Hello,
On our way back from Crescent Island we circled the lake and spotted hippo logs. Sometimes we could see their mouths open. We did not get close to them because they are apparently rather dangerous. We also saw quite a nice variety of mostly nameless waterfowl.
Dinner was late by my standards, but it did not matter much since my body had no clue as to the time and when it should be filled. It was a very elegant meal at which I felt underdressed. A guide wielding a flashlight escorted us back to our cabin. He continually scanned the area around us looking for hippos because they come out of the water at night to feed. If you are between a hippo and the water they feel insecure and might attack you.
Because I was having trouble sleeping, I checked outside almost every hour looking for hippos. In the middle of the night I heard noisy footsteps. I carefully drew the curtain aside a little and looked out at a zebra feeding about six feet away. I softly said, “Leroy,” and again “Leroy.” He did not wake up and I did not want to talk louder and scare the animal. It was very interesting because I could hear the grass tearing as he ripped off a mouthful. The grass was so short I was amazed that he could find so much to eat. Soon I could see another zebra coming from the side just as the first one seemed to see me and move away. The second came closer, maybe caught sight of me, and leaped away. At that moment two more came around the corner racing on to safety.
Now I really spent time looking outside. Closer to dawn I saw a small antelope type creature that was the size of a big house cat. “Leroy,” I whispered, “Come look at this.”
This time Leroy was awake, but not fast enough to see even the tail as it ran away. We think it might have been a dik-dik, but we do not know for sure. In the morning I learned that I was the only one who had seen these animals, so I guess there are some benefits of jetlag. I had to stop complaining about lack of sleep.
Paula
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Elsamere
Hello,
After church we headed on our way out of the city and into the countryside that took us higher and higher. The view was beautiful and soon we could look out over the Riff Valley. People were selling things long the road. Stephen said, “It is because they know many tourists come this way. We will stop on the way home and buy some rhubarb.”
Besides homegrown produce their wares included things they had made such as woven cloths, carved wood, stone bowls, and sheepskin hats. There were just quite a wide variety of products available.
We stayed in a duplex cottage with Sarah, Stephen, and Lexi on the other apartment. It was quite a nice place with a large glass expanse on one side facing the Lake Naivasha. After a sumptuous lunch, Stephen, Leroy, and I headed across lake Naivasha to Crescent Island. Sarah had already been there on a previous visit so she stayed back with Lexi for naptime. We were heading to the only game park in Africa that you visit on foot. All of the animals, no predators included, have been brought in for the movie Out of Africa. If you watch that movie you can see some of the places we visited. Stephen told us, “All of the scenes of the plane landing were filmed here.” Leroy and I have watched Born Free since we have been home and I have the movie Out of Africa at home now.
On meeting our guide we started walking in this rather dry place, when he reached down and picked up a piece of animal dung. “Whose dung is this,” he wanted to know.
It was about as big around as a cherry and had an indentation in it. We all guessed at some smallish animal. We were rather surprised to learn that it is from the female giraffe. Talk about a big body and a small pooper.
As we walked we saw giraffe, gnu (or wildebeest), gazelle (both Thompson and Grant—Leroy can now tell them apart, I just ask Leroy), impalas, African fish eagle, guinea fowl, Egyptian geese, ground plover, and armadillo holes without armadillos.
I hope our guide was right when he passed on this amazing fact, “The wildebeest is the only animal that can stop birth if there is danger. The mother can push the half born baby inside and run away to deliver in another safer spot.” Seems like some talent to me.
Paula
see some pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/LakeNaivashaElsamere?feat=email#
After church we headed on our way out of the city and into the countryside that took us higher and higher. The view was beautiful and soon we could look out over the Riff Valley. People were selling things long the road. Stephen said, “It is because they know many tourists come this way. We will stop on the way home and buy some rhubarb.”
Besides homegrown produce their wares included things they had made such as woven cloths, carved wood, stone bowls, and sheepskin hats. There were just quite a wide variety of products available.
We stayed in a duplex cottage with Sarah, Stephen, and Lexi on the other apartment. It was quite a nice place with a large glass expanse on one side facing the Lake Naivasha. After a sumptuous lunch, Stephen, Leroy, and I headed across lake Naivasha to Crescent Island. Sarah had already been there on a previous visit so she stayed back with Lexi for naptime. We were heading to the only game park in Africa that you visit on foot. All of the animals, no predators included, have been brought in for the movie Out of Africa. If you watch that movie you can see some of the places we visited. Stephen told us, “All of the scenes of the plane landing were filmed here.” Leroy and I have watched Born Free since we have been home and I have the movie Out of Africa at home now.
On meeting our guide we started walking in this rather dry place, when he reached down and picked up a piece of animal dung. “Whose dung is this,” he wanted to know.
It was about as big around as a cherry and had an indentation in it. We all guessed at some smallish animal. We were rather surprised to learn that it is from the female giraffe. Talk about a big body and a small pooper.
As we walked we saw giraffe, gnu (or wildebeest), gazelle (both Thompson and Grant—Leroy can now tell them apart, I just ask Leroy), impalas, African fish eagle, guinea fowl, Egyptian geese, ground plover, and armadillo holes without armadillos.
I hope our guide was right when he passed on this amazing fact, “The wildebeest is the only animal that can stop birth if there is danger. The mother can push the half born baby inside and run away to deliver in another safer spot.” Seems like some talent to me.
Paula
see some pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/LakeNaivashaElsamere?feat=email#
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Kenya first Sunday
Hello,
We ate a good breakfast of Cardamom coffee cake and boiled egg (Stephen prepared all the night before so we would not be late.) and then headed off to church. We had also packed bags so we could go to a resort at the home of Joy Adamson, author of Born Free.
