Kongo the Travel Monkey
The story of Kongo began about five years ago when he was discovered as a suitcase stowaway during a business trip. (Mrs. Kongo loves to sneak surprises into the luggage). I quickly began taking pictures of the little monkey in different settings and emailing them back to Mrs. Kongo and when granddaughters came along they also began receiving pictures and began tracking the little monkey’s journeys. It’s sort of like a simian version of the traveling gnome which, I believe, was stolen from the movie Amélie.
In early November 2011, I had a weird dream about Kongo wanting to start a travel blog but he couldn’t find the right software to do it. Anyway, it got me thinking about a blog for Kongo, I stumbled upon WordPress, and the rest is…well, history.
In February 2012 Missy showed up and started hanging out with Kongo. Missy is a sultry
Kongo and Missy share a quiet moment
simian with big monkey eyes and a thing for Kongo which poses a few complications as Kongo and Rabbit (see below) were kind of going monkey-steady in a long distance relationship. We’re not sure how all that is going to work out but as it turns out simians are not all that monogamous and we all know about rabbits so Kongo has lots of happy relationships.
On a business trip in March 2012 two more monkeys joined Kongo’s troop. They are Cheeks and Valentine who used to live with a woman named Helen in Herndon, Virginia but were set free to join Kongo’s band and see the world. The picture below shows Cheeks, Kongo, and Valentine having drinks at the Sky Club in the Minneapolis airport.
Kongo, Cheeks, and Valentine celebrate the addition of two new monkeys in the MSP Sky Club
Another monkey, Sweetheart, has also been adopted by the troop so we’ve got a full barrel of monkeys going here.
Frankly, the logistics of hauling around a troop of monkeys is getting more than a little onerous. We will have to see how Kongo handles his future adventures with this growing band of fun-loving chimps.
Even more monkeys joined the troop on Christmas Day 2012! This is really becoming a zoo.
Kongo travels over 200,000 air miles each year. Mostly he flies between San Diego and the East Coast but he often visits other sites in the Midwest, South, Southwest, and other spots across the country. He also goes overseas a few times each year.
As a resident of Southern California Kongo has plenty of opportunities to have exciting adventures close to home and he frequently posts about them as well as excursions to visit grand kids that live in Los Angeles.
Sweetheart joins the troop.
Kongo loves to travel, meet new people and see new places. He strongly subscribes to the notion that the journey is as important as the destination and strives to be a traveler and not a tourist.
It’s a jungle out there.
Travel safe. Have fun.
Contact Information
Kongo loves to hear from other monkeys and monkey lovers. You can contact Kongo by email: kongomonkey@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @kongomonkey.
Copyright Information
Unless a credit is associated with a photograph, all the videos, photographs, and written material are original works. Kongo is happy to allow non-commercial use of his photos. Just give credit where credit is due.
Travel Log.
Kongo is a well-traveled monkey and has been all over the world and to all continents except Antarctica. He’s visited 49 of 50 states (hang in there, North Dakota…Kongo will get to you) and has lived in California, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Oklahoma.
Kongo FAQs
What is your scariest travel experience?
Getting kidnapped by a two-year old in a Sky Club at the Atlanta airport. The little monkey just reached into the bag, pulled me out and ran to his 40-something mother who said in this too high falsetto voice, “Where did you get that little monkey?” Fortunately my zoo keeper heard the commotion and was able to get me back without paying ransom.
How do you handle jet lag?
Are you serious? Monkey’s don’t get jet lagged.
What is the most common reaction people have when they spot you in an airport?
They usually say something clever like, “Hey, do you realize there’s a monkey in your bag?”
Does Kongo have a job?
Yes, of course. Monkey business.
Where do you live?
In the pocket of a roll-aboard suitcase
Do you ever have any problems getting through airport security?
No.
Does Kongo have a girlfriend?
Yes. To keep peace with the grand girls Kongo does have an “official” girlfriend. Her name is “Rabbit” and she lives in Thousand Oaks, California with the cutest little granddaughter you can imagine. Sometimes Rabbit hides out and misses her ride back up the coast and has to be express-mailed back home! Kongo also dates Missy the Monkey (see above).
In this election year, what are the political affiliations of this monkey troop?
Well, monkeys aren’t all that political but Kongo is definitely a democrat. Valentine, in that bright red suit, is obviously a republican. Cheeks just finished reading Atlas Shrugged for the third time so he’s a libertarian. Missy is an independent monkey. Sweetheart is undecided and confused about everything political.
What is Kongo’s favorite travel destination?
