Joanna Goldberg sends biweekly communiqués from Kenya, where she’s living with her kid
The rough life of a volunteer on the front lines of international development sometimes involves some harsh sacrifices. Like going to a posh, award-winning eco-lodge surrounded by stunning vistas and amazing wildlife for the weekend, for instance.
Il Ngwesi Lodge is Kenya’s only lodge both owned and operated by the Maasai community. It costs about $350 a night per person. I believe Will and Kate visited once or twice. It’s a place I wouldn’t dream of being able to visit on my meagre allowance, but a fellow VSO volunteer works for Il Ngwesi and invited about 20 of us to take over the lodge for the weekend at a fraction of the regular cost. Finally, my daughter Cameron would have her chance to have a jumping competition with those who really put their heart into it.
