Well kids, this is it! My last blog post before returning home. I'd like to dedicate this one to Chris Mohr for whom I've grown a giant beard in the last 2 months. It looks absolutely ridiculous so most of you will never see it but I assure you, you're not missing much!
One of the most important things I've learned over the course of the summer is the importance of community in ones life. Whether you know it or not you are surrounded by a very important community that supports you. I want to take a moment to acknowledge some within my community for what they have given me.
First and foremost, my parents. I know many parents would not be pleased when their child runs off to Africa for two months let alone three times since 2006. My parents have been the most supportive people in encouraging me to live my life to the fullest and take advantage of the gifts life has given me. Without them, none of this would have ever been possible and for this I am extremely grateful. I must also acknowledge my grandmothers, sister, step-brother, and step-sister as well as many aunts and uncles who have given me their support and encouragement as I've found my path in life.
Next, I must acknowledge Isaac, Joyce, and their wonderful family. Isaac has been very encouraging and has worked hard to make this trip a success. Joyce has been a very gracious host as my African mom and has taken care of me from day one. I've never went hungry. When I was sick she nursed me back to health. Joyce is an amazing woman and leader in her community and I'm very blessed to have been brought into her home as one of her own children for 6 weeks.
The community of Gituamba was very inviting and made me feel very at home and comfortable among its people. Whenever we encountered problems or struggles the community was there to help and I greatly look forward to my future interaction with these people.
Megan and Joey for being really fun to travel with. As you may guess, being with the same people for 6 weeks can be challenging but also more rewarding and I'm so happy they decided to join and be a part of this experience with me. I hope they will return with me again some day and I hope many of you will come as well!
Of course I must thank Chad Kruse and the 14 other followers of my blog. I know others are reading but you guys rock face!
Much thanks to Graeme and Jessica for putting me up in Chicago and Jeremy Adams-Strump for hooking me up in London!
To Inger and Yoko for being awesome peeps to work with and for their support in my adventures and undertakings!
To Zach Smith for his grammatical and spelling critiques as I've forgotten how to type and spell over the past two months.
To the students, staff, and administration of Olnguara primary school, thanks for letting us be a part of your family!
To Betty Levitov for all her inspiration.
To Jill Francke for the volumes of help she provided before, during, and no doubt after this trip as I process my experience.
To Nick Lee for watching my house and cats and Bonz for putting up with my cats all the time.
To GOD for not striking me down /\
To all the rest of my friends who make up my extended family, thank you for your support in all I do and I look forward to catching up with you all very soon!
As I've written this blog there has been so much I've had to leave out and so much I want to share with everyone. I can't wait to be home and have a chance to chat over a cup of coffee (i really miss good coffee), a beer (really miss good beer as well), or a dinner!
From Nairobi one last time,
Jake
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Last few days in Nairobi!
Just a quick update on what we're done in Nairobi since we returned. Returned last Wednesday after a fabulous time in Uganda and have been relaxing and enjoying Nairobi for a few days.
I may have mentioned this in a past update but Nairobi gets a bum wrap. Yes, the matatus suck and make getting around a pain in the ass but I've found the city to be friendly, energetic, and exciting. One of the things I've really enjoyed about the city is how green and full of trees it is (although this is kind of offset by the smog.)
On Thursday we went to city center and walked around and had lunch with Isaac and a friend of his named Sammy. Isaac has three friends named Sammy and the cook that was on safari with us was also named Isaac. Since all the Sammys are somehow involved in the safari business I've become convinced that they only hire Sammys and Isaacs.
On Friday we went to the Sheldrick elephant orphanage where they take baby elephants and black rhinos that have been orphaned and nurse them to strength and later release them back into the wild. You may have seen a story on this on 60 Minutes sometime in April or May. It was quite cool. Only downside was the fact that we were misdirected on our bus ride back into town and ended up in city center adding about 2 hours to the trip. Still a good time!
Saturday was a wash until about 2 pm due to Friday night's activities. After we regained our ability to function as humans we went to city center and checked out the Masai market where I picked up a sweet ass pair of sandals. After that we met Isaac for coffee before heading out to a restaurant called Carnivore. Vegetarians stop now and move on to the next paragraph. Carnivore is a restaurant that serves lots and lots of meat. Each table gets a stand with dipping sauces and a flag of surrender. Once the meal comenses guys with giant skewers of mean come around and feed you until you can handle no more. We had chicked, beef, lamb, crocidile, pork, ostrich, and sausages! It was truly delicious.
Today we went to a ghetto in Nairobi with a friend of one of the ladies that works at the Upper Hill campsite where we've been staying. We hung out in the tree house with a bunch of rastas who run a music and acrobatics program for youth living in the slum. Then we went and saw a number of workshops where they make the crafts that are sold to tourist in nicer parts of town before having lunch at a local restaurant.
