It's freedom day, Makarada Day, and so we get the day off! I'm at Ephy's husbands work, as they have some computer issues they'd like us to look at. Apparently who can and cannot get the day off is quite arbitrary, cause everyone here is working.
My cough is still around but I am generally very healthy, which is a nice change. Although as soon as I was well enough to wander around the apartment I kicked the couch and broke my middle toe on my left foot and cut a chunk out of my arm. Typical, eh? Luckily I brought lots of band aids and polysporn, and Neil brought duct tape that I was able to tape up my foot with.
We went to Kisumu yesterday, about the equivalent of going to Toronto from Aurora, is Toronto was a dirty unorderly, hell hole of a place. I cannot stop dreaming of Canadian orderliness, civility, and politeness. There seem to be no real driving rules, except to stay to to the right or left, and not hit anyone. Crossing the street almost makes me faint, and driving down the road with cars coming within inches of the side of the car is horrific. On the plus side, I'm getting used to the roads, which are full of holes and bumps and every other hazard. At one point as we were driving, Neil took a picture of a road side stand in Kisumu, and the flash went off. A bunch of young men standing around say it, and started yelling at us and waving their arms. It was most unsettling. As with every other experience, Neil is definitely dealing better with all this.
We did get to shop in the first big box type store here, a huge Nakumat, where we were able to get things like Ragu pasta sauce, and imported sliced turkey, so it was worth the trip.
We also had pizza with Ephy in the food court. It's amazing what you miss after such a short time. mmmm.... pizza.....
I don't know if Neil mentioned this (I read his posts, they're just long!) but guess where our next door neighbours are from!!! White Rock, British Columbia! Isn't that insane? They're a lovely older couple here for six months doing work with Canadian sponsored schools. They offered to take us to the market, which I am still afraid of, but it started to rain, so we'll have to do it another time. It rains everyday here, and it RAINS. It's starting to get cold, actually. Which is a bit annoying, cause, I mean, it's Africa!
Well, that's all I have time for right now! I hope that everyone back home is doing well!
All my love,
Courtney
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4 comments:
I'm glad to hear that you're feeling much better. Coughs tend to linger for months, at least they do for me. Why did you kick the couch? Did it do something to offend you? Are you a couch racist?
(I hope your toe heals up quickly).
Kisumu sounds scary but I'm glad you were able to get familiar foods.
That's so crazy that your neighbours are from BC. When I did my dig in Ireland the girl I was sharing a room with was from Vernon BC. We were the only Canadians on the dig. Canadians are taking over the world!!
It was so great to hear from you. Stop hurting yourself!!! :)
P.S. Tell Neil I said "Purple Monkey Dishwasher"
I can certainly feel for your overwhelment in the midst of such unfamiliar surroundings. When Leo and I first went to Mexico, I cried the first night, settled in our rather utilitarian room. (I remember doing the same thing as a youngster travelling with my family out west. I cried the first night in the unfamiliar motel). I wish you all the best in making peace with the differences.
Great to get more news from Africa, Courtney. Since things usually happen in threes, your injuries/illnesses are officially over! It's wonderful to have you share your experiences with us all. Keep them coming.
Hey Guys!
I'm so glad that things are starting to shape up for you over there. Courtney, is there no way that you can find some sort of protective, air-tight suit with padding and a helmet? Perhaps CIDA could send a little extra in their grant for Courtney's spaz-allowance.
I miss you guys so much! I was at the office in the main building here and I saw Neil's name on the buzzer board the other day and it made me so, so sad.
I'm at Home Depot for the Summer, and when I mentionned I know Neil and that he's in Africa right now, Terry just lit right up and started talking about what a good guy you are.
Anyway, I guess the point is that I love you both, and I'm happy to read that you're doing alright, and especially that you are so happy there together! I can't wait to see some pictures!
Love,
Kristi
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