- Emmanuel's random stories
- The sun (Hannah).
- Our friends at the market.
- The evening dance offs between Peace and Emmanuel.
- Torrential rain/proper thunderstorms.
- Ariel's American-ness.
- Cheap price of everything!
- Friendly nature of Kenya.
- The choice at breakfast.
- The relaxed approach to life here (Grace).
- The matatu and tuk-tuk rides.
- Being the mzungu minority.
- The hot chocolate.
- Fred (sometimes).
- Hugs with Peace and Emmanuel.
- All the children at The Walk Centre.
Saturday 1 September 2012
Things We're Going To Miss
Things We're Looking Forward To
- Not having dust constantly in our nose or throat or skin.
- Seeing our parents.
- Giving our gifts on return (we've done a particularly good job at choosing them).
- Comfortable sofas.
- Seeing my dog! (Grace)
- Diving (Hannah).
- Trashy TV (no religious channels).
- Various food items.
- Not being woken by a matatu horn.
- Having a working toilet.
- Not having to avoid/catch cockroaches.
- Going back to school.
- Being able to change the temperature of the shower.
- No power cuts.
- Apples!
- Easy internet access, all day long.
- Not having unidentified puddles in the bathroom.
Friday 31 August 2012
31st August
Today was our last day. Over the last week we have received a few goodbye letters from the older children so we decided to write a few of our own to the children we have grown closest to. There were no lessons today so we strolled in a bit later than usual. The children were waiting to pounce and we were surrounded by one group or another for the whole day. Hannah played with two little girls Gami and Faith for most of the morning while Grace sang with the older students to her iPod. They found some of the English songs quite funny. Everyone who we wrote to was very pleased to get a letter and proudly kept them safe in their clothes. It was cute to see the older ones translate the younger ones letters to them.
After lunch the ritual goodbye assembly was held for us. They sang a song and then the Headteacher, Gladys, asked us to say a few words. After holding it together for so long, the tears started to well and our throats choked up. Then Gladys asked if any pupils would like to come forward and say a little something to us. Rachel (5), a favourite from Grace's class, thanked her for playing with her and said she would miss her. Faith (4), Hannah's favourite little girl, followed that asking Hannah to please come back. This was enough for both of us to break down and hysterically cry. Gladys ended the assembly and we were swarmed by students to hug us. It was very touching and emotional at how much we have obviously impacted in the month we've been here. Talking afterwards we agreed that even after catching tuktuks, battling turkeys, adjusting to the culture shock and controlling lessons despite a language barrier, this was without a doubt the hardest thing we have had to do; saying goodbye.
After lunch the ritual goodbye assembly was held for us. They sang a song and then the Headteacher, Gladys, asked us to say a few words. After holding it together for so long, the tears started to well and our throats choked up. Then Gladys asked if any pupils would like to come forward and say a little something to us. Rachel (5), a favourite from Grace's class, thanked her for playing with her and said she would miss her. Faith (4), Hannah's favourite little girl, followed that asking Hannah to please come back. This was enough for both of us to break down and hysterically cry. Gladys ended the assembly and we were swarmed by students to hug us. It was very touching and emotional at how much we have obviously impacted in the month we've been here. Talking afterwards we agreed that even after catching tuktuks, battling turkeys, adjusting to the culture shock and controlling lessons despite a language barrier, this was without a doubt the hardest thing we have had to do; saying goodbye.
Thursday 30 August 2012
30th August
Dinner last night was eventful. After leaving the house in the morning and witnessing the cook walking round the back of the house with a live chicken and a knife, Nat worried the whole day about which meal it was going to be served. It turned up in a casserole; wings, legs and all. This spurred on a lengthy discussion on the slaughter of animals. Collins proudly explained how he'd killed a cow and his friend Austin continued after him with the eternal line "a cow is easy but a goat...". He seemed to take great pleasure in disgusting Nat with the fact that you need 3 people and the technicalities of the event. Frankly we found it quite interesting and more amusing than gross.
Today we held The Walk Centre Mini Olympics. We split the school into age-defined groups who were dubbed teams and they chose animal names; Elephants (baby class), Giraffes (lower middle), Lions (upper middle) and Zebras (top class). The day started with an opening ceremony in which the 4 teams paraded around the yard mimicking their team animal. Hannah organised the 200m race and Grace organised the long jump. Nat did the shot put and Ariel, due to the lack of doable events, held a dance aerobics session for the team not doing an event. The day was a massive success, we had so much fun and the teachers kept telling us all day how happy the children were as the pupils kept informing them.
Just before lunch we held a prizegiving ceremony. Each team had a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each event. 3rd place won some stickers, 2nd won some balloons and 1st won a couple of pencils.
Today was also the day we gave them bananas with their lunch as a leaving present as well as a goody bag each to take home after lunch. As before, with Penny, Helen and Chris, it was heartwarming to see the children so excited and grateful for their simple gifts, but this time it was all the more enjoyable knowing that we had provided these gifts with our own money.
The children sang for Nat as she leaves tomorrow, but it really hit home that tomorrow it will be us.
Today we held The Walk Centre Mini Olympics. We split the school into age-defined groups who were dubbed teams and they chose animal names; Elephants (baby class), Giraffes (lower middle), Lions (upper middle) and Zebras (top class). The day started with an opening ceremony in which the 4 teams paraded around the yard mimicking their team animal. Hannah organised the 200m race and Grace organised the long jump. Nat did the shot put and Ariel, due to the lack of doable events, held a dance aerobics session for the team not doing an event. The day was a massive success, we had so much fun and the teachers kept telling us all day how happy the children were as the pupils kept informing them.
