Random Things

In just a few short days the moms and Eliot (again, middle brother) will be arriving in Kenya. I think it's going to be a heck of an experience for them, and a great time for me. Also it should mean this blog will be flush with pictures in about 3-4 weeks. Until then, here are some interesting things about my life I don't think I've yet shared.

- I wash my clothes by hand. This involves a basin, a bar of soap, 20 liters of water and elbow grease. Fortunately for me dirty clothes are socially acceptable in the country side.

- The most common news network here is Al Jazeera. East Africa gets their international programming, meaning it's mostly staffed by Europeans. I don't watch it regularly, but I've been generally impressed. Definitely not a hint of Islamic extremism in their international arm.

- My tribal name is Mwethia, which means shepherd. When I told the Chief that my last name meant shepherd in German he immediately christened me with Mwethia. Now as I walk past little kids they repeat "Alex Mwethia! Alex Mwethia!" until I go over to them and shake their hands or wave to them six or so separate times. The little ones here can be quite uplifting.

- I'm not sure what you picture when I talk about an African Chief, but it's probably wrong. Chiefs are like Mayors. My Chief wears a suit to work everyday, is well educated and is one of the friendlier people around.

- Occasionally I cook myself vegetable curry and rice. I'd say the recipe has slowly improved to "good." Most of the time, OK the vast majority of the time, I eat little other than bread, butter, eggs, peanuts/peanut butter, fruit and a Kenyan dish called githeri, which is just beans and corn. Oh what I wouldn't do for two slices of pepperoni from Famous Ray's or a steak and cheese from Mario's.

Next post should be an interesting one. There are all types of good stuff planned for the fam's visit. Come back in about a month to get details!