Tonight Joey and Megan are taking off to head back home and I'll be going to stay with Isaac and hang out with him until I leave!
That's it! Now you know!
I may have mentioned this in a past update but Nairobi gets a bum wrap. Yes, the matatus suck and make getting around a pain in the ass but I've found the city to be friendly, energetic, and exciting. One of the things I've really enjoyed about the city is how green and full of trees it is (although this is kind of offset by the smog.)
On Thursday we went to city center and walked around and had lunch with Isaac and a friend of his named Sammy. Isaac has three friends named Sammy and the cook that was on safari with us was also named Isaac. Since all the Sammys are somehow involved in the safari business I've become convinced that they only hire Sammys and Isaacs.
On Friday we went to the Sheldrick elephant orphanage where they take baby elephants and black rhinos that have been orphaned and nurse them to strength and later release them back into the wild. You may have seen a story on this on 60 Minutes sometime in April or May. It was quite cool. Only downside was the fact that we were misdirected on our bus ride back into town and ended up in city center adding about 2 hours to the trip. Still a good time!
Saturday was a wash until about 2 pm due to Friday night's activities. After we regained our ability to function as humans we went to city center and checked out the Masai market where I picked up a sweet ass pair of sandals. After that we met Isaac for coffee before heading out to a restaurant called Carnivore. Vegetarians stop now and move on to the next paragraph. Carnivore is a restaurant that serves lots and lots of meat. Each table gets a stand with dipping sauces and a flag of surrender. Once the meal comenses guys with giant skewers of mean come around and feed you until you can handle no more. We had chicked, beef, lamb, crocidile, pork, ostrich, and sausages! It was truly delicious.
Today we went to a ghetto in Nairobi with a friend of one of the ladies that works at the Upper Hill campsite where we've been staying. We hung out in the tree house with a bunch of rastas who run a music and acrobatics program for youth living in the slum. Then we went and saw a number of workshops where they make the crafts that are sold to tourist in nicer parts of town before having lunch at a local restaurant.
Tonight Joey and Megan are taking off to head back home and I'll be going to stay with Isaac and hang out with him until I leave!
That's it! Now you know!
So many of you know Joey Ianno who I've been traveling with this summer along with Megan Hershiser. For those of you who don't know Joey, he's quite witty and has a tendency to make light of most situations. On the other hand, he says a lot of dumbass stuff. Never-the-less, this dumbass stuff has kept me thuroughly entertained over the course of the past two months and as Megan and Joey prepare to fly home this evening I'd like to share a few of these moments with you.
WARNING: This may in fact make you feel a bit dumber.
One day Joey and I were discussing dread locks and he asked me if I'd ever grow mine back. I told him I wouldn't. He replied, "What if I payed you $80,000 per year?" I agreed that for $80,000 I would grow my dread back. He then added that if he were to pay me I'd have to wear nothing but a t-shirt, running shoes, and business socks. We've since agreed that t-shirt w/ no pants is the funniest thing any human being can wear.
Another evening we were discussing what we would do if we were rich. Joey proclaimed that he would buy a hot air balloon apartment and float across the world dropping waste on people. Furthermore, he would buy a giant projector to project his face on the moon leaving the earth with a perpetual full moon of Joey's face. This went on for quite some time before he decided that his money would be better spent on fart vantriliquism.
As we walked down the road one evening, out of nowhere, Joey said that fat people are furniture hell.
These were just a few of the things that made my summer a little bit dumber!
p.s. If you're interested in the many more I'm happy to share on my return!
WARNING: This may in fact make you feel a bit dumber.
One day Joey and I were discussing dread locks and he asked me if I'd ever grow mine back. I told him I wouldn't. He replied, "What if I payed you $80,000 per year?" I agreed that for $80,000 I would grow my dread back. He then added that if he were to pay me I'd have to wear nothing but a t-shirt, running shoes, and business socks. We've since agreed that t-shirt w/ no pants is the funniest thing any human being can wear.
Another evening we were discussing what we would do if we were rich. Joey proclaimed that he would buy a hot air balloon apartment and float across the world dropping waste on people. Furthermore, he would buy a giant projector to project his face on the moon leaving the earth with a perpetual full moon of Joey's face. This went on for quite some time before he decided that his money would be better spent on fart vantriliquism.
As we walked down the road one evening, out of nowhere, Joey said that fat people are furniture hell.
These were just a few of the things that made my summer a little bit dumber!
p.s. If you're interested in the many more I'm happy to share on my return!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Jake: 1, Matatu Driver: 0!