Kongo visits very few places he doesn’t like. There’s something interesting almost everywhere. In the USA he particularly likes San Francisco, New York, Washington DC, Boston, and Chicago. His overseas favorite cities are London, Prague, Budapest, Hong Kong, and Singapore. He also likes Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat.
Where exactly does Kongo live?
When not stashed in an overhead bin, Kongo’s suitcase is parked in America’s Finest City, San Diego, California. He spends almost half his time on the East Coast.
What kind of camera does Kongo use?
Kongo recently upgraded from a Canon 40D to a Canon 7D which he loves. In a pinch he will use his iPhone.
So, What’s with the Wings?
Kongo is a Million Mile Monkey with Delta Airlines. He was pinned by one of his favorite flight attendants, Marsha, on a cross-country trip in 2012.
Will you answer more questions in the future?
Probably.
Related articles
- It’s Complicated (travel-monkey.me)
- Monkey Business (travel-monkey.me)
So is this the same Kongo who also plays words with friends?
Kongo likes WWF! Username = Kongo123
Hey KONGO! You really are a bit of a rock star! xxoo
Hi Kongo!
Thanks for dropping by and liking my post!
I’ll be sure to drop by yours from time to time for some travel references
Thanks for commenting on the likeness between Moscow and Turnpike Lane stations. Tomorrow, I’m off to Gants Hill which is supposed to be the one most like Moscow.
It’s now the time to visit London, as the Olympics are coming, and a lot of things have been rebuilt or refurbished.
We were just there a few months ago!
Ingenious.
What a well-travelled little guy! We should get Kongo and our Mango (pronounced Mon – go) together as they’re both from the same species.
You should have a Kongo walking tour
“I can’t wait to see you again Kongo love, I really miss you!” Rabbit.
Amazing! Kongo reminds me a little bit of my Steggy. Great idea for a blog.
And thank you, Kongo, for liking my Malta/Gozo blog post, Souvenir shopping and saying goodbye – Ta’Dbeigi craft village
Thank you for liking my post- Notes on being part of a Maori ceremony. Kongo, btw is super cool
A great travel blog idea! Will dip up deeper definitely.
Thanks!
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Thanks for dropping by and liking my entry! Such a unique idea for a blog! I’m looking forward to reading more!:)
What an ingenious blog! Thanks for dropping by on mine, I will certainly come back again
I notice Kongo hasn’t been to india yet though? As I am currently living here I must put in my two cents and encourage you to travel here!
Cheers!
-Brittany
Kongo has not been to India although he sorely wants to visit. I think he would like to visit Goa, Agra, the northern part of the country, and take a train across the continent. Soon I hope. Thanks fror stopping by.
Simply brilliant!!!!
Thanks for liking my post Castle in America.
Kongo you’re really awesome!!! I’m going to happily follow your next travels and posts
I have a hippo, and his name is Hippo, always with me, he says hi!!!!
Thanks for visiting, Roberta! And Hi back at Hippo.
Great!! Can’t wait to see more.
Thanks for liking my post The British Car.
Thanks for going ‘Round the Bend and liking my Road Trip post. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Kongo’s adventures.
Thanks for liking my post Splish! Splash!
Much easier to pack than the Big Fella (another form of ape commonly referred to as a Silver Back Gorilla in our family) though I can’t quite believe this monkey is far more traveled than me!
Well, Kongo does get around and given enough time I’m sure your Silver Back will catch up. Thanks for following Kongo. We’ll try to keep you amused.
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Thank you!
Another ‘one lovely blog’ award from me Kongo, I didn’t realize this was your second nomination so don’t waste to much of your monkey time on passing on if you don’t want to…….I’m only sorry it wasn’t a picture of bananas for you. http://wordswithnannaprawn.com/2012/07/17/hello-to-the-1000th-hit-and-my-first-blog-award-whoop-whoop/
Thanks for the thought!
haha, you should meet my frog, he loves travelling as well, though he is not as far travelled as Kongo
Would Kongo be willing to join my platoon and serve for Queen and Country?
Kongo would be honoured (see, he can spell British) to serve in your platoon. Just keep in mind that he always flies first class and doesn’t do well camping out eating beans cooked over a Sterno can. He’s more of a room service monkey.
I am sure Kongo would get on fine with the other cuddlies in the platoon however I must warn you that selection is tough!
You might notice in Kongo’s postings that he’s a Million Mile Monkey and has the wings to prove it. He’s a tough little simian.
mmmm…. then prehaps he is better off joining the officer corps in the royal air force.
Isn’t the Navy the Queen’s first service? Kongo has a nautical bent for sure.
