Classy Hash...

We had a great time at the two special hashes in Amsterdam in August. I was happy that Veronica’s flag dress was stretchy enough to fit me, which was perfect for the Classy Hash.

There were several drink stops featuring traditional drinks from different countries, all of which were presumably classier than our usual beer stops.

Not keeping with the classy theme at all, but I enjoyed a sculpture exhibit of industrial equipment that we came across in one of the parks.

Amsterdam Sightings...

Along the trail in North Amsterdam, there was a lot of creative artwork and graffiti. This elephant featuring Queen Beatrix was part of a citywide fundraiser several years ago. 

Not quite sure what’s inside this old warehouse, but I like the sentiment.

Not sure what this odd contraption was or is...

...nor why there’s a broken boat next to a cool waterfront pub. Eventually we made our way to a pier to catch a ferry back across the IJ and then ran back to the start. Boar Whore and I had fun leading the larger than usual circle. It’s always great when one of Jimmy’s crazy ideas comes together and everyone has a fun time.

Boaty McBoat Hash...

After Jimmy’s success at co-haring the first Boaty McBoat Hash for the FILTH in Leiden in April, he set his sights on haring a bigger and better joint FILTH and AH3 trail in Amsterdam. This time he recruited Missing Link to bring his boat and Slippery Edge to help lay trail. Like the first, this hash featured multiple floating beer stops with several hashers taking turns jumping on board.

The beautiful summer weather and unique concept attracted a lot of locals, several visiting hashers and a few virgins, including one of Jimmy’s former colleagues and her husband. Luckily we went undetected at this particular beer stop within the tourist zone with several no alcohol signs.  

Once we ventured past the main canal ring, the stops got more creative such as this one in front of a private community garden. 

Although many of us opted not to get in the hash boat, we all boarded a ferry across the Ij to continue the live trail in North Amsterdam.

Missing Link really got into his role of Boaty McBoat Captain.

Ashlynn Returns...

On August 8, the Project Africa Team arrived back safe and sound to the Netherlands. Before Ben would release everyone to meet their parents, he had final words to share with the group. 

Jimmy, Kati and I anxiously waited for Ashlynn and were thrilled when we finally spotted her.

Ashlynn and Georgia were wearing matching Kenyan beer shirts. While Ashlynn was smiling here, she was mostly crying as she said good-bye to the team that she’d not only worked, lived and played with for the past three weeks but had worked and bonded with over the previous 15 months. It was great hearing about Ashlynn’s fabulous trip over the next few days and eventually seeing photos. Here’s a video summarizing the trip made by one of the boys.

Final Moments in Kenya...

Sunset was really pretty and the perfect time to take photos...

...some of which were pretty silly.

If you can’t tell, this spells Kenya.

On their last day, they got up early to watch the sun rise which made for some dramatic photos.

Rather than take the train back to Nairobi, they flew and then continued onto the Netherlands. It was a long journey, but they got to see Mt Kilaminjaro, which made Ashlynn very happy.

Boating in the Indian Ocean...

Ashlynn was thrilled to go snorkeling. The shallow water was really warm and crystal clear making it perfect for reef snorkeling. She saw lots of colorful fish, sea urchins and starfish as well as an eel.

Unfortunately, there weren’t enough pairs of fins for everyone and about eight kids had the misfortune of stepping on sea urchins. Ashlynn’s training as a Rescue Diver came in handy after one of the girls stepped on one and Ashlynn pulled her out of water.

Not surprised to see that Ashlynn enjoyed hanging out on the upper deck of the glass-bottomed boat.

Diani Beach...

When the trip was planned, the group was supposed to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa by bus, which would have taken 9 to 11 hours. Luckily for them the new Nairobi-Mombasa Madaraka Express Railway, funded by China, opened 18 months ahead of schedule and made the 290-mile (470-kilometer) trip in just 4.5 hours. Ashlynn really enjoyed the train ride’s journey through the savannah where they spotted several elephants.

This part of the trip was all about relaxation. They only had two nights with one full day at Diani Beach, south of Mombasa, but they made the most of the beautiful location.

They stayed just five minutes from the beach in groups of six in little houses with flush toilets, which was a luxury for the first time during the trip. Ashlynn said the stargazing was really great.