Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Anna IS in Kenya

I've safely arrived in Kenya! Initially we were told we would have access to the internet/telephone service, which proved to be untrue, so in the meantime I've been sending smoke signals back to the US. Hopefully you've all received them.

I'm in Kitui now, living with a host family and taking Kiswahili lessons. I know how to say hello and good day, which has proven to be very helpful when walking down the dirt road and getting funny looks. I'm here for the next 3 months living with the family and training all day with the Peace Corps. Right now I'm typing from the post office computer (with dial-up internet), which seems to be the most popular place in town before 5pm.

I'm doing well and so far malaria-free. I'm taking bucket baths every morning, using a pit latrine and negotiating with large bugs about who gets to use certain chairs in the house. It's only day 2 here in Kitui, but so far so good. Also, I heard Lindsey Lohan has been arrested for a DUI. Don't ask me how this important information has made it's way to this town.

I'll write more as soon as I can. Hope all is well.

22 comments:

Peter lucas said...

hello- we're glad you have arrived safely! Did you receive our (snail) mail yet? Keep us informed when you can!
xxmomxx and ()dad()

Anonymous said...

I am SO hooked on your blog, and feel rewarded for being an armchair traveler. Thanks for being so descriptive and so funny.

Love, Pat (H.)

Sally said...

Wow, you're THERE! Dial-up at the post office, eh? Now that's dedication.

Unknown said...

Aww the bucket baths, bugs and dirt roads remind me of India! I'm so glad you got there and haven't gotten sick! :)

Anonymous said...

Habari Anna:
I am glad you arrived safely. I can imagine the funny looks you are getting. Have you heard the "M" for your new name yet? Please cover yourself from the mosquitoes at night. You will adjust slowly.

Amina

Anonymous said...

test

Anonymous said...

Fijn dat we iets van je gehoord hebben en dat het goed gaat.
Hier is alles oke alleen een beetje koud en met regelmaat regent het!We wachten op het volgende berichtje!
Maria.

Unknown said...

Hello AnnaInKenya! I am glad you have arrived safely and have had moderate success with the wildlife about the use of furniture.

I was in Philadelphia at the Sheraton the day before you were, and if I had known you were going to be there, I would have made a sign (like the ones I made for you and Jane when you ran the Baltimore half-marathon), and told the concierge to hold it up and yell appropriately encouraging sentiments as you entered the lobby. (Sigh) A missed opportunity.

As in a race, pace yourself, and take the time to enjoy each new experience.

Take care,
Jane's Mom

Princess L said...

Anna! Glad to hear you have arrived safely. You missed a helluva time at Fox & Hound the other day, but I had a glass of wine and a chicken tender in your honor. Good luck with the negotiations, but I'm sure it's a losing battle negotiating with bugs the size of your head.

Unknown said...

I am close to flipping out. I don't know why I am so terrified that you are in Kenya!!! Give me more time for it to soak in next time! PLEASE be careful. I am probably in more danger here with LiLo driving, but...oh my god, this is tremendous. I am so proud of you. I'll be checking up on your blog often to calm the acid reflux.

Laura said...

Wow! I can't believe you're really there! It's just crazy. I'm here in my office freaking out about stupid PowerPoint slides and you're wrestling bugs and learning a new language. Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you! You make us all proud!

Stop Vegetarianism Now said...

I have added your blog to my RSS feed. That means I get your post immediately!

Your blog is hilarious. When you're done, you should write a book.

Glad you made it safely, despite the nay-sayers like me!

Love you sp.

Unknown said...

and folks think our retreat site is rustic! if the bugs have pincers or stingers, please let them have the chairs,ok? wow, training that's longer than RA training....hang in, kid!

Melanie said...

I have truly underestimated the power of La Lohan. I fear for the children.

Kalina Duncan said...

Hello twin. Yesterday someone stopped me on the street and asked if they had just seen me in Kenya. I wasn't sure what to say, so I said yes. Did I mention this person was a giant roach? Miss you. Glad you're safe and sound.

Anonymous said...

hello friends of Anna:
Me, Anna's dad, just talked to Anna - she now has a cellphone, acquired through heavy price negotiations in the store. Her phone number is country code 254 0725 263 508 I am not sure the first 0 needs to be included. Please remember in Kenya they are 7 hours time ahead of us. And calling is expensive for you.
She is doing well. It takes an hour to walk to the post office to get on the internet, so she cannot often update her blog.
We really enjoy your comments to her blog!
Peter Lucas

Anonymous said...

Anna, you make me laugh so hard... I check your blog all the time now... okay, so seriously, tell me what you need, Cori and I are excited to send you mail, and after many laughs brainstorming all of the ridiculous things we could send, we decided it would be smart to actually ask you what you need/want.... so let us know!
Love you and stay safe!
Claire

Anonymous said...

so i went to mustard seed yesterday to sell back some clothes...and saw a t-shirt that said, "the pope is dope" and i had to stand there and smile thinking of you and how you would love to have that shirt. keep fighting off those bugs...

Unknown said...

So glad you made it there safely hun! I just watched mean girls...can't believe lohan has a drinking problem lol! be safe.

Anonymous said...

Hoi Annemarie
Fijn dat het goed maakt en de muggen je nog niet hebben opgegeten. Wij hopen dat je bij aardige mensen bent ondergebracht. Succes met je voorbereidingen en de taallessen. leer ons ook eens hoe het is om te zeggen Goede Morgen in het Swahili of tot ziens of Lieeeeeef.
DaG Annemarie, we houden je in de gaten.
Toos en Frans

Anonymous said...

Glad to read you made it safely and are well on your way to learning the language!

Very impressed with you courage and efforts in a place that needs (your) help.

I cannot believe your heard about l. lohan! She appears to be on another vacation after an "incursion". Try to give them an image of US other than lohan and Paris Hilton!

How's the food?

Unknown said...

I'm glad you made it safely. :)