Kenya is Calling!

KENYA

The African continent is huge, 54 countries make up this diverse continent. It would take a very long time to truly experience each country in Africa but it can be done. Where's a good place to begin your African journey? Why not KENYA? 

Bordering the Indian Ocean coastline, this East Africa country encompasses lakelands, mountain highlands, savannah, and the Great Rift Valley. In Kenya you can observe a lot of wildlife; cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, and zebra are a few of the exotic animals that make Kenya home.

Nairobi is Kenya's capital. Referred to as the Green City in the sun, this city has sprawling buildings,a lively music scene, plenty of markets and shops, and it's good starting point for a famous tour of a safari. An African safari can cost anywhere from $125.00 to $1.500 per person per night. There are safaris to suit every budget and Kenya is often one of the more popular countries in Africa to visit.

KENYA HIGHLIGHTS:

Kenya Railways: Take a legendary train ride through the African bush.

Meru National Park is the inspiration for the film Born Free about Elsa, the lioness.

Mount Kenya is African's second highest peak. The summit trails aren't overcrowded and a trek can take up to five days to the summit.

The Kenya coast has glorious beaches, colored waters, powder sugar sand, and lots of coral reef. The resort areas of Diani and Malindi are some of the best in Kenya.

Lake Nakaru in the Great Rift Valley has over 240 birds species.

Masai Mara National Reserve is known for the Great Migration of animals. It's a spectacular experience to watch the animals thunder across the open plains and cross the Mara River.

Kenyan Stewed Beef:

500 grams of beef cubes
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons, fresh garlic, minced
1 cup onion, diced
2 tablespoons curry powder
3 tablespoons fresh coriander, finely chopped
1 cup crushed tomatoes
2 cups water
salt/pepper to taste

Heat a large pot on medium heat, add the oil and onions, cook until soft, next add the garlic,
and spices. Stir constantly to avoid sticking. Put the 500 grams of beef in the pot. Cook until fragrant, then add tomatoes and water.

Bring to a slight boil, turn heat down and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

www.africatravelresource.com

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO KENYA.....because KENYA is calling and so is Cheetah!

                           GIRAFFE FACTS:

Giraffes are the tallest mammals on earth. Their legs measure at about 6 feet. They spend most of their life standing up. They sleep standing up and even give birth standing up. Giraffes only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep in a 24 hour period.

Giraffes drink water every few days. Because a giraffes neck is too short to reach the ground, giraffes need to kneel to reach the ground for a drink of water. Giraffes get their source of water from all the plants they eat.

Giraffes can run up to 35 miles an hour over short distances. Giraffes are not silent, they do make flute like sounds and hiss and snort but their sounds cannot be heard by human hearing.

KENYA IS CALLING!

Harbor Springs, a Norman Rockwell setting!

We live in such a high tech fast paced environment these days that finding a Norman Rockwell setting in 2019 seems like it can only be found in a classic old film......so we think. Tucked in the northwest corner of the state of Michigan is a resort town that's adorable, clean, and safe. It's the kind of placewhere you can leave your bicycle unlocked and it will still be there an hour later. Here you can pop into a shop and be called by first name, you'll find friendly lifeguards at the town beach and plenty of water to drink from the natural springs, it's easy to walk around from place to place and  there's a cookie shop in Harbor Springs that's been voted one of the best in America. Whether you're a child or adult a few days or weeks in this perfect summer town will put a smile on your face. In fact you might want to stay permanently. Idyllic Harbor Springs is in a class of it's own. From a private members only dining club to an area historic society this is the kind of resort town where you can have a first rate tennis match, marvel at beautiful works of art, and drink the best made martini.

Lakes rule in this region and there's no shortage of boating and swimming spots. A local favorite is Zorn Park, artesian springs make the lake cool and refreshing.  Zorn Park beach has lifeguards and a swimming raft. On the other side of town canines have their own swimming beach known as Zoll Street Beach. Your fido will enjoy the sandy beach and so will you.

Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is tucked away along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Here you can hike the sand dunes and explore the 30 acres. 

Desserts galore. If you have a sweet tooth you'll please your palate at a number of places. Johans Pastry Shop bakes their bagels, cakes, cookies, coffee cakes, donuts and other guilty pleasures daily. Award winning Tom's Mom's Cookies are amazing. Step inside this small quaint shop for incredible tasting cookies. Tom's Mom's Cookies ships their cookies nationwide and this famous cookie shop has been featured on the Food Network, Rachael Ray, and Today show.

Tunnel of Trees is a lovely tree lined road called M-119. This scenic road is one of the best in the state. It will take you to another popular attraction known as Pond Hill Farm.

Pond Hill Farm is unique. There's plenty to do here. There's a farm store, livestock barn, a cafe, and winery. You can take a short hike through the woods, enjoy a hayride and meet some animals, Beer, wine, and delicious food are all made on the premises. Don't forget to try the legendary Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It's one of the best in the Midwest.

Skateboarders are impressed with the outdoor skate rink located at 740 East Main Street. Beautiful views of the water while you skateboard.

As you walk the friendly sidewalks and notice the spring water fountains that will quench your thirst you'll marvel at the beauty all around you. Harbor Springs is an authentic resort town that welcomes all who want to enjoy its beauty. There's no shortage of  water here, whether you wish to swim in the spring fed lake or drink the pure spring water Harbor Springs will win your heart with its charm.

                                            Colonial Inn, Harbor Springs
Accommodations:

Colonial Inn is a personal favorite of mine. This historic inn beckons with its charm, spacious grounds, and luxury rooms with balconies and patio. Enjoy the fitness center, indoor spa, and swimming pool. A bountiful breakfast can be enjoyed in the breakfast room or on the porch. Lake Michigan is just steps away. Highly recommended, a stay here will brighten your summer days.

Where to Eat: 

New York Restaurant is always busy because the atmosphere and food is wonderful. Located inside a historic former hotel customers enjoy meals made from local ingredients.

Small Batch Bakery, Cafe, & Catering, a cozy cafe with mouth-watering dishes, and desserts. It's the kind of place you'll always want to eat at again and again.

Sam Graces Cafe makes their breads and pastries from scratch. Come here for good breakfast and lunch entrees or for the brick oven pizza.

Gurney's Bottle Shop has been around since 1972. There's a large selection of beer, wine, and liquor.
The sandwiches here are a favorite of locals and tourists. You can build sandwiches the way you like them!

Turkey's Cafe & Pizzeria; this pink colored building on Main Street can't be missed. Fantastic pizza and salads.

Willow is known for Modern American cuisine. Unique dishes from farm to table.

Spotlight on Tom's Mom's Cookies: There's a reason these irresistible cookies have been featured on Food Network, Rachael Ray. and Family Circle magazine.When you walk inside this quaint shop you'll want to try all the delicious cookies loved by adults and kids of all ages.  Located at 1523, 267 S Spring Road, Harbor Springs, don't be surprised if there's a line during busy summer days.
                                              
                                         Tom's Mom's Cookies is loved by adults and kids

When you arrive in HARBOR SPRINGS you can feel the idyllic small town atmosphere. It's beautiful, clean, and safe. It's the kind of place where you can feel carefree for a day, week, or a month. Those that summer here are truly blessed. A "Norman Rockwell" setting and the perfect town to spend your summer. HARBOR SPRINGS is a special kind of place where life seems more simple and unhurried.