Why Am I Here Again?

Oh yes, I came to do some volunteer work. Am I making an enormous difference to the life of all Kenyans? Not quite, not quite at all. I had been warned on multiple occasions by VSO and returned volunteers that the first few weeks and months of work can be frustrating and although I’ve certainly [...]

Yuuuuuum!

I ate some amazing food! I was introduced to the best place ever today. £1.20 buys you a massive scoop of joy and a soda of your choice. Heaven on a plate.  The light green stuff is makimo (mashed potato, spinach and maize), the brown stuff is Githeri (beans and corn, all cooked up), the [...]

A Poem

Cockroaches, I hate you I don’t understand your place in the ecosystem You are making me sad Please die

Hujambo Kerugoya!

I left Nairobi early on Saturday morning with Jennifer, my new employer and we took a matatu (minbus), on the 2.5hr journey directly to Kerugoya. I’m surprised we managed to get going with the weight of my accumulated luggage  of two huge cases and a backpack, water filter contraption and an enormous mosquito net. However, [...]

First Impressions

I received an ominous tap on the shoulder as I tucked in to buffet #17 and there was my new employer, Jennifer. We received a lecture on Kenyan culture earlier in the afternoon where we had learned about the importance of formal dress at work, for women this should be a suit and heeled shoes, skirts [...]

Step One

VSO cleverly arranged for the three volunteers leaving from London to be seated together on the plane and it was great to chat with Kristeen and Rebecca who had shared many of the feelings I’d been experiencing over the last few weeks. Having barely paused for breath in the previously month, I impressed my new friends [...]

Leaving London

I’d optimistically thought that I’d have loads of time to kick back before leaving for Kenya but in time honoured fashion I arranged a gruelling schedule for myself. Considering I am leaving for just a year it was amazing to have so many parties and celebrations, it was fantastic to see so many friends. I [...]