The first Sunday night we spent in Kampala we were directed to the wrong matutu and ended up far from where we were supposed to be. When we realized that they were taking us to the Red Chili bar instead of the Red Chilli back packers we got out and decided to take a Boda Boda to get back. A Boda Boda is simply a motorcycle taxi that will take as many as two people plus the driver to any destination for a negotiated fee.
After we had worked two riders down to an acceptable fee we were off, Megan and Joe on one and me on the other. At some point we missed a turn and when Joe and Megans driver, who was in the lead, realized it he turned around. My driver didn't know what was happening and as he watch the other motorcycle turn around he drove straight into the curb. Fortunately I had been watching where we were going and saw this disaster coming a block away and was able to simply step of the bike and it rammed into the curb and fell to its side.
I was completely unfazed by what had happened and was surprisingly calm as the rider looked at me while his motorcycle laid on top of him and asked if I was okay! It was one of the most completely ridiculous moments of the trip. As I stood over this guy who had been dumped by his bike as he wasn't paying attention he asked if I was alright!
I'm sure he felt absolutely ridiculous in the end since neither of us had been injured by his incompetance. In the end, they took us to Chillies restaurant and we were even further away from our final destination. None-the-less, we had dinner and eventually made it home!
Just one of the many hilarious dangers you can face in Africa!
After we had worked two riders down to an acceptable fee we were off, Megan and Joe on one and me on the other. At some point we missed a turn and when Joe and Megans driver, who was in the lead, realized it he turned around. My driver didn't know what was happening and as he watch the other motorcycle turn around he drove straight into the curb. Fortunately I had been watching where we were going and saw this disaster coming a block away and was able to simply step of the bike and it rammed into the curb and fell to its side.
I was completely unfazed by what had happened and was surprisingly calm as the rider looked at me while his motorcycle laid on top of him and asked if I was okay! It was one of the most completely ridiculous moments of the trip. As I stood over this guy who had been dumped by his bike as he wasn't paying attention he asked if I was alright!
I'm sure he felt absolutely ridiculous in the end since neither of us had been injured by his incompetance. In the end, they took us to Chillies restaurant and we were even further away from our final destination. None-the-less, we had dinner and eventually made it home!
Just one of the many hilarious dangers you can face in Africa!
Uganda and Back!
Greetings friends, families, and creepy strangers following my blog! It's a beautiful Friday morning in Nairobi, Kenya and I'd like to take a moment and share with you some recent adventures!
On Wednesday we returned to Nairobi after a 13 hour bus ride from Kampala, Uganda! Uganda was an amazing experience. Upon arrival we found people in the city very friendly and quite helpful. We had some trouble finding an ATM that would accept a VISA card. One bank employee directed us to another bank which would accept our cards. This really set the tone for the rest of my time in Uganda.
We spent the first weekend at the Red Chilli campsite in Kampala while exploring the city. Kampala is very clean and quite cheap. We found a wonderful coffee shop that served delicious Ugandan and Kenyan coffee. After having been in the village for some time we also took advantage of a movie theater and saw Transformers 2, State of Play, and Harry Potter 6. None of these movies were especially good but it was nice to be able to relax and do something a little more "American."
After spending the weekend in Kampala we hopped on a matatu and then a boat and made for Bonda Island on Lake Victoria. The boat was a very long dug out that took 3.5 hours to arrive at the island. Once we got there it was quite apparent from the beginning that we were in a very strange place. In total there were only 9 people staying there and the owner, an eccentric old british man who doesn't believe in equality named Dom, was nowhere to be found. In Dom's absence were Liam and Sam from the UK and Canada respecitively. Within about 20 minutes Joey and I had decided that we may be eaten by cannibals or sacrificed by Brits and may never leave the island.
Fortunately, none of the sort happened and we survived. While on the Island we did very little but read, eat, and play backgammon. I finished reading What is the What which I highly recommend to anyone interested in African affairs. It tells the story of one of the lost boys of Sudan and the struggles and atrocities he witnessed in his journey from Sudan to the United States. Quite touching and surprisingly funny at times.
Although it was a bit creepy, Bonda island did provide some of the best food on the trip. We had fish for almost every meal and quality coffee for breakfast (a rarety). I especially enjoyed the fish samosas so if anyone knows where I can find them in Lincoln let me know!
After 3 days of relaxation we jumped back on the boat and headed back for Kampala and then to Jinja. Jinja is at the source of the Nile river. This is where you would go if you wanted to raft the Nile. We did not raft the Nile. However, we did find a beautiful bluff to camp on which overlooked the river. It was probably the most beautiful place we've stayed on the whole trip. Each day I got up and took a swim in the river and went out to the local village for a rolex (chipate, similar to a tortilla, with egg and other delicious foods wrapped inside.).
