PCV in Kenya: Week 36

Monday

I packed up my things and dropped Nala off at Sammy’s house before walking to the tarmac to get on a matatu for Kisumu. Once in Kisumu, I met up with another Peace Corps Volunteer and we got on another matatu for Kakamega. When we arrived in town, we ate lunch at Vovo then did some grocery shopping for dinner. We then headed to the house and made stir fry with egg noodles for dinner while watching “Casablanca”. I’ve been wanting to watch this movie in preparation for my November trip. That might give you an idea of where I will be heading 😊

Tuesday

We began the morning with toast and fried eggs before our online Peace Corps meeting. We then got a tuktuk to Kakamega Forest. We saw monkeys, butterflies, and a bush buck (deer). One of my favorite parts was walking to the lookout point. After a day of exploring, we went to Vovo again for some drinks before doing grocery shopping and heading home for dinner. We made a Greek-themed dinner and it was delicious. we ended the night by watching “Parasite” and I enjoyed the movie more than I thought I would.

Wednesday

We had egg burritos for breakfast then I headed into town. I spent two hours going through the open-air market and found the coolest pair of pants. I then headed over to Columbus Café for an iced tea before going to the Kakamega Golf Hotel. I played 9 holes here today and had the best time. I rented golf clubs and was able to play by myself. After my round, I got on a matatu to go back to Kisumu. My first stop in Kisumu was an eye exam. I also got to pick out new frames and should be able to get my new pair of glasses in a few days. I then headed over to Mama Gladys’ house and we ate dinner together before I called it a night.

Thursday

Today was a great Kisumu day. I started the day by going to the Peace Corps office where I saw some other volunteers and staff members for the first time in a long time. Sophie came shortly after and we went to the immigration office to register for our alien resident cards. A lot of volunteers have had a rough time with this paperwork process, but it went very smoothly for Sophie and I today. We did not get the cards today, but we should get them in a few months. We then headed back to the office to drop off the paperwork proving we applied for our cards. While here, we ran into Babu! Babu was our Language and Culture Facilitator (LCF) while we were going through our first three months of training. It was so great to catch up with him and share how things are going at our sites. He is again working as an LCF for the current Peace Corps Response trainees. After this, Sophie and I went to the Oriental Chinese Restaurant for lunch. The view, the food, and the company were great 😊 Sophie and I parted ways after lunch and I went to get my hair cut. The experience went well again (this was my second time getting my hair cut in Kenya). I then walked to Maasai Market and found a new necklace for myself, earrings for my brother’s fiancé, and an anklet for my Grams. After this full day, I headed back to Mama Gladys’ to eat dinner and rest.

Friday

Mama Gladys was already at work when I woke up, so I headed over to Java House for breakfast. I enjoyed an iced mocha with a yogurt bowl and it was a great start to the day. While I was here, Rikki walked past and it was great to catch up for a bit. I then went to the Peace Corps office to pick up some school supplies before walking over to my massage appointment. This was my first time getting a massage in Kenya and it went really well! I then headed over to pick up my glasses and I love them! Before getting on the matatu to go home, I did my grocery shopping for the month. The ride home went well and I was able to sleep most of the way which is rare. Back at my house, I moved Nala back in with me and unpacked my things before making dinner. I ended the night by watching “Cold Case”.

Saturday

Nala woke me up as usual for food. As I walked over to her food bowl, I noticed something in her water bowl. Not having my glasses on yet, I thought it was a piece of the wall or ceiling that had fallen into it. After picking it up and it moving in my hand, I quickly realized I had picked up a frog… After not remaining calm at all, I managed to sweep it outside. My neighbor came over to help me out with laundry today. I paid her to do some clothes but mainly the couch covers and my bedding. The bigger the item is to wash, the harder it is to do. I then spent the entire day deep cleaning my house, taking tiny breaks for much needed snacks. This included removing all spider webs from my ceiling, sweeping, mopping, taking out the trash, vacuuming, wiping down every surface, cleaning all parts of the bathroom, and replacing my old gross and holy bug net with a brand new one. Having a clean space is so satisfying once it is finished. After this, I walked to the duka to get eggs and sugar. I then went over to Sue’s house for an hour to catch up and purchase some tomatoes and onions. Back at home, I collected the laundry from outside and talked to a ton of family. I ate ramen for dinner before calling it a night.

Sunday – 11 Months in Kenya

I woke up a bit earlier than usual so I could make and eat breakfast before heading to church with Sue’s mom. She goes to a Catholic church that begins at 7AM. Let’s say I wasn’t on time but I got there before the service ended 😊 I actually knew many of the community members at this church and it was fun to see them. After service, I walked home with Sue’s mom and her nieces and nephew. At their house, we had chai then had a drawing party. I made mine fall themed and it turned out so much better than I expected it would. The kids kept working on their drawings while I went home. I made pancakes for the week and prepared a few things for our teacher meeting tomorrow. Sue and the kids then came over with their drawings and we organized them on my living room walls 😊 I love how colorful it is in my house now. I then did a workout before making pasta with homemade pasta sauce for dinner. I was able to talk to Aunt Susan for her birthday before calling it a night.

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