Kibera, Ngong Hills and FOOD

Kibera - a few days ago, I did a walking tour of Kibera, which is just outside of Nairobi. I've heard conflicting reports, but it's either the largest or second largest slum in Africa. The place is just insane. Approximately 1 million people live in a bunch of tiny shacks/shanties all right next to e/o. Everything is covered in dirt, and there is trash and raw sewage everywhere. It's so sad to see all the kids who grow up there and probably will never leave. It really makes you realize how much we all take for granted. (Side note - definitely not the best place to wear my flip flops.)

After getting back from Kibera, I started feeling sick a few hours later. I was up a lot of the night with chills and cold sweats, and yesterday both Rachel and I spent a lot of time sleeping (she's sick too). Some of the kids have been sick, so I'm sure we picked it up from them. There isn't a lot of hand washing around the orphanage and germs are everywhere, so it was bound to happen.

Ngong Hills - I had made plans to go hiking this morning in the Ngong Hills with some other volunteers. I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it since I've been sick, but I decided to give it a shot. I met Martha, Chris, Lora and one of Lora's roomates in Ngong this morning. We walked up to Kenya Wildlife to hire an armed guard. (Yes, you are supposed to hire an armed guard to go hiking up there, but I felt pretty safe all day.) At first, we didn't think we were going to be able to find a guard that was available. We met up with 3 people from Canada and shared their guard though, so it all worked out.

Had I known that it would be harder than simply strolling up some hills, I might have thought twice about hiking while still sick. The hike was actually pretty hard (steep) but was amazing. We had absolutely beautiful views of rolling hills and of the Rift Valley. We hiked a little over 10 miles, and I am SO tired right now. The kids think I'm coming by today though, so I need to stop by the orphanage before I go home.

Food - a lot of people have been asking me about food. Well, I basically eat beans, carrots, peas, cabbage (so much cabbage) and either rice or noodles every night for dinner. No, I have not lost weight b/c I eat PB&J for both breakfast and lunch (Rachel and I make our own breakfast and lunch). After so much peanut butter and then tons of starches/carbs for dinner, I have not lost 10 lbs (contrary to some of your opinions :) ).

I am meeting some friends in Nairobi tomorrow and am hoping to have a latte and maybe even some pizza. I am SO excited!!!!!! We (volunteers) talk abt food all the time here. You have no idea how much I miss the melted cheese and red wine!!

Miss you all!