Malindi

Getting used to our new surroundings. It's tough, but someone has to do it! Boy is it hot here. The Indian Ocean is hot as well and I mean HOT, not just warm. We took a ride on the local transport system called a "Tuk Tuk" very cheap and easy way to get around. Scoped out the town and made some tentative plans for the coming days.

After dinner at the Karen Blixen restaurant (she was the woman featured in the movie "Out of Africa") where Daniel ate crocodile,we went back to the resort and watched the first of what were to be nightly performances. Tonight we were treated to the Masai warriors and their women dancing traditional dances. It was a lively performance.

Kenya day 1

Up bright and early for breakfast at the Mayfield Guesthouse. It's run by African Inland Mission. It's my 4th time to stay here. They are always so helpful. Before breakfast in the dining room they ask someone to give a short devotional. Today it was a South Korean man. North Korea's president has just died. It's always interesting to sit with and meet different people around the table at the Mayfield. We sat with an American Dr. who works in Christchurch, New Zealand and was there during the earthquake. She volunteers at least once a year in South Sudan. Then there was a young university, medical student from Melbourne, Australia. We also had a Scottish woman who is with a mission organization in Kenya and finally another American there short term.

After taking care of some business around Nairobi we flew off to the Kenyan coast via Mombasa and Lamu to the town of Malindi. We knew we were going through Mombasa but the Lamu stop was a surprise. This is Africa, full of surprises! Malindi is where we will be for the next 6 days.

Easy Coach, not so easy.

The day started at 0500 as I had to continue the load of wash that was abruptly stopped last night and then pop it in the dryer before we left at 0600. We were driven to the bus departure site and amazingly we left without any hitches only about 5 minutes after our scheduled time. This was looking promising for the rest of the journey. We settled back into our seats aboard Easy Coach, directly behind the driver and watched the early morning chaos of Kampala and then outlying villages pass by from our big window. We had heard that the border was about 3 hours away and we were trying to keep track with a big map I had brought along. It seems that it was about 11 and and the bus suddenly stopped and passengers started to get up. When we noticed passports in their hands we realized we must be at the border. This is located in the town of Busia. It is described in a Ugandan guide book as "scruffy". I would say that is an adequate description. We had our passports stamped out of Uganda and then walked through an unsupervised gate into no man's land for a short distance and then here we were in Kenya! After obtaining our visas we looked for our bus. Of course there was plenty of well meaning young men who wanted to point us in the direction of the bus and walk us there for a fee. We could clearly see the bus and unfortunately for them needed no help. What I did need help with was finding the rest room as there was no telling when we would stop again. A kind lady from Canada who was of German decent and a missionary in Kenya gave me the required few shillings to enter the restroom. After seeing the restroom I felt they should have paid me to use it. Anyway, probably more details than you need. Our next stop some hours away was Kisumu, rumored by Kenyans to be president Obama's hometown/birthplace!!! A short stop here and we are on our way again. According to the map we thought we would be going the shorter route but soon realized we were on the longer, more scenic route. The driver was a little erratic at times and the roads were less than desirable and after a while a young European woman approached the driver and told him she and some other passengers felt afraid and she requested he slow down. He did not like this and after some discussion he decided he would slow down and I mean really slow down. I think he did it to spite her. Our journey now became much looooonger. We climbed hills up into vast areas where they grow tea. It was very pretty with a noticeable changes in temperature. Up and down we went and the miles dragged on. Next stop, Nakuru. We are now 2 hours behind schedule. The road from Nakuru to Nairobi thankfully is a good, paved road and the driver now picks up some speed and we arrived in Nairobi at 10:15 pm. We are glad to be off the bus after our 15 hour ride. We did save some money going this way and saw lots of Kenya but so glad we are flying back.

Kampala day 2

Off to church we went. Daniel and I attend the same church in Houston so it was a good opportunity for him to see where I go now. Very different in many aspects yet we worship in God's house the same way. Church here in the location I go to is held in a very large, permanent tent. Today it was packed to capacity. The children presented a program called "King of Kings." While the message was traditional the actors, props and costumes had a definite African flair.

Following church we did what many typically do after church, and that is we went out to lunch. As I have said before this a a city and land of contrasts. Today was no exception. We had a little trouble finding the road but then once we found the right turn off we traveled about 5 km on a rough,dirt path to the hotel complex. The road directly outside the complex was paved. The hotel sits in all its grandeur across the road from mere shacks with no electricity and running water. We are so privileged.

Lunch on the balcony overlooking the terraced fountain and Lake Victoria in the distance was relaxing and enjoyable as we caught up on each others news and talked about our upcoming trip Daniel got to try some local foods which of course always includes Matoke. In the evening we packed and prepared for our adventures which would begin the next day. Wouldn't you know it, the electricity went out mid way through a load of wash and you can't run the washer/dryer when the generator is running? This is Africa!

