Orientation

It's been a crazy few days.  We've started learning Swahili using the LAMP program, which involves picking a phrase a day and practising it again and again until you've got it perfect.  We then go down to the market to practise our phrase on as many Kenyans as possible, it doesn't half make you feel stupid.

Another thing we have experienced is the matatus, matatus are like little mini-vans that run kind of like buses.  They are all, without exception, driven by maniacs, it's terrifying.  I've been on a matatu 4 times now, the first time a guy called Stephen took us downtown to see what real Nairobi looks like, on the second trip we went to visit Kibera.

The view from the top floor of the community building

Kibera is the biggest slum in Africa, a guy called Micah took us around and showed us the community building and a building they use for running after school lessons for the children.  Although it was a national holiday the place was full of children, some of the older ones were reading and testing each other whilst the younger ones just ran around and played.  I sat down on the floor to better talk to one of the children and loads of the children started stroking my hair, it was funny and cute at first, although after a while it did start to hurt as some of the littlest ones would pull my hair.  One of the older ones explained what they were doing by saying 'why is your hair so smooth?  My hair is rough.'  They had never really seen anyone with straight hair before.

Why is your hair so smooth?

Becca surrounded by kids

2 of the boys, Mishak and Nicholas walked with us right out to the outskirts of the village to catch our matatu home.  We had to physically stop them from getting on the bus with us, they didn't want us to leave.  A little bit down the road we stopped at a junction, Mishak had chased the bus, he shouted through the window to us 'will you come again?'  It broke my heart, I didn't want to leave.

Mishak

Today we go on to Kijabe, from there Jonny and Arne leave for Tanzania tomorrow.  The Andersens baby was due yesterday, needless to say it didn't arrive.  Me and Becca will be staying in Kijabe until the baby is ready to travel, who knows how long that'll be.