The ‘car/taxi’ services around here are men riding motorcycles. We have gotten to know one of them, Gitau, who we now have on speed dial. I’ve never been the biggest fan of bikes, but with full trust, Simon and I have climbed on his bike many times and have loved every minute of it! The hilly, rocky, uneven dirt roads makes it all the more fun! Coming back one night after sunset, riding home on the back of the motorcycle in the pitch black of the night, Simon and I were awestruck by the thousands of stars that scattered the sky. It was a beautiful backdrop to our ride home!
For longer journeys, we take a matatu. The matatu, oh the matatu…in the guidebooks you will find that they are recommended for the locals only but we have braved the unknown and climbed aboard!
They are vans, who’s seats have been replaced with smaller ones in order to fit more – most have 12 seats however there are often up to 20 people crammed in – sitting on one another’s laps, or literally hanging outside the door! They are pimped out with flashing lights inside and loud Kenyan music with heavy base. However, you can often see the road underneath your seat, none of the seatbelts work or even exist, the doors seldom latch shut, and I can assure you, not one we’ve been in would pass inspection in ANY western country. As a mazungu (white person) they try to charge an insane amount of money (generally they’re very cheap), so we approach them prepared, with a straight face, ready to barter them down!Of course, by far the most popular way to get around in Kenya is WALKING. The children have amazed us with their strength and stamina to walk far distances to both school and church. For us, walking a minimum of an hour each day has become the norm. Just wait ‘till you see our big bad muscles!!!
Stay tuned for another edition of Kenyan Life coming soon! =)
Remember leaving the hospital with a horrible body infection reigning through your body & your face twice the size as normal... and your Mom convincing you that a walk in the fresh air would be the best curative of all...and you walked and walked on what she said was a short stroll that turned into a five mile nightmare, beading and dripping with sweat and shaking with chills? It's impossible to believe that any matatu or motorcycle ride, or the hour daily walks, really compare!!! Missing you but Oh So Happy that you two are passionately invested in each and every moment. Hugs & Love, mw
ReplyDeleteMy Loves,
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrill to have heard your voice, and I can tell the little girl is gone and the wise woman has arrived. What a difference deprivation, drought, ghang fever and sickness can do in such short a time to anyone having to view it. I really mean it Em, there was a tremendous change in your voice.
Dennis is beyond addorable. I love the pictures with Simon and Dennis, and I think he'd addore anything as long as he were with the both of you. What's to think about?
This whole experience will change your lives together. And the fact that you had it together, will cement any cracks that will ever come up, or any silly arguements that you will ever have and you'll come back quite differently than when you went.
I wish you could stay there the whole time, but anyway, you do what you have to do...we adore you, miss you, wish you were here, and are so happy that you are there.
All our love,
Grandma and Grandpa