1991-1992 Rothberg Yearbook

“Shalom Africa....”
Most OYPers made it to Greece, Turkey, Egypt and even Tel Aviv. But for those who wanted to slurp from the
chalis of adventure, nothing but East Africa could satisfy their thirsts. Only a handful of students ventured forth
and all agreed it was well worth the time, money and preperation. When we say preperation, we mean two CC’s
of gammoglobulin shot up your butt, along with countless other innoculations.
The two of us spent five weeks in Kenya and Uganda during winter break, exploring the countryside and
meeting the people. Not knowing what to expect, we landed in Nairobi, unaware of the adventures and “shiel
shul” awaiting us.
The safari hawkers were out en masse
upon our arrival and in no time we were
set up for a 7 day stint through the jungles
and savanahs of Kenya. The days entailed
gome drives in search of the area’s wild
inhabitants and close encounters with
elephants, lions, hippos, rhinos, leopards
and many more large mammals with lots
of teeth. The nights, however, gave a new
meaning to sleeping in the wilderness.
Elephants and leopards become quite bold
once evening falls, using campsites as
latches and trodding grounds, making for
an uneasy night’s sleep. The baboons too,
took advantage of our presence, staking
out the area until one managed to make
off with a bag of toiletries. After a short
chase and a grueling stick fight, we
retrieved the booty from under a
battle-worn bus.
The safari covered a large part of
Kenya's varying landscape, including the
famed soda lakes of the Rift Valley—home
to millions of nervous pink flamingos. As you approach the waters edge, thousands of birds take off in a
quivering pink cloud overhead, creating a situation conducive to wearing a hat.
With the end of the safari and four days left, we made our way to another popular site, Mount Kenya.
Straddling the equator, Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa, rising to over 4800 meters. The
four day trek entailed strenous climbing through jungles, rain forests, barren rocks and glaciers. Our experience
with “dorm pasta” came in handy throughout the climb and made for some happy meals in cold and rainy
places.
Whereas Kenya was touristy and well equipped, Uganda was exactly the opposite. Often we were the only
westerners for miles. We got to know the culture and learn about the Ugandan way of life. Although still
recovering from Idi Amin’s destructive dictatorship, Uganda has maintained its traditional charm and sincerity,
providing us with many memorable experiences. Actually visiting Entebbe, the site of the Israeli hostage rescue
operation, was quite the point of interest. Also the timely bombing of the Ugandan border by Rwanda while we
were prancing around gave everyone something to think about. Deeming it wise to move inland, we stayed in a
tribal fishing village allowing us the opportunity to see the contrasts between both our ways of life.
More valuable than money, our white socks and t־shirts became quite the bargaing chips with the African
merchants. For a couple of socks and a shirt, that special tribal war mask can be yours. Adorning our shorts,
t-shirts and a nifty tan, we left the 90 degree African weather for the open arms of Israel, only to be greeted with
two feet of snow. Welcome home.
Craig Stark and Ken Saltzman