daily life

The language barrier here is a lot bigger than I expected from what i was told. Everyone speaks English, but they won't speak it unless talking directly to me. SO if I am in a room with 3 people they will all speak Swahili...leaving me to guess what they are saying. My first two days here I had a strong urge to speak Spanish all the time because that is the only language I can communicate in other than English. That was kind of weird.

On my way to school every day we drive past little booths on the side of the street with people trying to seel various things. THe most common is men's shoes, which usually sell for about 300 Ksh...about $4. There are also men pulling HUGE carts loaded with carrots or potatoes or other things, up a hill while three men push from behing. They literally inch along while their arms shake and their muscles look like they might pop out of their arms. I wonder how they have the strength to do this every day.

Today the car I was in almost hit a uniformed man with a very big gun. We slammed on the brakes and skidded a couple feet, but didn't hit him. We were about a block from the University. That would have been a good way to start the day : )

Class was cancelled again today. I went and the professor was there, and so was Whitney and one other guy. SO the professor called the class off. I was so excited too!! I guess I will have to wait til Tuesday. My class schedule is like this:

Tuesday 2-5 Psychological Anthro
Wednesday 9-12 Culture and Communication
Thursday 9-12 Anthro of INfectious DIseases

We are also fitting Kiswahili in there somewhere...to be determined.

SO hopefully I can go on some fun weekend trips. I think this weekend we are going to an animal refuge out in Karen (a suburb of the city, named after Karen Blixen). This is where the St. Lawrence compound is and where Jenna lives too. SO that should be fun.

TOday I am going to seek out some drumming lessons at the National Theatre. That is my project du jour.

Love to you all from Kenya