After Jinja we jumped back on the overnight bus and rolled back to Nairobi. Over the 11 days we spent in Uganda I was very impressed and I would highly recommend making the trip to anyone traveling in Eastern Africa. The people are nice, the matatus convenient and comfortable, the streets are clean, and it's cheap! I will definitely make Uganda stop on any future trip I make to the region!
Peace,
Jake
p.s. Scam of the trip: When you cross the border from Kenya to Uganda you have to pay $50 for a visa. As you cross the border on the Kenyan side there are money changers which give you a crap rate to convert Kenyan shillings to Ugandan shillings. Once you arrive on the Ugandan side of the border there are signs everywhere telling you that you must pay $50 to enter into Kenya. So of course there are money changers there with crisp $50's waiting to change your Ugandan shillings into dollars. They tell you that you must change them before getting your visa. This is bullshit. We declined and payed with Ugandan shillings without any problems. In fact, the woman in the office told me that they take almost all world currencies! Just a helpful hint if you ever make the journey!
p.p.s. Question to weigh in on: As I mentioned earlier the people in Uganda and Kampala were very friendly. The night before we went to Jinja we stayed in Kampala and while riding a matatu alone I met a very nice and very beautiful young woman who recognized me from a store I was just in. She was very cordial and claimed to have had many friends who had studied in the United States. She then invited me to join her and her friends for a night on the town. I told her I'd have to consult w/ Megan and Joey and would let her know so we exchanged phone numbers. In the end I did not go out with her but since then she's called a number of times. The debate we've been having is whether or not she's a prostitute. If you've been to Nairobi you know that there are many prostitutes in the city who are quite friendly as well. If you have an opinion or any insight that may help us solve this question please let me know. Thanks for playing!
On Wednesday we returned to Nairobi after a 13 hour bus ride from Kampala, Uganda! Uganda was an amazing experience. Upon arrival we found people in the city very friendly and quite helpful. We had some trouble finding an ATM that would accept a VISA card. One bank employee directed us to another bank which would accept our cards. This really set the tone for the rest of my time in Uganda.
We spent the first weekend at the Red Chilli campsite in Kampala while exploring the city. Kampala is very clean and quite cheap. We found a wonderful coffee shop that served delicious Ugandan and Kenyan coffee. After having been in the village for some time we also took advantage of a movie theater and saw Transformers 2, State of Play, and Harry Potter 6. None of these movies were especially good but it was nice to be able to relax and do something a little more "American."
After spending the weekend in Kampala we hopped on a matatu and then a boat and made for Bonda Island on Lake Victoria. The boat was a very long dug out that took 3.5 hours to arrive at the island. Once we got there it was quite apparent from the beginning that we were in a very strange place. In total there were only 9 people staying there and the owner, an eccentric old british man who doesn't believe in equality named Dom, was nowhere to be found. In Dom's absence were Liam and Sam from the UK and Canada respecitively. Within about 20 minutes Joey and I had decided that we may be eaten by cannibals or sacrificed by Brits and may never leave the island.
Fortunately, none of the sort happened and we survived. While on the Island we did very little but read, eat, and play backgammon. I finished reading What is the What which I highly recommend to anyone interested in African affairs. It tells the story of one of the lost boys of Sudan and the struggles and atrocities he witnessed in his journey from Sudan to the United States. Quite touching and surprisingly funny at times.
Although it was a bit creepy, Bonda island did provide some of the best food on the trip. We had fish for almost every meal and quality coffee for breakfast (a rarety). I especially enjoyed the fish samosas so if anyone knows where I can find them in Lincoln let me know!
After 3 days of relaxation we jumped back on the boat and headed back for Kampala and then to Jinja. Jinja is at the source of the Nile river. This is where you would go if you wanted to raft the Nile. We did not raft the Nile. However, we did find a beautiful bluff to camp on which overlooked the river. It was probably the most beautiful place we've stayed on the whole trip. Each day I got up and took a swim in the river and went out to the local village for a rolex (chipate, similar to a tortilla, with egg and other delicious foods wrapped inside.).
After Jinja we jumped back on the overnight bus and rolled back to Nairobi. Over the 11 days we spent in Uganda I was very impressed and I would highly recommend making the trip to anyone traveling in Eastern Africa. The people are nice, the matatus convenient and comfortable, the streets are clean, and it's cheap! I will definitely make Uganda stop on any future trip I make to the region!
