So, I have arrived! The journey to get here has been laughs and giggles the whole way, which of course means I have been having a "Classic Melissa Bachler" experience.
I flew out to London and during my 13 hour layover, I toured. It was wonderful, but lonely. I didn't have conversation with anyone for so long that I actually considered talking to myself! I then flew to Nairobi and went to a hostel. I was lucky, the day I arrived at the airport, another volunteer arrived as well, so I was not alone. He is from Sweden and he is studying to be a doctor. I asked him approximately 2 million questions, and I am 2 million percent sure he got annoyed with my American Ignorance. But, I learned plenty in the process, so I am happy with it!
I have since toured the school and gotten to meet the children. We gave high-fives and they were all very friendly. On Monday I will officially be in the classroom, so as more happens there, I will blog about it.
Transportation here is interesting. I took my first piku-piku ride. Basically, you hop on the back of a motorcycle and pay 50 cents to get to town. (Mom, it really is one of the few forms of transportation, so I am sorry I am living dangerously!) On my first ride, my driver's piku-piku ran out of gas. No need to worry, however, they just put me on the back of another motorcycle with another person! Also, the piku-piku drivers carry their extra gas in a plastic baggie. NO JOKE! One driver pulled out a plastic baggie, got it filled, and then was trying to find a pocket to put the baggie in. It was a little funny.
Another aspect that has been interesting is how people stare at you because you are white. We get lots of looks, but we get lots of smiles too. Today, on the way back from Kisumu, I tried to smile and wave at anybody who looked me in the eye. The children always have the best response- a HUGE smile with an over zealous wave. It's comforting to know (and now fully understand) that a smile and a wave are universal. And, as I have also come to find out, so it Coke- it is everywhere!
So, for now I am safe and learning a lot! There's been quite a bit of reflection, so next time I will bring my journal with me to the internet cafe and write about some changes I've noticed in myself and with my thinking! I hope all is well in America, and HAPPY 4th of JULY!!
P.S. Sorry for the misspellings, I am typing fast!
I have since toured the school and gotten to meet the children. We gave high-fives and they were all very friendly. On Monday I will officially be in the classroom, so as more happens there, I will blog about it.
Transportation here is interesting. I took my first piku-piku ride. Basically, you hop on the back of a motorcycle and pay 50 cents to get to town. (Mom, it really is one of the few forms of transportation, so I am sorry I am living dangerously!) On my first ride, my driver's piku-piku ran out of gas. No need to worry, however, they just put me on the back of another motorcycle with another person! Also, the piku-piku drivers carry their extra gas in a plastic baggie. NO JOKE! One driver pulled out a plastic baggie, got it filled, and then was trying to find a pocket to put the baggie in. It was a little funny.
Another aspect that has been interesting is how people stare at you because you are white. We get lots of looks, but we get lots of smiles too. Today, on the way back from Kisumu, I tried to smile and wave at anybody who looked me in the eye. The children always have the best response- a HUGE smile with an over zealous wave. It's comforting to know (and now fully understand) that a smile and a wave are universal. And, as I have also come to find out, so it Coke- it is everywhere!
So, for now I am safe and learning a lot! There's been quite a bit of reflection, so next time I will bring my journal with me to the internet cafe and write about some changes I've noticed in myself and with my thinking! I hope all is well in America, and HAPPY 4th of JULY!!
P.S. Sorry for the misspellings, I am typing fast!
Oh Melissa...it's so good to hear from you! I've been checking daily and am sending prayers for your safety and health. Love the piki-piku ride! You are going and are making quite an impression on the young ones, and I suspect the older ones, too :). I envy your vitality and youth and remember when I had dreams of working in the Peace Corps. So many different roads we all take..never knowing where we'll end up. Can't wait to hear more!!
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Cindy Z.
I am so excited to hear you are having a FABULOUS time! Traveling can be lonely, and I am glad you are finding comfort in smiles and waves! Have fun! Love you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Melissa! I am so proud of you buddy. There aren't too many people that can do what you're doing. Always stay positive and know that you're making a positive impact. I can't wait until I can read more about your adventure. Be safe.
ReplyDelete