More Catch-Up

Sorry laptop is still not working so using Julians whilst in Mombassa to type this....
 
6th July arranged to meet our old friend Veronica who runs Garden Villa a restaurant and bar (Ailsa and I both stayed with her when we first went out to Kenya in 2006) We decided to go to have nyama Choma (roast meat) This process usually from ordering to eating takes a couple of hours as it is not a quick process - which goes with many things here in Kenya.  We caught up with Veronica between her doing disappearing acts, but as always it was lovely to see what little of her we could manage.  We had a nice meal and then headed back home to get ready for a crazy night at salsa.  Julian actually managed to show then how to do a bit of rueda dancing, we laughed so much we didnt know what to do with ourselves, it was such a fun night, the two teachers were eager to spend more time with Julian so that he could share his salsa knowledge but we were off the following day to meet friends in Naro Moro near Mount Kenya.
 
7th July Ailsa wanted to make the trip to Naro Moro and I decided it was a good opportunity for Julian to see other areas of Kenya.  We had an event ful trip, Ailsa and I sat on the back seat of the matatu (it had a low roof) and we got Julian to sit in the next row which had more head room.  Needless to say they crammed our bags in, including one with donations of cold weather clothes for our friends (Jayne - it included your white fur fleece!)  We had banked on the fact that it would be alot cooler near Mount Kenya but nothing prepared us for how cold the nights would be, it was so so so cold I ended up wearing the fur fleece as I was freezing. Ailsa wore a big warm parker that she was taking up for one of the men at the re forestation projects!  Julian just managed with what he had he didnt quite feel the cold like we did.  We visited the re forestation project which had grown since we last visited a number of years ago.  Everyone was so happy to see us it made us feel bad for it having been so long since our last visit. We slept early after a rushed hi to our friends
 
The 8th July we rather cold headed to the project to help with some of the work of potting up plastic bags with soil for seedling planting, we chatted about the project and its work and Julian actually took a video of Robert talking about the project to add to their web site, we were taken for a walk to one of the slopes that had been stripped of trees to see where in 2007 Ailsa had planted seedlings with a group of volunteers, the seedlings were now about 3 ft tall, considering that they had been very short of rain they had survived well and were looking strong.  The work wasnt just to add trees, it was to help restore the whole balance of water harnessing that had been destroyed by stripping of the forests.  The trees help stop the rains from evapourating and create a natural water harnessing system which helps keep the water in the soil, this feeds down to the streams and rivers helping the lowland areas.  No trees means lack of water.
 
That evening a group of about 20 business people from Nairobi in their expensive and big 4x4 vehicles, we were told they were doing a team building exercise and climbing to the first rangers station at Mt Kenya. Team building they definately did making so much noise playing 'team' games that we got little sleep, they then got up at 5am to prepare for their day's walk, making so much noise clicking on and off the car alarms, slamming car doors and talking loudly, it was so nice of them to appreciate that we were also staying there and we had had no sleep due to them the night before. 
 
9th July We were cold and so tired - not a good combination. Julian thought we were kidding about the fact that we could normally see Mt Kenya as it was so foggy and cloudy that you could see NO mountain at all.  We went and spent the day with our friends Scholar and John and their two children, we had a lovely time, played some salsa music and did a bit of dancing - Scholar loves to dance and was glad for the opportunity as Julian as her instructor.  We had lunch with them and Julian made another video of John talking about his life as a smallholding farmer.   It was an amazing time and we were upset to leave them.  Ailsa was heading to Nairobi to get her flight the next day, Julian and I were returning to Nakuru.  It was an emotional day with lots of hugs as we left Ailsa in Nyahururu, little did Julian and I know just how long it would take us to get home, it was so dark and I found it impossible to see where we were to get land marks, luckily we eventually got back exhausted, we ate at Bota Sola as it was too late to start cooking when I got home, chicken and chipati was all they could rustle up as the kitchen had already closed, (it is good to know the manager he fed us).  We got home and flopped into bed exhausted only to be awoken by the cockerel! 
 
I had also previously made arrangements to join my friend Cheryl on a walk round Menengai Crater to show Julian what an amazing place it was. Cheryl came and collected us at 8.30am - we sat and had a cup of tea at Cheryls whilst talking to her family and waiting for other friends to join us.  We clambered into the friends old green landrover together with provisions for breakfast in the crater. Cheryl and her daughter followed in the estate car with the 7 dogs in the back.  We had a lovely walk and then met up with Paddy who was driving the landrover who had taken it down into the crater with the provisions for us to make a picnic breakfast, all very 'famous five' on a trip, it was almost surreal.  We had drop pancakes, cookies, flap jacks tea and coffee, by the time we left we were stuffed.  We all headed back to Cheryl's, Paddy and her friends left. Julian and I joined Cheryl's family for a proper cooked breakfast which then turned into a long story telling session and then extended into an impromptu lunch which was whatever we found it the fridge.  We laughed and chatted loads and rather alot of alcoholic fruit punch was consumed - excepting Cheryl as she doesnt drink!  By the time Cheryl was ready to drive us home we were a little giggly and even more so when we disclosed that we needed to go via the supermarket for provisions, Cheryl did a quick list of her own and we set off.  I dont think the supermarket was quite ready for us decending on them, but we managed to pick bits up that were useful when we got home.  In return for the lift and great friendship I let Cheryl take cuttings of two of my bouganvilliers which she has been admiring for some time.  
 
