Sunday, March 24, 2013
Habari (news)
3/24/13
This post is full of big news.
I'll start with some overlap. The Sarakasi "interview" was a success. They want me! The details are up in the air so I won't jinx anything. As of today, it looks like my days of paperworking and phone answering and live music listening are soon to come.
Sydney and I ended up going to the concert that I had mentioned before. Frank showed me the route I would be taking by Matatu for my everyday commute, so the extra trip was multi-functional. I'm all about learning something from my experiences if you haven't already noticed.
We arrived in time to listen to the opening band, which continued to play long after they were supposed to. Long enough to lead us to believe we had watching the headlining band the entire time! It turns out, the actual band started playing after we left. Great. That's what I get for impatience and a healthy amount of enthusiasm for watching Rocky Horror Picture Show, which was also on our Friday night to-do list along with baking brownies and dancing along to The Time Warp. I've promised to take Sydney to see a live showing this summer in Portland. Everyone should be exposed to Rocky Horror at Clinton Street or a similar theatre once in their life. It's just a healthy part of growing up.
Now, on to the next big news. Lisa and Luis have a friend from ghana visit this week leading up to Easter. They arrived early saturday morning. Their arrival roused me from my slumber just enough to see that I had just received a new email. Half asleep, and for reasons unknown, I decided to check that fresh and shiny new email that I soon realized was from the school I have been waiting to hear from for weeeeeeeks. To put things simply, I got in. Since our new visitors were sleeping, I had to make my jump for joy and happy dance as quiet as possibly then wait for the rest of the house to wake up so I could share the news.
One more weight to slip off my shoulders. I would have been happy either way, but it feels so good to know. The only thing left to do is decide which school is the right one for me. I had to take a break from my african adventure to remember my future and my academic education as opposed to the non-academic education I am getting here. Like I've said a million times before, it's all about balance.
The visitors from Ghana are a mother and her two girls. Those cuties love tickle wars, at least they did before they met me. I show no mercy when it comes to tickling. (cue the evil laugh)
The 8 of us, Tolleys Ghanian friends and me, attended an indian holy day celebration. We spent the afternoon throwing colorful paint at each other
and getting just about as colorful as possible. My once blue shirt is now a mixture of purple, pink, red and green and just about every combination.
Even after a long shower, I still looked I had a colorful rash or a rainbow of a sunburn. The paint wasn't easy to get off...
Now that I've taken my break, I'm ready to jump back into the present. I arrived back at the nest this morning after a full weekend.
I only have about 4 days left since I most likely will not be coming back to stay after easter due to travel preparation. So, while I'm here, I might as well make the best of my time.
note to self.... TAKE PICTURES
Spring is in the air
Concert at the Sarakasi dome
(set up at least)
Started the day off with a skype from this guy
Things got a bit messy...
Friday, March 22, 2013
Moving in a Different Direction
Back in Nairobi for the weekend! I got up niiiiice and early, "at the butt crack of dawn" as I like to say, pardon my French, to take the Nest van home. I made it to Village market in time to enjoy a nice cup of coffee before heading over to the Maasai Market. I looked like a total tourist with my huge backpack full of neglected laundry, but I look like a muzungu no matter what. My foreign appearance just made it a little but harder to get a good price.
I am still a bit rusty, but I managed to talk a vendor down at least 500 shillings. With a little more practice, I might actually make a bargain. I wish I had inherited my Father's salesman skills. Somehow, he always manages to leave a situation in his favor while still leaving both parties satisfied. I remember, my girl scout troop always sold the most cookies out side of Safeway when Mr. Hamel was around. I don't know how he does it.
I arrived home just in time to sit down and change my clothes before heading out again. I had a meeting around mid day with The Sarakasi Trust. Looks like they have a position that will suit me just fine. I'll be getting my toes wet by handling paper work and helping to promote artists, at least that is what it looks like now. What is really important to me is that I am involved. I don't mind spending the day answering phones and stapling papers as long as I get to sit in on workshops and listen to amazing live music at night. Speaking of which, there is a band playing in the Dome tonight. I had planned on a quiet evening in, but it looks like, once again, that isn't going to happen. Aw shucks, just my luck. There will be many pictures to come later this evening (tomorrow morning for you all back home) so stay tuned!
I am still a bit rusty, but I managed to talk a vendor down at least 500 shillings. With a little more practice, I might actually make a bargain. I wish I had inherited my Father's salesman skills. Somehow, he always manages to leave a situation in his favor while still leaving both parties satisfied. I remember, my girl scout troop always sold the most cookies out side of Safeway when Mr. Hamel was around. I don't know how he does it.
