Greeting from the cyber cafe in Mtwapa, Kenya!
02/05/09 02:26
Greeting from the cyber cafe in Mtwapa, Kenya!
We arrived safely Thursday night after flying first
to Amsterdam, then to Nairobi, and finally to
Mombasa, Kenya. We had a grand reunion with
Allison when we arrived. Allison has been doing
her rural internship in Mtwapa, which is about 30
minutes outside Mombasa.
We've already had some amazing experiences and met some incredible people. Allison had us meet her host family here, with whom we had lunch yesterday. Later that day her host sister and cousin took us somewhere you definitely don't see in Minnesota- a crocodile farm! Got to see "Big Daddy," a 100 year old 5 meter long croc. They raise crocs there like we raise chickens, pretty amazing. Got to ride on two "matatus," volkswagon type buses that take you places. It rivals any thrill ride you'd pay money for at Valli Fair! Totally crazy the way they drive!
First night we stayed in a nice beach type motel, and got to take a walk along the beach of the Indian Ocean. Hot and humid here! We're definitely not used to it! (they think it has cooled off!) One thing that is very different is that every guy looking to make a little money approaches you trying to sell something or get you to go on their boat or whatever. Takes a little getting used to- that's just the way business is done here.
Reminds me much of Tanzania, lots of small shops and businesses. Last night we stayed in the Hippo Guest House, a small motel in Mtwapa. Met a Kenyan guy, Clement, who has attended New York University and is now prusuing Kenyan politics. Very interesting to talk to him. They're all so glad we have come for a visit! Didn't sleep much, noisy and hot, but we managed.
We're glad Allison is here, she knows the local customs and costs, not to mention can speak the language! Today we're going to visit another friend of hers, go back to Mombasa, and then fly to Nairobi tomorrow morning. That's it for now. We're looking forward to welcoming the Nordhausen's in Arusha on Monday. Peace be with you!
Pastor Jeff, Melissa, and Allison
We've already had some amazing experiences and met some incredible people. Allison had us meet her host family here, with whom we had lunch yesterday. Later that day her host sister and cousin took us somewhere you definitely don't see in Minnesota- a crocodile farm! Got to see "Big Daddy," a 100 year old 5 meter long croc. They raise crocs there like we raise chickens, pretty amazing. Got to ride on two "matatus," volkswagon type buses that take you places. It rivals any thrill ride you'd pay money for at Valli Fair! Totally crazy the way they drive!
First night we stayed in a nice beach type motel, and got to take a walk along the beach of the Indian Ocean. Hot and humid here! We're definitely not used to it! (they think it has cooled off!) One thing that is very different is that every guy looking to make a little money approaches you trying to sell something or get you to go on their boat or whatever. Takes a little getting used to- that's just the way business is done here.
Reminds me much of Tanzania, lots of small shops and businesses. Last night we stayed in the Hippo Guest House, a small motel in Mtwapa. Met a Kenyan guy, Clement, who has attended New York University and is now prusuing Kenyan politics. Very interesting to talk to him. They're all so glad we have come for a visit! Didn't sleep much, noisy and hot, but we managed.
We're glad Allison is here, she knows the local customs and costs, not to mention can speak the language! Today we're going to visit another friend of hers, go back to Mombasa, and then fly to Nairobi tomorrow morning. That's it for now. We're looking forward to welcoming the Nordhausen's in Arusha on Monday. Peace be with you!
Pastor Jeff, Melissa, and Allison