The Cheese Incident

This weekend I took an overnight trip to a nearby town called Machakos (sounds exotic) with some colleagues. After a two hour bus ride through rolling hills and mountains, we arrived safely. Thanks to the Lonely Planet Guide to Kenya, we were able to locate a discount hotel that saved money on hot water (there was none) and flush toilets (apparently just for decoration). We're thrifty.

Machakos was a nice change of pace from Kitui, and it had an enormous grocery store that sold refrigerated food, clothing, bikes, furniture, etc. I went a little wild and bought some cheddar cheese that claimed it came from Holland but was also made in Kenya. I think I was too overwhelmed by the notion of the dairy product I had so been missing that I failed to take caution in this discrepancy. Let this be a lesson in impulse-buying in Kenya, as I do believe I have met the first cheese I didn't like. My dreams of hosting wine and cheese parties upon arriving at my site have been dashed.

This week we began our first real "hands on" project, working with the community to build a sub-service dam to collect rainwater for use in cooking, cleaning, bathing, and drinking. This afternoon I'll also begin my first day at the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Clinic in Kitui. It's good to start feeling productive and embark on some projects.

Still avoiding sunburn, and the chicken is getting along nicely with it's fellow companions. One of our other chickens had 10 baby chicks, so they're running around following the mother and squeaking with delight. If only they knew of thier impending fate. At least free-range chickens are healthier, right?