The church was in a gated/lockable compound. Something that I am beginning to think is typical here if you want your buildings protected. As you can see from the slide show at http://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/KenyaFirstSunday?authkey=FbBJzZSz7Sw&feat=email# the building has not been completed. I did not realize it, but the ELCA apparently requires a significant contribution from the local people. The church building will be completed when there are funds from Africa. That does make sense because it helps them to have a feeling of ownership. Stephen said he feels it will be a long time yet before there is enough money to finish it. In the meantime they worship in a tent. It was quite comfortable because it was a cool morning while we were there. As all congregations have characters and personalities, this one has many, many late arrivals. It seemed there could not be very many people attending when we started, but by the time the service was finished the tent was full. As had been noted to us the music was slow and not so very well done. I think they were trying too hard to adopt the music from American or European hymnals.
I was happy to find a toilet in an out building since we were going to be driving for over an hour. I had no idea what facilities would be available. I did have a tissue with me and was quite glad since there was no toilet paper. Another habit that I should get back to, always be prepared with something to use as toilet paper.
Paula
We ate a good breakfast of Cardamom coffee cake and boiled egg (Stephen prepared all the night before so we would not be late.) and then headed off to church. We had also packed bags so we could go to a resort at the home of Joy Adamson, author of Born Free.
The church was in a gated/lockable compound. Something that I am beginning to think is typical here if you want your buildings protected. As you can see from the slide show at http://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/KenyaFirstSunday?authkey=FbBJzZSz7Sw&feat=email# the building has not been completed. I did not realize it, but the ELCA apparently requires a significant contribution from the local people. The church building will be completed when there are funds from Africa. That does make sense because it helps them to have a feeling of ownership. Stephen said he feels it will be a long time yet before there is enough money to finish it. In the meantime they worship in a tent. It was quite comfortable because it was a cool morning while we were there. As all congregations have characters and personalities, this one has many, many late arrivals. It seemed there could not be very many people attending when we started, but by the time the service was finished the tent was full. As had been noted to us the music was slow and not so very well done. I think they were trying too hard to adopt the music from American or European hymnals.
I was happy to find a toilet in an out building since we were going to be driving for over an hour. I had no idea what facilities would be available. I did have a tissue with me and was quite glad since there was no toilet paper. Another habit that I should get back to, always be prepared with something to use as toilet paper.
Paula
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
the Second day in Kenya
Hello,
We again went to the store to get groceries. Stephen and Sarah plan their menus and then shop accordingly. Brian and Jen also do this, but they did not learn that from their mother. I tend to shop for what is on sale and then see what I can make with what I have on hand. How different people can be even my children.
In the afternoon we headed off to the Kenya railroad museum. It was something else to be on the streets on a Saturday afternoon. I could not imagine how they knew where to go, so many cars, etc. and so few signs. At least signs are in English and that makes it easier for us non-native people.
They had an address and a map that helped to a degree, but it was finally deemed necessary to ask someone. This guy pointed us in a direction and said, “It is right over there.” It turned out not to be right over there, but a sign at that spot pointed the way so even though his directions seemed erroneous they helped us get to our destination.
The museum was not busy to say the least. There were just a couple other people there. I had just read an historical mystery book that was structured around this theme of the only railroad in Kenya. The Europeans as usual did their own thing in this place that they were trying to control. There was a picture of Teddy Roosevelt riding on a bench on the cowcatcher of a train. He was certainly a risk taker.
In the evening Stephen and Sarah went to a farewell party. Leroy and I babysat for Lexi, gave her a bath and put her to bed. She was not very happy about that, but the bath interested her. We read books and danced with her. She seemed to like that too.
Paula
We again went to the store to get groceries. Stephen and Sarah plan their menus and then shop accordingly. Brian and Jen also do this, but they did not learn that from their mother. I tend to shop for what is on sale and then see what I can make with what I have on hand. How different people can be even my children.
In the afternoon we headed off to the Kenya railroad museum. It was something else to be on the streets on a Saturday afternoon. I could not imagine how they knew where to go, so many cars, etc. and so few signs. At least signs are in English and that makes it easier for us non-native people.
They had an address and a map that helped to a degree, but it was finally deemed necessary to ask someone. This guy pointed us in a direction and said, “It is right over there.” It turned out not to be right over there, but a sign at that spot pointed the way so even though his directions seemed erroneous they helped us get to our destination.
The museum was not busy to say the least. There were just a couple other people there. I had just read an historical mystery book that was structured around this theme of the only railroad in Kenya. The Europeans as usual did their own thing in this place that they were trying to control. There was a picture of Teddy Roosevelt riding on a bench on the cowcatcher of a train. He was certainly a risk taker.
In the evening Stephen and Sarah went to a farewell party. Leroy and I babysat for Lexi, gave her a bath and put her to bed. She was not very happy about that, but the bath interested her. We read books and danced with her. She seemed to like that too.
Paula
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Kenya the first days
Hello, this is a copy of a letter I sent to some people.
You will have to look at our blog to fill in any of the gaps. I am not going to repeat myself too much. Even though my children say I do repeat myself.
On Friday the first day we did not do much, apart from learning about our surroundings, rest, and try to make friends with Lexi. We did get out to go to the grocery store with Stephen. This store was more like some type of chain store so it really was very much like we are used to seeing with some slightly different products, certainly more tropical fruit. We did not go to any markets used by most Kenyans, so I cannot talk about that. We do have some pictures of such, but we were in the car.
I am reminded of Russia by all of the dirt paths in town. Side streets are often a combination of dirt and asphalt. There are few traffic lanes marked and there are amazingly few accidents that I saw considering that people seem to figure out their own spot to be in. They do drive on the left with many round abouts. Pedestrians cross the roads at busy spots, dodging cars, matatus (vans for hire), and buses. I guess the drivers would try not to hit a person, but I did not want to challenge them.
Sarah’s office supplies a car that they can also use personally. The only requirement is that they replace the gas consumed. This was a Toyota as were most of the cars that I saw. I was surprised at the good condition of most of the cars, but then she commented that it is the rich who use them. They also keep them clean with the office hiring someone to wash the car more than once a week. In this dusty city that is perhaps more necessary than in other places. Many people would be in the buses and matatus, sometimes even hanging on the outside. In the country in particular there could be quite a lot of things strapped to the top, defying the rules of gravity.
