I know I’ve been remiss in writing, but sometimes there is so much going on that there is no time for reflection. My habit has been to get up when the rumble of the generator penetrates my consciousness at 6 am. I plug in the electric kettle, brew a pot of coffee and then take my mug, pad and pen to a comfortable perch on the couch. There I watch the sunlight creep over the hill across the valley, look for wildlife and write. An hour later, Rehema knocks gently on the door and enters with “Good morning, how was your night?” Then the bustle of the day begins. John and I head to the office between 9:00 and 9:30.

For the past ten days, since returning from the U.S., this routine has been interrupted by jetlag, early morning work requirements and, happily, our guests – Susie and Lynn – who often show up before 7 am with binoculars and cameras in hand ready for a morning game drive. When this happens, we quickly fortify ourselves with caffeine, grab the car keys and head out into the bush. I am transformed from neophyte Kenyan to experienced tour guide.

It is amazing how one’s perspective changes after four months of immersion. What was once exciting and new is now understandable and predictable (though still wondrous): wildlife behavior, cultural nuances, geographic landmarks, travel conditions, even language. Having guests who are seeing everything for the first time makes me realize how much I have learned. From a distance, I can tell the difference between a white rhino and a black rhino and the difference between a Grevy zebra and a common zebra. I don’t confuse eland, oryx, waterbuck, impala, gazelle and hartebeest. I know the round black blob on the horizon is a male ostrich and the big tan bird moving through the grass is a Cory Bustard. When I see gazelle standing alert and at attention at dusk, I know a predator is nearby. Endless car rides and interminable rutted dirt roads are the new normal.

Having guests is delightful on many levels. It forces us to step up the game drives and test our growing knowledge. We get to share our experiences with friends and family and wow people with the view from our deck, the people we work with and the service we receive from Rehema and Wamuyu. We get goodies from home and are able to speak “American” at full speed without receiving blank looks from our listeners. We talk about football, the polar vortex and American politics. Guests, keep coming.