random shots of life in Kenya

New Year's Eve in Nairobi. Frozen pizza on our laundry balcony. Don't be jealous!
Every one here has some sort of balcony to hang their laundry. You see clothes hanging
every where here. 

Every time we walk to to little market down the street several men try to sell us this fruit. It looks delicious but not worth the risk!

This is the view of our complex from the street. This is Ali (as in Mohammed). He is an askari (guard). He is always smiling and loves the kids. There is one more gate before you get to our house. Ibrahim is the guard there. He is also very nice and loves playing with the kids. All of the guards are from Somalia. We often see them washing their feet in preparation for prayer. They have a very boring job as their presence seems unnecessary. 

Two cuties having super cool popsicles or ice lollies as they are labeled.

All is well. Jeff will be in Boston next week, wish me luck. We are very jealous!
I visited a wonderful school for the kids today. There is an informal admissions process so we do not know if they will be able to go there but I am hopeful!
I miss taking walks with out crazy matatus blowing exhaust in your face. I also miss driving my own car and American TV. and of course, all of you! Take Care, Rebecca

Animal Orphanage

This weekend we went to the Animal Orphanage and the Safari Walk (like a zoo).  It was in Nairobi National Park. We had a great time, it was a beautiful place and as usual the weather was perfect. In the "monkey village" some monkeys were in their cage but many were not. This was both cool and a little frightening. 

This little guy was very interested in our stroller so we gave him a ride.  At the Animal Orphanage several people were pointing at us and saying muzunga (Swahili for white person) as we were looking at the animals, the Kenyans were looking at us. We always get some stares but this was more. They are always very friendly and seem most taken by Sam. One man even took a picture of us. We are always in the minority but it is never a problem.

Jeff started work today. He has to wear a suit! He looked great! We have met a few more people and our neighbor returned today with this new wife. They seem very nice, hopefully they will still be nice after hearing one of Sam' s tantrums at 8 am. I have many more pictures to share but it often takes 10mins. to upload one so I am only able to do a few at a time. Hope you are all well. We miss you! Rebecca

The Elephant Orphanage

The other day the kids and I went to The Sheldrick Wildlife trust where you can watch them feed the elephants. We were so close, only separated by a rope. You could lean over and touch them. These are the babies, all of them have been orphaned in some horrible set of circumstances. You can read more about he plight of the elephant at wwwhttp://sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

We have been keeping busy exploring Nairobi and playing with the children who live in our community.
I miss having reliable electricity, as it often goes out for 1-2 hrs. or more each day. I have more to post but Sam is pulling on my hand pleading with me to pay (play). Happy New Year!

Christmas Day at Village Market

Yesterday we went to Village Market. This is an outdoor shopping area with lots of things for kids to do.  We have gone to many shopping areas because they they have indoor play spaces for the kids. My biggest complaint so far is that there are no outdoor playgrounds here. We do have a patio but we have to get out sometimes! Here Max is waiting for his turn to drive the little cars. 

Max driving Sam. Max loves this, yet another thing that would never fly in the US, but the kids loved it!

After lunch we enjoyed some gelato!

Today we went to the Massai Market, which is a market where Kenyan's come to sell there handmade crafts. As a "muzunga" (Swahili  for white person) it is hard to make your way through as all the vendors want your attention, saying "sister" or "madame".  I managed to buy a few things but most likely paid way too much! We also had "tea" with our neighbors from Holland who have adopted two Kenyan children. Unfortunately they will be leaving soon. After the holidays, another couple from Holland will come. In a week or so I will check into a school for Max (and maybe Sam) and will hopefully get to do some volunteer work. I miss salads ( too afraid to try uncooked produce), washing machines, and dishwashers!
Love, Rebecca

Nairobi Railway Museum

Again, sorry for the photo angle! Yesterday we went to the Nairobi Railway Museum. 

There were many trains to climb on. This would never fly in the US. The trains were very dirty and there were many possibilities of injury, jumping on and off the trains. The kids loved it!

Max, Sam and David (our guide)trying the bike on tracks.

This is a picture of  Matatu. They are small buses that should seat about 10, but usually have about 20 people crammed in. They are crazy and cause a lot of accidents! Apparently after the new year they will not be allowed in the city of Nairobi. This will help traffic a lot, but I do  not know how all those people will get around!

Good view of Nairobi!

Nairobi is a city of contradictions. (as I am sure most 3rd world cities are)You will see a modern high rise next to a slum and a Mercedes driving along a man pushing wood in a cart.

Today the kids and I met our neighbors from Sri Lanka and an expat family from Denmark. We have a lot to learn and are very happy to be educated by the wonderful people of Kenya.

Miss you all, Rebecca!

Tuesday Morning in Kenya

Sam enjoying his breakfast on the patio.

The kids and Pauline looking for the monkey that apparently lives in the area and comes to steal food.  (I cannot seem to rotate the image even if I do it in iphoto first, any bloggers have any tips?)

Today the kids and I went for a walk to the small shopping area near our house. On the way there was a man on the sidewalk fixing watches, mine happen to break so we all stood there as he fixed it and it is good as new. I think he charged me about $3. Walking with kids is not so easy as the sidewalks are narrow and crowded. The stroller does not fit, so we mostly take cabs.  Max is dying to go to the railroad museum so we may do that tomorrow. Rebecca

Daily Life in Nairobi

Please forgive my lack of photography skills and spelling errors ..I will work on it!
These are some photos of the kids and our trip to the market.
The pic above is a pic. "City Hoppa" bus. They are always jammed packed and it is unclear to me how one catches one. However, we have been advised not to take them... which is fine with me!

Sam, calling The States!

The kids in the supermarket. 

Max playing in our patio. This space is great. It is totally enclosed and is really an extension of the house. 

The kids on their new bike (a toddler rickshaw)


Today we woke up late because they kids are still adjusting to the time.  We spent some time with Mrs. Farouk, the landlords wife. She is a lovely Indian woman who insists she will be like my mother while we are here. We discussed all sorts of things from where to get the best produce to household help. Our "house girl" will start tomorrow, she sort of comes with the house. Her name is Pauline and she is a young (20's?) Kenyan girl who seems to love the children. For now she will come two days a week. She will do whatever I need, Zanadu!!!!  Due to it being the holidays, most of the people who live here are away. I am looking into volunteering opportunities and child care possibilities. Nothing much will happen before the new year.  For now we are doing well, I even made a real meal tonight (chicken) Hopefully we will all survive it.:)! Keep us posted on what is going on with you all. Rebecca