Over all I would say that people seemed to cheerful and Sarah said they seldom complained, but accepted or tried to work out a solution if there was a problem.
Paula
You will have to look at our blog to fill in any of the gaps. I am not going to repeat myself too much. Even though my children say I do repeat myself.
On Friday the first day we did not do much, apart from learning about our surroundings, rest, and try to make friends with Lexi. We did get out to go to the grocery store with Stephen. This store was more like some type of chain store so it really was very much like we are used to seeing with some slightly different products, certainly more tropical fruit. We did not go to any markets used by most Kenyans, so I cannot talk about that. We do have some pictures of such, but we were in the car.
I am reminded of Russia by all of the dirt paths in town. Side streets are often a combination of dirt and asphalt. There are few traffic lanes marked and there are amazingly few accidents that I saw considering that people seem to figure out their own spot to be in. They do drive on the left with many round abouts. Pedestrians cross the roads at busy spots, dodging cars, matatus (vans for hire), and buses. I guess the drivers would try not to hit a person, but I did not want to challenge them.
Sarah’s office supplies a car that they can also use personally. The only requirement is that they replace the gas consumed. This was a Toyota as were most of the cars that I saw. I was surprised at the good condition of most of the cars, but then she commented that it is the rich who use them. They also keep them clean with the office hiring someone to wash the car more than once a week. In this dusty city that is perhaps more necessary than in other places. Many people would be in the buses and matatus, sometimes even hanging on the outside. In the country in particular there could be quite a lot of things strapped to the top, defying the rules of gravity.
Over all I would say that people seemed to cheerful and Sarah said they seldom complained, but accepted or tried to work out a solution if there was a problem.
Paula
Monday, February 23, 2009
Blooming Plants
I was so happy to find that my plants had not bloomed so much while I was gone, but waited for me to come home. Here are some pictures of them in all their glory.
Trouble Being Home
Hello,
I am having trouble settling into a routine. I am not sure why that is, but everything seems a bit unfamiliar. I did clean in the basement today to give myself some focus and meet some old dirt, but then I kept thinking about possibly packing for a move, however I really do not want boxes sitting around for a long time. A bishop in another synod sent Leroy a letter telling him that there was nothing available for him. So maybe there is no possibility soon.
I feel a little guilty because Miriam would like to have me come visit, but I made a schedule for doing Stretch and Pray at church that I feel I should stick to since it is on the calendar and everything. So I am feeling a bit sorry for myself having all of my children so far away. I would like to be able to just drop in from time to time rather than making such “state” visits.
Leroy and I remembered to collect our mail from the post office. That was a little bit exciting to go through that even if most of it was not for me and what was for me was junk with one exception.
We watched the movie Born Free since we spent a night at the home of the author. We think the movie was filmed at a former home of theirs because we did not recognize it. But then maybe we are forgetting everything in a hurry. Our next movie will be Out of Africa because we also saw the island where a bit of that was filmed as well as that author’s home.
Sarah and Stephen took us to interesting places. Stephen was the stellar tour guide for most of these ventures. In following letters I will take you on the journey with me, but I am just not in the mood to start today.
Paula
I am having trouble settling into a routine. I am not sure why that is, but everything seems a bit unfamiliar. I did clean in the basement today to give myself some focus and meet some old dirt, but then I kept thinking about possibly packing for a move, however I really do not want boxes sitting around for a long time. A bishop in another synod sent Leroy a letter telling him that there was nothing available for him. So maybe there is no possibility soon.
I feel a little guilty because Miriam would like to have me come visit, but I made a schedule for doing Stretch and Pray at church that I feel I should stick to since it is on the calendar and everything. So I am feeling a bit sorry for myself having all of my children so far away. I would like to be able to just drop in from time to time rather than making such “state” visits.
Leroy and I remembered to collect our mail from the post office. That was a little bit exciting to go through that even if most of it was not for me and what was for me was junk with one exception.
We watched the movie Born Free since we spent a night at the home of the author. We think the movie was filmed at a former home of theirs because we did not recognize it. But then maybe we are forgetting everything in a hurry. Our next movie will be Out of Africa because we also saw the island where a bit of that was filmed as well as that author’s home.
Sarah and Stephen took us to interesting places. Stephen was the stellar tour guide for most of these ventures. In following letters I will take you on the journey with me, but I am just not in the mood to start today.
Paula
Saturday, February 21, 2009
At home in the cold
Hello,
Leroy and I are now at home feeling cold. We did not feel quite so cold when we walked Brian’s dog in single digit cold, but now there is a brisk wind and we are both finding it rather terrible. We keep turning the heat up in the house because it seems to be snatched away. We miss the warmth of Nairobi.
All our flights were on time and uneventful even thought the pilot on the last leg kept talking about the turbulence and having the flight attendants sit. I have experienced much more noticeable shaking around. One flight I remember we hardly even got to eat because it was so strong for so long.
We are tired but recovering. Our bottoms thought it was a long sit. It was nice to go on the bus instead of driving from MN to IA. Leroy did comment that he felt quite awake, but I think the bus was much safer for us and other people on the road.
We fought sleep yesterday until 7:00 p.m. when we succumbed to the urge. As a result we both woke at 4:00 a.m., but did not get up until about 5:00 when we realized that sleep was not going to come back.
This morning we tried to get back our repaired car only to learn that nothing had happened because they are still waiting for three more parts to come in. I had forgotten how banged up the car looked.
On my trip to the grocery store I was shocked by the price of frozen vegetables. I think there was a price raise while we were gone. Or had I forgotten?
Leroy was pleased to see all of the electrical work that was done in the house while we were gone. I was pleased that the water heater works.
But the best of all was the blooming flowers. All three Christmas cactus are blooming, one of them profusely. The amaryllis is just ready to pop open the first of three flowers. The other has the stalk about half grown. I think it helped that the heat was so low while we were gone. I am happy to enjoy them. I even go around and greet all of them.