Peace,
Jake
p.s. Scam of the trip: When you cross the border from Kenya to Uganda you have to pay $50 for a visa. As you cross the border on the Kenyan side there are money changers which give you a crap rate to convert Kenyan shillings to Ugandan shillings. Once you arrive on the Ugandan side of the border there are signs everywhere telling you that you must pay $50 to enter into Kenya. So of course there are money changers there with crisp $50's waiting to change your Ugandan shillings into dollars. They tell you that you must change them before getting your visa. This is bullshit. We declined and payed with Ugandan shillings without any problems. In fact, the woman in the office told me that they take almost all world currencies! Just a helpful hint if you ever make the journey!
p.p.s. Question to weigh in on: As I mentioned earlier the people in Uganda and Kampala were very friendly. The night before we went to Jinja we stayed in Kampala and while riding a matatu alone I met a very nice and very beautiful young woman who recognized me from a store I was just in. She was very cordial and claimed to have had many friends who had studied in the United States. She then invited me to join her and her friends for a night on the town. I told her I'd have to consult w/ Megan and Joey and would let her know so we exchanged phone numbers. In the end I did not go out with her but since then she's called a number of times. The debate we've been having is whether or not she's a prostitute. If you've been to Nairobi you know that there are many prostitutes in the city who are quite friendly as well. If you have an opinion or any insight that may help us solve this question please let me know. Thanks for playing!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Fairwell to Gituamba... Sad Face.
So we've finished our time in Gituamba for the trip. It was very sad to leave behind so many friends and new family members.
Our departure from the school was excessively long due to the headmaster's insistence that we have a program to go w/ the snacks and sodas we brought the teachers. In the 2.5 weeks we spent at the school we did manage to teach two teachers to use microsoft excel and with some work they will be able to show other teachers how to keep records on the computer!
For the 4th of July we invited Isaac's family over for a bbq where we made burgers, dogs, chicken, and guacamole. Last summer when Jill, Megan and Lauren visited they made guac and it was quite a hit. The bbq went quite well and we were all invited back to celebrate Kenya's independence in December. The gathering was one of the many ways illustrating how we were embraced by Isaac's family and the community as a whole.
After leaving the village we spent a day in Nakuru before boarding the overnight bus to Kampala, Uganda. Kampala is a beautiful city that is very clean and very friendly. I could definitely spend a lot more time here. We've taken the liberty to enjoy some nice meals in a restaurant and have seen a couple movies.
Tomorrow we're off to an island on Lake Victoria for some needed rest and relaxation. I will post more on our travels here in Uganda in the coming week or so!
Peace to all,
Jake
Our departure from the school was excessively long due to the headmaster's insistence that we have a program to go w/ the snacks and sodas we brought the teachers. In the 2.5 weeks we spent at the school we did manage to teach two teachers to use microsoft excel and with some work they will be able to show other teachers how to keep records on the computer!
For the 4th of July we invited Isaac's family over for a bbq where we made burgers, dogs, chicken, and guacamole. Last summer when Jill, Megan and Lauren visited they made guac and it was quite a hit. The bbq went quite well and we were all invited back to celebrate Kenya's independence in December. The gathering was one of the many ways illustrating how we were embraced by Isaac's family and the community as a whole.
After leaving the village we spent a day in Nakuru before boarding the overnight bus to Kampala, Uganda. Kampala is a beautiful city that is very clean and very friendly. I could definitely spend a lot more time here. We've taken the liberty to enjoy some nice meals in a restaurant and have seen a couple movies.
Tomorrow we're off to an island on Lake Victoria for some needed rest and relaxation. I will post more on our travels here in Uganda in the coming week or so!
Peace to all,
Jake
What the heck is a Matatu?
Sorry to say I've just realized that I've left out a very important aspect of traveling in Africa! Over the past 7 weeks I've been traveling primarily by Matatu, a 14 passenger van which serves as Africa's most used type of public transport. Matatus are quite hectic and drive very erratically making one feel as if you might die at any given moment. Each Matatu has a driver and conductor who flags down passengers and collects money. Matatus are by far the cheapest way to get around. Many of these vehicles are tagged w/ decals celebrating the presidency of Barry O!
In Kenya each Matatu is packed to the max which usually means somewhere around 20-24 people including the driver and conductor. On the 4th of July we made the trip from Nyahururu to the village on which we had 30 people in total.
Joey thoroughly hates them due to his height and I will say that I've had my fair share of uncomfortable moments with strangers. Never-the-less, the Matatu has been an important part of my travel and one I will not miss when I return!
In Kenya each Matatu is packed to the max which usually means somewhere around 20-24 people including the driver and conductor. On the 4th of July we made the trip from Nyahururu to the village on which we had 30 people in total.
Joey thoroughly hates them due to his height and I will say that I've had my fair share of uncomfortable moments with strangers. Never-the-less, the Matatu has been an important part of my travel and one I will not miss when I return!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Was that hole I just peed in the toilet?
