It just seems appropriate to begin with this picture. Mostly because it's great in every way. Don was so excited about the beauty of Rwanda, especially its double rainbows (!), that he burst into song. It took us about 20 minutes to find him after the song began - he was running all over the hills and towns, singing his head off. I think he liked it. There's another double rainbow picture below, but it's just not the same.
First on our agenda for the Baker clan was to head east out to Akagera National Park. The trip there was a bit bumpy, but definitely worth it. A safari first for some, and a great time for all.
First on our agenda for the Baker clan was to head east out to Akagera National Park. The trip there was a bit bumpy, but definitely worth it. A safari first for some, and a great time for all.
...and, if you're wondering what's at the end of the rainbow...
Ryder's permanent grin was a staple of the safari ride - especially the giraffes!
Lilac-breasted Rollers
Impala
It was a lot for Ryder to soak in at once. He had to take a stroll to ponder all that he saw.
We said goodbye to the park and headed back for Kigali,
where we had a lot of time to soak in the city.
A happy Don is a Don with a coffee in his hands.
We took a trip to the African Bagel Company, or ABC, as it's known around here. JB even got to see them make the bagels.
An artist at work. Ryder gets inked.
JB and Pop Pop even got to see the grand opening of Chez Bunny, the new bunny house I made. Yes, we have a bunny now.
Another stop on the Baker tour was out west to Nyungwe National Park, home of monkeys galore and incredible views. Being the end of the rainy season, the park road got a lot of rain all at once, so mudslides are common. We had to drive around one on our way to the lodge:
Once at the lodge, we relaxed. Mostly because of our favorite light fixture, which is made out of individual tea strainers. What more do you want on a hotel sitting inside a tea plantation?
After settling in, the next day we took a journey into the jungle on the waterfall trail. The trail was great, but the waterfall was simply amazing.
Eventually, we saw the river, and ultimately, the waterfall!
The next day, we took the whole gang to the jungle canopy walk. It was fantastic. Ryder got to know our guide, Tierry, and everyone enjoyed the "trail" suspended in the air through the canopy. We were a few hundred feet or so up there - gorgeous!
Someone enjoyed the backpack, too.
What a trip. Thanks, JB and Pop Pop for making the journey! See you next time...