Paula
Leroy and I are now at home feeling cold. We did not feel quite so cold when we walked Brian’s dog in single digit cold, but now there is a brisk wind and we are both finding it rather terrible. We keep turning the heat up in the house because it seems to be snatched away. We miss the warmth of Nairobi.
All our flights were on time and uneventful even thought the pilot on the last leg kept talking about the turbulence and having the flight attendants sit. I have experienced much more noticeable shaking around. One flight I remember we hardly even got to eat because it was so strong for so long.
We are tired but recovering. Our bottoms thought it was a long sit. It was nice to go on the bus instead of driving from MN to IA. Leroy did comment that he felt quite awake, but I think the bus was much safer for us and other people on the road.
We fought sleep yesterday until 7:00 p.m. when we succumbed to the urge. As a result we both woke at 4:00 a.m., but did not get up until about 5:00 when we realized that sleep was not going to come back.
This morning we tried to get back our repaired car only to learn that nothing had happened because they are still waiting for three more parts to come in. I had forgotten how banged up the car looked.
On my trip to the grocery store I was shocked by the price of frozen vegetables. I think there was a price raise while we were gone. Or had I forgotten?
Leroy was pleased to see all of the electrical work that was done in the house while we were gone. I was pleased that the water heater works.
But the best of all was the blooming flowers. All three Christmas cactus are blooming, one of them profusely. The amaryllis is just ready to pop open the first of three flowers. The other has the stalk about half grown. I think it helped that the heat was so low while we were gone. I am happy to enjoy them. I even go around and greet all of them.
Paula
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Being a tourist
Yesterday we went with our good guide Stephen to visit the elephant orphanage. There were 19 babies there, but we could only see 16 of them being fed because the others were two new and would not tolerate people. A guide told us what occurred for each elephant to result in it being an orphanage. All elephants are named and have a keeper with them 24/7. I learned that elephants are much like humans in their need for companionship. After the babies we got to see the preteens being fed. I believe there were 13 of them. If they had come close enough to the fence we could have touched them. They also have some teenagers there, but they do not let them spend so much time around people since there are preparing them to return to the wild.
They also had an orphan black rhino that we got to touch. He had been born prematurely. Apparently that is a very, very rare thing to have happen in the animal kingdom. There were also two adult, or at least older rhinos there, but we could not get close to them because they are dangerous. There were warthogs and babboons running around at their leisure.
Then it was off to lunch at a restaurant that was in the setting of the grounds of the author of Out of Africa. It was quite pleasant eating lunch in the shade of a tree. We did see the outside of the home of Karen Bixbi (I forget the spelling of that name, sorry.), but elected not to go in and save our money for the entrance fee to the giraffe sanctuary. It was quite remarkable because we could feed the giraffes with the provided pellets. Their saliva is anticiptic so it is not harmful to us. Some people even put a pellet in their mouth and the giraffe swept it out. Too far out for me.
We had a nice guide who gave us a tour of their building and many more giraffe facts. After that we saw a film on giraffes that was produced, for American television, of this very site. How exciting is that? Did you know that a giraffe's heart can weigh 25 pounds? More than my granddaughter Lexi who weighs in at about 22 pounds.
Stephen has had a mild case of typhoid. After the initial three days he seems to be quite normal. We are grateful for that.
Tomorrow evening we will start home. We look forward to that, but also sad to be so far apart again.
Paula
They also had an orphan black rhino that we got to touch. He had been born prematurely. Apparently that is a very, very rare thing to have happen in the animal kingdom. There were also two adult, or at least older rhinos there, but we could not get close to them because they are dangerous. There were warthogs and babboons running around at their leisure.
Then it was off to lunch at a restaurant that was in the setting of the grounds of the author of Out of Africa. It was quite pleasant eating lunch in the shade of a tree. We did see the outside of the home of Karen Bixbi (I forget the spelling of that name, sorry.), but elected not to go in and save our money for the entrance fee to the giraffe sanctuary. It was quite remarkable because we could feed the giraffes with the provided pellets. Their saliva is anticiptic so it is not harmful to us. Some people even put a pellet in their mouth and the giraffe swept it out. Too far out for me.
We had a nice guide who gave us a tour of their building and many more giraffe facts. After that we saw a film on giraffes that was produced, for American television, of this very site. How exciting is that? Did you know that a giraffe's heart can weigh 25 pounds? More than my granddaughter Lexi who weighs in at about 22 pounds.
Stephen has had a mild case of typhoid. After the initial three days he seems to be quite normal. We are grateful for that.
Tomorrow evening we will start home. We look forward to that, but also sad to be so far apart again.
Paula
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Random Comments about Kenya Visit
Hello,
Leroy and I are now sleeping on the proper schedule. We are also getting much closer to our granddaughter, Lexi. She even seems to enjoy being with us. She chatters a great deal, but we do not understand most of it. People have commented that she speaks Swahili much better than she does English.
The people of Kenya seem to be hard working, strong, intelligent, kind and friendly. They, of course, do things differently than we do. Yesterday the electricity was scheduled to be turned off so they could work on something from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. but it did not come back on at 6:00. Instead we saw some flashes of light after 7:00. That happened at least three or four times before it came on and stayed on after 9:00. It made cooking a creative activity. They have a gas stove, but the gas ran out before everything was quite finished. Some of us ate it anyway since we were too hungry. Flexibility and adaptability is key to survival here. Leroy and I were especially sorry that we had lost our flashlight on Safari.
Paula
Leroy and I are now sleeping on the proper schedule. We are also getting much closer to our granddaughter, Lexi. She even seems to enjoy being with us. She chatters a great deal, but we do not understand most of it. People have commented that she speaks Swahili much better than she does English.
The people of Kenya seem to be hard working, strong, intelligent, kind and friendly. They, of course, do things differently than we do. Yesterday the electricity was scheduled to be turned off so they could work on something from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. but it did not come back on at 6:00. Instead we saw some flashes of light after 7:00. That happened at least three or four times before it came on and stayed on after 9:00. It made cooking a creative activity. They have a gas stove, but the gas ran out before everything was quite finished. Some of us ate it anyway since we were too hungry. Flexibility and adaptability is key to survival here. Leroy and I were especially sorry that we had lost our flashlight on Safari.