10th July we had arranged to visit Paddy at her farm where she runs a womans project called the Kenana Knitters. As it is some distance from me, Julian and I arranged to meet one of the workers in town to get a lift.  Now the story here is that Paddy and her husband own 800 acres of land on which they breed horses, have a dairy and wheat farm, an overland vehicle camp site, and various properties that they rent out to families, also they run the project which started out as being an acquired project left to them which involved women preparing fleeces to be spun into wool, which was sold.  Well the project grew and the wool is now bought from sheep farmers in various regions, the wool is then sent out to be spun and washed, it is returned to the project ready to be dyed and knitted into garments and toys.  These items are shipped out to outlets round the world, many places giving specific orders for items that they want individualised. The project has grown from strength to strength.  The ladies who work for the project are supported by earning for the piece work they produce either at the project or in their own homes.  In return Paddy also provides health care for the women, HIV advisors come and take to the women together with providing anti viral meds and a clinic on the premises for family planning and other health issues.  A savings plan is in place to help the woman keep their money as their own instead of going into the hands of their husbands who often abuse them and spend the money on booze or drugs. The woman are also encouraged to do basic literacy classes on the premises enabling them to be able to write their names and basic reading, as many of them have had no schooling.  There is now even a computer class available to those that are able to progress further.  The project has 240 woman workers who are helped by the business many of whom are HIV positive and now able to receive medication without the need for treking to the nearest VCT clinic to get them, which in some cases can be a trek of many hours to get to it.  The smaller children of the workers also come and are helped by the clinic and are found sitting on the grass under the shade of the trees playing with the creche toys whilst their mothers are busy knitting and finding the comfort of like minded women to spend time with who know their situations are similar.  To many woman this has become their life line to a 'normal' life, they have gained freedom from husbands who abuse and beat them to be able to rent somewhere for them to live with their children in a safe environment. They have found a community of people who understand their plight.  A number of them have progressed so well that they have found employment outside with the help of additional support from the project.  I am possibly going to look at spending a few days a week helping at his project if I can sort out the transport issues.
 
Ok well that is enough catch up for now will send more maybe tomorrow.... so much to tell and so much is happening I just cant keep up.
 
Love to you all,

Susannah

Laptop Supposedly Fixed

Hi All,

I know it has been another long while but just to let you know the laptop was repaired (within reason) but I have been busy with my visitors since.  I also have no idea where I am up to with the emails as I lost all the previous information on my laptop, if I am repeating myself it isnt old age it is lack of info........
Sunday 3rd July Ailsa and I headed to Nairobi under the premis of meeting Julian from the airport early on Monday morning, what we were actually doing was heading there to check out the salsa scene at a place called Heartz Club on Moi Avenue, Nairobi.  

We booked ourselves into a cheapy ‘hotel’ which happened by pure luck to be just up the road from the club.  In the afternoon we wandered around the Masai Market creating major havoc as we were not intending to buy anything but just ‘window shop’ something not totally appreciated here.  Then we returned to the room a quick brush up and change and then we met up with Shem who had come to Nakuru to join us for salsa a few weeks ago, it was through him that I had heard of the club.

By the time he met us the lesson had unfortunately already finished and it would have been nice for us to have joined in as we were outsiders.  I was so amazed at the amount of people there and the dancing looked great. We sat ourselves in a prominent place and watched for a while, Shem taking us on the dance floor now and again for a spin, I must admit it takes a while to get into the swing of their technique of leading as the signals are a little difficult to pick up. After some dancing and a lot of watching we became more aware of our surroundings……… we were in an upstairs bar which was divided into bar, dance floor area and food preparation area.  Now the food preparation area was a sight to be seen, there was a cook who was busy preparing vegetables ie; kale (chopped very finely, steamed and added to fried onion and tomatoes) one of the stable dishes here called skumawiki (possibly not the correct spelling!!) he was also frantically using his large chopped to chop up whole chickens into pieces for cooking, not a sight we usually see at salsa!!  Maybe we could introduce this and enhance our salsa enjoyment.

Still on the salsa theme the thing that totally ‘blew our minds’ was people texting and talking on their mobile phones whilst dancing, now how crazy was that!! Something to behold and not a particularly easy task.  After a while we decided that the need for a good pizza was very high of the agenda and we left in hot pursuit, needless to say it went down very well, although we were looked at strangely as many of the customers at the pizza place were dressed for winter in puffer jackets, scarves etc and I was sitting in a pair of jeans and a salsa top!

In the morning, Monday 4th July, Ailsa headed off and I was collected by Jenga to greet Julian from the airport.  The drive to the airport was fine it was just the drive from the airport which was challenging as we were sat in a ‘car park’ all the way back to Nairobi which I think probably took all an hour, which on the way took 15mins.

Jenga dropped us at the Mololine shuttle for our ride to Nakuru, via the police vehicle check.  We arrived in Nakuru about 2.5 hours later due to traffic.  We got home dropped the suitcases, had the all important cuppa then headed on foot to Tusky’s Supermarket on the Highway for food., stopping at the fruit/veg stalls for some papaya, mango, passion fruit and onions.  We went home on a piki piki with all the shopping, I thought this was probably the last time Julian was to use this form of transport, especially as he was on the piki piki with me and the shopping!

That night I cooked a bean and mince stew (Henry had already soaked and started cooking the beans that morning ready for the final cooking in the evening) we had this with a potato and squash mash, hopefully a satisfying meal for all!

(Tuesday, 5th July was my sons birthday) we headed to Mama Sweeties with Ailsa, this was to be another experience for Julian who was having a baptism by fire on his first few days,.  The day was hot and unfortunately due to needing to find out lots of information before we left Nakuru we did not leave as early as we had wished. We squeezed ourselves onto a matatu, trying to find Julian a seat which would give him more leg room (unfortunately this meant that he was sitting on the seat behind the driver (which would not normally be a problem) however  beside him were 3 sacks of cabbages,  when the other guy came and sat next to Julian forcing him to shuffle over Julian was sat with his head against the cabbages, I managed a lovely pic that I am hoping to attach to this email. I think I remember a lyric of a song which says a,,,,, ‘a bosom for a pillow‘, but in his case it was a ‘cabbage for a pillow‘!  

The journey was a hot and sticky one and we were all relieved when we arrived at Kampi, however I think we terrified Julian by saying that we needed to take a piki piki to Mama Sweeties house.  Ailsa and I climbed on the back on one with the bags perched on our knees and Julian reluctantly climbed onto another. Julian wanted video footage of us on the piki piki so we set off, it wasn’t until we were some distance away that I shouted to the driver to stop as I realised that Julian had no idea where we were going and was not in sight.  They eventually caught up and I sighed with relief.  We arrived at ‘The Sweeties’ after much hand waving to the local children, we always cause a stir in the Kampi ya Moto community.

We were greeted warmly by Mama Sweetie and Lami (the boy who suffers from epilepsy) who was on good form and full of energy.  The other children were at school, the small ones slowly drifted back around lunch time and the older ones during the afternoon.  We had a lovely time playing with the children whilst Ailsa and Mama Sweetie had time to discuss ‘funding concerning the building of the project buildings and other business’.

