Catching up, Nov/Dec 2016: Shimba Hills - A boda boda ride, including some unexpected stops

When the time came for me to leave Katunge's house and Shimba Hills, Modi walked me up to the market area to get a boda boda (motorbike taxi). This is a very common way for me to travel, especially in the rural areas.

As we headed down the sandy road, we passed by several people walking to their destinations; the two women above are an example.

I hope you'll enjoy these photos from my journey of unexpected interruptions... what I like to call 'the randomness of Kenya'.

Salim, my boda boda driver (left), told me about a waterfall in the area and took me there. First we had to find Erastus (right), to get his permission and to for me to make a minimal donation.

Erastus owns the land on which the waterfall sits, and proudly informed us it's on the Mkurumji River. We all enjoyed watching this red and black millipede for a while.

As we headed up the path back to the main road, we stopped to look at this quite fascinating bark on a tree. Sorry, but I don't know what kind of tree it is.

Shortly after we got back on our way, it started raining. Salim sought refuge for us under the small, crude roof of Mtonii's house. He was busy weaving grass reeds into floor mats, but readily welcomed us to share his space. Mohammed (with the yellow vest) and three other guys on motorbikes also joined us in an effort to stay dry.

You might remember in the previous post, that Katunge had given me a bag of freshly-picked oranges from her tree just as I was leaving. I shared them with everyone as we sat out the rain; Junior (Mtonii's young grandson) especially enjoyed them.

Eventually the rain stopped and we headed out again. But shortly before we reached the highway and Ukunda market, Salim noticed his back tire didn't seem right. So, we pulled up at the motorbike and bicycle repair shop to get it fixed. Soon we were back on our way and Salim dropped me off at my destination.

Such is my life in Kenya. It pays to not be in a hurry and to just roll with the punches, whatever comes your way. 'Hakuna haraka', they say in Kenya - There is no hurry.

Catching up, Nov/Dec 2016: Shimba Hills - Fulfilling my promise to Katunge

I first met Katunge many years ago on one of my visits to Shimba Hills. She was sitting on the ground at the market area weaving 'makuti' (roof shingles made from palm fronds). I knelt down and chatted with her a bit and she invited me to her house for 'kuku' (chicken). Finally, after all these years, I honored that invitation.

[Katunge is the one wearing a scarf in the photo; the young lady is her daughter-in-law; Modi is Stella's grandson; I'm not too sure who that is peeking from behind.]

Drops of water from the previous night's rain

An unfinished house

Mwau carried my backpack

Stella carried the box of groceries I had brought along for Katunge

Katunge was so happy to welcome me to her home.

Once again, having a cup of chai

The two boys are Katunge's grandchildren and live nearby

I must remember to give her a printed copy of this picture!

Life is hard in the 'village', meaning the rural areas of Kenya. People work very hard tending their livestock and crops. If rain doesn't come when it's expected, things can really get difficult. At 86 years old, Katunge has suffered many challenges and ordeals throughout her lifetime, including being a widow for a many years. She barely gets by in life, but maintains a positive attitude and gives all the praise to God.

As I was leaving everybody picked oranges for me from Katunge's tree. You might notice in the video that the oranges are green, but that's normal in Kenya. Sometimes they're orange and green. The video also includes some young boys plowing a field with a pair of bulls, and a dung beetle. I hope you'll enjoy it!

Catching up, Nov/Dec 2016: Shimba Hills - Won't you join me for a cup of chai?

Mwea, the grand-daughter of Stella's neighbor, enjoyed hanging out with me.

While Stella prepared chai and breakfast,
I took a quick 'bucket shower' in this crude enclosure.

The neighbor 'sho-sho' (grandmother) chats with Stella,
as she washes dishes from last night's dinner.

Stella, Masudi's mom, pours in a full packet of milk as she makes a pot of chai (tea).

Mwea sets the utensils on the small table.

Ah... at long last the much anticipated chai is ready to be served!
Also on the menu are mandazi (slightly sweet fried bread), leftovers from last night's dinner, and bread I bought at Ukunda.

Mwea is excited to have store-bought bread!

Stella sits down and enjoys chai with us.

Everyone is happy with their cup of chai! It's such a large part of the culture in Kenya! 

Catching up, November 2016: A fun trip to Narok to meet some new friends

When we paused by the side of the road, the driver of the van I was traveling in bought
me a whole cob of hot roasted maize. I shared half of it with the gal seated next to me.

I always enjoy traveling to Narok. I used to go there frequently when a few of my South Sudanese friends attended school nearby. This time I was on my way to meet some new friends, who I had met at the last conference put on by my missions sending agency. The views are stunning as the highway drops rapidly down into the Great Rift Valley.

Dave, Sue, and I had a great time of fellowship together!

We drove through some rain on the way back, but then it cleared up and got sunny again.

This small "Travelers Church" (near Mai Mahiu) was built by Italian POW's in 1942. 

Catching up, November 2016: Thanksgiving, Scrabble, and celebrating a birthday

I enjoyed a lovely traditional American Thanksgiving meal with this crazy bunch of folks. Before we shared our meal that day, I only knew two of them... but now the other five are also friends!

Shannon and I first connected through the 'I am a Triangle' Facebook page, and discovered we both live in Kenya. She lives pretty far north of Nairobi, but we managed to meet for lunch when she was in town... yet another new friend!

Denise and I met many years ago (early 2003?) during a conference held at Brakenhurst. We've remained friends through all this time and managed to reconnect for lunch when she was back in Kenya recently.

Robai also joined Denise and I that day.
On our way back home, we got a shot of this signboard. 

I always have a great time with these young friends of mine. We meet as often as we can for a competitive game of Scrabble and lunch. The winner gets to keep the coveted and rather 'fancy' traveling trophy.

I brought some candles and picked up a cake on my way across town. We had fun celebrating Jasmine's 6th birthday!