Paula
Monday, February 9, 2009
Impressions of Kenya
February 10, 2009
Hello,
I am reminded of Russia by all the dirt paths in town. Even though this is a city of several million there are often no sidewalks, but red dirt trails formed by many feet passing over. People seem to walk everywhere even risking life and limb to across busy streets as they dodge cars and buses. Many streets are in various stages of disrepair from good to big pot holes. Tires are changed about every six months since they wear out frequently. Often there are no traffic lanes marked so drivers just create their own spot. Sometimes someone would feel a need to get ahead so they would carve out another lane making us travel in a close pack.
There are many buses and even more vans crammed with people and sometimes loaded with unbelievable amounts of goods on top. Out in the country we saw many people using bicycles and walking. They drive aggressively in the right lane with liberal use of their horns. (I think both Leroy and I would have to search for the horn in both of our cars.) Toyota is the most commonly seen car on the road. They have round-abouts and almost no traffic lights. I am glad I am not driving because it would take a lot of thinking on my part to end up on the proper side of the road.
Men wear long often black pants with a dress style shirt. Men wear shoes, not sandals. Women almost always wear Sunday dresses. School children wear uniforms. In the country we did see some woman carrying their load on their heads. There are numerous stands along the streets and roads selling everything imaginable from furniture to food.
Light switches are reminiscent of Europe. All signs are in English and almost everyone appears to speak two languages. People spend much time out of doors. Or at least I see a lot of people out all of the time.
Paula
Hello,
I am reminded of Russia by all the dirt paths in town. Even though this is a city of several million there are often no sidewalks, but red dirt trails formed by many feet passing over. People seem to walk everywhere even risking life and limb to across busy streets as they dodge cars and buses. Many streets are in various stages of disrepair from good to big pot holes. Tires are changed about every six months since they wear out frequently. Often there are no traffic lanes marked so drivers just create their own spot. Sometimes someone would feel a need to get ahead so they would carve out another lane making us travel in a close pack.
There are many buses and even more vans crammed with people and sometimes loaded with unbelievable amounts of goods on top. Out in the country we saw many people using bicycles and walking. They drive aggressively in the right lane with liberal use of their horns. (I think both Leroy and I would have to search for the horn in both of our cars.) Toyota is the most commonly seen car on the road. They have round-abouts and almost no traffic lights. I am glad I am not driving because it would take a lot of thinking on my part to end up on the proper side of the road.
Men wear long often black pants with a dress style shirt. Men wear shoes, not sandals. Women almost always wear Sunday dresses. School children wear uniforms. In the country we did see some woman carrying their load on their heads. There are numerous stands along the streets and roads selling everything imaginable from furniture to food.
Light switches are reminiscent of Europe. All signs are in English and almost everyone appears to speak two languages. People spend much time out of doors. Or at least I see a lot of people out all of the time.
Paula
Saturday, February 7, 2009
In the airport
We had been told that we should skip the first visa line in the Nairobi airport and go on down a hall that did not look as if it would be a good choice. It did not look like a good choice so I finally asked a guy who was dressed in some type of official clothing if there was another visa line down the hallway and he said yes. When we got to the end and turned we could see the spot. We all had been given papers on the plane so everyone had filled out their papers. There were only a couple people at the end so we got in line and Leroy was called almost immediately. I did not have to wait much longer. My check in guy was quite pleasant. One uncomfortable thing for me was that he kept chatting away to his cohorts in another language, maybe Swahili. I kept thinking that he might be talking to me and I should pay attention. Only at the end did he tell me to look at the webcam on the desk so he could get my picture. After that it was off to find our one check in bag.
We saw some baggage on the carousel but not ours. It took a little bit of investigation to find out that this was the place for ours to come to. We spent half an hour here watching much luggage go past us, some of it almost felt like an old friend when I would see it again. Finally our bag came and we snatched it off the belt, rushed out the doors, and looked at the crowd waiting to pick up someone. At a quick glance I did not see Sarah and neither did Leroy. We went back past the people again as people held up their signs more aggressively. Then we moved on outside.
"What did she say about meeting us?" Leroy wanted to know.
"That she would meet us in the airport," I responded, "or I think it is was in. Oh why didn't I ask for more details?"
After we watched cars go past and listened to the taxi drivers trying to get us to ride with them, Leroy said, "You wait with the bags. I will go check inside."
We each made several trips inside and I was starting to panic. "Oh I wish we had a cell phone, I wish we had talked more about specific details." I said with a little sob in my voice.
"Well when it gets to be mid-night," Leroy said flippantly, "We will just take a taxi to their house."
"Auh!" I moaned, "Don't say that."
Leroy then made another pass into the building. When he came out Sarah was with him. She said there was some road construction on the way and it took her an hour and a half instead of the anticipated 40 minutes. Plus we landed early, got though the visa line with no trouble, and only waited for the luggage.
It took at least an hour to drive back to their house so it was quite late when we got there. I think maybe after 11:00 and we had landed at 8:17pm.
I am grateful that everything worked out. I may now be a seasoned traveler, but I always like to arrive at my destination.
Paula
We saw some baggage on the carousel but not ours. It took a little bit of investigation to find out that this was the place for ours to come to. We spent half an hour here watching much luggage go past us, some of it almost felt like an old friend when I would see it again. Finally our bag came and we snatched it off the belt, rushed out the doors, and looked at the crowd waiting to pick up someone. At a quick glance I did not see Sarah and neither did Leroy. We went back past the people again as people held up their signs more aggressively. Then we moved on outside.
"What did she say about meeting us?" Leroy wanted to know.
"That she would meet us in the airport," I responded, "or I think it is was in. Oh why didn't I ask for more details?"
After we watched cars go past and listened to the taxi drivers trying to get us to ride with them, Leroy said, "You wait with the bags. I will go check inside."