Kampala orientation

Daniel arrived safely last night. Yeah! I almost didn't think I was going to make it on time to the airport as traffic was totally ridiculous. Took me one and half hours to go roughly 20 miles. We had a big downpour in the morning so the streets were very muddy and messy. I gave Daniel the orientation tour. We dropped in to one of the local churches that some of my fellow Aid Sudan team members attend. They were having an outreach for approx. 200 street children. The children received new clothes, were fed and heard the story of Jesus.

Next I showed Daniel Oweno market. Some of you may remember other blogs about trips here. We made a couple of purchases and headed to lunch across town. On the way I made a U-turn which is very normal and okay. However a policeman decided this day that it was not okay. He wanted to give me an"on the spot fine" for 80,000 shillings (about $32 U.S.) he also wanted me to go to the police station to pay but I was NOT going there. After much discussion we compromised and I paid him 40,000 which I later learned was way too much. I'm sure he enjoyed a nice Christmas with the money he pocketed. Live and learn!

On the way home Daniel decided to try a local favorite- fried grasshoppers. He found out they were not his favorite :-(

Can you believe it?

Today I was looking for something in one of the kitchen cupboards and I had to move a few things about and then to my horror, what do you think I found hiding in there? A stinking little container of CREAM of TARTAR!!! UGH! Since it''s a U.S. brand I must have brought it with me. So now I have plenty in case I need it.

Today's drama was not being able to find any diesel fuel for my car. I drove to several stations and all said no diesel. I called a couple of people to see if they had any suggestions and then finally came across one that had it available. It was quite a bit more expensive but I didn't really have an option. There's a rumor that there may be a shortage for a while. That sounds interesting. I have been walking a lot lately so looks like I may have an opportunity to continue.

Headed down to Entebbe airport in a few hours to pick up my son. Wonder what his impressions will be of this place I call home?

on going saga of the cream of tartar

Okay so six supermarkets/stores is ridiculous. Don't know why I didn't think of this before but I walked down the hill and around the corner to fellow Aid Sudan team members house and borrowed a few teaspoons :-)

I have Scottish shortbread baking although I messed up the recipe, hoping it turns out okay. It would be tasty with my afternoon cup of tea. I have also made the master baking mix. Did you know a colander will work as a sifter if you don't have one? It's all about improvisation on the mission field.

I have been listening to a Christmas CD while baking. Sounds funny to hear about a winter wonderland when it's sunny and hot outside, in the 90s!

Cream of Tartar

A to of recipes for baking require cream of tartar. Simple enough, you just buy some, right? Well not here in Kampala. I have now been to 4 supermarkets and can't find any. I know it's out there 'cause I have seen it before but that's how it is here. More often than not, its here today and gone tomorrow. I guess I am working in mostly tomorrows.

I was hoping to start some baking so I will have some yummy Christmas cookies when my baby boy ( he's 28 ) arrives Friday night. I also wanted to make my own Bisquick mix. It's good to have on hand for a variety of things like pancakes, coffee cake,cinnamon rolls and a host of other things according to my African cookbook.

Well I think I'll listen to some Christmas music for now so I won't be so irritated about the you know what.

I've Shifted

What does shifting mean to you? In Australia where I grew up and apparently here in Kampala it means the same as moving. Saturday I shifted some of my things from the Henderson's where I have been staying since I arrived 5 days ago, to my new temporary home for the next month. I am living on the Baptist Mission compound. It is well located, very secure and is just what I need for the present time. I took a photo of my apartment so you can see where I am. I also wanted you to see some of the native wildlife here in Kampala. These critters are roaming the compound. I also hear a loud rooster at inappropriate times. His body clock is out of sync, kind of like mine until a few days ago when the jet lag wore off.

Today I realized I was a true missionary when I reused a tea bag for the 3rd time!!! It was still good. You can't get Lipton Super fruit White Mangosteen and Peach here so you do what you have to do. I forgot to bring some back with me and only have 2 more left. More updates later. Hope you will update me with your life events as well.

Back in Africa

Hello again from Kampala. I arrived safely just before midnight on Tues night. One of the highlights of my trip from Amsterdam to Nairobi was seeing the sun set from my window. The sun was a brilliant orange and I was able to watch it set completely. Directly below was I think the Sahara and the Nile River. It was an amazingly beautiful sight. Wednesday is kind of a fog as tried to get my bearings and navigate my way through some pressing needs. I had to go across town and although my driving on the left side was okay I did once try to get in the car on the wrong side and of course I put on the wipers a few times instead of the turn signal :-(

Most big shopping areas have a security guard at the entrance and they check in you glove compartment and take a mirror on a long wand and swipe it under the car before you are allowed to enter. Sometimes it can be very funny, yesterday was no exception. The very pleasant guard asked me if I was carrying any firearms. Surprise! I said no. he then asked if I was having a nice life today. I replied yes and he waved me through. Makes you feel really safe about would be terrorist in public places.

After a not very good sleep, since my body clock is still on Houston time, I went to see a potential place to live. Looks like I'll be moving in on Saturday afternoon for one month. More about that later. Time for an afternoon nap now to catch up and be refreshed for an Aid Sudan team meeting this afternoon.