I arrived home just in time to sit down and change my clothes before heading out again. I had a meeting around mid day with The Sarakasi Trust. Looks like they have a position that will suit me just fine. I'll be getting my toes wet by handling paper work and helping to promote artists, at least that is what it looks like now. What is really important to me is that I am involved. I don't mind spending the day answering phones and stapling papers as long as I get to sit in on workshops and listen to amazing live music at night. Speaking of which, there is a band playing in the Dome tonight. I had planned on a quiet evening in, but it looks like, once again, that isn't going to happen. Aw shucks, just my luck. There will be many pictures to come later this evening (tomorrow morning for you all back home) so stay tuned!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
A week in pictures
Here at the Nest, we like to color coordinate everything, even plates.
Hello there Silah
Time to get crahzah in the bouncy house
Me and my BFF Edith.
Beautiful Velma
Sweet Angela and not-so-sweet Kevin-Edward
BOUNCE TO DA OUNCE (yes that is a cheetah girls reference)
I'm a few days behind. Yet again.
I received a special surprise today once I finally got on the internet. My brother has released his first song off his new EP. He's been working so hard, and now we are finally getting to see the result of so countless hours spent editing, writing, playing, and listening. I can't remember a trip to Eugene where I wasn't pulled into his room to "listen to this new idea. Isn't it cool?" I am honored that I was able to share in his experience, even if it is just a little bit. Here I am about to go preaching on all of y'all, but if you know what's good for you, you'll go listen to his new single. http://nickhamelmusic.bandcamp.com/
That's the big news from Portland, Oregon, and we are all very proud, but enough of home for now.
The kids had a special visitor yesterday and today. It has been quite a week for them. (Low season my foot.) We celebrated a community birthday party. A very generous birthday boy decided to share his birthday with the children of the Nest, complete with lunch and sweets to go around. It was all thrown together pretty quickly, we found out the morning of, but like most things here, lack of preparation didn't keep the fun from going off without a hitch.
After long hours spent in the cellar, organizing donations, we volunteers needed a little celebration too, before going back to work. A birthday party is just what we needed. Prepared to go back down to the darkest dankest depths of the basement for God knows how long today, we were surprised by, get this, even more visitors! Only this time, instead of bringing snacks, they brought a bouncy house. No, not a bouncy house, a bouncy castle. One could even call it a bouncy town. Don't worry, I took some pictures. I've got to remember to catch these moments while they're here, or else I won't have any proof that these kids touch my life every day. Needless to say, I got my bounce on. I couldn't stay away. One, because they looked like they were having so much fun, and two, because they dragged me in against my will.
The weekend is approaching, and in my two days off, I have packed a ton of activities. The only thing I need is someone to drag along with me. Maybe Sydney and Ben will be willing to go hiking through Karura forest with me. (one item on my list) I also plan on visiting the Maasia market and working on my bargaining skills. (We'll see if those vendors really want 200 KSH for that bracelet.)
That's all for now, I think. I probably forgot something, but this is what I get for not writing every day.
I received a special surprise today once I finally got on the internet. My brother has released his first song off his new EP. He's been working so hard, and now we are finally getting to see the result of so countless hours spent editing, writing, playing, and listening. I can't remember a trip to Eugene where I wasn't pulled into his room to "listen to this new idea. Isn't it cool?" I am honored that I was able to share in his experience, even if it is just a little bit. Here I am about to go preaching on all of y'all, but if you know what's good for you, you'll go listen to his new single. http://nickhamelmusic.bandcamp.com/
That's the big news from Portland, Oregon, and we are all very proud, but enough of home for now.
The kids had a special visitor yesterday and today. It has been quite a week for them. (Low season my foot.) We celebrated a community birthday party. A very generous birthday boy decided to share his birthday with the children of the Nest, complete with lunch and sweets to go around. It was all thrown together pretty quickly, we found out the morning of, but like most things here, lack of preparation didn't keep the fun from going off without a hitch.
After long hours spent in the cellar, organizing donations, we volunteers needed a little celebration too, before going back to work. A birthday party is just what we needed. Prepared to go back down to the darkest dankest depths of the basement for God knows how long today, we were surprised by, get this, even more visitors! Only this time, instead of bringing snacks, they brought a bouncy house. No, not a bouncy house, a bouncy castle. One could even call it a bouncy town. Don't worry, I took some pictures. I've got to remember to catch these moments while they're here, or else I won't have any proof that these kids touch my life every day. Needless to say, I got my bounce on. I couldn't stay away. One, because they looked like they were having so much fun, and two, because they dragged me in against my will.
