It has been obvious that I have neglected the blog for almost the entire time I was in the states. I am now back in Kenya and hopefully I have something to say. It may only be a travelogue for now but stick with me – it will get more interesting.
The only hitch in the journey from Cincinnati to Nairobi was a lost suitcase from Cincy to New York. It was found and delivered the next day – add on $50. London was cold but as vibrant as always. I walked the streets downtown, worked a little in my hotel room and bought some DVD purchases to bring with me for some of my Kenyan friends to watch. I bought four DVDs: Amistad, Slum Dog, Constant Gardener, and the Last King of Scotland. I chose each one because I thought they would be of interest to my friends. Tall Ben and I watched Amistad and he commented throughout – “What great actors.” I don’t think my friends have any concept of the years of slavery in the US or what the Africans endured. He asked if feelings were still the same regarding Blacks in America. Thankfully I could say “no”.
There was an additional problem when I got to the airport visa counter. I usually get a three month visa and renew. This time the woman at the desk refused the three months, saying I need a work permit and she would only give me a one-month visa. I have to go downtown and get a work permit. I don’t think this information is correct, although some have said that the rules have changed due to terrorists coming into the country. We will see and I’ll investigate further. It is just such a pain to stand in long lines and argue with people about visas and immigration stuff. I dread it.
Benson picked me at the airport and as I finished taking money out of the airport ATM, we were approached by a well-dressed man asking if we needed a cab. We did, and Benson negotiated a price. But the man led us out of the airport to a dark, back lot. I felt things were not right and told Ben we were not going with him and would take the registered, more expensive cab to our hotel in Mololongo. The man got angry flashing his “official” badge. He said “This badge is from the government.” I have a card from the government. Anyway, it was just not a good feeling and we boarded an official airport cab and made it safely to our destination. The next morning we took another cab, because of my suitcases, to my room in Athi River. It was great to see my friends again and my landlady and her children. I am all settled in and met Mwololo, the project director, for a short time and then called a motorbike to take us to the market for food and water. So – I am comfortable – back in Athi River.
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