First Impressions

Every day is full of learning on many different fronts. It is challenging, but also invigorating. It makes you feel alive and alert . . .  and young!

Kenya Time - As we plan our daily activities we’ve learned that Kenyan time is an important factor. Kenyan time usually means that a scheduled event will commence an hour or two or maybe even three (or perhaps not at all) after the scheduled time. So, it’s best to schedule important meetings in the morning as meetings scheduled in the afternoon may never happen.

Driving- Driving in Kenya is like a demolition derby video game. The rules of the road are vague. The only thing that seems to be somewhat consistent is that you drive on the left- most of the time. Everything else is negotiable. The roads are narrow and there are no lane lines. It appears as if the numerous big trucks are coming straight at you. Thusly, Randy tends to drive on the right shoulder - a lot. Susie consistently remonstrates Randy as there are pedestrians and bicyclists and motorbikes and buses using the right shoulder. Actually, the motorbikes are everywhere, sometimes carrying three people. Each motorcyclist has his own game plan, so vigilance is imperative -  and EXHAUSTING! Driving is not a leisure activity.

Millennials -There is a prevalence of younger people out and about all day long. In 2010 the average life expectancy was 49.9 years. Perhaps all of the older folks have met their demise on the chaotic roadways. Millennial male Kenyans sport low riding pants, flat billed hats, dreads, and athletic team regalia. There seems to be a bit more variation in the way the 20-something women dress.

Coastal Kenyans have a robust entrepreneurial spirit. On a short walk down the beach we’ve met numerous “shop” owners who set up their businesses on the sand - ranging from wooden carvings, massage and manicures, to boat excursions, mangos and coconut vendors, tour guides, souvenirs….. We are building a diverse network of local resources for those of you who will be visiting in the coming months! Yesterday we met Jackson, a boat captain. He joined us for a walk along the beach, pitching an excursion to the Mombasa Marine Park. Jackson is from a village in Kilifi, about two hours north of Mombasa. He spends two weeks in Mombasa working the tours and then spends two or three days back in his village with his wife and two daughters. His wife makes bread and sells it in the village market. She makes 200 KS ($2.00) a day (on a good day).  Jackson shared that many tourists who visit the coast remark on its beauty and how lucky coastal Kenyans are to have such a scenic environment in which to work. With a wry smile, he explained that tourists generally don’t understand how hard every day life is for most Kenyans.

Home - Our apartment is in Nyali - an “upscale” suburb of Mombasa. We are a very short walk from shopping and the Java House - the Kenya Starbucks, which has all sorts of American sandwiches. We are a five minute walk from the beach - much to Susie’s delight - and the complex swimming pool is five steps out our front door - much to Randy’s delight.