The weekend is approaching, and in my two days off, I have packed a ton of activities. The only thing I need is someone to drag along with me. Maybe Sydney and Ben will be willing to go hiking through Karura forest with me. (one item on my list) I also plan on visiting the Maasia market and working on my bargaining skills. (We'll see if those vendors really want 200 KSH for that bracelet.)
That's all for now, I think. I probably forgot something, but this is what I get for not writing every day.
Celebrations
3/17/13
Happy Saint Patty's day everyone! To celebrate, I visited my friend ELizabeth at her home. Sundays are usually pretty lazy so we took the afternoon to make the "short walk" to where she lived. What we failed to realize is that, in Kenya, a short walk really means a half an hour hike up a long hill.
We were warmly welcomed by her mother and almost all of her 9 brothers and sisters. They made us breakfast for lunch while sat and shot the breeze and let the hours fly by. Her mom didn't speak much English so we made do with hand gestures and smiles. The kids all sat around and watched as we crazy muzungus stuffed ourselves full of pancakes and traditional Kenyan eggs from traditional Kenyan chickens. They played music in the hopes of getting me to dance... It worked. I made a fool of myself yet again. Those kids showcased some pretty sweet dance moves, while I white-girl danced with my elbows.
Every kids in the neighborhood came to say goodbye to us as we made the journey home. I've really missed the feeling of living in a neighborhood. In Elizabeth's community, everyone knows one another and says hello on the street. You just can't find that in Nairobi where every house has a gate and a security guard. Once again I am reminded of home where I wouldn't hesitate to ask a neighbor to jump start my car or invite them over for dinner. The landscape was absolutely beautiful once we got out of the city. Eliza's brother promised us a walk to the tea plantation. I'll have to remember my camera this time.
The time passed faster than we realized and this close to the equator, dusk doesn't really exist. We had to hoof it home, but not before stopping to buy fruit from a neighbor and chat with literally every person we met.
Our lazy sunday turned into quite a full afternoon.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Visitors
3/16/13
Well as I said before, the Nest gets a lot of visitors. Usually they come and have a look around and do crafts with the kids. The visitors we had today came from many different walks of life. They were lead by a man named Andreas, or as he liked to call himself, Muzungu Wazimu, along with him came about 10 other Germans from all over Kenya. Most worked for the embassy while others were just passing through. They came during mid day and stayed until dark. Along with many people, Andreas brought a large variety of food to donate and lots of enthusiasm. He comes every few months with a new group of visitors. The children performed their usual greeting of singing and dancing and clapping then turned it over to the visitors. I think their presentation of Freire Jacques (spelling?) wasn't too bad seeing as they had about 2.7 minutes to prepare. The rest of the afternoon was spent making bread, and mutilating innocent insects. Not at the same time, of course, and I'm proud to say I didn't participate in the second activity. The kids were in rare form today showing their visitors exactly how to pull the legs off of a grasshopper. We haven't gotten to eat the bread yet but it smelled fantastic. Whatever dough didn't end up in my hair or smeared all over my clothes, was baked in the wood fire oven. Talk about baking from scratch.
As volunteers, it is our job to give our visitors a grand tour of our humble abode. They were impressed with everything, even our messy volunteer house. The visitors had a lot of questions. They wanted to know about how the kids get here, where they come from, why they come, how long they stay. I didn't have all the answers. Shocking, I know. They seemed to enjoy themselves and the kids enough to want to return. I would be really happy to see them again before I leave. Which is coming up soon. I found out my trip westward is coming sooner than I had thought. I'll be leaving the Nest in the first week of April. Just when I'm getting into a routine, I'll pick up and leave. I suppose part of life is being flexible and adapting to unexpected change. I plan on coming back to the Nest after my time in the West part of Kenya, because I have a feeling I'm going to have a tough time saying goodbye when April rolls around. As the lady standing next to me in airline security told me as I said a tearful goodbye to my parents, "Tom Petty said waiting is the hardest part..... but I think it's saying goodbye." I can't help but agree with her.
I first came to Kenya with hardly any plan of attack. For some reason, this "anti-plan" always seems to work out for me. Now I'm finding myself with almost too much to do! In May, after my time with the Elewana foundation, I have a half plan to work for some time with Open Arms International (look 'em up, they're doing some great work) to help out in the music classroom. After that, I'll hopefully spend the rest of may working with the Sarakasi trust. (Another organization worthy a good, thorough google search) I really hope I'm not jinxing anything because, as I said these plans are all tentative. Tentative plans work for me. I love having something to look forward to and to pursue. The only problem is, I would have to leave the Nest for some time.