Have you ever put the whole troop of monkeys in your carry-on? I would love to see TSA go through your bag. Hey, its not a violation! The rules don’t say you can’t bring on a whole barrel of monkeys.
I want to see more Kongo interviews. Do you think it’s too late to write him in as a candidate?
Ha ha. I’ve never tried to bring all the monkeys through at one time. The only time anyone gave him a second glance was clearing gate security at Prague when she was taking everything out and making sure the cameras were really cameras. When she saw Kongo she said, “ah, a little monkey,” pronouncing it like MUN-KEE
I’m not sure what political platform Kongo might stand on. More bananas? He is more of a keen observer at this point in his life. The days for being a candidate for anything are likely in the rear view mirror although he would seriously consider a cabinet position…say Secretary of Animal Relations or something.
Hey Kongo. love your blog. I travel with a small rabbit – called Wabbitt, who has his photo taken all over the place as well. Dumpy the Hippo, and Joe ( a smaller hippo) sometimes travel with him. And a new addition to the family is Lucinda the Duck – she’s set up her blog, but she hasn’t done any traveling yet! Thanks for visiting my blog.
igg, you seem to be traveling with quite a menagerie! I think it’s fun and am glad you do too. Taking pictures of stuffed animals is a great way to meet people. Kongo has even made his own business cards to hand out to his new friends who want to know more about him. Thanks for visiting and I love your finch!
People fell in love with him in Tanzania last year – they were queuing up to have their photo taken with him!
That’s happened to Kongo too. Not sure I get it but there you go. Biggest danger is getting snagged by a three-year old which has happened to Kongo before as well. You have to watch them like a hawk…(since we’re talking about birds…)
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This is so great! Thanks for finding my blog so that I can smile at yours. By the way, I’m in MN and my husband is, as we “speak” in the Delta Skyclub in Minneapolis…not too bad of a place to have to hang out – for a man or a monkey!
Hi, Gretchen. I’ve spent many enjoyable times at the Sky Club in MSP. I like your blog and will continue to follow it closely. Take care!
Thanks so much! I get to hang out there if I’m with my husband, but not if I’m alone or with the kids – he’s the one with the frequent flier perks. It’s very possible you two have been there at the same time!
My wife says the same thing!
That sounds interesting
Nice idea.
Kongo is a very cute monkey!
Thanks, Bev!
Hello Kongo! Love your blog, have hit the “Follow” button!
I have a little travelling hedgehog but he doesn’t have his own blog like you do, really like your photos too.
I am sure the little hedgehog Is quite literate. Maybe he can do a guest post sometime! Thanks for following Kongo
I’m sure he would love to! His name is Trimmin D. Hedgehog, and he says hello.
Thanks for stopping by my website! I have to say this was quite a fun find. Especially so since a group of friends and I all have travel mascots that we bring around. Mine is a small turtle from Germany named Mr. Slopoke. He, unlike Kongo however, loves to photobomb pictures. =) Happy travels!
First of all Kongo u r sooo Cute. I like your blog concept. “Different”
Great Blog
Thanks, Swati!
Your idea for this Kongo blog is so amazing and clever. I love it. Your children/grandchildren must love it. I hope they are sharing Kongo with their classmates.Thanks for your creativity.
Thanks, Harold! It is fun.
Kongo, I enjoyed your blog so much I nominated you for the Blog of the Year 2012 award! http://takingtotheopenroad.com/2013/01/06/blog-of-the-year-2012-award/
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I saw Kongo’s look alike on the Inca Trail this past weekend in the pocket of a large rucksack. He made it all the way to Machu Picchu! Was it Kongo or just another jet setting monkey?
Sadly, Kongo is languishing in San Diego at the moment but is happy to hear that one of his cousins has scaled the peaks to Machu Picchu! Kongo will get there someday …
I look forward to seeing the photo! I think Kongo would love the cloud forests all around the compound, a great place for a monkey if I’ve ever seen
Well, this monkey very much envies you your South American adventure!
Richard is looking forward to his business meeting in Kongo’s hometown this week!
I do hope he enjoys himself!
On our last trip to Korea before relocating back to the States, a Korean friend of ours who owned a toy store presented our children with Papa Bear, a stuffed bear who was bigger than they were. Our flight back was quite turbulent and after hearing the pilot and co-pilot argue over whose fault all the bumps and jolts were, the co-pilot asked to borrow Papa Bear, took him to the cockpit and ordered the pilot out of his seat declaring “The Bear flies better than you!” Papa Bear doesn’t travel any more with the new flight regs, but lives at my daughter’s apartment.
That is a great story, Cynthia. Thanks for following!