled but somehow managed to free themselves. Then one vehicle stopped nearby after making it through and asked if we were alright. Unfortunately, I had to admit that I had no idea how best to get us out of the mess.

Two men kindly came to help. One took the wheel while the other guided him through the mud. Somehow, they managed to get the car free again. As we finally pulled out, they smiled and simply said,

“You have a very strong car.”

Relieved, grateful, and still with my heart racing, I thanked the gentlemen, and we drove the final 600 metres back to the gates of the estate.

Happy to be home again, we spent a quiet evening together before falling into bed, tired and thankful for another unforgettable day.