Kenyan BBQ

Yesterday Josh and I took our time getting ready after breakfast, and we didn't leave the hotel until close to noon. It was a nice change not running out to be somewhere. I wore my Levi's shorts that I made for the trip, they're not too short and they're very baggy. It's hit or miss whether it's "appropriate" or not to wear things above the knee in this city, and I knew we wouldn't be downtown too long before we would be out at Anne and Nick's home so I went for it.

Well before I reached the end of our hotel's block I had 5 cat calls. Then I heard things like, "You look wow!" or "Hey beautiful" or one guy shouted his name to me. It was quite ridiculous. I hadn't done my hair, no makeup on, and yet these cat calls kept coming and Josh just kept laughing and saying I told you so. No more shorts in town for me!

Most things were closed for Sunday, including the store we wanted to go to to buy bracelets for the kids. So we found the bar and had a Tusker and I changed into pants which I had luckily brought with me.

We then located a bus that was going to the stop me needed, 50 bob each, so we hopped on. It was like a larger matatu, so more early 2000's rap blasting and the conductor going crazy trying to fill his bus with customers. The people watching out the window was great as it was Sunday and all of the families were dressed up for church. Nairobi has some fantastic style.

The bus departed and took the highway, but we soon realized it wasn't making any stops. We passed the exit we knew we needed and some people got out of their seats ready to exit. I showed some panic to Josh as I just didn't want to have to figure out another ride. We exited on the highway, crossed the 4 lanes of the super highway, and ended up right where we needed to be anyways. Luck was on our side!

We had a quick, cheap meal in the mall and met with Anne who kindly got everything ready for the BBQ. She had a few more things to do so Josh and I wandered to her place on foot and motorcycle. I wish I took pictures, their home is stunning, and we enjoyed Anne and Nick's company for the afternoon. We also loved cuddling their kitten, Tom Brady, and it's one of the only picture I took yesterday!

The BBQ'd veg and pineapple was delicious, and Anne made this chickpea, cilantro and avocado salad that tasted like Mexico in a bowl. I couldn't get over the freshness of he avocado and cilantro. Much better than what we get in Canada.

We talked and talked and the topic of the city water came up and I was flabbergasted again. In Nairobi, because of the drought this year, there is no running water for residents from Monday to Friday. So the residents have to buy tanks to fill for during the week, and they usually run out Thursday night. Then on the weekend, the water runs, so laundry is done then and all of the tanks are filled for the week. It's pretty crazy how much I have taken for granted that I turn on the tap and water just comes out in Canada. Nick also has a washing machine, something he estimates maybe 2% of Nairobians have, and they hardly use it because it's taking away he job of the house girl they have who helps with laundry. In some ways it's a whole other world over here.

We had several drinks and night was falling and Nick offered to drive us home. It was so great getting to know these two and I know we'll see them again someday, sooner than later I hope.

We went up to the roof of our hotel for another drink or two and sat down with the English couple, Emily and Zach, their 4 month old Gabriel, and Stacey, from Alaska, who we had met that morning. We shared stories of Kenya and traveling, lots about parenting as Emily is new to it, and we shared a ton of laughs. We had such a great day with lots of amazing people.

We decided to go back to the orphanage today as we don't really have plans and the kids are still on a break from school. We'll go into town for a bit of shopping first and then catch a matatu out there to keep the cost down. Two more days in the city and then another night bus (groan) to Uganda on Tuesday night!