When it was time to leave we were walked along the way past the local school called Lords Primary School, we were asked to enter and meet everyone, including the schools football teams (as they needed new footballs!!) This involved lots of photo taking and talking to the teachers and the head before we left, by this time we were escorted by all the children leaving school at the end of the day walking up the road behind us.  We left Kampi ya Moto by matatu another hot and sweaty experience for Julian but he survived it.

Will let you catch up and give you the rest of this adventure later.

Love and hugs to you all.

Seriously, Can You Believe it?

...me being tucked up in bed on a Friday night, with my laptop for company at 8:30pm... does that make me sad or what? I had a busy day (realising that all the bites I have are in fact flea bites from my beloved pets) I decided to maniacally clean and wash the house. I started by sweeping, then washing the floors. I decided to drag the sofas out of the lounge o to the porch area (ask Kimberley they weigh a ton)... I then beat the living daylights out of the arms and backs of the sofas, (Kimberley also has video footage of this but was threatened with death if she showed them to anyone as I look like a crazy woman). 

Henry would have helped but he had decided that today he would transplant some seedlings for some passion fruit seeds we had saved from eating the fruit, I misheard him when i though he had said that we had 8 seedlings, infact he had said 78!!!!!! Wow I hope they all survive as we can sell some of them... (sorry I digressed)

Mopping the floor

To wash the ft the moment I of cotton tract suit shorts by the waist band over the bristles of the broom and used this as my mop, adjusting as I went as they kept falling off. Did a good job though. I left the sofas to recover from their beating and doused with dudu powder (flea powder) whilst I washed the big woollen blanket that had been lying on the sofa. It took all my strength to lift the wet woollen blanket, to wring and then to get it onto the washing line without breaking the line. The trick is to upturn the huge wash basin after rinsing and bundle the blanket into a ball and balance on top of the upturned basin for the water to seep out, makes finally lifting it lighter without the water. 

 From there I decided to douse Kim in flea powder, she kindly lay down and allowed me to apply the powder whilst massaging her to make sure the powder was well into all the fur, unfortunately Paka had seen this and was no where to be seen when it came to her turn. I did however grab Pakas bedding and threw that in the wash too. Now all bedroom doors are closed so no sneaking in and sleeping on the nice soft blankets by Paka, the sofa cushions will be lifted when not sitting on and spare blankets will be stored well out of Pakas way. Not saying this is all the cat's fault as I have many times left the lounge and returned to find Kim lounging full stretch on the sofa... she soon gets moved as she takes all the room.

Kim

 I dragged the sofas back into the lovely clean room and admired my hard work, they looked positively new...and smelled nice too. Paka has taken off and is no where to be seen, probably the smell of powder was too much to bear. Kim is oblivious as she thoroughly enjoyed the massage and would have wanted me to continue for hours, I am hoping that the biting will now stop... but who knows. The thing I find funny is that Henry spends time with the animals and sits watching movies on my laptop on the sofa, why doesn't he get bitten, its the same with mosis's... I can't be that tasty, not at this age would have thought it was a bit tough now.

Anyway after all that action, I showered and headed into town to meet up with George as it was his birthday today so I had a beer with him at my friend Veronica's (some of you may remember she has a nyama choma restaurant and bar in town which has dancing in the evening) Unfortunately Veronica was not there today but we had a nice Guinness each and roast potatoes with Kachubari (finely chopped tomatoes and onions with chilli peppars and a bit of salt) I like it but without the chilli peppars and I am pleased to say they now serve the chilli peppars at the side of the plate so you dont need to take them if you dont want to. George was working later tonight tutoring the boys so we only had one beer and then he headed off, I was pleased to get home as I was exhausted.

I have checked my emails and facebook and am now nicely relaxed ready for a busy day at SCANN tomorrow with the clinic etc and apparently we have visitors coming too so it will be all hands on deck for sprucing, (as if I need to do more sprucing). I also need to go to town to pick a sample of golden beads for necklaces for the fund raising costumes (dont ask), go to the internet place to scan immigration documents for the Salvation Army to contest Immigration on the expiry date of my visa (they are trying to say it expires 26 June 2011 when I have receipts showing I paid for visa until June 2012...) corruption rules!!!!!! I am also waiting for Crown to finish decorating SCANN, they are painting all the buildings inside and out, I have been asked when they have finished to decorate the classrooms as we have been given lots of small pots of paints, they want them to look more like classrooms.... so I am presuming, alphabet, letters, tables, etc etc etc with pictures also. I have asked my friend Cheryl if her daughter can come along and help me as she is artistically inclined and I can only copy. Just waiting for the paint to dry and the Ok to start work, should be great fun.

I am looking forward to my friend Ailsa (who came down for the fundraising at Salsa) to arrive on Friday, she will be staying for a while so that she can organise things with Mama Sweetie (as we are looking to start construction of the proposed ablutions block) and see will catch up with old friends, it should be fun. Hoping she will join me for beginners salsa on the Wednesdays, the more the merrier.

Anyway time I left you, its a short and sweet one tonight as eyes are tired, not sure I will get much reading done, probably just as well that I get an early night after all that exertion. My love to you all, June is a busy event month for my family, so happy birthdays and anniversaries all round, I am hoping all the cards get there OK.

Ah the local dogs have started their evening howling session, catching up on their news of the day, usually lasts about 5 mins then stops so will love you and leave you on that howling note. Enjoy the weekend whatever you all decide to do, hoping the weather is improving there. Susannah

Purring at the End of the Day

Puka

Hi Family and Friends,

Hope life is treating you all well and that you are looking after yourselves.

Busy, Busy, Busy………. Well the week was varied consisting of making sure I was in the right place before the rains started in the afternoon, I must admit I didn’t always get it quite right, but that just helped on the personal hygiene front with an extra shower!!

I went to SCANN on Wednesday having agreed that I would go in and help with some of the sewing of the costumes, it was not an easy job stitching white satin……..  I managed two pairs of trousers which I hoped would help towards the finished items. (these are the muslim long tunics and baggy trousers, I am sure they have a proper name but I don’t know it!  From SCANN I walked into town with one of the evening tutors who was spending time at the centre called George, he is relatively new and wanted inside information!!!!

