Extol October-November 2017 | Page 24

explore If You Go... of NYC. I flew Emirates, a Dubai-based airline that I highly recommend. It was about a 13- hour trip from JFK to Dubai, and then another five-hour flight from Dubai to Nairobi. Once in Nairobi I had to go through customs and immigration and find my group. I exchanged money at the airport just to have some on hand in case I needed it. GENERAL: Kenya is an excellent place to visit, but do be aware that 2017 is a presidential election and it is more chaotic than usual there. Protests can break out spontaneously and without much warning. I visited Western Kenya with Send a Cow, and while I found it fascinating, I would only recommend it if you’re going with a group and have identified what you’d like to do there. Nairobi is definitely worth your time and has lots to offer tourists. Coastal areas, which I did not visit, sound lovely, but are predominantly Muslim, so take care in how you dress. spend about $500 to get fully vaccinated for a trip to Africa. This clinic handled all of my vaccinations and gave me a prescription for malaria prevention medication. To prepare, I received the Yellow Fever vaccine, which is in short supply, and Hepatitis A and B (given as one combined shot, but you will need two more boosters for it to become permanently effective). I opted for typhoid prevention in a pill because it lasts longer, though it is a pain to take with very specific instructions that must be followed. PAPERWORK: A visa is necessary to enter Kenya. It is an easy application online, and it took about two days to get approved. It costs about $50. If you plan to visit other countries in Africa, go for the East Africa visa. You may have to prove that you have the Yellow Fever vaccine to enter some countries. You need a passport, too. GETTING THERE: I flew from Louisville to Newark, and from Newark made my way by taxi to JFK airport. The taxi ride was about $130 including tolls, so this was far pricier than I expected. Train/subway, bus and shuttle are also options. I took the subway/train on the way back. JFK handles most international flights out SUPPLIES: Since I was attempting to take only carry-on luggage, I opted against liquid bug repellant and sunscreen. Instead, I bought a Neutrogena sunscreen in a stick, and Ben’s Bug Wipes, which have 30 percent DEET to protect against mosquitos. Most hotel rooms have mosquito nets for use at night, but I didn’t tend HEALTH: I visited the University of Louisville Travel Clinic, but note that the clinic does not accept health insurance and you will Let us cater your next event. Ment ad for 1 ion this 5% your ne OFF caterin xt g order Business Dinners | Holiday Parties | Networking Events | Client Appreciation Showers | Rehearsal Dinners | Weddings | Reunions CustomFoodsCatering.com Kircie@customfoodscatering.com 22 EXTOL • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 Kircie Rogers 502-994-4899 2733 Charlestown Road New Albany, IN