Just before lunch we held a prizegiving ceremony. Each team had a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each event. 3rd place won some stickers, 2nd won some balloons and 1st won a couple of pencils.
Wednesday 29 August 2012
29th August
This week we made flags with our respective classes, it was the first time since coming here that we've seen the kids do anything arts and craftsy. They all loved it because of the many uses they could find for the straws. They were used to consume porridge and as an instrument as well as supporting the flags.
We are worried for the well-being of our American friend Ariel after our departure as she always seems to get taken advantage of at the market. On her first trip she was pressured into buying 5 pairs of earrings, a set of coasters, a wooden elephant and a bowl; we reached her just in time to stop her buying a pair of salad tongs and a wooden zebra. On our most recent visit she bought 11 bracelets, 2 plates and 3 soapstone hearts, luckily she ran out of money!
We were caught in a thunderstorm which provided the opportunity for Ariel to showcase another one of her talents: stopping traffic. Whilst running to the supermarket with Ariel in the lead, she chose to cross the busy road with her American confidence and the bold statement "you just gotta go!". Halfway across she lost her flip-flop and caused a standstill from both directions as she fannied around trying to slide it back on her foot. Thanks to Ariel we could now safely cross the road.
We've spent the evening preparing goody bags for The Walk pupils as a leaving present for our last day on Friday. The little bags each contain 3 biscuits, 3 sweets and a selection of stickers. Fred is also buying a load of bananas to hand out one with each child's lunch.
We are worried for the well-being of our American friend Ariel after our departure as she always seems to get taken advantage of at the market. On her first trip she was pressured into buying 5 pairs of earrings, a set of coasters, a wooden elephant and a bowl; we reached her just in time to stop her buying a pair of salad tongs and a wooden zebra. On our most recent visit she bought 11 bracelets, 2 plates and 3 soapstone hearts, luckily she ran out of money!
We were caught in a thunderstorm which provided the opportunity for Ariel to showcase another one of her talents: stopping traffic. Whilst running to the supermarket with Ariel in the lead, she chose to cross the busy road with her American confidence and the bold statement "you just gotta go!". Halfway across she lost her flip-flop and caused a standstill from both directions as she fannied around trying to slide it back on her foot. Thanks to Ariel we could now safely cross the road.
We've spent the evening preparing goody bags for The Walk pupils as a leaving present for our last day on Friday. The little bags each contain 3 biscuits, 3 sweets and a selection of stickers. Fred is also buying a load of bananas to hand out one with each child's lunch.
26th August
Today we were tricked into a very long church service under the pretense that it was Fred's wedding. Fred told us that his wedding was from 11 until 2 so we were surprised when we were dragged out of bed at 8:30. We were expecting a lie-in. We arrived at the church at 9:30 and the grueling 4 and a half hours started. We escaped at the first possible opportunity, followed quickly by another volunteer group who were thinking exactly the same as us. This Sunday we will be helping Ariel with the Sunday School instead of attending the service.
This is a picture of Fred and his now official wife Celine.
Monday 27 August 2012
25th August
3 weeks into our trip, it's finally safari time! Nat had prepaid for a double trip to Lake Nakuru National Park and Thompson Falls (one of the largest water falls in Africa), but we'd only organised the former with Fred - luckily Alex offered us to join Nat for the latter half of the day for free!
A nasty 7 o'clock start meant we arrived at the park just after sunrise with our driver Francis. The minivan roof opened up to allow standing space which often gave a better view of animals and better photograph opportunities. As Francis left us parked up to pay our entrance fees, we were surrounded by baboons, some of which carried babies on their backs or clinging to their underbelly. Noticing that Francis had left the front windows open, we talked ourselves into the possibility of an attack and decided that the best plan of action was to sit silently still so as not to attract the unwanted attention.
We now believe Francis to be a relative of Fred's, after spotting a three-legged baboon and asking him how that could have occurred. He replied "that baboon is injured". Groundbreaking logic.
Lake Nakuru contains over 1200 species of birds and so is famous for its bird watching; a fact of which Grace's dad would not let her forget. Perhaps we shouldn't have mentioned John's obsession to Francis though as he then stopped the van for every single bird we saw.
At the viewpoint we took some breathtaking pictures of the park which looked like a scene from the Lion King, before being rudely interrupted by a baboon who was casually sat on a nearby bench and chose that moment to relocate causing Nat to run away and Hannah to nearly fall over a rock from fear (it was almost as traumatic as Grace's turkey incident). As we were having a photo taken on Hannah's camera, we became the newest attraction for the Chinese tourist, who lined up with their big-ass cameras to take photo's of us.
We were lucky enough to see every animal that lives in Lake Nakuru National Park, from giraffes to (very rarely spotted) lions at close range. We even got a Beatle-stlye photo of two rhinos crossing the road in front of us.
Towards the end of the trip we were surprised to come across one baboon orally pleasuring another one, just next to our car window. Turns out the trip wasn't as PG-rated as we'd expected.
On our way to Thompson Falls we had a near death experience. Francis chose to ignore the dip in the road and so we went over it at full speed causing us to get some serious air-time (and injuries in Grace's case).
Having brought some chocolate along for the ride, Nat and Grace were both very disappointed to discover that it had melted within 10 minutes due to the extreme heat. Grace later stood on one bar causing a chocolate explosion and apologised to Nat before realising that she had just waste 149 shillings of her own money.
On our way to Thompson Falls we crossed the Equator.
Moving on...