It was such a hot day and the clouds building indicated that there was heavy rain on the way  I left George in town and went to the internet to read my emails as I had been having continued trouble at home, I think they must have moved my satellite….. How rude!!!!  Anyway one of the emails was from a lady that I have been waiting for her to confirm if she wants to stay at the house and when, she told me that she wanted to come on the 17th for three weeks, I sent her an email back saying that I had waited so long for her to confirm that in the middle I had taken two bookings and if she wanted to come she could only stay for two weeks, , with which I gave her the details of Guava Guest House in town run by Danielle.  

The story continues that she wishes to stay at the house with her Kenyan boyfriend who works some way out, I suggested that maybe Guava would be better for her. I suggested that due to the distance from town maybe her boyfriend should get in touch to visit the house and see the distance she passed my number on to him.

Yesterday I arranged for a piki piki to pick me up from the house as I was taking a big bag of small boys clothes to help the new boys we have had at SCANN as they seem to be a little thread bear on the clothes front. It was also Clinic day.  I am used to walking to SCANN and I must admit that I could easily used to riding on a piki piki it is so much quicker.  I sorted out the clothes on my arrival and will check out the lockers tomorrow as it was impossible to do with all the boys at the centre.  I attended to my duties in the clinic most of the boys were suffering from sore throats and coughs with the cold weather one boy had an old knee injury which is playing up due to the cold nights so we gave him painkillers and wait for the warmer weather.   I cut out some more of the costumes for the sewing lady helped with ideas for decorating the school house and chatted to some of the boys.  I received a call from Wesley  (the ladies boyfriend) asking if it was ok to view the house,  the timing worked out well as I was ready to leave for the afternoon.  I told him I would let him know when I had reached town.

Lighting the jiko

 I got a piki piki to collect me as I remembered that I had to buy two jikos (cooking stoves) for Jayne my virgin airline friend who I was meeting on Tuesday in Nairobi.  I went to where the ‘tin men’ sit all day hammering away at the various items for kitchen use, I can sometimes hear them from SCANN and today as I stood looking through the various items I became mesmerised by the tink tink tink sound of them hammering, it is a lovely sound of industry at its best, none of the supermarket rubbish!! I negotiated the price as he tied the two jikos together and placed them into my large IKEA bag which comes in so handy it is untrue.  I loaded the bag and myself on the back of the piki piki and we headed into town, I decided my first stop would be Guava for a bottle of beer it had been a long day.   From Guava I arranged to meet Wesley outside Barclays bank as I needed to take some money out from the cash dispenser (was rather worried as hadn’t used it in such a long time couldn’t remember my pin number) .  After the second try I got it right and breathed a sigh of relief as my cash was dwindling down to nothing.  I stepped out from the bank lobby and was greeted by a man smiling and waving his hand at me, I took this to be Wesley with a friend in tow.  Now by this time I was on foot and lugging the two jikos was not light weight………. After polite friendly introductions I asked if it would be possible for one of the strong giants to help carry the bag as it was so heavy, Wesley’s friend happily obliged.

We headed towards the matatu stage which was on the other side of the town at which point the heavens opened and Wesley opted for a taxi ride, as both the guys were in shirts with no jacket or sweater, I was in no position to object and had an inward smile as it would have been a fight at that time with the rain falling trying to get a matatu with three of us together.  Having had no notice of Wesleys visit I had not prepared the room but it made no difference he loved the place and said as he had a motorbike the distance was no problem  I am just waiting for Belinda to confirm and pay a deposit they only want B&B which suits me to the ground.  

After they left I had a mad session of dismantling beds and washing floors, mainly because I only have one double bed and that’s mine……. Whilst I am loathed to let someone else use my bed , due to the short notice I wont be able to get another one made in time and the additional cost will take away any of the benefits of having people stay.  Henry and I spent about two hours lugging bits of beds around and fixing them back together,  now I sleep on a single bed in my large room which even Kim (the dog) found to be unsettling, maybe she thought I was on the move again.  I seriously don’t think my queen sized bed made of solid wood was made to be moved around,  maybe I should just change rooms but I would miss my ensuite!

Henry and I decided that we deserved to watch a movie  on my laptop after all the hard work so I planned to start cooking early as it was a bean and vegetable casserole.  Little did I know that on a jiko it would take 3 hours for the beans to cook…… add to that the additional vegetables and rice to go with it, bearing in mind I started at 3.45pm we didn’t get to eat until gone 9.  We washed up feeling very full with the lovely meal but so tired that I went to bed to read,  I don’t think I got to the end of one page.  Sleeping in a single bed and sharing it with the dead weight of Paka will take some getting used to.

Today, after a rather disturbed nights sleep, at one point I woke up with a start and shouted out for Henry to help (luckily he had not heard), not sure what the dream was about but it wasn’t good was the feeling I got.  Kim woke up at 4.30 am needing to wee so wanted to be let out and before that at 4am my neighbour was chopping wood for his wood burning stove to heat the hot water for a shower……… I was NOT pleased and let him know this when I opened my window and shouted at him.  I have had conversations in the past with him asking that if he must shower at that time, due to his work commitments, then why could he not cut the wood during the afternoon for that evening (made sense to me) .  Now this guy looks older than the hills and always talks to me in what he regards the Queens English, and lets me know he understands that my bedroom is on the other side of the path separating our two properties where he has his ‘wood burner’ and that is why he no longer chops wood at night. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! Next time I will take his photo, hopefully not while he is standing in his yard showering under the stars!

I got up today (Sunday) at 7am and wished that I was able to stay in bed longer but I seem to be so busy with things here that it seems like such a waste.  I sat on the step as usual with my coffee, giving Kim an early morning brush, (she loves it). I set down the empty coffee cup and started plucking at the weeds in the pebble drive.  Since the rains the weeds have gone crazy, I am sure that if I sat long enough I could watch them appear, I go out in the morning and by the evening there are loads, even after I have just weeded.  I ended up out there for 3 hours, hand plucking the weeds, luckily it had rained last night quite heavily and the weeds just pulled easily from the ground.  I have only managed to complete about half of the front drive way but gave up due to the sun getting too hot.  From there I swept the house, no idea where all the dust comes from, I sweep daily.  Henry disappeared for the day to Church and as usual I asked that he include me in his prayers, well someone has too!   The mains water came early today and I managed to get the storage tank filled with no problems.  I then got to work washing my bedding, blankets and quilts ready for the imminent visitors, with the amount of rain we are having it would take a while to get anything dry, at least I now have lines set up in my garage for drying when the day turns wet, the garage is at least getting used for something!!  

