We’ve been hanging out in Nairobi adjusting to the 10-hour time difference between home (California) and here, as well as the climate (high of 60 at home and high of 90 here) for the past few days. Rainy season hasn’t come yet, so it’s hot, dusty and windy. Everything has a layer of red dirt film on it, cars, trees, buildings, even inside the house. People are testy as they either wait in hot cars in heavy traffic or walk long distances in hot weather. Water is being rationed throughout the city and everyone hopes that by April 1 the long rainy season will begin.
But, as always, this crazy, busy city never ceases to impress. Here are just a few of the things we’ve seen:
I guess this is one way to let the fresh air in!
Water is being bought and transported from boreholes outside of Nairobi to the wealthier homes where their water tanks are being replenished. (The water on the street is a broken sewage line.)
It’s shocking to me what I see growing in hard red clay along the roadside with little, if any water. Perhaps my potted plants at home growing in store bought soil and fed routinely with Miracle-Gro are being way over nurtured. ;)
We found these teenage boys in the park. They explained to me that they were making a high tower out of spaghetti noodles, masking tape and “Cheetos” just for fun. They’re using a discarded liquor bottle to adhere precut strips of tape to.
Saturday and Sunday are family days in Nairobi. You can always find lots of people hanging out in Uhuru park and for those who can afford it, rides for their children. Check out the guy manually operating the ferris wheel. The owner negotiated a very good price for me to bring all of my children and grandchildren and friends to come use it, even on a day other than Saturday or Sunday. Any takers?Check out these kids practicing. There’s a very short guy who is standing in the middle of them passionately directing them.And, lastly, on our way home, we couldn’t help but be impressed by this guy’s courage and ingenuity in getting where he needed to go.
Brooks 
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