I was able to chat at length with many of the visitors, one of whom is interning at the embassy. I had an easy time relating to her search of some sort of young intern/volunteer/adventurer networking. Like me, she wants to find more young people ready and willing to get a full Kenyan experience. I let her know that I'm up for the challenge. Slowly but surely I am expanding my Nairobi social circle. (Aren't you proud of me?? I'm making friends!!)
Speaking of friends and cultural experiences, another volunteer, Eliza, who lives in the area has invited Blake and I over for lunch tomorrow. I don't really know what to expect, which is good. I always have the most fun when I don't know what I'm getting myself into. She has also agreed to take me to get my hair braided. Look at me go! Next thing you know I'll have a belly button ring and a tattoo to go along with my Muzungu Wazimu persona. (Just kidding, I'm not going to pierce anything....yet) Braided hair will be fun, and it'll keep me from getting too hot out west. (putting sunscreen on my head might be interesting, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.)
Tomorrow is Sunday, which means I can catch up on some much needed sleep. Just a week until Easter. I can't believe how quickly time is passing.
XOXOX
Back home
3/15/13
I'm back and ready to party! That's how I felt upon first arriving at the nest on wednesday night. All the kids came running as if they hadn't seen us in a week and a half. Which is completely understandable, since we had been gone a week and a half. They attacked us with hugs and greetings of mixed swahinglish and little handfuls of whatever they had most recently dug up in the garden. Ah. It's good to be back.
Kids come and go from the Nest fairly frequently, so it came as only a little bit of a surprise to see a new face today. I don't know much about our new-comer except from what he has told me. James seems like a sweet, and intelligent boy of 11. He helped Blake and I do laundry. Usually, when the kids offer to help us with laundry, we end up with more of a pile of crumpled clothes rather than anything resembling neatness. James was the exception to this rule. I give his folding technique a rating of 9 stars out of 10. I wish I could say the same for myself. One would think that after a month and a half of doing laundry every day, I would be somewhat mediocre at folding clothes, but no. One would be wrong if they thought that.
Along with saying hello to new children, we have said goodbye to some as well. Today we said goodbye to the twins Joseph and Rachel as they set off to live with their new, adopted parents. It was a bitter sweet goodbye. The couple has been going through every single hoop to get these kids. They finally are able to call each other family and take the kids home to Italy after 5 months of tedious paperwork and negotiations.
Today, to try something new, Blake and I ate dinner with the kids. We don't usually do this, but the kids really enjoy having our company. (on second thought, I don't know why we don't eat with them more often.) We had a blast sword fighting each other with our spoons and arm wrestling between mouthfuls of Githiry. Veronica, the troublemaker of the group, decided to copy me action for action and word for word throughout dinner. I am not proud to say that we may or may not have ended up with our fingers in our noses as the night progressed. Who outsmarted who? That still remains to be said. We have an ongoing war between the two of us. One day she'll stick an old rock down the back of my shirt, the next day I'll spray her with the hose. I'm really going to miss that stinker.
Apparently, we have some special visitors coming tomorrow. The children have been prepared since early this morning. We volunteers, however, have not. I don't know exactly what I'm to expect. I just know that I should be excited. They are from Germany and that's the extent of my knowledge.
More on that tomorrow. Because, I spent the majority of the morning peeling potatoes, so my hands are a bit sore. Time to sign off for the night. For some reason, maybe it's the change in weather, I haven't been sleeping well. Too much on my mind perhaps. It's starting to get SO cold here. So Limuru is the second coldest place in Kenya, following Mt. Kenya, but I am surprised to find that the weather here reminds me of March in Oregon. The rain could be contributing to why I feel so much at home here. Once an Oregonian, always an Oregonian, finding comfort in rain. I'm watching as my beautiful golden tan slowly disappears. Pretty soon I'm not going to have any proof that I ever was in Kenya.
But, as usual, I digress. It's time for bed. Those kids will need every bit of my energy tomorrow.
Lala salama!
I'm back and ready to party! That's how I felt upon first arriving at the nest on wednesday night. All the kids came running as if they hadn't seen us in a week and a half. Which is completely understandable, since we had been gone a week and a half. They attacked us with hugs and greetings of mixed swahinglish and little handfuls of whatever they had most recently dug up in the garden. Ah. It's good to be back.
