Mutomo's Small 5

Mutomo is located conveniently near one of Kenya's oldest and biggest National game parks, which is probably why this region is known for it's array of animals. There are of course the "Big 5", but there are also those which the guide books don't mention. These seem to have taken up residence in my small room, making the less well-known but equally impressive "Small 5". I wonder if I could start charging admission to view these.

We have the following (in order of annoyance):

scorpions- yes, they seem to have followed me from Kitui. I've only spotted one outside my room, but it won't be long before it realizes my host mama is still in Kitui and does not pose an immediate threat anymore


spiders- are fearless and usually appear on my towel early in the morning when I am exiting the shower, groggy and vulnerable

ants- we have an agreement that I will tolerate their little parades through my room but if I find them in my sugar bowl, I will eat them alive without hesitation

lizards- salamanders, geckos, I'm not sure of the difference, but they're probably all in my room. The only good thing about these is that they are very skittish and seem to be more afraid of their own shadow than of me. I usually leave them alone (unless they are in my bed)

mosquitoes- am constantly trying to discourage these persistent beasts by sleeping under a mosquito net and taking my malaria meds dutifully. They're not getting my non-verbal signals.

Until we can work out our differences and co-exist peacefully, I'm arming my fortress and the brave will be sorry. To demonstrate I mean business, I've invested in a spray can of Doom, a favorite repellant among Kenyans to rid their homes of pesty creatures. I'm considering purchasing a holster so I can practice whipping out the can as an added incentive if the negotiations aren't going my way.

In other news, the constructions of the pit latrines at the first school has officially begun. As it's completed, myself and the Peer Educators will start our descent onto the Primary school students to try and convince them that hand washing is important and fun. Wish me luck.

Hope everyone is well.

PS. I've added some photos and a video clip to the site. Enjoy. I'll add more as I have them.

The Nuns and the Runs

Finally some photos! Although these pictures hardly do the town of Mutomo true justice, it's some indication as to what I see everyday. Notice the dirt roads and the abundance of donkeys and church signs. The options are so overwhelming that I have yet to make my choice.

Speaking of church, there are some fierce nuns who work on the hospital compound who are big rugby followers. Now that rugby season has started, I know more about Irish rugby than I ever thought I'd learn in a lifetime (especially in Kenya).

Sometimes, no matter what you do, you may have the bad luck to come down with diarrhea. (sorry, there's just no good transition for that). Fortunately, there is a pit latrine about 50 feet away from the office that I could sprint to several times a day. Squatting and aiming over a small hole in a cement slab over and over again demands some serious balance and focus. Yet again I find myself sparing you the details (trust me, this is sparing the details), but on the upside, I think my thigh muscles have strengthened as a result. Treatment includes letting it pass on it's own in 5-7 days, but since I can't trace the origin of the tenants harboring unwelcomed in my digestive tract, I don't know what to avoid in the future. Also on the upside, I can finally partake in the lively and commonplace brag-fests that occur when any Peace Corps people get together to tell tales of amoebas, giardia, and other such fun health concerns. The opportunities abound. Did I mention life is a bit uneventful here?

In the end, I am feeling better, a bit more acclimated to life in Kenya, and a bit more prepared to face the next bout, as I'm sure this is not the last.