Giraffes and more

14^th May 2011.  Yesterday Mark had the afternoon off and we took Evan to see some giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, conveniently located in the same suburb that we live in, Karen. They are the most adorable creatures, with those huge eyes and never-ending eyelashes. The giraffes at the centre have all been rescued and are very tame – visitors can feed them and stroke them. Mark and I really enjoyed it, but I’m not sure Evan really understood what we were seeing. He was a bit surprised when one of them licked his hand (Percy licks him regularly), but overall – he wasn’t nearly as impressed as we were!

Mark & Evan feed a giraffe

 While we were there, I saw my first cat in Nairobi. (Although, when we were out on a walk earlier this week, I saw a rat that had been run over in the road … and let me tell you, it was bigger than some cats I’ve seen in my life. I’m hoping desperately that we never get one of those at our house!). Anyway, this cat was happily snoozing on the stairs and all I could think about was our lovely cats, Thandi & Billy, that we left behind in Jo’burg. They are ‘boarding’ with a good friend Viv, whose love for cats is legendary – so they’re in a very happy place. Kind of like being told you have to leave your house, but you can stay indefinitely in the penthouse suite at the Michaelangelo hotel. So while I know they’re in good hands, I still miss them terribly. Especially at night when they used to come and snuggle up with me. Viv – please give them a big cuddle from us?

 The very missed Thandi & Billy

The other thing I did yesterday was to take Evan to his new nursery school to register him to start in the new school year in September. He got all shy and clingy when introduced to his class – but then warmed up to all the toys and the slide. I can’t believe my little boy will soon be going to school! Even if it is only for 3 mornings a week and accompanied by his nanny! Speaking of which, we did decided on one, and Grace is starting with us on Monday morning.

Mark left early this morning for his management conference at the Vic Falls. He has a stopover in Jo’burg both on the way there and the way back, but I’m sure the event will be stunning! Maybe when the next one comes around in 2 years time, Evan will be old enough to leave with someone for a few days and I’ll be able to join Mark and have some R&R too.

Evan 'driving' as Mark left for the airport this morning

 A special shout-out to my cousin Ande in Melbourne who turned 40 today and then to my good friend Louise and my sister-in-law Cheryl, who turn 40 tomorrow. Wishing all of you a super birthday and fabulous decade ahead.

Happy weekend everyone xxx.