Kids come and go from the Nest fairly frequently, so it came as only a little bit of a surprise to see a new face today. I don't know much about our new-comer except from what he has told me. James seems like a sweet, and intelligent boy of 11. He helped Blake and I do laundry. Usually, when the kids offer to help us with laundry, we end up with more of a pile of crumpled clothes rather than anything resembling neatness. James was the exception to this rule. I give his folding technique a rating of 9 stars out of 10. I wish I could say the same for myself. One would think that after a month and a half of doing laundry every day, I would be somewhat mediocre at folding clothes, but no. One would be wrong if they thought that.
Along with saying hello to new children, we have said goodbye to some as well. Today we said goodbye to the twins Joseph and Rachel as they set off to live with their new, adopted parents. It was a bitter sweet goodbye. The couple has been going through every single hoop to get these kids. They finally are able to call each other family and take the kids home to Italy after 5 months of tedious paperwork and negotiations.
Today, to try something new, Blake and I ate dinner with the kids. We don't usually do this, but the kids really enjoy having our company. (on second thought, I don't know why we don't eat with them more often.) We had a blast sword fighting each other with our spoons and arm wrestling between mouthfuls of Githiry. Veronica, the troublemaker of the group, decided to copy me action for action and word for word throughout dinner. I am not proud to say that we may or may not have ended up with our fingers in our noses as the night progressed. Who outsmarted who? That still remains to be said. We have an ongoing war between the two of us. One day she'll stick an old rock down the back of my shirt, the next day I'll spray her with the hose. I'm really going to miss that stinker.
Apparently, we have some special visitors coming tomorrow. The children have been prepared since early this morning. We volunteers, however, have not. I don't know exactly what I'm to expect. I just know that I should be excited. They are from Germany and that's the extent of my knowledge.
More on that tomorrow. Because, I spent the majority of the morning peeling potatoes, so my hands are a bit sore. Time to sign off for the night. For some reason, maybe it's the change in weather, I haven't been sleeping well. Too much on my mind perhaps. It's starting to get SO cold here. So Limuru is the second coldest place in Kenya, following Mt. Kenya, but I am surprised to find that the weather here reminds me of March in Oregon. The rain could be contributing to why I feel so much at home here. Once an Oregonian, always an Oregonian, finding comfort in rain. I'm watching as my beautiful golden tan slowly disappears. Pretty soon I'm not going to have any proof that I ever was in Kenya.
But, as usual, I digress. It's time for bed. Those kids will need every bit of my energy tomorrow.
Lala salama!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Evolution and Election
I am really going to miss my morning chats with Ruth. Since I've been house bound more or less, it has become a routine to get up and eat breakfast while chatting about life, travel, kids, etc. Yesterday I asked her what her biggest dream is. She wants to be a chef and own a small restaurant. She already has one promised customer.... me! Though I asked the question, I didn't have my own answer when she turned it around on me. Oops. I have never really thought about it before. I have lots of dreams, no question, but what is my BIGGEST dream? Yes, I want to go to college, and yes, I want to start a family some day, but there is a lot of "dream-seeking" time and "finding-out-who-I-really-am" time in the midst of all that. I admire that Ruth knows exactly what she wants. She reminds me of Edith in a lot of ways. They have similar mannerisms and dispositions. They both know what they want.
While you're pondering pursuing all your biggest dreams, I'll fill in what you missed over the past few days.
The election heat has simmered down quite a bit. Uhuru Kenyatta was named president of Kenya by just a hairs width. He needed over 50% to be elected. He got 50.07%. That was enough to make a lot of people really.... let's just say, frustrated. I didn't have much opportunity to get out and about until yesterday when I decided to visit the Nairobi National Museum.
There was a stuffed example of just about every type of animal that Kenya has, with male, female and adolescent versions. There are what seemed like 100 types or bird, or more. I had no idea that pelicans were so gargantuan until I was face to face with one. (stuffed of course)
The museum also features a room following the path of humanity in Kenya. They have some of the world's most important fossils of human skeletons showing how we've evolved over millions of years. They have an exhibit called the Turkana Boy which is a full skeleton of a young boy who lived in Northern Kenya. His is the oldest full skeleton ever found, dating back 1.5 million years.
They have a conjoined snake exhibit where I got to see lots of rad reptiles, and few not so snakey creatures like snails, and fish, and turtles. I wouldn't want to mess with some of the snakes they've got. I was grateful for the 1" glass that separated me from the 3 meter long snake.