Thompson Falls was as exciting as one could expect. While innocently admiring the view we were pounced on by two women and led to their stalls. All three of us were skint and irritable from the long trip and so were not in the mood for haggling or spending any money. However after expressing brief interest in a banana leaf picture Nat was harassed into the shop and effectively bullied out of buying anything (she refused to be forced). The attitudes of these sellers were a world away from the cooperative stall owners we've befriended at the market.
We left ASAP and once home enjoyed the comfort of Disney film Finding Nemo, which Ariel had brought with her. It was an easy way to end an exhausting day!
A nasty 7 o'clock start meant we arrived at the park just after sunrise with our driver Francis. The minivan roof opened up to allow standing space which often gave a better view of animals and better photograph opportunities. As Francis left us parked up to pay our entrance fees, we were surrounded by baboons, some of which carried babies on their backs or clinging to their underbelly. Noticing that Francis had left the front windows open, we talked ourselves into the possibility of an attack and decided that the best plan of action was to sit silently still so as not to attract the unwanted attention.
We now believe Francis to be a relative of Fred's, after spotting a three-legged baboon and asking him how that could have occurred. He replied "that baboon is injured". Groundbreaking logic.
Lake Nakuru contains over 1200 species of birds and so is famous for its bird watching; a fact of which Grace's dad would not let her forget. Perhaps we shouldn't have mentioned John's obsession to Francis though as he then stopped the van for every single bird we saw.
At the viewpoint we took some breathtaking pictures of the park which looked like a scene from the Lion King, before being rudely interrupted by a baboon who was casually sat on a nearby bench and chose that moment to relocate causing Nat to run away and Hannah to nearly fall over a rock from fear (it was almost as traumatic as Grace's turkey incident). As we were having a photo taken on Hannah's camera, we became the newest attraction for the Chinese tourist, who lined up with their big-ass cameras to take photo's of us.
We were lucky enough to see every animal that lives in Lake Nakuru National Park, from giraffes to (very rarely spotted) lions at close range. We even got a Beatle-stlye photo of two rhinos crossing the road in front of us.
Towards the end of the trip we were surprised to come across one baboon orally pleasuring another one, just next to our car window. Turns out the trip wasn't as PG-rated as we'd expected.
On our way to Thompson Falls we had a near death experience. Francis chose to ignore the dip in the road and so we went over it at full speed causing us to get some serious air-time (and injuries in Grace's case).
Having brought some chocolate along for the ride, Nat and Grace were both very disappointed to discover that it had melted within 10 minutes due to the extreme heat. Grace later stood on one bar causing a chocolate explosion and apologised to Nat before realising that she had just waste 149 shillings of her own money.
On our way to Thompson Falls we crossed the Equator.
Moving on...
Thompson Falls was as exciting as one could expect. While innocently admiring the view we were pounced on by two women and led to their stalls. All three of us were skint and irritable from the long trip and so were not in the mood for haggling or spending any money. However after expressing brief interest in a banana leaf picture Nat was harassed into the shop and effectively bullied out of buying anything (she refused to be forced). The attitudes of these sellers were a world away from the cooperative stall owners we've befriended at the market.
We left ASAP and once home enjoyed the comfort of Disney film Finding Nemo, which Ariel had brought with her. It was an easy way to end an exhausting day!
Sunday 26 August 2012
24th August
We went back to the slum this afternoon with Natalie and Fred so that he could show her around. As we were walking we noticed that some parts felt very empty and soon realised that it was because some of the houses had been destroyed by the rain. Whilst we were trapped inside by the torrential rain, the people in the slum were trapped outside.Recognising the faces of some of the children playing in the dumpsite made it hit home to us that the children we teach at school really do live in these conditions.
In the evening all the volunteers went out for a meal. We were the only Mzungu's in the restaurant and so when Nat and Grace went to choose their cake all eyes were focused on them. Of course Fred was 30 minutes late both taking us to the restaurant and picking us up, and we even specified Mzungu time to him!
In the evening all the volunteers went out for a meal. We were the only Mzungu's in the restaurant and so when Nat and Grace went to choose their cake all eyes were focused on them. Of course Fred was 30 minutes late both taking us to the restaurant and picking us up, and we even specified Mzungu time to him!
Friday 24 August 2012
22nd August
Not much to say as we're very comfortable now with the routine that we have here in Kenya. Our evening entertainment is usually provided by Peace and Emmanuel, for example last night they played musical statues using our iPhone which led into Grace teaching them an interpretive dance to 'Circle of Life'. We have high hopes for Emmanuel's future in the Royal School of Ballet. Although spacial awareness is an issue, his use of the floor space was breath-taking.
Hannah has sunburnt her toes and is now having to wear plasters on each one to school. Loser. Grace is concerned that she has sunburnt her lips so expect a trout pout on return.
Today was our first full day of teaching the children ourselves. Having planned the lessons via visual mind maps we were skeptical as to how they would play out but we have had a great day! We're also happy to have kept some of their work. Hannah has some very interesting 'faces' and Grace has pages of abstract animals and one purely covered in the number '2'.
After having just gotten over her battle with the cows, Grace experienced an even more traumatic confrontation with yet another farm animal; turkeys. As we made our way from Alex's to school, Natalie and Hannah walked around one side of a mud puddle and Grace the other side. Sensing her fear and honing in on her lonely status at the far side of the mud puddle, the turkeys made a break for her. Screaming and protecting herself with her handbag (thanks Dad) Grace ran back to the crowd of motorbikes and their amused drivers. One was kind enough to distract the turkeys long enough for Grace to escape to the Hannah and Nat who were in hysterics. Now everytime we take that route to school, Grace is on red alert.