After my hyper work session I had a shower myself in the ‘family’ shower to make sure it still worked,  it did and quite nicely too.  I then flopped on my (small) bed and had half an hour feet up reading my book.  Guilt soon hit me as I needed to go to town to get milk and some meat for Kim as she was without.  I got dressed, put clean bedding on my bed and headed off, just in time for the clouds to darken and the wind to build.

I started walking down towards the highway, stopped on the way to talk to the man at the hotel and order some bones for Kim which I would collect on the way home, at this point it started spitting so I hailed a passing Piki Piki and headed into town ahead of the rain, but only just.  As a treat to myself and to save me getting home and having to light the jiko I had a late lunch in Guava Café, it was a delight, smooth mashed potatoes, steak with onion sauce and a soda.  I left there and picked up some shopping headed in the rain to the matatu and alighted at the hotel on the way to mine to pick up the meat for Kim.  I then had to walk home all of 30 mins in the rain (I did remember to take my rain jacket, but not sure it is supposed to stop you getting wet).  On the way I was passed by 4 empty matatus going in the opposite direction  and guess what, none going my way.  It was a long walk with a bag of meat and shopping but it was OK, I didn’t mind the rain.  I got in just as the rain had soaked into the material of my skirt making it hard for me to walk as it was clinging so tightly to my legs.  I put away the shopping and thanked my stars that I had the foresight to get the washing in the garage before I left!  I flicked on the kettle for a hot cup of coffee only to find that the stema (electric) was out,  it was Sunday afterall, a normal day for power outages. 

I sat at the laptop as it had a bit of battery left and I am still here, in between, Henry has returned from church,  (glad that I reminded him to take his rain jacket). The stema has come back on, I have managed a cup of hot coffee,  Kim has been fed and paka is sat hanging on to my lap as I am typing….digging her claws into my belly….. purring away.  A lovely end to a very tiring day…….  

My credit just died on internet so had to top up from my phone, just my luck.

Love to you all.

Susannah

It's raining... all my tanks are full

My Water Tank

Hi Everyone,
well it appears to be that time again.  Yesterday was a holiday Madaraka Day (think that is the spelling) such a weird day to have as a holiday mid week, made me think it was Sunday all day.  I had planned on a morning walking in the Menengai Crater with a new teacher from SCANN who does not know Nakuru well.  I made a picnic and everything unfortunately they was delayed at a SCANN meeting which started at 9am and by the time they were free it was 2pm and it was far too hot to head to the crater, so we sat at Bota Sola (a bar and eaterie at the bottom of the hill) chatting and comparing notes on life.  I ended up heading home, weeding and washing before the heavens opened, I had dinner then decided as the day was wasted to put my energies into painting one of the spare rooms.  

The room had a problem since I last painted it when I moved in, it rejected the paint on one wall, which meant it bubbled and oozed so last year I scraped off all the paint in that area and left it.  I was surprised to find the wall was dry, everyone had told me there was water coming through the wall, NO IT WAS DRY!  I left the room as it was when I went back to the Uk as I knew Nicks boys would be using that room and pointless to paint it before hand.

I went out last week and bought some paint a roller tray, roller and a couple of paint brushes. I coated the area that I had scraped the paint off to balance the colour (took two coats) but was worth it.  I have been waiting for the chance and energy to get it painted but been putting off ..... last night was the night. With no ladder in sight I used a small full height table and chair to get around the room, must admit worked far better than the ladder I used last time.  I completed the rooom at 11.30pm I fell exhausted into bed, but not before washing the roller and brushes.  Looking at it today, it is so clean but unfortunately, will need another coat, glad to see that there is enough paint left in the can to let me do this, paints here when they mix for colour never come out the same colour, even though they tell me they will, it is computerised don't you know.......um!

Needless to say I didn't get to Salsa last night, besides it was pouring with rain and a holiday so transport was a big problem, Danielle couldnt make it either so we agreed to meet up next week.

I have been busy trying to get plans drawn up for the toilet block for Mama Sweeties, it is a bit of a nightmare as she keeps changing the plans, it will get done eventually.  I had a lovely time there on Sunday, I took with me some drawing paper and pencil case, I got the children sat at the table in shifts drawing and colouring, they loved it, not sure they get to do much of this. I promised that if they kept them safe I would go back with tape to put them on the walls.

Scann is being painted at the moment, CROWN paints have kindly offered to do the job and supply the paints, inside and outside.  I have been asked to decorate the school rooms to make them look more like classrooms when they are finished.  I have roped into the team Cheryls daughter as she is arty farty and whilst I can copy and paint, imagination is a little limited.  Will let you know how it goes when it happens, may even do photos.

I sent Henry off to see his parents as yesterday was an official holiday, he went Tuesday evening and returns Friday evening.  He was so happy, he had a hen from a neighbour to take to his father.  The house is lovely when I am here alone althought I am pleased when Henry is here, it is not the same, I can walk around in my pj's instead of having to dress before I leave my room.......... the freedom.   This morning I fed the chickens, one is sitting on eggs, so I think Henry is planning on increasing our stock, at present 3 hens and a cockerel.  I lifted the bag of maize Henry left me (he usually takes care of them as they are his) I was not aware that the bag had a big hole in the bottom and the maize shot out all over the floor before I realised what had happened, ideal start to the day! 

One of my chickens

I am heading off to SCANN now to say hi to the home boys, the new ones are just getting used to me, takes them a while, (I am strange after all I think we all agree on that one). I spent the morning tracing some animal and bird pictures for them to colour in, they love it and it helps them become more fluent with the use of pencils.

Jayne (my Virgin Airlines friend) has told me she is visiting Nairobi soon for a one night stopover and I am very welcome to join her at the hotel for the night, for a soak in the bath, wine and girlie gossip............... I love her !  Keeps me sane, she also sometimes brings chocolate!!!!!

Anyway must go or won't get to SCANN and back before the afternoon rains, dont fancy getting soaked today too tired, not a good combination.

Love and hugs to you all,

My Body is Not My Temple

Hoping my email finds you all well,

has it been a week already?  Well Sunday and yesterday were both water days and guess what, we didn’t get any.  Today is salsa day which would entail having a shower but not sure I have enough water for one!!!  You guessed it may have to take another walk to Hotel Merica for a sneaky one!