I spent a good few hours walking around to the different exhibits and learning about the history of the maasai tribes, the coming of age rituals, the introduction of the railway system in Kenya and the list goes on and on. I usually find history really dry and boring, but I would consider this a day well spent. Maybe I'm developing a greater appreciation for life's finer things like history and black coffee and Jane Austin. It's official. I am middle-aged and I have no problem with that. The most ironic part for me about feeling mature while living in Kenya is that I couldn't be farther than the truth. Everyone I've met has thought I was 16 or younger. (Here's a scary thought, I'll be 19 in a month. When did that happen?!) So I'm feeling years older than I am, while looking years younger. Maybe those Spanish explorers were looking in the wrong place. The fountain of youth is in Africa! Ruth surprised me yesterday by telling me her age. (I won't spill the beans) but I had thought she was at least 10 years younger than the age she told me. I'm becoming less and less surprised by what I learn about Kenyan life. At first it was all so different and everything came as a shock, but I think I'm getting over the initial shock and am coming to terms with the differences. For example, many families consist of 7 or more children.
Speaking of children, I head back to the Nest this afternoon. I miss the kids. I've been a way for far too long. what if they don't recognize me after being away for a week and a half?!? Maybe we'll have a new volunteer waiting for us when we get home. That would certainly spice things up a little. I know , however, that there's a Swahili lesson plan waiting for me when I return.
I recently found out that one of the schools I've applied to has independent swahili classes. All I have to do is become fluent in the next three months, and I'll have college in the bag. I'm really excited about this school. Language is taken seriously and there are a lot of options for a language junkie like me. Just. Waiting. For. The. Letter. Of. Acceptance. I. Am. Going. Crazay.
To take my mind off of the await of a college acceptance letter, I'll go for a walk. It is absolutely beautiful today. The rains clouds that were teasing me for the past few days have blown away, and big fluffy ones have replaced them.
XOXO
ps here are some pictures form the museum
While you're pondering pursuing all your biggest dreams, I'll fill in what you missed over the past few days.
The election heat has simmered down quite a bit. Uhuru Kenyatta was named president of Kenya by just a hairs width. He needed over 50% to be elected. He got 50.07%. That was enough to make a lot of people really.... let's just say, frustrated. I didn't have much opportunity to get out and about until yesterday when I decided to visit the Nairobi National Museum.
There was a stuffed example of just about every type of animal that Kenya has, with male, female and adolescent versions. There are what seemed like 100 types or bird, or more. I had no idea that pelicans were so gargantuan until I was face to face with one. (stuffed of course)
The museum also features a room following the path of humanity in Kenya. They have some of the world's most important fossils of human skeletons showing how we've evolved over millions of years. They have an exhibit called the Turkana Boy which is a full skeleton of a young boy who lived in Northern Kenya. His is the oldest full skeleton ever found, dating back 1.5 million years.
They have a conjoined snake exhibit where I got to see lots of rad reptiles, and few not so snakey creatures like snails, and fish, and turtles. I wouldn't want to mess with some of the snakes they've got. I was grateful for the 1" glass that separated me from the 3 meter long snake.
I spent a good few hours walking around to the different exhibits and learning about the history of the maasai tribes, the coming of age rituals, the introduction of the railway system in Kenya and the list goes on and on. I usually find history really dry and boring, but I would consider this a day well spent. Maybe I'm developing a greater appreciation for life's finer things like history and black coffee and Jane Austin. It's official. I am middle-aged and I have no problem with that. The most ironic part for me about feeling mature while living in Kenya is that I couldn't be farther than the truth. Everyone I've met has thought I was 16 or younger. (Here's a scary thought, I'll be 19 in a month. When did that happen?!) So I'm feeling years older than I am, while looking years younger. Maybe those Spanish explorers were looking in the wrong place. The fountain of youth is in Africa! Ruth surprised me yesterday by telling me her age. (I won't spill the beans) but I had thought she was at least 10 years younger than the age she told me. I'm becoming less and less surprised by what I learn about Kenyan life. At first it was all so different and everything came as a shock, but I think I'm getting over the initial shock and am coming to terms with the differences. For example, many families consist of 7 or more children.
Speaking of children, I head back to the Nest this afternoon. I miss the kids. I've been a way for far too long. what if they don't recognize me after being away for a week and a half?!? Maybe we'll have a new volunteer waiting for us when we get home. That would certainly spice things up a little. I know , however, that there's a Swahili lesson plan waiting for me when I return.
