Repairs and Maintenance

For the past week Caitlin and I have been employed in the Repairs and Maintenance department at Sanctuary Olonana. At first we didn't quite know what  to expect but it was immediately obvious from the very first day that this would be the most enjoyable work area for both of us. To keep a Luxury Retreat fully functional 24/7 is no easy feat; there were cars to repair, tents to refurbish, wooden signs to carve, electric fences to recircuit, trucks to drive, supplies to deliver etc...etc. Needless to say there was plenty of work for Caitlin and I to be getting on with. Between the two of us we were mechanics, carpenters, truck drivers, garbage cleaners, pool cleaners, painters, builders, and gardeners. Some particular highlights for the both of us include driving an off-road truck from WWII to collect water from a natural spring in the Mara; repairing and re-greasing the wheel hub of one of the 4X4s; chiseling signs on wooden boards with devout Rasta men from Nairobi; and being in the company of the many other people who work in the department since R&M employs the most people at Olonana.

For me I managed to discover many other snooker enthusiasts and so after the day's work is over we would head off towards the dilapidated pool table in the staff quarters and play to our hearts content (many were claiming to be the 'pool champion' - a title that was quickly proven false. Furthermore both Caitlin and I were also re-located to stay in the staff quarters because the Sanctuary was fully-booked which was mainly because the Board of Directors had arrived for 3-4 days of conference talks. In fact to help accomodate for the extra numbers incredibily luxurious mobile camps were pitched in the open grass field that's within the Olonana boundary... I think I would have preferred to sleep there under the stars! Next week it we will be waiters but we have both agreed that during our free time we will definitely help out with the R&M department since it was so enjoyable.

Xaver