Since I last wrote to you I have been busy, but not quite sure doing what.  We lost the only key we had to the post box in town (most of you will know we don’t get post to the house you have to rent a post box and collect from there). I had to arrange for a new lock and keys which will take about 2 weeks, until then I have to wait in line and ask the nice lady to check the mail box for me, usually only dust in there, unless anyone wants to write to me:-

Susannah Chandler, PO Box 17224, Nakuru 20100, Kenya

I only get a water and electric bill and dust that’s it!

Anyway have popped to SCANN a couple of times, now there are few boys there during the week having remedial classes until they are able to manage school admittance I think there is now about 8 boys, all the rest are out to school.  On Saturday I walked in early as the air was fresh and walk was good, I wanted to check if the doctor was attending.  It wasn’t until I got there that I found that there were no new cases of chicken pox and everyone else was healthy.  I spent time talking to the older boys who were on work attachment locally and therefore were around at the weekends, they seem to be settling into their relevant ‘jobs’ well and enjoying the experience.  

I spent some time with the sewing lady who is stitching the costumes that I cut out during the week, I want to see what one is like complete before cutting out more in case they need alterations.  She did this between being asked to mend uniforms by the boys which was more important, split trousers for school was not a good thing!I noticed while there that there was a bees nest hanging from the computer room outer wall and made a mental note to report it to Management.  The bees were very active and with so many boys around it probably needed to be removed.

From SCANN I walked into town to hopefully collect my laptop which had developed a major problem during the week, hence no emails.  I couldn’t even switch it on it just made a loud noise and blank screen.  My computer ‘fundi’ Dennis had it for a few days and now its good as new, it felt awful without it as I use it so much not just for emails but for typing reports and information seeking.

Unfortunately, my laptop was not ready, which in hind sight was a good thing as on the way home the heavens opened and I got soaked through to the skin. My light coloured ¾ length trousers became see through which upset me as I was wearing really bright pants underneath and they showed through, at least it was letting people know wearing some.

I jumped into the shower and sat outside in the ‘after downpour’ sunshine to dry my hair.  I was off to spend the night with my friend Cheryl and her family.  Cheryl came over to pick me up as it was over the other side of town to my house.  We arrived and I was greeted by her 6 dogs, the number had gone up since I last saw her!  The place was even lovelier than I had remembered, the single storey home is nestled in the most gorgeous grounds, surrounded by indigenous trees and flowering plants, you wouldn’t know it was there.  On the back of the house is a very large veranda covered in such an assortment of hanging and climbing plants, lots of pots and cactus adorn the place made even better with large wooden sofas and chairs covered in huge cushions, a great place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

We spent the evening sat catching up on stories from the last year, it was a time just relaxing and enjoying their company. Cheryl’s daughter Emma was staying there having returned from studies in the UK, undecided on what her next move would be, we chatted about the UK and its problems and also Kenya the same. Anthony (Cheryl’s husband) does like a drink in the evening but finds it better when he has someone to drink with as Cheryl doesn’t drink and his daughter slept early.  I joined him in a couple of whiskies and then he said he would mix a drink (can’t remember the name) whisky and ice cream in a blender. Yummy!!

I awoke at 7 remarkably clear headed, dressed quickly, after being given a cuppa in bed (luxury).  Cheryl likes to have me as an overnight guest as I like to walk so we get up early on the Sunday and walk the dogs at the Menengai Crater, today we were joined by Emma which was a lovely surprise.  We piled into the estate car with all the dogs crammed in the back. The walk was amazing as usual, we walked up to the lip of the crater instead of heading to the floor.  The dogs ran around enjoying the freedom and a couple of times were chased by the resident baboons (not something to mess with).  As we walked we collected various grasses, Cheryl makes cards using the materials found at the crater to sell to raise awareness of the nature of the crater and help fund a local Menengai educational centre.  There is a geothermal plant nestled in the crater producing power locally.


By the end of the walk we were all ready for a hearty breakfast, and the truth be known I had forgotten to take a bottle of water with me and my head was throbbing from dehydration from all the walking, we were out for about 2 hours and it was not all easy going!

We settled on the veranda for a breakfast of toast from home made bread, bacon, eggs and tea, just what we needed.  I packed all my wet walking gear (from the early morning dew not the rain for a change), I drank loads of water to try and get rid of the thumping head ache but ended up with pills, I sat on the veranda watching Anthony remove a rockery for the cactus at the side of the veranda as he said it had become too choked and needed extending and thining.

I asked for some cuttings as I have always admired their display of cactus.  I then ended up helping out, you know how aggressive cactus can be. I came away with 2 carrier bags with cuttings in and was thrilled, together with dried grasses and things I had collected from the crater.

Cheryl enjoys her coffee and decided we would head to Guava for Sunday coffee, unfortunately the electric was off so the coffee machine was out of action and the coffee was not great. Cheryl wanted to check out a new camp called Punda Milias (means something to do with Zebra) so I went along for company.  This was off the main road but was 5km along rutted dirt tracks with no signage, it had to be new.  We eventually arrived at a large gate which was opened by a friendly grinning man who confirmed we were in the right place.  The grounds looked lovely with acacia trees and many floral bushes and plants.  The place was built with the idea of having overland vehicles with many occupants, the grounds were laid out for camping and they had also built some bandas (these were raised wooden sleeping cabins) actually they were just bedrooms, toilet and washing facilities were nearby but separate.  In our opinion he had built these too close together, and we told him so, when sleeping in these you do not want to hear your neighbours, the idea is the think you are sleeping out in the wilderness.  

The shower block was interesting he had built them without a roof so you showered under the sky or if you were crazy enough to shower at night, under the stars, (ideal food for the local mosquitoes).  Everything he had built was with a great eye for detail and consideration for the environment it was nestled in. The bar/restaurant was lovely with big windows over looking the grounds.
I loved the place but would not be able to visit without a car, he has paid for the overhead electric lines to be put in and the new road is due to be built to his place, a good job as when it rains it would be impassable.

Cheryl and I noticed the black clouds overhead and made a hasty retreat but not before a well needed Tusker Malt and Ginger Ale.  We did a quick shop on the highway and then I was dropped at home. A great time spent with friends.

Monday I walked to SCANN discussed working on doing some painting in the class rooms after the walls were painted, to add interest, numbers, alphabet etc, not that I am an artist, but I know that Cheryl’s daughter is and she is planning on being around until August so maybe able to rope her in to help!!!!  
     
