Greetings from Nairobi

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Hi everyone,
I’m writing from Nairobi. I’ve been here 3 days. Can’t believe I’m really here. My flights went smoothly and my bag arrived. YAY!! I was met at the airport by the airport security which I thought was odd. Jonathan, the security man that met me at my gate said the head of security Mr. Kabaka had sent him for me and was awaiting my arrival. He talked of him as if I were supposed to know who he was talking about. I had no clue, but oh well. He walked me through customs and getting my visa. Once we got my bag he walked me over to the security office where I waited for Mr. Kabaka. I still had no clue why the head of airport security would have been waiting for me. Turns out he’s my professor’s brother-in-law. So all went well there.
Jose, my professor’s husband picked me up. As we drove to my host-family’s place I couldn’t believe that I was actually here. It felt really good to be back. Everything was a lot greener than the last time I was in Nairobi in May. They have been getting lots of rain here. There is some flooding in parts of the country. In fact a bridge on the main highway from Nairobi to Kisumu was washed away.
My family is wonderful. My host-mom Lucy is very very nice. I have 3 year old brother that never ceases to run out of energy. The apartment is in a nice part of town, Kileleshwa. Because I arrived on the weekend and a holiday one at that there hasn’t been much to do around the city, but it’s been nice to just have the chance to relax with my host-family while I’m getting over jet lag.
Yesterday afternoon Agnes, my professor and Jose took me to Bomas. We watched traditional dancing. That was so much fun. =) There were dances from the Luo, Maasai and others (sorry I don’t have my notebook with me right now) When I get home I’ll put up pictures of the dancing. One thing I can say about the dancing is that the women can definitely move their hips! For one of the dances the women had a kanga tied around the hips, about the middle of the butt with a little of it left hanging almost like a short tail. With their butts facing the audience they moved their hips in a way that had the kanga tail spinning in a circle. =) After we left there they took me to dinner. It was nice and we talked a bit about expectations for my trip.
Today I went to church and then spent a peaceful afternoon with my family. Not much else to write. Internet is being very very finiky, so I’m not sure when I’ll get to write again. I’m leaving for Rongo, the village on Tue., so I’ll try to write before then, but I’m making no guarantees. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year’s. 2006 has been a great year for me. I started it abroad and I’m ending it abroad too. =) Hope 2007 is just as good. I miss you all. Write if you get the chance. Ciao!

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Comments

[Teena]

Hurray! A new adventure
Rachel, We wish you the grandest of times and look forward to reading about your travels. Be safe.