We each made several trips inside and I was starting to panic. "Oh I wish we had a cell phone, I wish we had talked more about specific details." I said with a little sob in my voice.
"Well when it gets to be mid-night," Leroy said flippantly, "We will just take a taxi to their house."
"Auh!" I moaned, "Don't say that."
Leroy then made another pass into the building. When he came out Sarah was with him. She said there was some road construction on the way and it took her an hour and a half instead of the anticipated 40 minutes. Plus we landed early, got though the visa line with no trouble, and only waited for the luggage.
It took at least an hour to drive back to their house so it was quite late when we got there. I think maybe after 11:00 and we had landed at 8:17pm.
I am grateful that everything worked out. I may now be a seasoned traveler, but I always like to arrive at my destination.
Paula
Friday, February 6, 2009
Safe Arrival
Hello,
All ground transportation and planes were on time. The trip was long but not as long seeming as I had expected it to be.
Lexi came running in our room this morning and woke us up. When she saw us she did not know what to make of us. She stopped in mid step and stared. I think she had expected her other grandparents who had just been here at Christmas time. She has been a bit more responsive since then, but she cried when Sarah went back to work and Stephen left to work out. She was so relieved to find Jane outside.
In the Minneapolis airport I saw something new. Someone had spread a man’s jacket on the ground by the drinking fountain where I was going to fill my water bottle. Before I got there a man came, got down on his knees, and bowed his head to the floor. I am impressed with that sense of dedication that takes prayers and worship so seriously. Seems to me it would take some courage and commitment. Leaving the coat on the floor, the man got up and a woman came and repeated the process.
Leroy had not been on a plane since we last visited Sarah and Stephen in Geneva so he was surprised at how little paper we got for our boarding pass. It really is almost paperless.
The plane was only about ¾ full. I suspect that Americans are not traveling so much. I was glad because the seat I was assigned would not tilt back. “Leroy you try to see if you can get this thing to work,” I begged. Even though he pushed on the back of the seat as I pushed the button nothing happened. I asked the flight attendant, but she could not get it to work either. Then Leroy volunteered, “I can move over one and then you can have my seat. So that is what we did. It was a blessing that we had that empty seat next to us. Besides that the video control did not work on that first seat that I was in. That would never do! I had a hard time deciding what movie to watch because I did not really know the titles that were listed. I should pay more attention to reviews even though I rarely see them.
The plane to Nairobi was almost totally full. We were sitting on the side with someone on the aisle. Just before take off the flight attendant came and asked if she would like to move because she was a frequent flyer. After she moved we could spread out a little more too. I still do not really sleep so I was up almost 24 hours. By the time we went to bed here I was back in an awake part of the cycle, so it took a little while to get to sleep. We both woke up at 3:30 and were awake until about 4:30, but the rest of the time we slept.
It is so strange to be in another country that also speaks and writes in English. I think this is so unreal because I can read all of the signs and understand them.
I was also surprised in the Amsterdam airport because the first language on most signs was English. Some of them did not even have it in another language. I can imagine the response in the US if signs were first in some other language and some only having another language. The hew and cry would be loud and long. “After all,” some would say, “they are in the US they should learn/speak English.” For sure we Americans would not feel compelled to learn another’s language.
Paula
All ground transportation and planes were on time. The trip was long but not as long seeming as I had expected it to be.
Lexi came running in our room this morning and woke us up. When she saw us she did not know what to make of us. She stopped in mid step and stared. I think she had expected her other grandparents who had just been here at Christmas time. She has been a bit more responsive since then, but she cried when Sarah went back to work and Stephen left to work out. She was so relieved to find Jane outside.
In the Minneapolis airport I saw something new. Someone had spread a man’s jacket on the ground by the drinking fountain where I was going to fill my water bottle. Before I got there a man came, got down on his knees, and bowed his head to the floor. I am impressed with that sense of dedication that takes prayers and worship so seriously. Seems to me it would take some courage and commitment. Leaving the coat on the floor, the man got up and a woman came and repeated the process.
Leroy had not been on a plane since we last visited Sarah and Stephen in Geneva so he was surprised at how little paper we got for our boarding pass. It really is almost paperless.
The plane was only about ¾ full. I suspect that Americans are not traveling so much. I was glad because the seat I was assigned would not tilt back. “Leroy you try to see if you can get this thing to work,” I begged. Even though he pushed on the back of the seat as I pushed the button nothing happened. I asked the flight attendant, but she could not get it to work either. Then Leroy volunteered, “I can move over one and then you can have my seat. So that is what we did. It was a blessing that we had that empty seat next to us. Besides that the video control did not work on that first seat that I was in. That would never do! I had a hard time deciding what movie to watch because I did not really know the titles that were listed. I should pay more attention to reviews even though I rarely see them.
The plane to Nairobi was almost totally full. We were sitting on the side with someone on the aisle. Just before take off the flight attendant came and asked if she would like to move because she was a frequent flyer. After she moved we could spread out a little more too. I still do not really sleep so I was up almost 24 hours. By the time we went to bed here I was back in an awake part of the cycle, so it took a little while to get to sleep. We both woke up at 3:30 and were awake until about 4:30, but the rest of the time we slept.
It is so strange to be in another country that also speaks and writes in English. I think this is so unreal because I can read all of the signs and understand them.
I was also surprised in the Amsterdam airport because the first language on most signs was English. Some of them did not even have it in another language. I can imagine the response in the US if signs were first in some other language and some only having another language. The hew and cry would be loud and long. “After all,” some would say, “they are in the US they should learn/speak English.” For sure we Americans would not feel compelled to learn another’s language.
Paula
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Ready To Go
Hello,
So nice that we could see Sophia! I was pleased as she walked to me and put her arms up. I try to prepare myself for the eventually that these granddaughters will not know us and figure they have to hide. So far I have been lucky. We enjoyed playing with her last night. Leroy had a great time crawling around on the floor.