The ‘home boys’ were busy playing with a ball made from plastic bags so I took out of my bag an inflatable rugby ball one of many kindly given by Jayne from Virgin.  I had given most of them to Mama Sweetie for the children but kept a few of SCANN.  The boys soon saw what I was up to blowing away to inflate the ball, they quickly gathered round me trying the acquire the ball, I gave it a lob and they charged after it.  That kept them amused for sometime.  I checked on the stores cupboards to see what materials we had for arranging an art class with the small boys and to see what paints we had for doing the walls.  All noted, I talked to Mama Zubeda for a while about things at SCANN and then planned to be there Wednesday afternoon to do the art class (mayhem more like) but fun anyway.

Yesterday was Tuesday and I decided to stay home to help Henry. Kim had been continuously getting out through gaps in the hedge caused by my neighbour removing the wood on the other side of my hedge (used for firewood). This wood is not mine but was put up by the council as the area on the other side of the hedge is an access route.  People here take over this land as has my neighbour and it has been planted, but at night they come and remove the wood and use if for their wood bringing water heater!! Henry has been filling as many holes as possible with materials we have round the place but it has now got silly.  I went into town and bought two rolls of wire chain fencing and in order to put this up we had to cut back some of the very spiky hedge before attaching the fence.  In addition to this we decided to dig a big sump hole at the back of the house as it collects a lot of water that sits when it rains.  I started digging at the lowest point in the area with a jembe (hoe) and then a spade, I now have a round hole about 5ft wide by at present 4ft deep, it still needs to go deeper but my arms and hands are shattered!!  We plan on filling this with stones to help the drainage and then cover with soil, obviously the soil will keep sinking with the rain but eventually it will settle and the water should collect here instead of sitting on the ground, well that is the theory anyway.   Needless to say by the end of yesterday I was totally exhausted, with blistered hands and burnt neck, to top it all not enough water for a shower, so washed with a bucket instead, didn’t quite do the job but so tired couldn’t be bothered to worry.  I cooked us a hearty meal of minced beef with rice and veg to make up for all the energy we had used up.  We now have a half dug hole, a lovely new wire mesh fence and a lot of mess to clear up!!

Today is Wednesday, my back, arms and hands are aching like mad, my neck is smarting nicely, I desperately need a shower (will send Henry up the ladder to check the water level in the tank may just have enough for one!) Maji (water) man didn’t reply to my message asking him where the water was and when we would get some…………… my man has been moved to another office and I am not sure this new one is very accessible.  Anyway thought you guys needed an update, lounging on my bed having already leapt out of bed at 7, fed the animals and myself wandered round checking plants and weeding, that is it for today as off to SCANN.  

Love to you all, hope your lives are a little less exhausting and full of happiness.
Susannah

Evening all, 

As I have been typing this it has grown so dark that all I can see is the laptop screen, that's what I get for too much concentration!! Will have to stumble around the table to find the light switch!
Well I have been busy trying to replace all the doctors record cards for the boys at SCANN from home and to help I have actually drummed up help from Henry.  I am not sure if he has ever used a keyboard, but in order to make the job putting into alphabetical order all the cards in dorm headings I showed him how to type all the names as a list in excel.  It took him so long but it made him happy and he was impressed that with a click of a switch they became in order.

This job has spread over 3 days between trips to town etc, but finished it today, now I need to find a box big enough to hold the cards as they are big ones, using my bread box at the moment to stop them getting out of order.

I popped to SCANN on Tuesday to pick up the cards and drop off the costume templates for Saturday stitching managing to avoid contact again with Moses Kombo.  The smallest new arrival Peter, who I think is 3 or 4 was in such a bad way, he came down with the chicken pox but had additional virus his eyes were so puffy and runny and he had so many blisters in his mouth and a very high fever. I was pleased that Anastasia had made sure he went and was seen by a local doctor as he needed meds in addition to the usual panadol and piriton the other boys were receiving for reduction of the itchies.  I sent him to his bed and covered him with a cotton sheet as he looked as though he was about to fall off his feet, he slept soundly and I was told awoke eager to get up and ‘play’ with the other boys, at his age we couldn’t really stop him.

I have been doing medical cards ever since, they were out of order, many scribbled and messy. New cards now should make my job easier on Saturdays.

I have had a couple of beers with Tim who is a tour guide who was trying to get Kimberley and I to visit Masai Mara but told him not somewhere we would want to go as it was a long and tiring trip.  He knows that I need work and money and has, as he did a year ago, offered for me to learn his tour guide business so that I can help him promote and go on safaris and get a cut of the business.  Do you realise how much info I have to learn about the safari areas, the land, the animals, migration, sustainable tourism, etc etc etc……… he sent me loads of info on his business and the trips to ‘learn’.  Not sure I will be able to manage but thought it worth a try.  I think he thinks that by having a mzungu promoting and on the trips will reassure the punters.  Who knows keeping my options open on that one.

Well, yesterday was fun, I promised the old lady who’s shack is behind my place that I would pass by and say hi.  She lives in the small wooden enclosure beside a huge monstrosity of a house on the other side of the road that I pass every time I walk from home to get a matatu. She invited me in to see the place the other day, her shamba is so full of everything, including strawberries it is amazing, she told me to go back and visit so she would give me some strawberry plants, as an exchange I gave her some of my tomato plants that were growing, fair trade I thought.

In the small space that she lives in she has a wooden room which is the kitchen and one room half the size of my family bathroom in which she lives. She sleeps on an old sofa and she is 70 if she is a day.  She has some hutches in which she raises rabbits for market, together with chickens, a goat and a calf.  Makes my efforts pale into insignificance. I have no idea how she manages when it rains! 

After the visit I went into town with Henry determined to buy enough chain wire fencing to stop Kim from getting out through the hedge, I am sick of it and also there is now a pack of dogs who are coming into my compound (garden)  at night….I am so angry!  My camera’s battery died so had to be replaced, NOT CHEAP at all, also got some white cabbage seeds for planting and Henry some gunboots his had huge holes!!  I got Henry to get a tuktuk home and I stayed in town to get ready for the possibility of salsa....... yes I said SALSA in the evening.

