Morning Walks in Kenya

Every morning we head out for a little exploration and exercise by walking around the hills and roads surrounding our host school. There are a surprising number of people for such a dry and dusty place. Houses made of mud dot the dusty roads accompanied by little farms. How they grow vegetables is beyond me in this climate and soil. Chickens roam everywhere and boys walk along with herds of cattle and goats. We often pass women carrying large amounts of wood for stoking the fire at home or for making bricks. The children are the best. You never know how they will react. Often they scream and laugh and come running over to see us. One toddler broke into tears, terrified. And sometimes they just quit what they are doing and silently stare at us as we pass and wave.

Everyone is very friendly and full of smiles. They are usually surprised when I greet them with "habari" which means 'how are you?' in Swahili. Alot of the younger generation know a little English but swahili is the only way to connect with the older people.

We often end up in the tiny village near our school which is comprised of a few colorfully painted buildings and some stick stalls set up to sell vegetables. You get your meat fresh from the butcher and a cold coke from our favorite shop keeper Sara.

I wonder what everyone says about us...