By the way, we enjoyed visiting with Brian and Jen too but somehow they do not occupy center stage any longer. Brian did make, from scratch, a delicious rhubarb pie for Leroy’s 60th birthday which was yesterday. I had almost forgotten about it. “I guess the trip is your present,” I joked.
“It is the most expensive one I have gotten,” he laughed, “and I have to pay for it myself.”
Leroy and I have finished earning our keep at Brian’s house. I had a hard time seeing out of the back windows on Brian’s car (you know it is harder to backseat drive) so I went out to the garage and wiped them off. Since I was out there I did Jen’s windows as well as all lights. Maybe now they can see and be seen from all directions.
Leroy and I vacuumed up the carpeting which seems to accumulate dog hair. The one good thing is that the dog and the carpet match, however Leroy’s socks do not.
We are excited about going, but it is so funny to get excited about a trip of more than 22 hours. I know that the excitement will fade in the middle and we will just want to be done and off that plane.
Leroy is now taking a nap to gear up for this journey. I envy him his ability to sleep here, there, and everywhere. I could still learn a thing or too.
Good friends are coming to give us a lift. Our life has been enriched by friends and I am grateful for all.
Paula
So nice that we could see Sophia! I was pleased as she walked to me and put her arms up. I try to prepare myself for the eventually that these granddaughters will not know us and figure they have to hide. So far I have been lucky. We enjoyed playing with her last night. Leroy had a great time crawling around on the floor.
By the way, we enjoyed visiting with Brian and Jen too but somehow they do not occupy center stage any longer. Brian did make, from scratch, a delicious rhubarb pie for Leroy’s 60th birthday which was yesterday. I had almost forgotten about it. “I guess the trip is your present,” I joked.
“It is the most expensive one I have gotten,” he laughed, “and I have to pay for it myself.”
Leroy and I have finished earning our keep at Brian’s house. I had a hard time seeing out of the back windows on Brian’s car (you know it is harder to backseat drive) so I went out to the garage and wiped them off. Since I was out there I did Jen’s windows as well as all lights. Maybe now they can see and be seen from all directions.
Leroy and I vacuumed up the carpeting which seems to accumulate dog hair. The one good thing is that the dog and the carpet match, however Leroy’s socks do not.
We are excited about going, but it is so funny to get excited about a trip of more than 22 hours. I know that the excitement will fade in the middle and we will just want to be done and off that plane.
Leroy is now taking a nap to gear up for this journey. I envy him his ability to sleep here, there, and everywhere. I could still learn a thing or too.
Good friends are coming to give us a lift. Our life has been enriched by friends and I am grateful for all.
Paula
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
bus ride
Hello,
Leroy and I woke up early with anxiety. We decided to get up, walk to the library, return the last book, and get ready for the day. It was 1 degree above zero with some wind blowing. Leroy wore his face mask and I got out my new mittens. My hands were warm, but my face was cold. Leroy had a warm face and cold hands. I think I even had a hot flash because I was sweating a bit in my gloves and on my torso.
We think we got everything finished by the time our driver came to pick us up. I told them we did not have to be so early, but it was a good think because the bus stop had been moved. Leroy went in to ask if we were at the right place. We had gotten the address from the internet. Well, it was not right. They thought it was at the train station, but were not sure if it had really been moved there. The big problem with the train station is that there was no one there. They did have a sign up so we hoped it was accurate. Lucky for us the bus came about only one minute late and had plenty of room for Leroy and I.
The driver of this bus announced that there were be no drinking, smoking, or swearing on the bus. He said, “You will be removed from the bus if you break these rules.” When he was not on the bus someone mocked him a little, but they seemed to respect his wishes as he spoke with authority.
Tomorrow we get on the plane for Amsterdam then after a layover, it is on to Nairobi. I gather that the internet is not quite so reliable. I will just write when I can. I can hardly believe that I am doing this. Leroy and I have never been on the African continent.
Paula
Leroy and I woke up early with anxiety. We decided to get up, walk to the library, return the last book, and get ready for the day. It was 1 degree above zero with some wind blowing. Leroy wore his face mask and I got out my new mittens. My hands were warm, but my face was cold. Leroy had a warm face and cold hands. I think I even had a hot flash because I was sweating a bit in my gloves and on my torso.
We think we got everything finished by the time our driver came to pick us up. I told them we did not have to be so early, but it was a good think because the bus stop had been moved. Leroy went in to ask if we were at the right place. We had gotten the address from the internet. Well, it was not right. They thought it was at the train station, but were not sure if it had really been moved there. The big problem with the train station is that there was no one there. They did have a sign up so we hoped it was accurate. Lucky for us the bus came about only one minute late and had plenty of room for Leroy and I.
The driver of this bus announced that there were be no drinking, smoking, or swearing on the bus. He said, “You will be removed from the bus if you break these rules.” When he was not on the bus someone mocked him a little, but they seemed to respect his wishes as he spoke with authority.
Tomorrow we get on the plane for Amsterdam then after a layover, it is on to Nairobi. I gather that the internet is not quite so reliable. I will just write when I can. I can hardly believe that I am doing this. Leroy and I have never been on the African continent.
Paula
Monday, February 2, 2009
Super Bowl
Hello,
I have almost watched the Super Bowl and I will not cry if it is the last time in my life. I will more likely sign with relief.
When we got there we learned that this family of two has three TVs so a larger group could watch comfortably even if the TVs were not large. When it got close to kick off time people gathered up their food and headed for the basement. I did not want to go there because I figured that would be the serious watchers so I went into the living/dining room and sat at the table. Another woman joined me and soon Leroy came too. All the rest of the men had gone downstairs. I did not want him to feel left out so I urged him to go down, but he said, “I am ok with being up here.”
“Even if there are no other men up here?” I wanted to know.
“It does not bother me,” he assured me, “I am not really that interested in the game either.”
Well by the end of the first quarter, I am wondering, “How I am going to survive?” I am starting to take some deeper breaths to relax and concentrate on being restful and bored. I did at least learn who the teams were, where they were based, who was wearing what color, and where they were playing at this moment. I personally did not find the commercials very interesting as some had indicated they would be. “Oh I wish I had my book,” I thought.