I had run out of water at the house, no idea how that happened, think maybe Henry forgot to turn of the valve after the tank was full and it slipped back to the people who supplied it originally and today there was so little pressure in the mains that there was no way even with the electrical pump that we would get any more.  With no other alternative other than wet wipes  (no good for washing hair),  I headed to town with a change of clothes and shower things in order for me to sneak into Hotel Merica for an illicit shower, it was a laugh.  I felt bad walking in with the sole purpose of using the shower. The pool guy was no where to be seen and I strode into the loos and piled into a shower realising I had forgotten to bring a towel with me.  It took forever for the water to get hot but when it was it was amazing, I showered and washed my hair then set to trying to dry myself with my T shirt and then wrapped said T shirt round my head like a turban to keep the water from dripping.  I walked out of the shower stall to be met by 3 nude Sudanese women who obviously were not happy to be unclothed with me there.  I left quickly although I had hoped to be able to apply some makeup as I was wearin none.  When I walked round the pool, I came nose to nose with the pool guy who gave me an enquiring look to say ‘have you been swimming’ I pursed my lips and shook my head and continued walking.  I think that the dripping wet hair may have been a give away as to what I had been doing but what the hell. I walked from there straight to Guava as I was not appropriately dressed for afternoon strolling, (leggings and the bright dress top I sometimes wear to salsa) I even draped a long black salsa cardi over my shoulders to hide my discomfort! I only had a 3 hour wait until salsa but not worth the hastle of going home and trying to get back in the evening. I sat and chatted with friends.

Salsa was interesting and I had arranged to meet Danielle (from Guava Cafe) who wanted to come and see what Salsa was all about.  She met me in the bar where I was sitting chatting to Tim, he got invited to come along to Salsa by Danielle (I was trying to avoid mentioning it to him) . Off we went and when we arrived there was no one around other than the bar staff at Enigma.  We asked if the salsa teacher was coming and she said she didn’t think so, Danielle told her that she should phone the teacher and let him know there was a mzungu who was waiting for him for salsa.  She went and phoned him and we were told that he would be half an hour (actually an hour but who is counting).

Slowly 3 Kenyan women arrived who looked like they were also waiting for the dancing.  When the guy arrived I found that it was a beginners class and the level of the teachers was not high but it was full of enthusiasm.  I joined in giving tips, one woman had high heeled slip-ons we were dancing on a very slippery tiled floor, not ideal and so so slippery, she had such problems trying to keep her shoes on I worried that she would break something!

I got lots of encouraging ah’s from the ‘teacher’ who looked about 18 years old. Our group increased by 6 when Ben (Danielles brother who runs Guava Bar) and his followers showed up, they sat around watching and drinking and no matter how much I encouraged Danielle she would not join in.  She and the other girls she knew well, decided they would go to the classes held at a new place run by the same guys who were running this Wednesday evening event but the classes are 200ks and no way was I paying to learn beginners level.  The girls just wanted to know a bit before they danced in a bar.  What was missing was NO MEN IN THE CLASS!!  The guys not only taught basic salsa, they did bachatta and cha cha too.  I think for a beginners class this was rather too much confusion.  After the classes I asked one of the two teachers to dance and it was a bachatta, but he was doing the cart wheeling arms and legs too, bit crazy, I told him that if he kept his arms moving I could not tell what was a lead and what was not…… um that went down well!

Anyway bothteachers individually came to talk to me, one of the teachers who did the chacha and bachatta was a Sudanese, he was extremely tall and did huge steps, I didn’t fancy dancing with him but he obviously ‘thought’ he was fab. 

Anyway I had a couple of dances with the short teacher and it was a bit difficult as the leads were so weak and they actually hold your hands instead of just palm to palm so makes moves difficult.  I think after a while I will get the hang of it, it is always difficult dancing with strangers and boy were these strangers.

They said we should ’hook up’ next week, probably means they like the fact that I will bring others, including more men to the bar on a Wednesday as other than us there were 4 others in the bar! Wait and see if the word gets about for next week.

I enquired about the fact that there were no other men for the woman to dance with (and me) how many were there at their other classes. I was told in total there were 4 men in Nakuru who could salsa and I had just met two of them!!!! Got to remedy that somehow, maybe if I start wearing revealling tops etc it will attract more.... kidding!  

There maybe a possibility of me helping them out but who knows what and how they teach here.  NO LADIES STYLING FOR A START and although I hate it, seeing these ladies dance with nothing to do with their arms it looked awful, maybe Susannah's Styling Tips will have to start not that I know many!!  I may also suggest that they concern themselves with one style of dance only until the basics are achieved because three dances for beginners is CRAZY.   I wont be getting any good dances in the foreseeable future!!!! Wait till I hit Nairobi - sometime or never will have to find their clubs as no salsa dance satisfaction as yet in Nakuru. Forever hopeful.

We will see what happens, so many fingers in so many pies!

Stayed home today as I was busy and determined to finish the doctors record cards so didn't to go to town.  Henry has been helping me again with the record cards and we have finished them which is a load off my mind.  Henry has then been outside tidying the garden, I gave him some money to go and get himself lunch as I have nothing in the house and had some weetabix. It is getting ready to rain now and as we speak the water tank is slowly topping up from the mains as they decided to send me a bit more pressure, even though the water meter is not going round (I am not going to tell)! To make matters even more amusing the water pressure has just been bumped up, I checked the water storage tank and it was filling quickly.  The Heavens suddenly opened at the same time as the overflow indicated that the tank was full, I got soaked to the skin turning off the valve at the tank to stop it filling, irony of complaining of having no water I now have it coming at me from all sides!

I hope those of you going to Tracies Anniversary Weekend for TLC will have a fabulous time, needless to say 'wish I was coming' and know it will be amazing, I want to see photos on Facebook soon.

I have a school teacher who wants to stay at the house for a few weeks but can't I pin her down to dates yet. I also have my friend Ailsa who wants to come during June and Paul who is planning on a visit, anyone who wants to visit please make sure you give me adequate notice of your planned dates so I can work around them and make sure there is room......... not a problem at the moment as I only have paka and Kim (cat and dog) to worry about!
I am meeting Mama Sweetie in town tomorrow as I have managed to get my friend Jeremiah (who runs a tourist gift shop) to sell the bags that the positive ladies of her village are making, she is coming in with more supplies as I only travelled from Kampi ya Moto with one. 
Hugs and wishes to you all,

Susannah (Tour Guide and Nakuru Salsa Advisor to add to my many hats!)