Hannah has sunburnt her toes and is now having to wear plasters on each one to school. Loser. Grace is concerned that she has sunburnt her lips so expect a trout pout on return.
Today was our first full day of teaching the children ourselves. Having planned the lessons via visual mind maps we were skeptical as to how they would play out but we have had a great day! We're also happy to have kept some of their work. Hannah has some very interesting 'faces' and Grace has pages of abstract animals and one purely covered in the number '2'.
After having just gotten over her battle with the cows, Grace experienced an even more traumatic confrontation with yet another farm animal; turkeys. As we made our way from Alex's to school, Natalie and Hannah walked around one side of a mud puddle and Grace the other side. Sensing her fear and honing in on her lonely status at the far side of the mud puddle, the turkeys made a break for her. Screaming and protecting herself with her handbag (thanks Dad) Grace ran back to the crowd of motorbikes and their amused drivers. One was kind enough to distract the turkeys long enough for Grace to escape to the Hannah and Nat who were in hysterics. Now everytime we take that route to school, Grace is on red alert.
Transport
People who are lucky enough to afford a car, like Alex and Fred, have their own. However the more common forms of transport is matatu, tuktuk and motorbike.
A matatu is a 14 seat minibus, even though this isn't strictly true as we counted 21 people squished into ours on one journey into town. It is incredibly cheap to get anywhere and they also seem to come very regularly, there always seems to be one waiting when we want to go to Nakuru. Yesterday the matatu we used was run by two young men and the atmosphere was that of a party bus. Reggae music was blaring and the two men were very chatty and happy.
Tuktuks are more expensive but it's easier for us to get one back from Nakuru then a matatu. As we have previously explained a tuktuk is basically a large box on the back of a motorbike and can seat 3 people. Tuktuk drivers are very friendly, they often love to ask what football team we support and on Saturday we even got invited to one drivers church service the following day.
We haven't taken a motorbike even though they are as cheap as a motorbike because, as in England, they can only carry the driver plus one passenger and we do not like the idea of being seperated. Fred also warned us against them as often drivers do not own a drivers license.
All 3 forms of transport are really easy to get hold of because of how many litter the roads.
A matatu is a 14 seat minibus, even though this isn't strictly true as we counted 21 people squished into ours on one journey into town. It is incredibly cheap to get anywhere and they also seem to come very regularly, there always seems to be one waiting when we want to go to Nakuru. Yesterday the matatu we used was run by two young men and the atmosphere was that of a party bus. Reggae music was blaring and the two men were very chatty and happy.
Tuktuks are more expensive but it's easier for us to get one back from Nakuru then a matatu. As we have previously explained a tuktuk is basically a large box on the back of a motorbike and can seat 3 people. Tuktuk drivers are very friendly, they often love to ask what football team we support and on Saturday we even got invited to one drivers church service the following day.
We haven't taken a motorbike even though they are as cheap as a motorbike because, as in England, they can only carry the driver plus one passenger and we do not like the idea of being seperated. Fred also warned us against them as often drivers do not own a drivers license.
All 3 forms of transport are really easy to get hold of because of how many litter the roads.
21st August
We have been joined by another two volunteers, Natalie and Ariel. It was great to find out that Natalie is one of our home-girls from the North East and even better to discover Ariel was born and bred in LA, California, USA! And the family is back so the house is busy again, however Grace is mourning the departure of Betty.
Yesterday we ventured to town to update the blog but the internet was down however it wasn't a wasted trip because we stocked up on biscuits and Haribo! When we got back, we were sucked into an intense game of UNO.
After suffering a horrible dust storm at school yesterday, we were relieved to see it was less windy today and the sky was completely clear of clouds. Nat gave out some party blowers, balloons and paper puppets - think a children's birthday party x100 - it was chaos! We also helped Nat give out some clothes to some very grateful children.
As Nat came to Kenya to gain experience for her aspirations to teach, the headmistress Gladys has agreed to let all 4 of us plan, prepare and teach 3 hour-long, activity-based lessons a day which we are all looking forward to because hours just playing in the empty yard can really drag. With that knowledge in mind, the day went quickly as Grace played football with the boys and Hannah took pictures and drew in the sand with the children.
(The football team)
Walking home at lunchtime, Grace conquered one of her biggest fears; cows. As farm animals roam around London, it was bound to happen sometime. Leaving the school we bumped into a herd of cows being moved. After a minor panic (as minor as Grace's panics can be) she was forced to walk straight through the middle with Peace and Emmanuel holding each hand.
Yesterday we ventured to town to update the blog but the internet was down however it wasn't a wasted trip because we stocked up on biscuits and Haribo! When we got back, we were sucked into an intense game of UNO.
After suffering a horrible dust storm at school yesterday, we were relieved to see it was less windy today and the sky was completely clear of clouds. Nat gave out some party blowers, balloons and paper puppets - think a children's birthday party x100 - it was chaos! We also helped Nat give out some clothes to some very grateful children.
As Nat came to Kenya to gain experience for her aspirations to teach, the headmistress Gladys has agreed to let all 4 of us plan, prepare and teach 3 hour-long, activity-based lessons a day which we are all looking forward to because hours just playing in the empty yard can really drag. With that knowledge in mind, the day went quickly as Grace played football with the boys and Hannah took pictures and drew in the sand with the children.
Walking home at lunchtime, Grace conquered one of her biggest fears; cows. As farm animals roam around London, it was bound to happen sometime. Leaving the school we bumped into a herd of cows being moved. After a minor panic (as minor as Grace's panics can be) she was forced to walk straight through the middle with Peace and Emmanuel holding each hand.