I recently found out that one of the schools I've applied to has independent swahili classes. All I have to do is become fluent in the next three months, and I'll have college in the bag. I'm really excited about this school. Language is taken seriously and there are a lot of options for a language junkie like me. Just. Waiting. For. The. Letter. Of. Acceptance. I. Am. Going. Crazay.
To take my mind off of the await of a college acceptance letter, I'll go for a walk. It is absolutely beautiful today. The rains clouds that were teasing me for the past few days have blown away, and big fluffy ones have replaced them.
XOXO
ps here are some pictures form the museum
Friday, March 8, 2013
Una costa muy rica!
I've been away from the internet for a while. It felt really good to get away from technology and just enjoy my surrounding, which include almost getting kicked off a Matatu, smothering humidity on the coast and spiders the size of my face, but are enjoyable nonetheless.
I'm pretty proud of myself. I managed to get myself home from the Nest on a Matatu. (I almost got kicked off in the process, but some nice women stood up for me against the mean conductor.) It's a small accomplishment but it means I'm farmiliarizing myself with Nairobi. That's all going to change of course when I move out West, but I'm keeping myself on my toes!
I made it home by saturday to give myself lots of time before the election started up. Apparently the matatu are even less cooperative during the days leading up to and following the election, which has been much more peaceful than the last election, 5 years ago. So far we haven't heard of much violence, but to play it safe, the family and I packed up and headed to the coast. We spend the past 5 days soaking up the sun and salty air at Turtle Bay Beach Club in Watamu. For those of you who want to "visually follow" my travels *cough* MOM *cough* Watamu is a few miles North of Mombasa. The resort was complete with two pools, grass roof umbrellas for sun bathing, kayaking center and so much more. I kept telling Sydney how I felt like I had been dropped into a painting. The beach was SO picturesque. The sand was SO white. The water was SO warm. The sun was SO hot. Even with the entire bottle of sunscreen I used, I still got burned to a crisp. But hey, I'm not complaining. This is the most amount of color I've ever gotten in March! The town of Malindi reminds me a lot of Costa Rica. We are at similar latitude, but more than that, it just felt familiar. I saw more people riding around 3 to a motorcycle than I do in Nairobi, and more cows and goats grazing right on the side of the road. Not to mention, it was really beautiful in Watamu.
After strutting my stuff on the dance floor the rest of the time at the beach composed of sitting by the pool, water aerobics, and some light snorkeling (before I got seasick.)
Now, I've heard all about the Kenyan rainy season, but I had no idea what it was really like. I figured since I was already swimming through the humid air, a little more water falling from the sky couldn't be so bad.
I was wrong.
The rains are turrential. They appear out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly.
One morning before heading to breakfast, the rain started. Thinking we could make a mad dash for the restaurant, we took off into the torrents. Of course, I'm exaggerating, but we got soaked. The worst part was, we were the only wet diners in the entire resort. Everyone else had found the umbrellas that were so cleverly hidden in their rooms. I can't exactly plead silly muzungu in this case, because all the other silly muzungus has found thier umbrellas. I am officially the silliest of silly Muzungus.
This trip to the beach has given me the chance to reevaluate my trip in its entirety. I can't believe it's already been a month! I started out my trip with a lot of homesickness. I still miss my family and friends and things from back home, but missing someone and being homesick are two different things completely. With homesickness gone, I can enjoy and completely throw myself into my adventure, but still reserve a place in my mind to wish my friends and family could see everything I'm seeing.
With that mushy part out of the way, I can get on with my story.
Yesterday, we visited the Gedi ruins. The city, a metropolis in its time, had been abandoned in the 17th century. After functioning and thriving on rich resources for over 400 years, the people picked up and relocated for reasons unknown. There are many theories for why the people left, as our tour guide so elaborately explained, but the reasons are still a bit foggy.
It was crazy to walk around and imagine all the hustle and bustle that might have happened exactly where we stood. Pieces from Spain, Italy, China and India have been recovered from the ruins and show that Gedi was a major trading center for eastern Africa. The inhabitants were shockingly advanced for their time, creating natural air conditioning and amplification in the schools and mosques. Of course I left my camera at home so the only pictures I have were taken on a phone. I think they portray the idea of what we saw pretty well, though.
With that said, I wish you all goodnight. Or in most of your cases, good afternoon!
~Natalie
I'm pretty proud of myself. I managed to get myself home from the Nest on a Matatu. (I almost got kicked off in the process, but some nice women stood up for me against the mean conductor.) It's a small accomplishment but it means I'm farmiliarizing myself with Nairobi. That's all going to change of course when I move out West, but I'm keeping myself on my toes!