Megan and Joey arrived safely well over a week ago now. They have been doing a great job adjusting to Kenya and getting involved in the village by volunteering at the Special Unit at the primary school and meeting various self help groups and community members. One of the most memorable moments with them thus far involved Joey using the toilet at a bar in Karandi (a town about 5 kilometers from Isaac and Joyce's place). After the meal and a couple Tusker beers Joey had to use the toilet. In rural areas of Kenya, and many other places in the world I would imagine, the toilet consists of a small hole in the floor of a latrine. When Joey returned he asked if that was indeed where he was to leave his waste. Fortunately, he was correct. He has become to comfortable using the Palace after I took mercy on him and allowed him direct access to the luxury that has become our toilet.
As previously mentioned, we've spent quite a bit of time at the Special Unit and primary school this past week. One of the more substantive projects we're engaging in is instructing teacher's at the primary school on the use of a computer that was donated by a former student. The computer is in good working condition and even has speakers so teachers can show their students dvds. There is also great potential for the school to begin to keep records and back up information digitally. Unfortunately, few of the teachers have any training or computer skills. To help train them we spent a few hours putting together basic instructions on things like turning the computer on and off properly, creating folders and files, saving work, and using dvds. This process was actually much more difficult than one might imagine. Having been computer literate since elementary school I found that trying to explain how to use basic computer functions in a way that can be understood by individuals new to computers quite difficult. This week we'll be doing two on two instruction with the teachers so we'll know how we did and will report back.
We just got back from a 4 day Safari with Isaac in which we saw all of the big 5 (elephants, black rhinos, leopard, lions, and the cape buffalo) and many other interesting animals. This was the first time I've ever seen a leopard in the wild and it was quite amazing. We also got to see the beginning of the wildebeast migration which will bring 1.2 million of the animals to Kenya from Tanzania to feast of the sweet grass of the Masaai Mara. It was amazing to see thousands of these animals grazing as far as the eye could see. Isaac is truly a spectacular wild life guide and I can't say enough about what he has taught us and been able to show us through his skill and trade. If you ever visit Kenya I insist you take a safari with Isaac and the guys at Wild Connection Safaris!
We spent the last night of the Safari at Lake Nakuru to see the flamingos. If you've ever seen the pictures of thousands of them in a lake that's probably the same one we're were at earlier today! AMAZING!
This was also the first time on the trip we've been around lots of mesquitos and faced the malaria threat! I've been taking my pills and have had no ill effects such as the vivid dreams I got from Larium and Malerone the last times I was abroad. I have had some strange dreams, though. I'll share with you the oddest: I was at the Watering Hole in downtown Lincoln and they had remodeled their bathrooms. They were just as dirty and nasty as they are now!
That's all for now. Be sure to check Joey and Megan's blog at www.kenohyeah.blogspot.com. If I don't write again, Happy Independence Day. We'll be giving the finger to the UK from another former colony!
Peace and Love to all,
Jake
As previously mentioned, we've spent quite a bit of time at the Special Unit and primary school this past week. One of the more substantive projects we're engaging in is instructing teacher's at the primary school on the use of a computer that was donated by a former student. The computer is in good working condition and even has speakers so teachers can show their students dvds. There is also great potential for the school to begin to keep records and back up information digitally. Unfortunately, few of the teachers have any training or computer skills. To help train them we spent a few hours putting together basic instructions on things like turning the computer on and off properly, creating folders and files, saving work, and using dvds. This process was actually much more difficult than one might imagine. Having been computer literate since elementary school I found that trying to explain how to use basic computer functions in a way that can be understood by individuals new to computers quite difficult. This week we'll be doing two on two instruction with the teachers so we'll know how we did and will report back.
We just got back from a 4 day Safari with Isaac in which we saw all of the big 5 (elephants, black rhinos, leopard, lions, and the cape buffalo) and many other interesting animals. This was the first time I've ever seen a leopard in the wild and it was quite amazing. We also got to see the beginning of the wildebeast migration which will bring 1.2 million of the animals to Kenya from Tanzania to feast of the sweet grass of the Masaai Mara. It was amazing to see thousands of these animals grazing as far as the eye could see. Isaac is truly a spectacular wild life guide and I can't say enough about what he has taught us and been able to show us through his skill and trade. If you ever visit Kenya I insist you take a safari with Isaac and the guys at Wild Connection Safaris!
We spent the last night of the Safari at Lake Nakuru to see the flamingos. If you've ever seen the pictures of thousands of them in a lake that's probably the same one we're were at earlier today! AMAZING!
This was also the first time on the trip we've been around lots of mesquitos and faced the malaria threat! I've been taking my pills and have had no ill effects such as the vivid dreams I got from Larium and Malerone the last times I was abroad. I have had some strange dreams, though. I'll share with you the oddest: I was at the Watering Hole in downtown Lincoln and they had remodeled their bathrooms. They were just as dirty and nasty as they are now!