Fred Said
'Nakuru' (where we're staying in Kenya) is the Swahili word for dust, hence why we find ourselves covered in the stuff more often than not.
Entertainment
As Nakuru isn't a particularly touristy area it has become evident that there isn't much to in way of entertainment. We've noticed during our frequent trips to town in the afternoons that many Kenyans spend most of their time "just chillin'", sitting outside in the sun.
In the slum there is a public tv room with listings of what will be shown, but we are lucky to be living in a house with it's own televison. We described the Mexican drama that we enjoy but as Alex is a pastor, religious channels tend to be left on throughout the day.
At the school, toys are non-existent but as most of the children live in the slums they're used to making entertainment out of anything they can find.
Lots of the young girls like to draw in the dirt with sticks and stones, especially the image of 'simba' or a lion. Girls also love doing hand-clapping rhymes or skipping with ropes made out of grass or rubber tubing.
There is one football for the boys but they also have good imaginations and last Friday used a plastic bottle as a tee and played golf with a tennis ball and a club with no head.
The imaginations of the youngest children never fail to amaze us. One day a pupil dragged a chair through the dirt to make two parallel lines around the school yard, then a line of children "choo-choo"ed their way down the train track.
In our last week, as farewell gifts, we're looking into buying a few toys for the schoolchildren.
In the slum there is a public tv room with listings of what will be shown, but we are lucky to be living in a house with it's own televison. We described the Mexican drama that we enjoy but as Alex is a pastor, religious channels tend to be left on throughout the day.
At the school, toys are non-existent but as most of the children live in the slums they're used to making entertainment out of anything they can find.
Lots of the young girls like to draw in the dirt with sticks and stones, especially the image of 'simba' or a lion. Girls also love doing hand-clapping rhymes or skipping with ropes made out of grass or rubber tubing.
There is one football for the boys but they also have good imaginations and last Friday used a plastic bottle as a tee and played golf with a tennis ball and a club with no head.
The imaginations of the youngest children never fail to amaze us. One day a pupil dragged a chair through the dirt to make two parallel lines around the school yard, then a line of children "choo-choo"ed their way down the train track.
In our last week, as farewell gifts, we're looking into buying a few toys for the schoolchildren.
19th August
We're not going to church today and have instead opted to do some more sunbathing. Grace developed a thick red burn line yesterday afternoon around the perimeter of her bra straps and neckline of her top so maybe she can catch the sun after all.
Sundays in Kenya are designated the day of rest so most shops do not open which means no point leaving the house for us. Luckily we both have a few books to keep us entertained.
After lunch we ended up playing outside with the dogs for a while and named our little brood.
From left to right: Paris, Shaggy, Kesha, Sebastian, mother Poppy (already named) and Bruiser.
Since naming them we can really see their personalities developing, we see great things in their futures.
Since arriving we had warned Betty against letting Grace do anything for herself; because she is incapable of basic tasks. Against our protests she told Grace to make herself a hot chocolate, and the inevitable happened; Grace spilt it all over her already sunburned legs. Quelle catastrophe!
Sundays in Kenya are designated the day of rest so most shops do not open which means no point leaving the house for us. Luckily we both have a few books to keep us entertained.
After lunch we ended up playing outside with the dogs for a while and named our little brood.
From left to right: Paris, Shaggy, Kesha, Sebastian, mother Poppy (already named) and Bruiser.
Since naming them we can really see their personalities developing, we see great things in their futures.
Since arriving we had warned Betty against letting Grace do anything for herself; because she is incapable of basic tasks. Against our protests she told Grace to make herself a hot chocolate, and the inevitable happened; Grace spilt it all over her already sunburned legs. Quelle catastrophe!
Saturday 18 August 2012
18th August
The meal was a lovely way to say goodbye and we are to happy to have gotten a few photos with the Bettster (one will be uploaded later). It didn't go without it's comical moments though. Grace choked to the point of nearly passing out on a piece of steak. Typically Fred continued enjoying his fish and chips while the rest of the group offered water and helpful slaps on the back. Fred also attempted to ruin photos by holding his fish head infront of our faces.
The whole school performed a couple of songs to say goodbye to Helen, Penny and Chris which was emotional, especially for our ex-roomie Helen. We have since requested Waka Waka by Shakira to be performed on our last day.
Last night we endured our first major power cut. There have been the odd momentary blackouts but usually they only last a few minutes. This particular power cut was all the more unnerving as the house was quiet because Alex and his family are currently on safari in Mombasa and the other volunteers had left. We're looking forward to the family's return on Monday.
Due to the torrential downpour, that trapped us in the hotel cyber cafe for a couple of hours, Nakuru suffered a prolonged power surge which saw us drinking hot chocolate by torchlight. It wasn't all bad as we spent a good 2 hours chatting with Betty about everything from pets to HIV.
Today was our first lazy day since our arrival so we decided to sunbathe in the garden. The family's dog Poppy has recently had puppies so they joined us in lying in the sun. Hannah developed tan lines within about 30 minutes but after 3 hours it became clear that Grace is destined to be white.
The whole school performed a couple of songs to say goodbye to Helen, Penny and Chris which was emotional, especially for our ex-roomie Helen. We have since requested Waka Waka by Shakira to be performed on our last day.
Last night we endured our first major power cut. There have been the odd momentary blackouts but usually they only last a few minutes. This particular power cut was all the more unnerving as the house was quiet because Alex and his family are currently on safari in Mombasa and the other volunteers had left. We're looking forward to the family's return on Monday.
