Another Day in Kenya

The morning began with a nice run. For the first time in coming to Kenya, I ran in the rain. For as much as it rains here, I am surprised this was the first time I had to encounter it while running. The drops were cold and with the slight morning briskness, my run was a bit chilly. I always have to laugh as I run by the guards in shorts and a t-shirt and they are wearing winter coats. The weather now is about as cold as it every gets in Kenya, a mere 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

My day in the office was spent working on my report. Realizing it was Friday the 13^th I mentioned this to Karen. She simply responded, “It’s just another day in Kenya.” In the office, people drink hot coffees and teas throughout the morning. Karen and Sarah know I don’t really care for these and often prepare me “drinking chocolate” as they call it. (It’s really just hot chocolate.) To make this they put a few spoonfuls of sugar with regular chocolate. The result isn’t as strong as our hot chocolate, but it doesn’t taste bad. We spent our morning hard at work and broke slightly early for lunch. In Kenya, an early lunch is one o’clock.

After lunch, Lindar wanted to take some measurements for the skirt I am having made. Without a tape measure, we were left walking around the campus looking for one. We went to the construction department. Lindar and I looked quite out of place in their workshop, but finally found a tape measure to use. I bet the men working in there thought we were crazy. I also attended a seminar on stress this afternoon. The seminar was hosted by the insurance company that supplies icipe employees with insurance. I didn’t learn anything new, most of what was covered seemed like common sense. The speaker was entertaining, though, covering information about living healthy and being more fit to relieve stress. Tea time was served immediately after. The samosas and biscuits served were delicious.

When walking back to my room after work, I say avocados fall from a tree. Catching my attention I looked to see what was going on. A man had climbed the avocado tree at the Guest House and was picking the avocados, throwing them down for people to eat and to be served at the Guest House. I was given a few to take back to my room. Although they aren’t ripe yet, when they become ripe they will taste delicious.