There's a choice we're making...

So many thoughts tonight, with almost no logical flow to them at all. [This is what happens when I’m left alone to think too much] But at the end of it all, I think everyone who has the means to do so, should see a population that lives like this, if only to put our lives into better perspective. And this is only from seeing the square mile around my guest house! I can only imagine how my thoughts will get scattered as the month goes on.

The day started relatively early, with Beldina picking me up at 8:30 to head for New Nyanza Provincial Hospital. Driving through Kisumu was eye-opening to say the least, with private cars like hers having the least amount of authority. There were tuk-tuks and tap-taps (have no idea what the tap-taps are actually called, but they’re mini-vans that people tap onto the side to hop on and off) and motorbikes and bicycles. It was overwhelming. Glad she was driving and not me!

Eventually got to the hospital, where I met the Director of Nursing, whom everyone calls the Matron. She was almost exactly what I expected: nice, congenial, in a starched white uniform with blue trim and steel-rimmed glasses behind which were intelligent eyes that were coolly assessing me. We shook hands (there is a lot of hand shaking in Kenya!) and left to go to the Hospital Administrator’s Office, where we waited for Dr. Juliana. [I google stalked her before I came, Photo] She was already on rounds and something must’ve come up because she didn’t return to her office. After waiting a bit, Beldina needed to go, and so we left. I’m only including a few pictures now, because I didn’t want to make her late for her other appointments. Besides I’ll be spending a lot of time there starting Monday.

This speaks poorly for the hospital, but clearly shows sign of business acumen. And was NOT the only roadside stall selling coffins!

She brought me back toward my guest house, pointing out restaurants and coffee shops that she recommended. One of which I ended up visiting for dinner.



Those of you that know me, know that in the last 5 years of apartment living (both in DC and NYC) I have yet to meet any of my neighbors. So it shouldn’t surprise you that I am still wandering the city alone. But, ::shrug:: I kinda like it that way. It may shock you to know that I actually went to a travel agency to inquire about safaris and day excursions. Solo is much too expensive, but they have my name and number and if a group turns up with an odd number, they will ask me to join.



And so I went traipsing around the city, tried to walk down to the port, which looked rather derelict, and was stopped by a policeman and a tour guide that informed me it cost money just to look. After shaking hands (again! with the hand shaking!) and promising to return before I left Kisumu, I left. Wasn’t in the mood to pay money to look at rusted steel ;-) At least not today.

In the midst of everything, there would be these little narrow "malls". For some reason, it reminded me of some place Mom used to take us in Lakeland (maybe?)

Not all businesses fared so well...

Sat on the terrace reading a bit (thank you to the Brenner family for the use of their Nook), then headed to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Though, to be sure, they’re all that way here. Compare the outside to the inside…

Though they did abuse me royally… The clouds parted and I heard angels singing when I opened the menu to see Diet Coke listed. Further was my bliss sanctified when the waitress actually let me order it. However, the song screeched to a halt when I was informed that it was out of stock. Yeah, you and the whole city. I had a, gulp, regular Coke, if only for the caffeine. The food was passable and cheap. German meat loaf = Salisbury steak, if you were wondering.

Top left set of windows. Home, sweet, home.

Stood on my semi-private terrace and watched the sun come down. All sorts of deep philosophical broodings, but I’ll save that for another day, as this entry is getting too long already.

tutaonana baadaye! (see you later)