Due to the torrential downpour, that trapped us in the hotel cyber cafe for a couple of hours, Nakuru suffered a prolonged power surge which saw us drinking hot chocolate by torchlight. It wasn't all bad as we spent a good 2 hours chatting with Betty about everything from pets to HIV.
Today was our first lazy day since our arrival so we decided to sunbathe in the garden. The family's dog Poppy has recently had puppies so they joined us in lying in the sun. Hannah developed tan lines within about 30 minutes but after 3 hours it became clear that Grace is destined to be white.
Friday 17 August 2012
Fred Said
In Kenya it is very common for a man to have many wives. He, himself, only has one because Christianity does not agree with that practice but he explained that it is very easy to take a second or third wife. There is no legal complications like in Britain.
He also explained that in Kenyan culture, if you live with your partner and have children it is considered 'marriage'. He has been 'married' for 10 years but is going to get his official certificate next Sunday in a "jubilee ceremony" where he will say vows along with 6 other couples.
He also explained that in Kenyan culture, if you live with your partner and have children it is considered 'marriage'. He has been 'married' for 10 years but is going to get his official certificate next Sunday in a "jubilee ceremony" where he will say vows along with 6 other couples.
16th August
Yesterday, after noticing the state of our feet, Betty offered to take us to Nakuru town for a pedicure. This wasn't your average pedicure; no air-conditioned salons, no high-tech drying equipment and no pretentious beauticians. We were sat under a sun umbrella on the side of the market and the two woman were so friendly and welcoming. They were so excited to tell us that we were the first white hands that they had ever touched (we ended up getting a manicure aswell). Hannah got small flowers on each nail while got the Kenyan flag.
At the school the questions from the older pupils get evermore personal and hilarious, especially if you are over the age of 30 as our fellow volunteer, Helen, is finding out. Regularly she gets asked why she isn't married yet or why she has no children. We both got asked ourselves if we had babys. Grace then panicked that she looked pregnant.
As the boys get to know us better, a couple of them have grown fond of us and we both received love letters yesterday, from 2 primary school students. One kitchen staff member called James, who Grace has struck up a friendship with, also told her to ask her dad how many cows he could buy her for.
Today it was our fellow volunteers last day, they bought each pupil a banana and a small packet of biscuits. It was heartwarming to see the children so excited but it was humbling to think that in England that little present is nothing really. Each child also received a bar of soap each to take home.
Tonight we are going out for another group meal to say goodbye to our fellow volunteers but also to say goodbye and thank you to Betty, who leaves for college on Tuesday. They will all be missed! :(
At the school the questions from the older pupils get evermore personal and hilarious, especially if you are over the age of 30 as our fellow volunteer, Helen, is finding out. Regularly she gets asked why she isn't married yet or why she has no children. We both got asked ourselves if we had babys. Grace then panicked that she looked pregnant.
As the boys get to know us better, a couple of them have grown fond of us and we both received love letters yesterday, from 2 primary school students. One kitchen staff member called James, who Grace has struck up a friendship with, also told her to ask her dad how many cows he could buy her for.
Today it was our fellow volunteers last day, they bought each pupil a banana and a small packet of biscuits. It was heartwarming to see the children so excited but it was humbling to think that in England that little present is nothing really. Each child also received a bar of soap each to take home.
Tonight we are going out for another group meal to say goodbye to our fellow volunteers but also to say goodbye and thank you to Betty, who leaves for college on Tuesday. They will all be missed! :(
Food
For all those wondering about what we're eating, lunch and dinner is largely based around rice or pasta with a variety of sauces containing beans (sometimes meat!) and lots of vegetables, cue Grace's disgusted face.
Breakfasts usually contain toast but have varied from boiled eggs to homemade donuts. The tea tastes different to at home because it is made purely with milk but it is very refreshing.
Although we're enjoying the traditional Kenyan food, we're Yorkshire girls at heart and so have stocked up on a few home comforts such as biscuits for when we're slightly peckish.
At school the children are served porridge at breaktime (made with neither oats nor milk) which, from tasting ourselves, is sort of sweet depending on how much sugar the kitchen staff decide to put in it and is very filling. Lunchtime sees the children being served ugali (cornflour, millet flour and water) and a cabbage concoction (cabbage, onions and tomatoes). It's actually very tasty!
When there is enough money, the children are treated to beans (very occasionally beef) and rice.
Breakfasts usually contain toast but have varied from boiled eggs to homemade donuts. The tea tastes different to at home because it is made purely with milk but it is very refreshing.
Although we're enjoying the traditional Kenyan food, we're Yorkshire girls at heart and so have stocked up on a few home comforts such as biscuits for when we're slightly peckish.
At school the children are served porridge at breaktime (made with neither oats nor milk) which, from tasting ourselves, is sort of sweet depending on how much sugar the kitchen staff decide to put in it and is very filling. Lunchtime sees the children being served ugali (cornflour, millet flour and water) and a cabbage concoction (cabbage, onions and tomatoes). It's actually very tasty!
When there is enough money, the children are treated to beans (very occasionally beef) and rice.
Thursday 16 August 2012
14th August
This afternoon we went to Hyrax Hill which is a museum of an excavation site where the Swahaki tribe originated. It was filled with artifacts and information about their livelihood and some common animals found on the hill, one of which was a spitting cobra which the museum had as a model. If you pressed a button, it spat water which we all found hilarious (especially Fred who laughed like a little boy). We were pleasantly surprised to find a tortoise pen which generated many questions such as "can tortoises climb trees?" (Grace).