That's all for now. Be sure to check Joey and Megan's blog at www.kenohyeah.blogspot.com. If I don't write again, Happy Independence Day. We'll be giving the finger to the UK from another former colony!
Peace and Love to all,
Jake
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Holy Shit, Elephants in the store!
So when I was preparing for this trip Isaac had sent me an email mentioning elephants walking through the fence on his farm and I didn't really think much of it. Well, Monday morning I woke up to a terrifying noise which sounded like howler monkeys followed by human voices and dogs barking. Then Joyce called my name from the house. Being 3:30 am and having no idea what was going on I was terrified. She told me some elephants had broken into the store (place where they keep food, not connected to the house) of a neighbor down the road. I quickly got dressed and we jumped in a neighbors truck and raced down the road to the house. To my astonishment there were about 50-75 people who had gathered and were inspecting the store which had a broken roof and was missing some planks in the wall. It had provided little protection against the elephants.
I was quite surprised to see that many people. In the morning Joyce simply told me that when you call for help, people come running. The more time I spend in this community the more I appreciate how Kikuyu culture values community. In every home and with every group I visit I'm greeted with food or tea. At church or other functions I am always welcomed by the group and by individuals after the service. The more time I spend here the more comfortable I become and the more I feel like part of this community. In fact, when I left for Nairobi this morning I almost cried!
Last week I walked 10k through the Gituamba location with Isaac's uncle to get a feel for the area. It's very dry right now as this region in Kenya is currently lacking much needed water. When the British settler's came they burned and cut down many of the indigenous forests whose tree roots burrow deep in the ground and bring water to the surface. Without these trees it gets drier each year. There are many great tree planting projects including the Green Belt Movement spearheaded by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. I'm currently reading her memoir "Unbowed" and am learning quite a bit about Kenya's history and environmental movement. I highly recommend it.
One of the themes of Maathai's book that I've seen first hand is the role that strong women play in Kenya. Joyce is no exception. I have greatly enjoyed the time I've spent with her in the last week since Isaac has left to take clients on Safari. Joyce has told me many great stories about her life, Isaac, and has taught me much about the Kikuyu tribe and their customs and history. When telling a story, if she's interrupted and has to see to another task she always comes back, no matter the duration of time, and continues right where she left off. I really admire Joyce and respect the strength, passion, and love with which she lives her life.
As mentioned before, I'm back in Nairobi. Megan and Joey will arrive tomorrow night and Friday morning we will be heading back to N'gaura. The choir Isaac started as a self help project will be performing for us and the community when we return. The choir is top notch and has big dreams of growing and touring the world. I've been to all of their rehearsals since I've arrived and am now an unofficial member. All though I held no ambitions of performing with them, I was told at the last minute that I would be joining them in front of the congregation at church last week. I don't know all the songs but Joyce has been teaching a few to me in the evenings.
Last week came the completion of "The Palace" which is a latrine with seats. Until it was finished I had been squating whenever I needed to drop a deuce. In preparation of Joey's arrival we've instituted the three day rule by which all men must use the squat latrine for 3 days before graduating to The Palace. Joey will be pleasantly surprised when he arrives!
Thanks for reading all of this for those of you who made it this far! My love to all! More to come soon!
Peace and /\,
Jake
I was quite surprised to see that many people. In the morning Joyce simply told me that when you call for help, people come running. The more time I spend in this community the more I appreciate how Kikuyu culture values community. In every home and with every group I visit I'm greeted with food or tea. At church or other functions I am always welcomed by the group and by individuals after the service. The more time I spend here the more comfortable I become and the more I feel like part of this community. In fact, when I left for Nairobi this morning I almost cried!
Last week I walked 10k through the Gituamba location with Isaac's uncle to get a feel for the area. It's very dry right now as this region in Kenya is currently lacking much needed water. When the British settler's came they burned and cut down many of the indigenous forests whose tree roots burrow deep in the ground and bring water to the surface. Without these trees it gets drier each year. There are many great tree planting projects including the Green Belt Movement spearheaded by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. I'm currently reading her memoir "Unbowed" and am learning quite a bit about Kenya's history and environmental movement. I highly recommend it.
One of the themes of Maathai's book that I've seen first hand is the role that strong women play in Kenya. Joyce is no exception. I have greatly enjoyed the time I've spent with her in the last week since Isaac has left to take clients on Safari. Joyce has told me many great stories about her life, Isaac, and has taught me much about the Kikuyu tribe and their customs and history. When telling a story, if she's interrupted and has to see to another task she always comes back, no matter the duration of time, and continues right where she left off. I really admire Joyce and respect the strength, passion, and love with which she lives her life.
