I woke up at 4:30am and was soon followed by a hungry Abcde and her transportation, Caroline. Soon changed, fed, and medicated (in addition to being constipated still she has a bit of a cough and stuffy nose) Abs and Caroline went back to bed. I stayed up for a while and updated yesterday's trip entry. Abcde has been constipated for 3 days but finally released. She should be much more comfortable now. (I know that bowel movements are not great literature, but it is a fact of the trip) Abs and I slept from 3 to 6. Dinner was pork loin. Someone left the gas flowing at the grill behind our building. I saved us all by turning it off on my way to the hot tub for a latenight dip. After a swim we ... read more

So we landed in the US of A and after processing thru customs headed to our gate. We sat and read killing time until the gate would open and we would be on our way. Just when we were ready to board the airline came over the speaker and announced that our flight was cancelled. I hoofed it down to guest services and got in line with every one else, leaving Caroline to catch up. She was a little miffed that I rushed ahead but understood when she saw the line behind me. We processed through the line for an hour all the while trying to contact United via the phone or the website. Eventually we received and E-Mail announcing we had been re-booked... for 3 days from now... that was not going to fly. I ... read more

Around 11 am breakfast had been eaten, pleasantries had been observed and Speck and Caroline were on their way into Nyeri to catch a matatu to Nairobi. On the way a stop was made at a small school where James's children attended. This stop was slightly longer than expected due to once again having gone where they ought not to. James was detained briefly and questioned by the principal and instructed not to bring visitors again without clearing it through him. The matatu ride was uneventful until it reached the outskirts of Nairobi. The driver missed the exit where he was to release Speck and Caroline so he did the traditional Kenyan thing, he stopped in the highway and let them out. After waiting 45 minutes looking for a matatu going the right route Speck and ... read more

Monday morning Speck is up early and looking for monkeys. He heard they could be seen in Nyeri but has yet to find any. This day David has been recruited to drive the Mercedes to Nanyuki. At 11am Mother, Caroline, Karuoya, Daniel and Speck are all in the car and on the way. On route they stopped at Narumoro, where Baba Kimathi is a member of a cooperative that has constructed retail space for rent. There many souvenirs were obtained before continuing on to Nanyuki. Shortly before they reached Nanyuki, the car reached the equator, everyone debarked and photos were taken with a sign marking the equator. Lunch at Muthui's was delicious, chicken, goat, 2 kinds of chapati, stew, potatos, and fantastic guacamole. Joanne Muthui had enjoyed seeing Speck and Caroline so much on Sat that ... read more

Today Speck will be introduced to the rest of the family and extended family. The rooster wakes him up several times and he finally surrendered at 9 am. Breakfast is a couple pieces of arrow root, a sort of purpleish potato, and tea. Everyone is in preparation mode, the plan is to eat at 1pm before the church elders arrive, then at 3 have a kind of ceremony, and then afterwards Speck will go through a dowry ceremony. In expectation of needing some money, Speck and Caroline went to Nyeri town and hit the ATM, then a quick stop at the grocer and back to the house. Speck and Caroline grab showers and get ready and shortly after 1pm are ready to eat. They are given some confusing instructions and then are left waiting. 2pm comes, ... read more