On an evening we can't go out after dark and so whilst flicking through TV channels we have found and fallen in love with a typical Mexican drama called "Beautiful But Unlucky". The bad acting and limited plot is the perfect form of mindless entertainment after a tiring day at school. We also enjoy watching some of Collins' films. Tonight's elected film was Flubber!
On an evening we can't go out after dark and so whilst flicking through TV channels we have found and fallen in love with a typical Mexican drama called "Beautiful But Unlucky". The bad acting and limited plot is the perfect form of mindless entertainment after a tiring day at school. We also enjoy watching some of Collins' films. Tonight's elected film was Flubber!
Monday 13 August 2012
13th August
Church wasn't quite as we expected but we were both glad to have experienced it. They started off with some songs in Swahili, but we tried to join in as the words were shown on a screen at the front. The service went on for 3 hours and it became obvious just how strong the Christian faith is in Nakuru. Apparently 80% of Kenyans are Christians and the other 20% are Muslim, a world away from Britain where atheism is common.
After going into town in the afternoon, we decided to get a tuktuk back. Whilst in the vehicle, we realised that it is driven like a motorbike and so started to wonder if we were sat in a small box on the back of a motorbike! It surprised us that the tuktuk managed to get back to where we are staying because even in a car the journey is like an extremely bumpy rollercoaster ride.
The school this week is significantly decreased in pupils as one teacher explained to us that in Kenya, August is used for tribal gatherings. So for the next week or so many pupils with their parents will be going to take part in their mother tribe's rituals. It was actually quite pleasant having less children around because we weren't swarmed by them. We were able to play one-on-one with some children, Grace enjoyed having her hair braided by some of the girls and we both joined in with a game of football with the older boy pupils. It made us realise how long it's been since we've played any sport as after running the length of the school yard, we were both in need of some water.
After going into town in the afternoon, we decided to get a tuktuk back. Whilst in the vehicle, we realised that it is driven like a motorbike and so started to wonder if we were sat in a small box on the back of a motorbike! It surprised us that the tuktuk managed to get back to where we are staying because even in a car the journey is like an extremely bumpy rollercoaster ride.
The school this week is significantly decreased in pupils as one teacher explained to us that in Kenya, August is used for tribal gatherings. So for the next week or so many pupils with their parents will be going to take part in their mother tribe's rituals. It was actually quite pleasant having less children around because we weren't swarmed by them. We were able to play one-on-one with some children, Grace enjoyed having her hair braided by some of the girls and we both joined in with a game of football with the older boy pupils. It made us realise how long it's been since we've played any sport as after running the length of the school yard, we were both in need of some water.
A picture from the school yard, spot the Mzungu!
Sunday 12 August 2012
11th August
It was a pleasant surprise when we found out that we would be spending Saturday at a traditional African wedding. We were told we had to leave at 9:00 as it started at 10:00 but of course things ran on Kenyan time and we didn't actually leave until 10:00. The wedding itself didn't even get underway until 12:00! Peace was one of the 8 flower-girls and Emmanuel was one of the 5 page boys. They led the bridal party to a very African tune and danced their way down the aisle. As the bride entered, with her parents either side, the song changed to "You Raise Me Up" which we both found ourselves singing along to.
One thing that we noticed was how cameras were encouraged and at points you couldn't see the couple as they were surrounded by photographers. We had our own personal photographer, Emmanuel, as he ran off with Hannah's camera. Unfortunately none of the photos were usable as half of them were zoomed in beyond recognition and the other half were upside down.
The wedding provided Grace with the opportunity to release her inner black woman, by dancing with the gospel choir and congregation, which Betty found hilarious.
Because we spent the whole day there, it also meant we had to sample the 'pits' for the first time. Living with the pastor we're privileged to have a fully working cistern so have avoided using the 'pits' during the school day. Honestly the 'public pits' are worse than the toilets at Leeds Fest!
After a boiling hot morning we were shocked to witness a torrential thunderstorm in the afternoon during the reception. We didn't realise hailstones could be that badass! Surprisingly the celebrations continued and the presentation of wedding gifts (such as a bed and a fridge) went on undeterred.
At the reception there were labelled tents for everyone to sit under, e.g. "Ben's Parents & Family". We were disappointed to find there wasn't a "Mzungu" tent.
One thing that we noticed was how cameras were encouraged and at points you couldn't see the couple as they were surrounded by photographers. We had our own personal photographer, Emmanuel, as he ran off with Hannah's camera. Unfortunately none of the photos were usable as half of them were zoomed in beyond recognition and the other half were upside down.
The wedding provided Grace with the opportunity to release her inner black woman, by dancing with the gospel choir and congregation, which Betty found hilarious.
Because we spent the whole day there, it also meant we had to sample the 'pits' for the first time. Living with the pastor we're privileged to have a fully working cistern so have avoided using the 'pits' during the school day. Honestly the 'public pits' are worse than the toilets at Leeds Fest!
After a boiling hot morning we were shocked to witness a torrential thunderstorm in the afternoon during the reception. We didn't realise hailstones could be that badass! Surprisingly the celebrations continued and the presentation of wedding gifts (such as a bed and a fridge) went on undeterred.
At the reception there were labelled tents for everyone to sit under, e.g. "Ben's Parents & Family". We were disappointed to find there wasn't a "Mzungu" tent.
Fred Said
The usage of small coins in Kenya is becoming more and more uncommon, which means some supermarkets run out of change so instead give you sweets.
