A Wandering Sole

Boxing Day, Presents, & More Family Visits in Kenya

// December 28th, 2011 // 2 Comments » // Kenya

At the mention of Boxing Day, I asked the boys, “What exactly is Boxing Day?” The response was: “It’s the day after Christmas.” Of course it is. After a little bit of google research and asking a Canadian, I now know about Boxing Day. Here in Kenya I spent Boxing Day doling out gifts to the boys that Stella and I had put together for them (yes, I am ashamed to say that I was a day late because we never had a chance to sit down on Christmas and open presents). Then, we went to meet John’s sister and her family who were in from Nairobi.  (more…)

Hairy Goat Meat for Christmas

// December 27th, 2011 // 6 Comments » // Kenya

I awoke feeling a little bit like a Scrooge. I was not in any sort of Christmas spirit and still sad from a conversation the evening prior. I lay in bed another 20 minutes before deciding that I must face the day head on and get up. I lifted my mosquito net and placed two feet on the concrete floor. I grabbed my toothbrush and emerged from my room, blinded by the sunlight. It’s going to be a hot day, I thought. Kids started greeting me with “Merry Christmas,” and it was just so odd. The weather was warm, there were no icicle lights hanging from the buildings, and I didn’t smell my mother’s pancakes cooking either.  (more…)

Bazaars and Shopping in Istanbul

// December 20th, 2011 // 9 Comments » // Turkey

Transporting goods in the Bazaar District

Taking advantage of a free stopover on Turkish Airlines, I was lucky enough to experience Istanbul. It’s a city I’ve been dying to visit for about seven years now, and though the visit was brief, I fell in love. Stella, my awesome US road trip buddy and former fellow Kenya volunteer, skipped school and met me in Istanbul for a short reunion. With less than 72 hours to explore the city, we had a jam packed itinerary. Our first day? Shopping of course.  (more…)

Montage Monday: Fisherman Takes a Rest (Kenya)

// December 19th, 2011 // 1 Comment » // Kenya, Photo of the Week

Although I had been to Diani (a beach just south of Mombasa) last year, this trip was no less exciting and full of an entirely new set of adventures. During one of our many walks on the beach, I started photographing the dhow boats in the water. It was only after a few takes that I realized a fisherman was on one of the boats taking a rest.

More on our trip is to come (like a follow-up video to answer the question ‘Do people on the coast cook with salt water?’).

Village Gossip & Chuck Norris

// December 8th, 2011 // 9 Comments » // Kenya

My alarm went off at six. Still dark out, I rolled out of bed and my feet hit the cold tile floor. Tired but excited for the day, I quickly got ready, stirred the dozing guard awake to open the gate for me, and walked down the shaded dirt road to the bus stop. I was heading out to the village to visit with the boys. Not only was I eager to see them, but we had logistics to work out for our upcoming safari to the coast. (more…)

Have you ever seen the ocean?

// December 7th, 2011 // 2 Comments » // Kenya

Tonight, the boys and I are leaving for Mombasa. I’ve been staying in Nairobi, but I traveled out to the village yesterday so we could sort out packing and logistics for our safari to the coast. The day’s events deserve a posting on their own but today I wanted to share a video with you from my visit and what the boys think the coast will be like… including a much debated question, “Do people in Mombasa cook with the ocean’s salt water?”

I will warn you that a.) this video is roughly edited, b.) the volume changes in it quite a bit, and c.) it’s fairly long for a blog video. But even though I’m slightly biased, I think you should still watch it because their excitement is hard to miss! And then you can take place in the great debate about cooking with salt water in the comments below :)

(If the video does not show up in your browser, please click here.)