First Day of School, and other misc. fun

Max in his uniform, Sam doesn't have to wear one. The school is called The Key Montessori
School. They require Max to go 5 days/wk. and Sam can do 3-5 days/wk. So far I am very happy with the school. The campus is very nice (Kenyan standards). There is a lot of outside space and the classrooms are big with a lot to do. the teachers are lovely and there are many people there helping out.
Max saw some Kenyan children walking to school by themselves and is desperate to do the same. He wants to take a Matatu to school. I admire the independence but it's not happenin.

This is at The Giraffe Center. There were about 6 giraffes that you could feed and pet. I have never been so close to animals as I have been here. 

This is at Mamba Village. Mamba is Swahili for crocodile. Our guide bravely?, got into the cage with a dozen large crocs and started poking them so we could see their teeth. 

boat ride at Paradise Lost, a picnic area, very beautiful

Max loved riding this horse, his first time! 

At Paradise Lost we were walking around looking at the cows and other farm animals roaming free. Then we just happened upon this camel, no cage. Max wanted to ride it but I am not sure about a camel's temperament so we just looked. You really never know what you will see here!!

This is at a kids restaurant, play area. A train, of course!





Now that the holidays are over, we have been meeting a lot of people. Our neighbors from Denmark are great and have a play structure in their yard that we can use. Our neighbors from Holland have just returned from the orphanage with their son, 31/2. They are also very nice. I am still trying to find a volunteer situation, it is not as easy as I thought it would be. I am hoping to plan a short trip to the coast or to one many of the other parts of Kenya that people keep telling us about. We are doing well! The kids are happy and seem to enjoy a more relaxed/independent lifestyle. Things are different here but not in a bad way, it just takes some getting use to.

MISS YOU ALL!! Reebcca

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