Thursday 9 August 2012
9th August
We were lucky enough to witness two alternate types of dance performances yesterday. One was a spontaneous flashdance by the school children to 'Waka Waka' by Shakira, which made Grace's day. (Videos will be available on our return). The other was a hilarious interpretation of the conga dance by Peace and Emmanuel, which involved a lot of bum-shaking.
Today was crazy busy. It was the parents meeting at school (which is like Speech Day at Ripon Grammar School). They had a service in the morning with singing and a bible reading from Alex, all in Swahili so we didn't actually know what was going on, then the children performed the pieces they had been working on. Grace's class performed a poem and The Banana Song ("Bananas of the World, Unite") which Grace was very proud of as she was involved in teaching them the song. Most students in Hannah's "baby class" are so young that they only started in May and so hadn't prepared anything. Lunchtime felt like feeding the 5000!
The older pupils are a lot more confident with their English and even showcased some French they had learnt. They're also very interested in the differences between Kenya and England, asking if we had zebras at home.
We're currently in Nakuru town, using the internet in a popular hotel. The ride here was typically Kenyan. What started as 5 volunteers in the car soon turned into a party bus as we were joined by Peace, Emmanuel and Betty and we managed to gain 2 of the kitchen staff from the school as we left Alex's house. We're looking forward to spending the evening in the hotel restaurant with the other volunteers for a group meal.
Remember to check our JustGiving page, we're so happy to already have a donation of 25 pounds!
www.justgiving.com/hannah-and-grace
Today was crazy busy. It was the parents meeting at school (which is like Speech Day at Ripon Grammar School). They had a service in the morning with singing and a bible reading from Alex, all in Swahili so we didn't actually know what was going on, then the children performed the pieces they had been working on. Grace's class performed a poem and The Banana Song ("Bananas of the World, Unite") which Grace was very proud of as she was involved in teaching them the song. Most students in Hannah's "baby class" are so young that they only started in May and so hadn't prepared anything. Lunchtime felt like feeding the 5000!
The older pupils are a lot more confident with their English and even showcased some French they had learnt. They're also very interested in the differences between Kenya and England, asking if we had zebras at home.
We're currently in Nakuru town, using the internet in a popular hotel. The ride here was typically Kenyan. What started as 5 volunteers in the car soon turned into a party bus as we were joined by Peace, Emmanuel and Betty and we managed to gain 2 of the kitchen staff from the school as we left Alex's house. We're looking forward to spending the evening in the hotel restaurant with the other volunteers for a group meal.
Remember to check our JustGiving page, we're so happy to already have a donation of 25 pounds!
www.justgiving.com/hannah-and-grace
Tuesday 7 August 2012
7th August
On our second day, we're already feeling like part of the family, if not part of the whole community. Our host family's youngest children Peace and Emmanuel have taken to us like older siblings (and especially to our iPods). All 3 children loved their presents that we brought for them. Grace has struck up a friendship with Aunty Betty, who cooks and looks after the children, and Hannah is attracting the friendships of pretty much every 10-year-old male she meets.
We feel more settled at The Walk Centre school aswell as we get familiar with the teachers and the routine. It's also comforting to have been joined by 3 new volunteers so we are not the only English-speaking fish in a very large, primarily Swahili-speaking pond.
Unlike yesterday we spent the whole day at the school so we got to meet the older primary school children, who study elsewhere in the morning. Stephen and friend, in the picture, were particularly confident with good English and firm handshakes. They, as did all the other children, loved posing for photos.
And at the end of the day, Stephen was the leader of the pack of students that led us home.
We feel more settled at The Walk Centre school aswell as we get familiar with the teachers and the routine. It's also comforting to have been joined by 3 new volunteers so we are not the only English-speaking fish in a very large, primarily Swahili-speaking pond.
Unlike yesterday we spent the whole day at the school so we got to meet the older primary school children, who study elsewhere in the morning. Stephen and friend, in the picture, were particularly confident with good English and firm handshakes. They, as did all the other children, loved posing for photos.
6th August
Our first full day was an exhausting one.
Alex and Patricia, our hosts, welcomed us to Nairobi with as much enthusiasm as one would expect at 4 o'clock in the morning, but seemed very friendly. The grueling 2 hour drive from the airport to their house made our total journey time 24 hours. Our emotions were intensified with the exhaustion and the reality of our trip finally hit (especially after realising how close we are situated to the slums).
However after a brief nap to regain some sort of energy we were walked to the school by Fred, our in-country coordinator. He explained that technically school was over for the holidays but The Walk Centre stays open for the children from the Hilton slums. The children greeted us with beaming smiles which made our previous anxiety vanish immediately. We were first put to work in the kitchen cutting cabbage (which is more difficult than it sounds when the meal is to feed just over 300 pupils). We then each joined a class and helped them learn to say and write numbers in English. The language barrier made this seemingly simple lesson rather difficult. We spent the afternoon with Fred, being shown the surrounding area - starting with the slums. From crawling spaces in caves to women making jewellery from materials found in the rubbish that surrounds their homes, Fred was filled with stories about the people that live there. As you can see from the picture living in the slums isn't comfortable as the fragile homes are built upon Nakuru's rubbish dumping site.
Monday 6 August 2012
5th August
We've just finished the first third of our 15 hour journey to Kenya. Now we have a 6 hour wait in Cairo international airport which isn't as big as it sounds, not even enough people to people watch and no internet station so we couldn't post this at the time! So we are busying ourselves by plane watching and trying to work out the exchange rate between sterling, Eygptian pounds and dollars in order to decide if Grace really needs that double cheeseburger.
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