As mentioned before, I'm back in Nairobi. Megan and Joey will arrive tomorrow night and Friday morning we will be heading back to N'gaura. The choir Isaac started as a self help project will be performing for us and the community when we return. The choir is top notch and has big dreams of growing and touring the world. I've been to all of their rehearsals since I've arrived and am now an unofficial member. All though I held no ambitions of performing with them, I was told at the last minute that I would be joining them in front of the congregation at church last week. I don't know all the songs but Joyce has been teaching a few to me in the evenings.
Last week came the completion of "The Palace" which is a latrine with seats. Until it was finished I had been squating whenever I needed to drop a deuce. In preparation of Joey's arrival we've instituted the three day rule by which all men must use the squat latrine for 3 days before graduating to The Palace. Joey will be pleasantly surprised when he arrives!
Thanks for reading all of this for those of you who made it this far! My love to all! More to come soon!
Peace and /\,
Jake
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
First Post! Yeah!
Jambo!
I'd like to begin my first post by acknowledging my first follower, Chad Kruse! Chad just graduated with a Masters in Architecture from UNL and is one of the most forward thinkers in the field of space hotel design! Thanks for your support Chad!
I've now been in Kenya for almost two weeks and have greatly enjoyed my time thus far! Isaac and Joyce Kinyanjui have been wonderful hosts introducing me to their community and making me feel part of the family while here.
Over the past week or so I've visited with many self help groups and community organizations. There's a plastics group which was started by Brad Elder, a professor from Doane, that has found a way to convert old plastic bags to tiles which can be used for roofing, flooring, and other purposes. With a little empowerment this group has gone a long way in working to improve their community! Much can be learned from their work. I look forward to sharing more on these groups when I return.
I've been drinking lots of tea with local residents and have felt very welcome and at home with all I've met. Since arriving I've attended chuch more than in the last year. I was asked by one gropu to say a prayer and since I kept it exceptionally short everyone was very impressed as prayers can be quite the lengthy affair. I may soon abandon the safety prayer and join the Anglican Church of Kenya!
Well I must be off since I'm holding up some shopping here in Nyahururu and we must return to N'gaura in time for a choir this afternoon!
Peace to all,
Jake
p.s. /\
I'd like to begin my first post by acknowledging my first follower, Chad Kruse! Chad just graduated with a Masters in Architecture from UNL and is one of the most forward thinkers in the field of space hotel design! Thanks for your support Chad!
I've now been in Kenya for almost two weeks and have greatly enjoyed my time thus far! Isaac and Joyce Kinyanjui have been wonderful hosts introducing me to their community and making me feel part of the family while here.
Over the past week or so I've visited with many self help groups and community organizations. There's a plastics group which was started by Brad Elder, a professor from Doane, that has found a way to convert old plastic bags to tiles which can be used for roofing, flooring, and other purposes. With a little empowerment this group has gone a long way in working to improve their community! Much can be learned from their work. I look forward to sharing more on these groups when I return.
I've been drinking lots of tea with local residents and have felt very welcome and at home with all I've met. Since arriving I've attended chuch more than in the last year. I was asked by one gropu to say a prayer and since I kept it exceptionally short everyone was very impressed as prayers can be quite the lengthy affair. I may soon abandon the safety prayer and join the Anglican Church of Kenya!
Well I must be off since I'm holding up some shopping here in Nyahururu and we must return to N'gaura in time for a choir this afternoon!
Peace to all,
Jake
p.s. /\
Friday, May 22, 2009
Greetings!
Hello Friends and Family,
As you clearly know by now I'm off to Kenya for two months this summer. I'll be doing service learning work with Isaac Kinyanjui in his village with Joey Ianno and Megan Hershisher. Over the course of the summer I hope to periodically update our travels and adventures as we work, play, and travel our way through Kenya and Uganda in July.
Much thanks to parents, friends, and family for the love and support! Knowing you have a place to come back to with some many wonderful people makes leaving all the easier. I look forward to seeing everyone in August and sharing my experiences with you.
Until then, be well.
Peace,
Jake
p.s. /\
As you clearly know by now I'm off to Kenya for two months this summer. I'll be doing service learning work with Isaac Kinyanjui in his village with Joey Ianno and Megan Hershisher. Over the course of the summer I hope to periodically update our travels and adventures as we work, play, and travel our way through Kenya and Uganda in July.
Much thanks to parents, friends, and family for the love and support! Knowing you have a place to come back to with some many wonderful people makes leaving all the easier. I look forward to seeing everyone in August and sharing my experiences with you.
Until then, be well.
Peace,
Jake
p.s. /\
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