The son of one of the women is a coach of a pro team so she has even been to the Super Bowl to watch her son’s team win. But do not ask me when that was or what team he coaches. She, of course, was seriously interested in the game so I thought there was no hope of anything else going on.
Then the hostess brought up a game. “I can do this! I will make it!” I happily thought, “There is more to life.”
We ended up staying to the end of the football game. We played three different rather fun games and then watched the “exciting” end of the game. If I knew what was going on it would make more sense, but I did at least know from the score that it was close so therefore more intense then some.
Now can I say I have watched an entire game? I doubt it since my eyes were not on the game most of the time. Can you imagine? You not only have to watch the action once, but then you are subjected to it two or even three times if it was important for some reason. The reasons I could sometimes figure out and sometimes not. If they had not shown that I suppose there is really nothing interesting to look at since they are just moving aimlessly around the field. All I could think was, “Get on with it and lets finish this.”
Paula
I have almost watched the Super Bowl and I will not cry if it is the last time in my life. I will more likely sign with relief.
When we got there we learned that this family of two has three TVs so a larger group could watch comfortably even if the TVs were not large. When it got close to kick off time people gathered up their food and headed for the basement. I did not want to go there because I figured that would be the serious watchers so I went into the living/dining room and sat at the table. Another woman joined me and soon Leroy came too. All the rest of the men had gone downstairs. I did not want him to feel left out so I urged him to go down, but he said, “I am ok with being up here.”
“Even if there are no other men up here?” I wanted to know.
“It does not bother me,” he assured me, “I am not really that interested in the game either.”
Well by the end of the first quarter, I am wondering, “How I am going to survive?” I am starting to take some deeper breaths to relax and concentrate on being restful and bored. I did at least learn who the teams were, where they were based, who was wearing what color, and where they were playing at this moment. I personally did not find the commercials very interesting as some had indicated they would be. “Oh I wish I had my book,” I thought.
The son of one of the women is a coach of a pro team so she has even been to the Super Bowl to watch her son’s team win. But do not ask me when that was or what team he coaches. She, of course, was seriously interested in the game so I thought there was no hope of anything else going on.
Then the hostess brought up a game. “I can do this! I will make it!” I happily thought, “There is more to life.”
We ended up staying to the end of the football game. We played three different rather fun games and then watched the “exciting” end of the game. If I knew what was going on it would make more sense, but I did at least know from the score that it was close so therefore more intense then some.
Now can I say I have watched an entire game? I doubt it since my eyes were not on the game most of the time. Can you imagine? You not only have to watch the action once, but then you are subjected to it two or even three times if it was important for some reason. The reasons I could sometimes figure out and sometimes not. If they had not shown that I suppose there is really nothing interesting to look at since they are just moving aimlessly around the field. All I could think was, “Get on with it and lets finish this.”
Paula
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Vanity
Hello,
The temperature was 20 when we left for church but there was a wind blowing so it did not feel so nice outside.
“Did you walk to church?” one man asked conversationally.
“No,” I replied a bit sheepishly, “the wind was blowing, my hair looked good, and I did not want to put a hat on it so I rode with Leroy.”
“Oh,” he laughed heartily, “it’s all about vanity!”
“Yes, it is.” I chuckled along with him. “It isn’t everyday my hair looks this good.”
I did walk home with a hat on and my hair no longer looks as good as it did. Such fleeting vanity I am allowed.
Last night we went to a benefit for a former parishioner in Knoxville that is only 33 miles from us. It was nice to be able to contribute to this effort, but also very nice to see some of the people that we had not seen for a long time. I am still amazed that we know so many people in so many different places. Not bad for a couple of introverts.
We are going to a super bowl party this evening. This is a real stretch for me since I do not watch football and have never even seen an entire game. I told Miriam I was going to take along a book since I have no intention of watching. She laughed, but thought that was terrible. She thought I might enjoy the commercials. What is life coming to? Leroy did check at the small church and learned that there will be others we will not watch, but will play games. We do not intend to stay very late because we need our sleep. I just hope they do not wait too long before they start to play games. I am taking some fruit to share. Yesterday I ate too much salt and I wanted a glass of water in the middle of the night, but I could not call, “Mom, I need a drink.” So I suffered in the warm bed instead of going to the cold downstairs since I did not have a glass upstairs. Anyway tonight I am going to try to watch what I eat at least I will try to keep control of my serving size.
Paula
The temperature was 20 when we left for church but there was a wind blowing so it did not feel so nice outside.
“Did you walk to church?” one man asked conversationally.
“No,” I replied a bit sheepishly, “the wind was blowing, my hair looked good, and I did not want to put a hat on it so I rode with Leroy.”
“Oh,” he laughed heartily, “it’s all about vanity!”
“Yes, it is.” I chuckled along with him. “It isn’t everyday my hair looks this good.”
I did walk home with a hat on and my hair no longer looks as good as it did. Such fleeting vanity I am allowed.
Last night we went to a benefit for a former parishioner in Knoxville that is only 33 miles from us. It was nice to be able to contribute to this effort, but also very nice to see some of the people that we had not seen for a long time. I am still amazed that we know so many people in so many different places. Not bad for a couple of introverts.
We are going to a super bowl party this evening. This is a real stretch for me since I do not watch football and have never even seen an entire game. I told Miriam I was going to take along a book since I have no intention of watching. She laughed, but thought that was terrible. She thought I might enjoy the commercials. What is life coming to? Leroy did check at the small church and learned that there will be others we will not watch, but will play games. We do not intend to stay very late because we need our sleep. I just hope they do not wait too long before they start to play games. I am taking some fruit to share. Yesterday I ate too much salt and I wanted a glass of water in the middle of the night, but I could not call, “Mom, I need a drink.” So I suffered in the warm bed instead of going to the cold downstairs since I did not have a glass upstairs. Anyway tonight I am going to try to watch what I eat at least I will try to keep control of my serving size.
Paula
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