Tonight brings to a close my first whole day in my new home in Mombasa. I arrived last night via bus from Nairobi and had two dinners: one with my counterpart, a deaf teacher at the school, and one with my supervisor, the headmaster of the school. Mombasa food is much more flavorful than it is in Loitokitok (no judgment passed— I speak solely of flavor quantity), but in any case I was more than happy to eat twice. Today a fellow volunteer visited and showed me around Mombasa, and I purchased a few items for my home. Tonight I made my first dinner here: penne pasta with soy sauce.
So without further ado, let’s catch up on photos!
From right to left: My Kenyan momma, brother, and the motorcycle man who will take them away forever.
Last night in Loitokitok: sing-and-sign-along! (The deaf ed group attempted to translate lyrics into sign, resulting in hilarity but little actual understanding, especially when I tried.)
Dessert in Nairobi at Carnivore, a restaurant with great ostrich meat and more tackiness than I was expecting (waiters wear funny hats, etc). Giraffe meat is seasonal so I may have to go back on my birthday to try. I had tawny port with my dessert, and that made me very happy.
A completely staged photo taken after the swearing-in in Nairobi. I didn’t actually give a speech, but if I had, it would have looked like this. A serious looking man came over right after this and switched off the microphone. Elise, notice I’m wearing your bracelet— I haven’t taken it off yet.
Baobab tree somewhere between Nairobi and Mombasa. The bus ride is long and uncomfortable but these trees are amazing.
My new home, filled with modern amenities like a mini-fridge and a paper Christmas tree:
View of the other side of the room… the paint needs a little work. On the ground is all two years worth of my luggage.
My bedroom, from which I am now writing as I cower under the net to avoid Malaria:
My kitchen. The water doesn’t work as of now but apparently sometimes it does, although it doesn’t help much because the well water is brackish (too close to the ocean).
My first attempt at cooking in Kenya. This was taken before I realized I forgot to buy pasta sauce.
And that brings you up to date. Deaf schools open on Monday, so tomorrow (Sunday), I will hopefully find out what I will be doing for the first day of school. If dinner was indication, I probably don’t yet have my act together to accomplish much, but I’ll remain optimistic.
I also like the picture of you!!! Its almost as good as the one you drew for mom and I. I cant believe you got our package on New Years Eve as well. Could not have been more perfect! Well love you! O and your second project can always be learning that magic trick!!!
looks like you’re trying to get an early head start on your presidential campaign with that “publicity photo”, although it does also sort of look like you’re about to throw a game of craps. i guess you may as well get a head start on a vice or two while you’re at it, before you get elected.
It was no coincidence that I wore a red tie, white slacks, and a blue shirt to the ceremony. The Peace Corps oath is actually identical to the Presidential oath— good practice. I was hoping that Barack would make a surprise return to Kenya for the ceremony, but no such luck.
Paul, what does the rather ominous phrase,”My Kenyan momma, brother, and the motorcycle man who will take them away forever” really mean? Your probably right about the need for a little paint in your new apartment. I have taken the liberty to edit a few of you pictures. Check them out at, http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveblair48/sets/72157612404140089/
i was wondering this as well…take them where..and which family is this ur first one in africa or ur second one in africa?
The “ominous phrase” refers to the fact that that was the last time I saw my Kenyan momma and brother– the pickie-pickie driver drove off with them. I don’t have a second African family— that was the only one.
The pictures look a lot better brightened… the Scud and Carnivore shots in particular. Now I feel guilty that you only had my tiny little JPGs to work with.
hmm that was all alot to take in..but one thing is for sure…..You would be a very good psychologist…I never would have thought this, but as I read your mental notes on the problems in class, I realized you could be the next Freud. Think about it.
The next Freud, eh? That’s a compliment to be taken carefully.
What do you say to swapping weekends and painting our places? My place definitely needs it! I bought a fridge today!!! I feel like a little kid – keep wanting to go over and see if it’s cold yet!
Painting sounds like a good project, especially if the strike goes long…