Hey
guys,
This
is the first real chance I've had now to really sit down and write
about all the things ive been doing. The experience so far has been
absolutely amazing, I can't explain how much I love it here and how
much fun I'm having.
So
after my 30 hour flight I arrived at Nairobi airport and had to wait
another 3 or so hours before we arrived at the place we were staying
at. It was just a local home stay with a young family but comfortable
enough despite the fact we didn't have running water and had to use a
bucket to shower, thank god they had a toilet though!! All part of
the experience I guess. So I was absolutely exhausted when I arrived,
slept a bit on the plane but definitely not enough. But being the
party animal I am, I ended up going out with a group of other
volunteers to a club in the city until 3am!! Saturday we just checked
out the surrounding area, learnt how to catch local transport and
figured out where a few things like supermarkets etc are. So that
night went out to an African club with more traditional African music
– was unreal, we had the best time learing some new dance moves!!
Sunday I received my first kiss in Kenya – from a giraffe, went to
a restaurant called carnivore and tried crocodile and ostrich and
then went to the local arts and craft markets which was fun. Then
proceeded to go out again to a few bars haha so much for not drinking
but dont worry ive only had a few so don't stress. And so much for
'not coming to Kenya to party' my first 3 nights I went out, not a
bad effort. The family I was staying with before orientation was
fantastic, they took us out everywhere. Eddie, our hosts son was
heaps of fun, I've got lots of photos and we're planning to stay in
touch with them all and go out a bit.
So
to tell you a bit about Kenya. I loved it from the minute I arrived.
The weather is perfect, warm - hot but not humid so you can wear
whatever you want. I have felt comfortable and totally at ease since
the beginning which was unexpected, I thought I might have some
culture shock but it was all good. The place is hectic and totally
chaotic!!! Pot holes everywhere, the driving is crazy (very similar
to sri lanka) and there are just people everywhere. They have vans
they have converted into taxis known as 'matatus' and they squish up
to maybe 20 ppl in. Its crazy lol!! We went for a drive up to the
country on Saturday to visit one of the orphanages up there, the
countryside is so gorgeous. It is lush and green, rolling hills and
you really have to see it to appreciate it. The kids at that
orphanage were so happy to see us they all call us 'mazungus' which
translates to white person lol!! I guess that quiz about me was
right, I am just white lol!
I've
made a really good friend – Sara – shes from NY and were planning
to do a lot of weekend trips etc together. We are placed together and
having heaps of fun because we're so similar. We arrived at our
placement last night, we're just outside of Nairobi in one of the
better off areas actually. There are a couple of other Americans
staying with us and also one Aussie guy which is cool. I'm planning a
trip with them this weekend to Uganda which should be interesting.
This home stay is great, hot showers and internet so this is more
comfortable. Our host mother is known as “MAMA LYDIA”!!
I'm
working at the local orphanage with children from 6 months to 5 years
old, they are so beautiful but their stories are heartbreaking. Some
of the kids parents have died from AIDS, some kids were found in
ditches or abandoned after birth and one child was removed from his
mother after it was found she was drugging him at 4 months old to
keep him sleeping!! It's so horrible but these kids are an
inspiration. They are so happy and full of life despite all they've
been through. Sara and I are going to be there helping out and taking
care of the kids. We are organising some classes and more structured
routines for the older kids because they don't have the chance to go
to school at this stage. We are trying to teach them basic English
and maths so hopefully we can make a bit of a difference in their
lives. We are trying to make the most of our time and do the best
that we can with what we've been given.
Thats
a really really quick run down of what I've been doing. I have been
so busy it feels like I've been here for a few weeks at least. I've
got a lot planned in the next few weeks so I'll keep you updated.
Missing you all so much, wish you could see everything I'm seeing.
I'm trying to put up photos as I write this so you can see a bit.
Love
you all xoxoxx
Kiara
aka the “mazungu”
