A typical week in Kenya continued...

When the weekend rolls around we are always ready for some fun, so this Saturday after rounds (yes I said Saturday rounds!) Juliette picked me up and we went back to Nairobi. We turned up at her friends house for a traditional 'bride price' negotiating ceremony. Can you imagine their surprise when a mzungu (white girl) like me walks in? This is part of the preparation for being married. Basically they cover 10 girls up completely and the groom has to pick which one is his bride. If he fails he can be fined money or told to come back and try again in a few years, but if he succeeds, the negotiations begin! The elders of each family fight it out to see how much of a dowry has to be paid. Traditionally 100 goats was offered, but now they tend to pay in kenyan shillings. It was hilarious and long, and the poor bride is locked in her room until the families agree. Luckily for Juliette's friends, the families did agree. According to Kikuyu custom, the couple are now officially married (not according to Kenyan law though). What do you think about that Daniel? Am I worth 100 goats?

On Sunday morning Juliette and I attended her church, called Mavuno. The music is incredible, if you can imagine a full band and gospel choir you will know what I mean. I feel awkwardly white, especially when they dance during worship, but I'm getting used to it slowly.

After church we visited the Nairobi Museum and took a drive through the city centre. Although Nairobi is home to more than the population of New Zealand, it has a small town feel to it. The CBD is compact and only has a few high rise buildings. The other thing immediately apparent is that the Kenyans really take pride in their national identity, especially given their recent olympic success, and thus have flags blazing wherever possible.

Just before we left Nairobi we had the pleasure of meeting up with Gael, a friend from Dunedin. We had ice cream together and caught up on the amazing time Gale is having working with African Impact, before she heads to Zimbabwe to complete an internship at a Law firm there. She is enjoying Kenya heaps, and spend her time working with kids in orphanages.

On our way back to Kijabe, we dropped Gael at her house in Limuru, an absolutely stunning town half an hour from Nairobi. The area is known for its lush landscape and rolling tea fields. She lives in a cute wee cottage there with her boss and his wife, and Doug's brother Adrian (Doug is another friend from Dunedin).

Finally we made it back on the road again. The drive to Kijabe is stunningly beautiful (have I said that already?) especially as you pass by the Great Rift Valley. I am trying to catch a sufficiently representative photo. Here is the valley at sunset tonight.

And now I am home, writing to you and wondering what the next week will bring. I will endeavor to include some photos of my work in the hospital next time. Sawa, it's time for bed.

Good night and god bless!