Colorado: The Pot Smoker’s Paradise

In November 2012, Colorado enacted the Colorado Amendment 64 which allowed adults aged 21 and above to grow , legally possess marijuana while on the move within the state, and even give some as gift to other adults aged 21 and above. The consumption is basically controlled the same way as alcohol. 

 Several bills implementing the Amendment 64 were signed into law in May, 2013, and by September the same year, the Revenue Department had adopted regulations for recreational marijuana and implemented the retail Code for pot to be used across the state.

The first Marijuana store opened in January and tourists began to flock in almost immediately, prompting the state to post more police in Denver and limit the use of the spiritual herb in ski resorts.  Anyone in Colorado and aged 21 and above (resident or not) has a constitutional right to consume cannabis, and as things stand now – it’s a booming business.

Colorado is experiencing a record number of ski visits, thanks to the marijuana incentive. According to industry insiders, the numbers shot to ski arrivals stood at 12.6 million in the 2013-2014 season, a 10% rise from the previous season.

While it’s prohibited to smoke marijuana in hotels and ski resorts, there are “420-friendly” lodgings that allow tourists to puff away their weed. Many music venues and bars also allow outdoor smoking within their compounds.  

There are tens of marijuana dispensaries catering to the needs of the booming tourism. Charter buses are arriving from neighboring states. People are arriving from as far as Japan and Saudi Arabia to experience how it feels to smoke legal weed.

Consumption and Revenues up

The consumption of marijuana is on a steady climb in Colorado and so are the tax revenues collected from sales. In August 2014, pot worth $34 million was sold, with $3.4 going straight to the taxman. It is estimated that the state will make up to $ 30 million this year alone.

Crime rate goes down

It’s not only business and tourism that have improved, what has baffled many is the fact that crime rates have gone down in Colorado since pot was legalized. Crime rates have dropped by an impressive 15% while murder has dropped by 42%. These findings are likely to spur debate and calls for marijuana legalization in other parts of the States, and the world as whole.

There seem to be a connection between the legal status of marijuana and the effect on individuals or society. Psychologists should help here.

By: Sheriff Mako On Monday, December 29, 2014

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Stunning Pictures of the Kenyan Rift Valley

Kenya Tourism -- There is no doubt that Kenya is unbelievably beautiful. This point was proved beyond reasonable doubt in the previous article, Why I will tour Rusinga Island this Christmas. However, for the usual doubting Thomases, here is further proof.

These beautiful pictures were taken at Kerio Valley, part of the expansive rift valley in Kenya. There are several other points you can view the magnificent rift valley. At least these kind of beauty is unique to Kenya, unlike the white sand beaches, Parks, rift valley lakes, etc.  Another reason to tour this beautiful country.

By: Sheriff Mako On Tuesday, December 16, 2014

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Why I will tour Rusinga Island this Christmas

Rusinga Island Lodge

Kenya Tourism -- Kenya has very few competitors when it comes to diversity and natural scenic beauty. There is so much within the country’s geographic borders that hardworking Kenyans and visiting foreign tourists always find it difficult to choose where to spend their limited holiday cash. Many tend to narrow their choices between the white sand beaches at the coast and the remarkable inland game reserves and national parks on the floor of the Great Rift Valley.

Photo: www.rusinga.com

 Tourism is part of the Kenyan experience. Even riding a bus from one city to another always feels a leisurely excursion. But if you mean to tour in the strict sense, there are thousands of options for you. You can just decide to fly north, right into the middle of Lake Turkana, the largest permanent desert lake in the world, to sample what the UNESCO listed breathtaking Islands Parks have to offer or go to Lamu Island, also UNESCO listed, to enjoy Swahili food and donkey rides in the culturally rich narrow streets.

Mad Rush

 A good number of those living in the land-locked Nairobi County often flock to the resort city of Mombasa to swim in the Indian Ocean and lounge at the public Jomo Kenyatta Beach. Beer lovers always find themselves going to Naivasha and Nakuru to watch the rift valley and its animals during the day and to drink and eat Nyama Choma when the sun sets. Or better still, go for swimming expeditions in the hot springs of the saline Lake Bogoria. Some of us just end riding buses back and forth between Nairobi and Nakuru, watching the scenic Rift Valley escarpments, valleys, and mountains.

The routine is likely to be repeated this year, save for the few skeptics who will be swayed by the unfortunate events that have bedeviled Mombasa for the past few months.

Rusinga Island Beach Front: www.theeastafrican.co.ke

Rusinga Island

For those still undecided I will offer some help.  

Instead of assigning numbers to favorite tourist spots and rolling a dice to help you make a choice, I will ask you to accompany me to Rusinga Island for a very special Christmas treat.  

Yes! Let’s go to Rusinga Island – The little beautiful Island in Lake Victoria…

What?

 The pictures of beautiful Rusinga haven’t convinced you?

 No problem.

 Here are the solid reasons why you should join me on Rusinga Island this Christmas.

Rusinga Island is one of the few best kept tourism secrets.

 For the budget Nairobi traveler, getting to the Island means enduring long hours on the road. Even if you took a flight to Kisumu, you will still be required to travel by Road to Ko’otieno, passing through Ko’ogello (Obama’s ancestral village) and spending an hour on a boat to get to the Island.

 But it’s worth it. 

If you have money you may want to charter a flight from Wilson Airport or Kisumu airport to the private airstrip on the Island. The strip is owned by World class Rusinga Island Lodge.

Photo: www.rusinga.com

The 16 KM long island is located at the mouth of Winam Gulf, along the Eastern stretch of Lake Victoria. There are several things you can do while on the Island. For those in love with bird watching, this is the place to be. The Island boasts of more than 369 species of birds, and most of them are unique to the Rusinga and the adjacent bird’s island. 

 You are likely to be drowned in flocks of beautiful birds – some nesting, some hovering above and others fishing and playing in the lake.

Photo: www.rusinga.com

From Rusinga you can hop to Takawiri Island which will offer you a Diani experience with its white sand beaches and palm trees. You may want to swim in the sky blue waters or bask on the beach front – the choice is yours.  There are several islands here, including the scenic Mfangano which constantly reminds you of its presence.

For those interested in knowing who Tom Mboya was and how his life came to a tragic end, you will find his Mausoleum on Rusinga Island and a willing guide to take you through everything Tom Mboya. This include souvenirs, and particularly the briefcase he was carrying when he was shot four decades ago in Nairobi.

There is much more you can do on the Island. After all, fun is what you make it, the Island will provide you with the devices you need. 

By: Sheriff Mako On Sunday, November 30, 2014

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