Advertisement
Boys being boys
Out taking pictures of the flowers and the children were all over the photoshoot opportunity There is a lot of rain here. Almost every afternoon since we have arrived, the heavens have opened up and spilled down onto the earth for about an hour. It is a welcome reprieve for the drought the farmers have been experiencing this year. We are in the ‘heavy rains’ period, though it is much delayed this year. Irrigation systems are expensive and are not common, so the vast majority of farmers rely on the weather. Unfortunately it is not predictable, however there exists many opportunities for sustainable development. Hence our project here
Gordon and I experienced the rain fully on Sunday during our walk back from Lake Victoria. The thunder and lightning quickly assembled and played out their drama as we hastily quickened our pace to make it back home in less time. Needless to say, we were completely drenched by the time we arrived home!
Also on the weekend, Gordon and I explored a few local touristy places, namely the Kisumu museum. After missing the entrance and walking about half a kilometer too far, a local happily walked us back. The museum had many fascinating foreign things that kept us entertained for the afternoon. A worker
Sillyness
Most of the nearby children enjoying their own antics escorted us around the exhibits and we saw many cultural artifacts and stuffed wild animals from the area.
There was an aquarium with fish from Lake Victoria and from behind a closed door we were shown the largest Nile Perch ever recorded in the Lake – about the size of a person! Sadly, it is not a native species and is jeopardizing the local wildlife conditions and is the most common commercial fish. We also saw a row of carefully contained snake pens, safely observing through a barrier of plexiglass. The majority of them were poisonous. Next we were introduced to the tortoises: small, medium and very large. The largest one is estimated to be over 200 years old, and he sure looked it. The final attraction was a pen of 2 crocodiles, both asleep when we peered though the chain link fence. I enjoyed learning about the various wildlife, however it was still sad to see so many beings in captivity.
I’ve been enjoying observing the culture here and taking note of the customs. Kenyans are very conservative and formally greet each other with shaken hands to initiate every interaction. Most people are well educated but do
200 year old tortoise
Slow moving wisdom keeper not have jobs in their specialization due to lack of availability. The most common degree my peers are pursuing is involved in business, in fact we haven’t met anyone who is studying anything different.
I’ve seen much modern convenience intertwining with rustic living in Kisumu, less apparent in the rural communities. Cars are prevalent, even SUV’s navigate the dusty streets with familiarity. Advertising plasters the sides of buildings and huge billboards are our helpful markers of the territory. I’ve noticed such variety in hair style here, the women taking great care in how to portray their personality through braids and extensions and every pattern imaginable.
We began our interviewing of the farmers yesterday and continued today. It’s interesting going around to different farms and getting specific information about the practices here, especially when a lot of the answers are contradictory. We have a field officer, Rose, who will accompany us and translate in Luo when necessary. Luckily we have a few bikes to use for travelling in between houses, though the roads leave much to be desired – which I was warned about!
I am particularly intrigued with nightfall when the whole environment comes alive with activity.
Baby turtle
Much faster moving among the leaves of a snake pen I am lulled to sleep by the melody of various birds and insects, distant calls of hyenas, the local barks of dogs and a sea of frog ribbeting. Two nights ago we walked home just after dark and realized the entire sky is ablaze with lightning from every direction, in all shapes, colours and intervals. Quite the show! However, most nights we are in bed before 9pm and wake with the sun, so I’m enjoying the full rest before the long day begins.
It’s hard to believe that almost 2 weeks have passed already. I’m sure it will be even more fluid once we are out interviewing daily. The next few weekends will hopefully get us exploring some more of what Kenya has to offer.
I’ve been missing you all this week even while relishing in the vacation from Vancouver. The change of scenery is allowing for self reflection and deeper connection to our beautiful mother earth. I’m feeling such gratitude for this experience and look forward to sharing more in person!
Wanere! (see you)
Much love,
Laura
xoxo
Advertisement
Tot: 0.102s; Tpl: 0.035s; cc: 10; qc: 49; dbt: 0.0471s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
Karen Rae
non-member comment
african magic
We had a great circle on Sunday- we included you in all our ceremonies!! You must have heard the drum all the way over the waters!!! Sounds like an amazinging adventure you are on. When do you return? Hugs, Karen Ishana Rae