I made it home by saturday to give myself lots of time before the election started up. Apparently the matatu are even less cooperative during the days leading up to and following the election, which has been much more peaceful than the last election, 5 years ago. So far we haven't heard of much violence, but to play it safe, the family and I packed up and headed to the coast. We spend the past 5 days soaking up the sun and salty air at Turtle Bay Beach Club in Watamu. For those of you who want to "visually follow" my travels *cough* MOM *cough* Watamu is a few miles North of Mombasa. The resort was complete with two pools, grass roof umbrellas for sun bathing, kayaking center and so much more. I kept telling Sydney how I felt like I had been dropped into a painting. The beach was SO picturesque. The sand was SO white. The water was SO warm. The sun was SO hot. Even with the entire bottle of sunscreen I used, I still got burned to a crisp. But hey, I'm not complaining. This is the most amount of color I've ever gotten in March! The town of Malindi reminds me a lot of Costa Rica. We are at similar latitude, but more than that, it just felt familiar. I saw more people riding around 3 to a motorcycle than I do in Nairobi, and more cows and goats grazing right on the side of the road. Not to mention, it was really beautiful in Watamu.
Once we got all of our luggage unpacked we hit the beach, which was literally right next to our room. I dragged Sydney along to play beach volleyball with me and a bunch of Germans and Kenyans. I had too much fun making a fool of myself diving for the ball and getting sand in my hair. The Kenyans wanted to know all about us and our fair skin. Were we from England? How do we like Kenya? Are we staying long? As long as a person isn't scared off by the initial curiosity, one can make really good Kenyan friends. We hit the "disco" later that night. I got my fill of cheesy 90's pop songs whilst getting my groove on with the 5 other dancers, all of which were over the age of forty. It was a cheese-tastic adventure to say the least.
After strutting my stuff on the dance floor the rest of the time at the beach composed of sitting by the pool, water aerobics, and some light snorkeling (before I got seasick.)
Now, I've heard all about the Kenyan rainy season, but I had no idea what it was really like. I figured since I was already swimming through the humid air, a little more water falling from the sky couldn't be so bad.
I was wrong.
The rains are turrential. They appear out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly.
One morning before heading to breakfast, the rain started. Thinking we could make a mad dash for the restaurant, we took off into the torrents. Of course, I'm exaggerating, but we got soaked. The worst part was, we were the only wet diners in the entire resort. Everyone else had found the umbrellas that were so cleverly hidden in their rooms. I can't exactly plead silly muzungu in this case, because all the other silly muzungus has found thier umbrellas. I am officially the silliest of silly Muzungus.
This trip to the beach has given me the chance to reevaluate my trip in its entirety. I can't believe it's already been a month! I started out my trip with a lot of homesickness. I still miss my family and friends and things from back home, but missing someone and being homesick are two different things completely. With homesickness gone, I can enjoy and completely throw myself into my adventure, but still reserve a place in my mind to wish my friends and family could see everything I'm seeing.
That's why this blog is so helpful, it helps me help my family experience what I'm experiencing. I think the greatest thing I can do on this trip is share it. It would be silly to keep it all to myself. I hope somewhere along the way I inspire someone to travel somewhere exotic and unfamiliar just because they can. If I can inspire one person to get on a plane or a boat and travel to Zimbabwe or Brazil, I would be happy as a clam.
With that mushy part out of the way, I can get on with my story.
Yesterday, we visited the Gedi ruins. The city, a metropolis in its time, had been abandoned in the 17th century. After functioning and thriving on rich resources for over 400 years, the people picked up and relocated for reasons unknown. There are many theories for why the people left, as our tour guide so elaborately explained, but the reasons are still a bit foggy.
It was crazy to walk around and imagine all the hustle and bustle that might have happened exactly where we stood. Pieces from Spain, Italy, China and India have been recovered from the ruins and show that Gedi was a major trading center for eastern Africa. The inhabitants were shockingly advanced for their time, creating natural air conditioning and amplification in the schools and mosques. Of course I left my camera at home so the only pictures I have were taken on a phone. I think they portray the idea of what we saw pretty well, though.
Were back in Nairobi now, after our week-long adventure. The election is still going on. There have been some corruption with the ballots so were looking at a few more days of laying low and watching the new for any more updates. So far Kenya has gotten through this tense time without too much discourse, we're all just hoping for continuing cooperation.
With that said, I wish you all goodnight. Or in most of your cases, good afternoon!
~Natalie
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